Strange Times and the Mike Pinder Connection
Michael Adkisson
to it on the headphones and heard lots of things I hadn’t heard before –
the full rich texture of the sound on Strange Times.
I read that the band lived together during their recording sessions in
Italy, which no doubt gave them lots of time to collaborate…and reflect
on Days of Future Passed, so to speak. Since it’s obvious that the band
chose a style more reminiscent of core-7, albeit jazzed up a bit, and
since this may well be their final album, I was wondering if they
“slipped” in any messages for us.
They did.
At least, that’s how it struck me. Consider the lyrics from the track
“The One.” Although lyrics may often be liberally interpreted to mean
almost anything, it isn’t often that all of the lyrics apply equally to
one person:
Mike Pinder.
“We” refers to the 4 Moodies – Justin, John, Ray, and Graeme. “You” is
singular and refers to Pinder. Now, before you roll your eyes and say
this is another “Pinder-head’s” musings, just consider:
“Heard you had a story to tell
Sold your soul in a kiss and tell
Sliding down on a helter skelter ride
Into yesterday”
This may be a possible reference to the falling out and legal troubles
after Octave. Notice that although the song is written by Justin and
John, it is John who mainly sings. John and Mike go back further than
Justin.
“No way out, the price of fame
Once it’s told will you be the same
Rolling down on a roller coaster ride
We’ll be waiting for you”
Once you gain as much fame as the Moody Blues, there isn’t really any
way out except underground, which is where Mike went after Octave. And
you can never be the same, it’s like rolling down on a roller coaster
ride. Ray Thomas has said that the MB’s are like a family. John Lodge
said a few years back that Mike Pinder will always be a Moody. Whatever
happens, the other 4 band members are waiting on the other side of the
roller coaster (when the glorious ride is over) to extend their hands in
friendship to Mike.
“No surprise
Hey that you wanna be the one again”
(repeat)
Mike Pinder acted, more or less, as a band leader for the early Moodies,
both inspirationally, musically, and at their concerts. Justin Hayward
said in an interview several years back that he considered Mike as his
hero in those days.
“You wanna be the one again” is a reference to Mike’s resurface with
Among the Stars. Look at the album cover. On the front is one person, by
himself, sitting alone on the Earth, suspended in space – Mike Pinder.
On the back is a photo of the Moody Blues. Now look at the cover of
Strange Times. Here again we see the Earth, but not high above in space,
but down to earth, in a seashell, surrounded by beach and sky. You may
recall that in “My Brother” Justin seems to sing about Mike Pinder
(BlueJays album) leaving him high in the clouds yet their voices are
separated by an ocean. Again, the imagery of the ocean is depicted on
the album cover of Strange Times. Coincidence?
“Shock the world with your fall from grace
Glory days gone without a trace
No surprise you’re a face without a name
But we all still love you”
These are the most telling verses. It was a shock to the music world
when Mike Pinder left the Moody Blues, like a fall from grace. The glory
days were gone for Mike, and he became a face without a name. Why was
that? Because no matter how hard the Moodies have tried to have solo
careers, it never worked because they, as individuals, never had any
name recognition. Their only name recognition has always been the Moody
Blues. And that name is what Mike does not have, only in memory.
“We all still love you” is really how the other band members feel about
Mike. The Moodies, in recent years, have not been silent how they feel
about each other. Ray Thomas, in LOAB, when asked how he feels about
Justin, says, “I love ‘im.”
“No surprise
Hey that you wanna be the one again
(repeat)
“It’s time to tell you
We’re faithful and true
Take us back to the days
When we could dream
‘cos it makes us happy”
These are very touching, flattering verses. “It’s time to tell you” is a
reference to the possibility that this is the final album for the
Moodies. They want to tell Mike Pinder that they have been “faithful and
true” to their original vision which they shared with Mike Pinder. They
have carried the band for twenty years now without Mike. “Take us back
to the days,” is an acknowledgement of Mike’s early leadership role with
the Moodies, and how happy it makes them to think about those days, as
reflected in Strange Times.
What a great album. And what a great group!!
--
Mike Adkisson
Marketing Writer
OpenConnect Systems
http://www.openconnect.com
"The number one provider of solutions
that Web-enable host applications"
Sky Voice
the extent you seem to... The lyrics *always* mean something to the creator
and I do certainly agree that they did in fact spend a great deal of time on
this effort much the SAME way they did on the CORE SEVEN. Mike's
*leadership* role was crucial to the seamless magic in each core seven
recording. (IMHO) To me, collaboration is *the* best part of the music
and magic of The Moody Blues... This kind of collaborative effort gives us
pause to consider many things indeed while allowing us to enjoy the very
essence of the music and magic...
Enjoyed reading your *take* very much...
Deep Peace
Sky Voice
Michael Adkisson wrote in message <37BB286F...@oc.com>...
>The new Moody Blues album totally blows me away. Today I was listening
>to it on the headphones and heard lots of things I hadn’t heard before –
>the full rich texture of the sound on Strange Times.
>
>I read that the band lived together during their recording sessions in
>Italy, which no doubt gave them lots of time to collaborate…and reflect
>on Days of Future Passed, so to speak. Since it’s obvious that the band
>chose a style more reminiscent of core-7, albeit jazzed up a bit, and
>since this may well be their final album, I was wondering if they
>“slipped” in any messages for us.
>
>They did.
>
>snipped purely for brevity<
PeterV1962
>happens, the other 4 band members are waiting on the other side of the
>roller coaster (when the glorious ride is over) to extend their hands in
>friendship to Mike.
as Graeme Edge says in Nothing Changes...
Nothing changes, And nothing stays the same. And life is still A Simple Game..
Peter
to email please remove the "nospam" from the email address
Andy T.
read into songs. I haven't had time to really "dig deep" in my listening to
the new CD, but I'll keep my ears more open when I hear that one. And as
Peter mentioned about the final line in Greame's poem... "Life is still A
Simple Game"... and when I heard that I couldn't help but think of Mike
Pinder.
andy
Steve Zaldin
first read the lyrics to this song, I immediately assumed it was about
Mike as well. My only problem with this album is that, although the
melodies are as strong as always, there is no edge. I don't think
anyone would ever confuse the current incarnation of the Moodies with a
"rock "n" roll" band at this point. Great pop music band yes, "singers
in a rock "n" roll band", only in the past.
Michael Adkisson wrote:
>
> The new Moody Blues album totally blows me away. Today I was listening
> to it on the headphones and heard lots of things I hadn’t heard before –
> the full rich texture of the sound on Strange Times.
>
> I read that the band lived together during their recording sessions in
> Italy, which no doubt gave them lots of time to collaborate…and reflect
> on Days of Future Passed, so to speak. Since it’s obvious that the band
> chose a style more reminiscent of core-7, albeit jazzed up a bit, and
> since this may well be their final album, I was wondering if they
> “slipped” in any messages for us.
>
> They did.
>
> At least, that’s how it struck me. Consider the lyrics from the track
> “The One.” Although lyrics may often be liberally interpreted to mean
> almost anything, it isn’t often that all of the lyrics apply equally to
> one person:
>
> Mike Pinder.
>
> “We” refers to the 4 Moodies – Justin, John, Ray, and Graeme. “You” is
> singular and refers to Pinder. Now, before you roll your eyes and say
> this is another “Pinder-head’s” musings, just consider:
>
> “Heard you had a story to tell
> Sold your soul in a kiss and tell
> Sliding down on a helter skelter ride
> Into yesterday”
>
> This may be a possible reference to the falling out and legal troubles
> after Octave. Notice that although the song is written by Justin and
> John, it is John who mainly sings. John and Mike go back further than
> Justin.
>
> “No way out, the price of fame
> Once it’s told will you be the same
> Rolling down on a roller coaster ride
> We’ll be waiting for you”
>
> Once you gain as much fame as the Moody Blues, there isn’t really any
> way out except underground, which is where Mike went after Octave. And
> you can never be the same, it’s like rolling down on a roller coaster
> ride. Ray Thomas has said that the MB’s are like a family. John Lodge
> said a few years back that Mike Pinder will always be a Moody. Whatever
> happens, the other 4 band members are waiting on the other side of the
> roller coaster (when the glorious ride is over) to extend their hands in
> friendship to Mike.
>
Frank Traut
you said about being the last album... I hope not. I have
a dream that the Moody Blues and Mike Pinder will
reunite and make at least one more album before all is
said and done.
Even if some of these songs are not intended for Mike
(which I doubt), it is great that what they are singing about
makes *us* think of him. I hope Mike knows that a majority
of real Moody Blues fans think of him a lot and I wish he
and they(the Moody Blues), could bury the hatchet once
and for all. Seems like Mike and the Moodies are on
the fence about this.
Surely they must know life is too short...
-Frank
john philip mcferrin
On Thu, 19 Aug 1999, Steve Zaldin wrote:
> Some of this might be a slight stretch, but I agree with you. When I
> first read the lyrics to this song, I immediately assumed it was about
> Mike as well. My only problem with this album is that, although the
> melodies are as strong as always, there is no edge. I don't think
> anyone would ever confuse the current incarnation of the Moodies with a
> "rock "n" roll" band at this point. Great pop music band yes, "singers
> in a rock "n" roll band", only in the past.
>
True as this may be, I think that there's no question that the Moodies are
much more at home doing lovely pop songs than they are in doing 'rockers.'
For every good rocker they've come up with (Story in Your Eyes, Singer),
they've come up with something that didn't quite work (Here Comes the
Weekend, et all). But when they stick to nice poppiness, they've always
been successful, whether in the Core 7 style or in the Present style or in
the Strange Times style.
Just my thought
Andy T.
>me.
You're right, of course, but I had not had the chance to read the lyrics yet,
and had not listened to the album without having something else going on. I
need to get the headphones out and really _listen_ to it. Although I played it
through twice at work today, I didnt get much of a chance to pay close
attention.
andy
LilFerret
Steve Zaldin
with the lovely pop melodies they recorded early on there was a sense of
musical experimentation and the seeming intent to break new ground. The
melodies are still there, but it feels more routine and safe, very clean
and not a hint of a musical edge to the arrangements. There is a real
interesting band around now called "The Flaming Lips". They just
released a new album that brings me to mind of early Moodies
experimentation. They are real strong in melody and the arrangements
never settle for "unchallenging." They have no vocalist as strong as any
of the Moodies, but they are an example of how youth seems to bring out
the "need to be original" motivation in rock bands.
john philip mcferrin wrote:
>
> On Thu, 19 Aug 1999, Steve Zaldin wrote:
>
> > Some of this might be a slight stretch, but I agree with you. When I
> > first read the lyrics to this song, I immediately assumed it was about
> > Mike as well. My only problem with this album is that, although the
> > melodies are as strong as always, there is no edge. I don't think
> > anyone would ever confuse the current incarnation of the Moodies with a
> > "rock "n" roll" band at this point. Great pop music band yes, "singers
> > in a rock "n" roll band", only in the past.
> >
DMONSAFTRU
>of real Moody Blues fans think of him a lot and I wish he
>and they(the Moody Blues), could bury the hatchet once
>and for all. Seems like Mike and the Moodies are on
>the fence about this.
>Surely they must know life is too short...
>
> -Frank
I've been listening to the Moody Blues for year's and I never knew that
there was any animosity between Mike and the Moody's.Any info about this would
be greatly appreciated.
Beccanet2
were talking about Rock and Roll itself.If everyone will remember the shock we
went through when R&B, Rap, and Alternative took over the radios.
Rebecca
Stephen B Kaplita
don't strike me as the type to write a song specifically about him. They strike
as a pretty private and reserved bunch (all fighting kept inside, like a family).
I really don't think the lyrics are very convicing in pointing to Mike. I
initially took it be general state of thing ( generally related to the Clinton
situation where these nobodies become somebody for telling a 'kiss and tell'
story). After all it's been almost 20 years (what!?) since Mike left, why would
they write a song now. I would have thought Moraz would be more appropriate.
Steve
Beccanet2
Mike Adkisson. I do not believe that this is the last album for the Moody
Blues. The world needs them too much and the Moodies know it. I am older than
they are and I am just now starting my professional music career.Better late
than never. Keep on pushing,Moodies
Michael Adkisson
personification that is uncommon in lyrics. It would be credible if there were
some precedent for it, but nothing springs to mind. On the other hand, there is
much precedent for band members singing about other band members. Beatles
obviously comes to mind, but there's also Justin's "My Brother" from the BlueJays
CD, which was about Mike Pinder. I'm tired of hearing people who say "The One"
isn't about Mike Pinder without stating any valid support -- please put on your
thinking caps and provide some alternative interpretations. This could be fun!
Rebecca has made a good start.
Beccanet2 wrote:
> Personally, I don't believe that the lyrics are about Mike. I feel like they
> were talking about Rock and Roll itself.If everyone will remember the shock we
> went through when R&B, Rap, and Alternative took over the radios.
> Rebecca
--
Michael Adkisson
gang into the studio one more time. Another round depends a lot on how well ST is
received.
Beccanet2 wrote:
--
GulLecTar
I've been listening to the Moody Blues myself for a very long time and I
never heard that there eas any animosity between Mike and the Moodies!!!!!
PeterV1962
>what
>this is all about. We think of the Moodies as an artistic family or band, but
>to
>these guys it is their livelihood.
This is so true, but it still would be nice if it happened. I never thought I
would see the day the Beatles would get back together after all the lawsuits
and crap, But that happened.
Michael Adkisson
appearances to promote his new albums he personally spent time to talk with his
fans. I have met him and he's a wonderful individual. I am sensing a little thaw in
the relationship, though suspect it would still be awkward to get together.
Friendship and business sometimes don't mix...and I personally think that's what
this is all about. We think of the Moodies as an artistic family or band, but to
these guys it is their livelihood. But look at them -- they still have the same
style. Compare Pinder's Among the Stars and Strange Times and see how similar the
style is -- even the cover artwork is similar -- with both employing the globe on
the cover. Amazing.
GulLecTar wrote:
--
Dallas W. Crawley
of Bill Clinton. England has had it's share of scandal and tragedy these
past two years. Diana's death, Prince Charles obsession with Camilla, The
tabloid connection to the car crash, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, Earl
Spencer, Diana's Brother. And myriad others that we don't hear about in the
states. I don't know who this song is about, I guess everyone will have to
draw his/her own conclusions, but I'll bet we would all be suprised by the
answer.
Regards
Kim
Michael Adkisson wrote:
> The new Moody Blues album totally blows me away. Today I was listening
> to it on the headphones and heard lots of things I hadn’t heard before –
> the full rich texture of the sound on Strange Times.
>
> I read that the band lived together during their recording sessions in
> Italy, which no doubt gave them lots of time to collaborate…and reflect
> on Days of Future Passed, so to speak. Since it’s obvious that the band
> chose a style more reminiscent of core-7, albeit jazzed up a bit, and
> since this may well be their final album, I was wondering if they
> “slipped” in any messages for us.
>
BrianMcCar
>through the lyrics to that song this evening. I could think of no
>other person that the song would be about (or more accurately,
>directed to) than Mike Pinder.
Do they really need to communicate with each other through songs? Why not ring
him up on the phone and say something like, "Hey Mike, we're gonna be touring
near where you live. How about we get together and just sort of jam for old
times' sake? Hey, no agenda or anything, we just miss you, miss making music
together with you." And then see what happens.
If that really is what they're meaning to say.
Brian McCarthy
LilySaysHi
>ring
>him up on the phone and say something like, "Hey Mike, we're gonna be touring
>near where you live. How about we get together and just sort of jam for old
>times' sake? Hey, no agenda or anything, we just miss you, miss making music
>together with you." And then see what happens.
>
>If that really is what they're meaning to say.
>
>
Here, Here!
Frank Traut
>
> Do they really need to communicate with each other
> through songs?
Why not? After all, isn't that what songs and songwriting
precisely are? *Communication*
I have been in weird situations with family and friends
where I have done similar things. You want to reach
out to them, but under goofy circumstances, you can't
do it with more pratical means.
> Why not ring him up on the phone and say something like,
> "Hey Mike, we're gonna be touring near where you live.
> How about we get together and just sort of jam for old
> times' sake? Hey, no agenda or anything, we just miss
> you, miss making music together with you." And then see
> what happens.
C'mon, it would not be that easy. You know they do not
have that kind of rapport any more.
Beccanet2
because of these two verses:
'Shock the world with your fall from grace
Glory days gone without a trace
No surprise you're a face without a name
But we all still love you
Its time to tell you
We're faithful and true
Take is back to the days
When we could dream
'cos it makes us happy'
The first verse that I just quoted,I think, talks about the change in style
from Rock and Roll in the 80's (in US radio) to Alternative rock, R&B, and Rap
in the 90's. The second verse that I quoted I think referes to Rock and Roll
when it was first a baby. With the flower children and the dream of peace.
Justin had sung about that once in Sur la Mer in 'Vintage Wine'
Mike DeZelar wrote:
I like your idea, and I was trying to think what else they may be
referring to (like, for instance, the audience?). I'll have to look
through the lyrics and listen to see how it fits.
I don't personally think that its about the audience but I would like to hear
why you say that.
Robert Coates
the Moodys and feel strongly it was all over when he left. He was the
spiritual anchor of the group. After he left, they became just another
pop group playing a bunch of fluffy crap. Creativity wise, Mike has
stayed miles ahead of the (so called) Moody Blues since leaving the
band. I for one hope he never seriously considers re-joining the
others.
EuroShades
I agree with you half-way. But I would love to see Mike rejoin the group if
they ever intend to work together like "the good old days." I still think
everyone in the group is pretty talented, and that all they need to do is push
themselves far more than they have in post "Core 7" years.
Moody
Coates) wrote:
> After he (Mike Pinder) left, they became just another
>pop group playing a bunch of fluffy crap.
So am I to assume your music is also fluffy crap???
Off of your web page (www.robertcoates.com) it states YOUR own music
is:
"Sounds like REM meets the Moody Blues" -- Rock Midwest
Or did this reviewer mean ONLY the Moody Blues music WITH Mr. Pinder?
I do believe you stated on this newsgroup before you had a note from
Mr. Hayward saying he enjoyed your music. Am I correct? If so, what a
wonderful way to thank him.
Mike did what Mike felt he needed to do...no fault there.
Moody
Coates) wrote:
> Creativity wise, Mike has
>stayed miles ahead of the (so called) Moody Blues since leaving the
>band.
I don't agree.........at all.
Again I quote from your web site, a statement about YOUR music;
Michael Adkisson
Blues. His CD Among the Stars supplies a sound that has been missing in the
Moody Blues for many years. His 70s CD The Promise is a masterpiece and a
wrapup of everything he was doing with Moodies.
As to whether or not it should have ended after Pinder quit, I'm not sure
about that. The efforts of the remaining band members have kept the Moody
Blues current and as a result, won them new fans -- who inevitably are drawn
to core-7 albums. I'm sure that Mike Pinder would agree that his royalty
checks would be a lot lesser if the other four guys hadn't gone on.
Strange Times is a remarkable attempt to create a signature Moody Blues
concept album and supply a subtle Pinderesque influence. I think they
partially succeeded. Certainly there are many songs on ST which compare
favorably to anything the band has done. I would also argue that the track
Strange Times is perhaps the most representative of the band's style over
the course of its entire history.
Robert Coates wrote:
> I'm someone who has a huge mount of respect for Mike Pinder for quitting
> the Moodys and feel strongly it was all over when he left. He was the
> spiritual anchor of the group. After he left, they became just another
> pop group playing a bunch of fluffy crap. Creativity wise, Mike has
> stayed miles ahead of the (so called) Moody Blues since leaving the
> band. I for one hope he never seriously considers re-joining the
> others.
--
Singformoi
Singformoi
There can't be any; I love this new album.
Michael Adkisson
The Pinder influence is most notable on Graeme's "Nothing Changes" which
is very reminiscent of the Pinderesque Poetry (although Graeme is a poet
in his own right) and the grandiose melody in the background. But you
can also pick up the influence on the subtle key changes in the
synthesizer/mellotron/orchestration in the background on several tracks.
Sure it's the work of the four band members exclusively, but they were
attempting to stick to a signature style -- and they frankly stated this
up front in several interviews.
Don't let your obvious bias/prejudice blind you to an objective
appraisal of the music.
Most people who don't like Pinder's music dislike it because of its
spiritual quality -- which in and of itself says something about the
listener. Better to have Moody music hollowed out and gutted from its
spiritual origins, eh? I guess eveything needs to be pasteurized for the
unwashed masses these days.
Singformoi wrote:
> Where is the Pinder influence on Strange Times? I don't hear it.
>
> There can't be any; I love this new album.
--
Mike Stafford
with some Pinder songs on it...i can think of several i'd willingly
replace with tracks from AMONG THE STARS...I still think Mike's "Island
to Island" would have been the "hit" of ST
Michael Adkisson
Promise re-release) is exceptional. And many of the songs from Among the
Stars are amazingly similar in style to Strange Times, yet ingrained with
that special Pinderesque ethereal quality. If I could cut my own CD, I'd
take out John's Forever Now and Justin's C&W (perhaps one or two others)
and replace it with a few of the Pinder tracks, including the awesome
Fantasy Flight/Among the Stars/Upside Down sequence.
Mike Stafford wrote:
--
PeterV1962
>to Island" would have been the "hit" of ST
I just heard "Island to Island" for the first time. I bought the reissue of
"The Promise"
Great song! Also like the "new"? version of "One Step Into The Light" I tend to
like the Moody Blues albums that have all the members writing and singing.
Rarely do you see a band with multiple talents like the MB's. Also, I think
people don't like Mike because of the lawsuit stuff and they feel they owe it
to the remaining members to remain loyal. Much like with Pinders replacement
(who I won't name for fear of inciting another discussion on that!) I like all
the various band members and I feel they have all contributed to the music I
love.
Michael Adkisson
incredible experience discovering that gem. You are right, the Moody Blues once had
an incredible diversity of musical and philosophical style. It was that package
that sold the band. As great as Strange Times is, it is still missing something.
Certainly Pinder, but also there is too little of Ray Thomas.
I view the lawsuit as a business deal. Some fans just don't seem to understand that
the band has a business aspect. Taking sides is wrong and immature. What they need
is an ice lolly. There were very similar episodes which involved the Beatles -- in
fact, right up to the present day. They don't even have the rights to their own
songs. The Moody Blues isn't just a band -- it is a business. And everyone involved
with the band acknowledges the fact that Mike Pinder is still part owner and member
(albeit inactive) of the Moody Blues.
PeterV1962 wrote:
--