The Moody Blues – On The Threshold Of A Dream (1969)

Not their debut, but the beginning of a new direction for this mid-sixties pop group.  They were at the forefront of what became known as ‘prog-rock’ with their moody semi-orchestral concept albums.  Justin Haywards delicate voice was key as were Mike Pinders’ keyboards and John Lodge’s bass.  Sadly the entire original band have now passed away.  My favourite prog-rock band, Barclay James Harvest, were often unfairly compared with this band; they even wrote a song called ‘Poor Man’s Moody Blues’ as a part defense, part tribute to this group.  This album is full of delicate part-poppy tunes, best are ‘Dear Diary’, ‘Lazy Days’ and ‘The Dream’.