Mystic Moods Country: Mystic Moods Orchestra

[Mobile Fidelity of Arizona, 1972]

AMG RATING: 6

Review: The Mystic Moods Orchestra’s concept of overlaying easy listening music with sound effects may have been inspired by a DJ’s prank, but this studio group built an entire, improbable career on that formula. Their atmospheric, low-impact renditions of make-out standards such as “Love Is Blue”, on albums with titles like Erogenous, were state-of-the-art seduction music of their day.

In a departure from their “stormy night” albums, the (misleadingly titled) Mystic Moods Country surveys an odd assortment of folk and protest-light songs from the late 60’s and early 70’s. The closest they come to an actual country song, in fact, is Joe South’s “Don’t It Make You Want To Go Home.” Other than that, the Orchestra applies its soft-focus approach to songs by, or closely associated with Bob Dylan, the Byrds, Donovan, Harry Nilsson—even Bobby Darin’s denim-wearing days are represented with “Simple Song of Freedom.”

And while Country uses plenty of the Mystic Moods’ signature sound effects, the effects on this album are often startling rather than soothing. On the opening track, “Elusive Butterfly of Love,” for instance, the frenzied crickets’ chirping sounds more panicked than amorous. Later, the croaking of bullfrogs shatters any prospect of romance. Despite the usual relaxed tempos and cushy arrangements, the choice of sound effects throughout the album almost comes across as self-parodic.

Mystic Moods music was a unique sub-genre of bachelor pad music. With Mystic Moods Country, the songs have all the sharp edges removed, in typical Mystic Moods Orchestra fashion, only with obtrusive animal noises added. A unique entry in the Mystic Moods’ catalog, and one of the most misguided “romance” albums ever. —James A. Gardner