The Moody Blues Hall of Fame: Live from the Royal Albert Hall

Cueing up this much anticipated disc, a May 1, 2000 Moody Blues-plus (i.e., orchestra-backed) concert at London's Royal Albert Hall, I was greeted by a pristine Dolby Digital 5.1 overture from "Nights in White Satin," "Legend of a Mind," and "Tuesday Afternoon" that made my speakers do the hippie hippie shake, accurately capturing the brooding bass notes and angelic highs. Unfortunately, at least on my sound system, Justin Hayward's vocals sounded flat and, occasionally, slightly off-key through the opening half, featuring hits such as "The Story in Your Eyes," "I Know You're Out There Somewhere," and "Your Wildest Dreams." Surprisingly, after a caterwauling rendition of "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)," the band closed out the final four numbers near dead-on with soul stirring versions of "Nights in White Satin," "Question," "Legend of a Mind" and "Ride My See-Saw." While I would have preferred "For My Lady" or "Lovely to See You" over new songs such as "English Sunset" or "Haunted," most audiences will enjoy this nostalgic trip down rock 'n roll memory lane. A strong optional purchase, especially for those without a VHS copy of the 1993 concert The Moody Blues: A Night at Red Rocks. Aud: C, P. (R. Pitman)