Moody Blues "Question" - the third mix.

[David R. Modny]

Here's one that maybe a Moody Blues' enthusiast can help me solve. So far, nothing but dead-ends.

I recently discovered that, lo and behold, there is a THIRD stereo mix of the original 1970 version of "Question" (not the remakes they've made over the years). I've only seen references so far to the two obvious ones - the album and single mix.

As a rough refresher, the album mix has Justin Hayward's voice single-tracked, the orchestra in places on the intro, and clocks in roughly at 5:43/44. The single mix has his lead vocal double-tracked, only the acoustic guitar and drums (no orchestra) on the intro, and clocks in at a shorter 4:54/55 or so.

NOW...this third mix I acquired on a 1998 budget compilation put out by Madacy titled "Rock On - In the Summertime - 1970". It's totally different from the other two "common" mixes. Single-tracked vocals (doubled in a few small places), orchestra on the intro but mixed differently, and other mix variations throughout the entire song! It clocks in at 5:38. Also interesting, is that the outro (after the slow middle section) has a totally different mix combination of orchestra and vocals on all three versions!

I've never heard this third mix anywhere else, or have heard anything about it. Any info or comments would be much appreciated! I'm hoping this might be a fresh rarity here!

[peterC]

David, are you sure it's not the 1980s re-recording with the London Symphony Orchestra? I just checked it and it clocks in at 5:38 and believe me I never want to put that disc in my player again!

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by David R. Modny
Here's one that maybe a Moody Blues' enthusiast can help me solve. So far, nothing but dead-ends.

I recently discovered that, lo and behold, there is a THIRD stereo mix of the original 1970 version of "Question" (not the remakes they've made over the years). I've only seen references so far to the two obvious ones - the album and single mix.

As a rough refresher, the album mix has Justin Hayward's voice single-tracked, the orchestra in places on the intro, and clocks in roughly at 5:43/44. The single mix has his lead vocal double-tracked, only the acoustic guitar and drums (no orchestra) on the intro, and clocks in at a shorter 4:54/55 or so.

NOW...this third mix I acquired on a 1998 budget compilation put out by Madacy titled "Rock On - In the Summertime - 1970". It's totally different from the other two "common" mixes. Single-tracked vocals (doubled in a few small places), orchestra on the intro but mixed differently, and other mix variations throughout the entire song! It clocks in at 5:38. Also interesting, is that the outro (after the slow middle section) has a totally different mix combination of orchestra and vocals on all three versions!

I've never heard this third mix anywhere else, or have heard anything about it. Any info or comments would be much appreciated! I'm hoping this might be a fresh rarity here!

Dave,

While my CDs are not handy at the moment, I believe I may have at least three different mixes of Question including a highly edited Single mix. As I recall, one of the mixes is more dynamic than the other other two. I suspect that along the way the song was remixed for release and was never labeled as such. I am now curious to dig out all my different versions for critical listening.

Thanks for bringing this up.

Bob :)

[whoompley]

I don't know for sure, but I read the stuff on This Is the Moody Blues was all remixed. If that's true, it would account for the third remix of the original cut.

the other Wes

[David R. Modny]

Originally posted by peter castanos
David, are you sure it's not the 1980s re-recording with the London Symphony Orchestra? I just checked it and it clocks in at 5:38 and believe me I never want to put that disc in my player again!

Nope, definitely not the remake from "Legend of A Band". That one IS total puke.....lol! The timing is a coincidence though. This one is the original 1970 version.

[aashton]

Could it be a reference to the Quad remixes ? There is a mention of it in this link

http://www.stereosociety.com/body_Quadraphonics.html

All the best - Andrew

[David R. Modny]

Originally posted by whoompley
I don't know for sure, but I read the stuff on This Is the Moody Blues was all remixed. If that's true, it would account for the third remix of the original cut.



Not quite true about *all* of the stuff being remixed on TITMB. There are a few slightly different versions that made their debut there, though. For example, the cold intro version of "See-Saw", and remixes of "Tueday Afternoon" and "The Word".

"Question" is the single mix ("mix #2") on there.

[David R. Modny]

Originally posted by aashton
Could it be a reference to the Quad remixes ? There is a mention of it in this link

http://www.stereosociety.com/body_Quadraphonics.html

All the best - Andrew

At this point, I suppose anything's possible. The comp I have it on is from 1998 though...weren't these quad mixes done more recently?

[aashton]

Originally posted by David R. Modny


At this point, I suppose anything's possible. The comp I have it on is from 1998 though...weren't these quad mixes done more recently?

The article was published in 1974 - so I suspect the Quad mixes mentioned are from that era.

Hope you have success in your quest - Andrew

[David R. Modny]

Originally posted by aashton


The article was published in 1974 - so I suspect the Quad mixes mentioned are from that era.



Oh then, that really makes things interesting. So far, it's the best explanation I've heard! Wouldn't be the first time a record company grabbed the "wrong", Quad-matrixed mix and used it on a stereo release! Also, this comp that I have it on says it's licensed from UK Decca, so I'm wondering if that's who they got the tape from.

Thanks to everyone for all of the replies so far. I might just make some MP3's when I get a chance, so people can hear for themselves!;)

[David R. Modny]

Originally posted by whoompley
I don't know for sure, but I read the stuff on This Is the Moody Blues was all remixed. If that's true, it would account for the third remix of the original cut.

the other Wes


Lo and behold - turns out you were right Whoompley! I was going through my records today and found a copy of TITMB that I had forgotten I had purchased. Shazam...there it is...the THIRD, 5:38 mix! (Now to be forever known as "the 1974 remix")

What had thrown me off, is that the Mooodies official FAQ has it incorrectly listed as the 4:54 single mix on here. They missed this one, yet they got the other remix designations correct.

Thanks Whoompley!:)

[whoompley]

Ah, shucks. T'wernt nothin. :)

the other Wes