Song #115: "Isn't Life Strange?"--The Moody Blues (1972)

It begins with an unmistakable flute solo with a hint of orchestration behind it, ushering in a seven-plus minute masterpiece, a song that makes one think of all of the twists and turns of life, from best decisions to deepest regrets, with its primary focus on wishing to simply be with the one you love.

The flute moves, weaves, winds its way through the composition, and brings it to a dramatic, emotional close. I use this opportunity to give a nod to the great Norda Mullen, who has stepped in at this most important instrument for The Moody Blues for well over a decade since the retirement of Ray Thomas at the end of 2002.

Norda is an incredible artist and I'm deeply thankful that the rest of the group welcomed her in to allow the greatness of The Moody Blues live to continue.

Here's a live performance featuring Norda on flute from 2013.