Timeless Flight (4 Part Anthology)

Since the turning of the 21st century, there have been at least two Moody Blues compilations issued every year, and their early catalog has been remastered and reissued with bonus material. Timeless Flight is a four-disc compilation — also available in a shorter two-disc configuration as well as deluxe editions, one of which tops out at 11 CDs and 6 DVDs — that features almost all of the material from 2007's Collected, and then some. While the highlights for fans will always be the singles and standout album tracks, there are a few rarities included. All of the band's original releases are represented by multiple cuts. The surprises on disc one include the stereo 1967 mixes of the A-side of the "Love and Beauty" single, and a handful of selections from Days of Future Passed, including "Nights in White Satin," which have never appeared on CD before. Regarding this last number, given what we've been hearing on the radio for decades (a crummy, flat, mono mix) it sounds jarring and vital. Disc two features "It's Up to You," which was recorded for A Question of Balance but not released until now. Disc three offers no unreleased material, but does contain a healthy selection of tracks from The Blue Jays (including the "Blue Guitar" A-side), live cuts from their Lancaster University gig in 1975, and the top side of Justin Hayward's "Forever Autumn" single. Moodies cuts are culled from Octave, Long Distance Voyager, and The Present; there's a live version of "Running Water" and two single sides: "The Other Side of Life" and "Your Wildest Dreams." Disc four contains two previously unissued live versions of "Eternity Road" and "Question" from 1997, as well as numerous late album tracks (including some from Live at Red Rocks) and "This Is the Moment," which was previously only available on the Gloryland: World Cup USA '94 disc. It closes with "December Snow" from their seasonal offering in 2003. It's all packaged in a handsome longbox, with 42-page booklet chock-full of photos, complete song credits, and a lengthy historical liner essay by reissue producer Mark Powell. Obviously this is targeted at the most devoted Moody Blues fan, and for her or him, the gorgeous sound and striking presentation will be reason enough.