Gold: The Moody Blues (Remastered)

After numerous anthologies, the Moody Blues finally get the comprehensive (but not excessive) career survey they deserve with Gold. This two-disc set succeeds both in terms of judicious track selection and overall improvement in sound. Of course, the most famous late ‘60s/early ‘70s hits are here, from the oft-played “Nights In White Satin” to the serene “Tuesday Afternoon” and the careening “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).” Lesser-known tracks like “Legend of a Mind” (a weird blossom of late psychedelia) and “Watching and Waiting” (a sumptuous, ethereal ballroom dance) receive their due exposure. The band’s ‘80s-era work is given a succinct overview, highlighting both their techno-pop forays (“Sitting at the Wheel,” “Gemini Dream”) and grasp of lush pop balladry (“Strange Times,” “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere”). The Blue Jays (a duo formed by bandmates Justin Hayward and John Lodge while the Moodies were on hiatus) are represented by “Blue Guitar” and “Remember Me (My Friend).” Digital remastering finds previously obscured subtleties within the densely layered production of the early tracks.