In July, EMI/UK will be releasing a budget-priced 5-CD box "Barclay James Harvest-Taking Some Time On:The Parlophone/Harvest Years 1968-1973", which will contain the entire released EMI recordings, and all BBC studio tracks. There will be three previously unreleased tracks; slightly different early mixes of 3 songs from the group's(then forthcoming) 4th album "Baby James Harvest". These 3 mixes were featured on a BBC broadcast..



Amazon USA:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055B0MFM/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0055B0MFM/?tag=imwan-21

I brought this on amazon.uk for only 12 Pounds and I have to say in one word 'brilliant'.
This is a must get for anyone who is into British Progressive Rock.
5 CDs for 12 Pounds all high quality stuff.

Are there any similar budget packages out there for BJH's Polydor years? Specifically, covering 'Gone to Earth', 'Time Honored Ghosts" and, generally, the post-EMI 70's? I'm checking Amazon but, boy, these guys have a ton of comps, and if any of you can help me cut through it, well... Thanks!

It doesn't look like there are any similar budget-priced packages from their Polydor years, but I've had my eye on this for a while:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002NV9AGE/?tag=imwan-21

I've been trying to curb the spending for a while, but I will definitely buy this set sooner than later. At the current price, removing VAT and taking currency conversion into account, it's 3 CDs for about $27. Not quite the same bargain as the 5-CD Harvest Years box, but still a pretty good deal.

I'd really like to get this out-of-print box set, but the prices are insane:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000BHAO12/?tag=imwan-21

Sounds like I need to listen to these guys one of these days.

Thanks, Rich K! I may pick up Sea of Tranquility (3CD b/o) later to get the expanded view. In the meanwhile, I've ordered 'Gone To Earth', and will follow up in a bit with 'Time Honored Ghosts' (which I used to have on cassette, ages ago!

Cheers -

Rich S.

Do you enjoy the proggier side of The Moody Blues? I think that's a good general description of their sound during their heyday.

Actually, not a lot. I have 1 best of of the Moody's, which is all I need. Also preferred them more as a teen than I do now.

A few years ago I made digital copies of the bulk of their catalog from a friend, as I only had a couple of their albums on LP and couldn't find any good quality affordable CDs. I wanted that 5-CD box set, but even when it was in print it was too pricey. I love most of their albums through the mid-70s, and then they go downhill a bit. I will definitely buy the 5-CD box that's the subject of this thread plus the Sea Of Tranquility box, and that should be enough BJH on CD for me. Hope you enjoy the Gone To Earth and Time Honored Ghosts CDs.

Well then, I may have just saved you some time & money. I could be wrong in my assessment of their music, but if you check out some soundclips you'll probably agree. They even have a song called "Poor Man's Moody Blues."

It's (in my opinion) a lot better than The Moody Blues with great guitar and vocals throughout.

I like the Moody Blues a lot, pretty much through the early-80s, and when I got into BJH I heard a distinct similarity to them. They're definitely proggier, which is always good in my book, but they have lots of straight-ahead ballads & rock songs, just like Justin, John & the boys. I don't think you have to be a Moodies fan to like BJH, but it's still a good point of reference.

I got the 2002 remaster of Gone To Earth in the mail yesterday, with Time Honoured Ghosts and Octoberon coming in the mail. I'd forgotten how great this band was; hadn't heard them in probably 20 years. And the SQ on these 2002 remasters is very good (done by Paschal Byrne at Universal).

'Poor Man's Moody Blues' (on Gone to Earth) is a straight-up homage to the Moodies' Nights in White Satin. Done as a response to a critic that called BJH that, this song could've been dropped into Days of Future Passed - it's that good!

Eagerly awaiting THG and Octoberon, and will have to consider the Harvest box now as well...