...............................................album of the week

The Zombies - (1968) Odessey And Oracle

Review by Richie Unterberger (AMG)

Aside from the Beatles and perhaps the Beach Boys, no mid-'60s rock group wrote melodies as gorgeous as those of the Zombies. Dominated by Colin Blunstone's breathy vocals, choral backup harmonies, and Rod Argent's shining jazz- and classical-influenced organ and piano, the band sounded utterly unique for their era. Indeed, their material -- penned by either Argent or guitarist Chris White, with unexpected shifts from major to minor keys -- was perhaps too adventurous for the singles market. To this day, they're known primarily for their three big hit singles, "She's Not There" (1964), "Tell Her No" (1965), and "Time of the Season" (1969). Most listeners remain unaware that the group maintained a remarkably high quality of work for several years.

The Zombies formed in the London suburb of St. Albans in the early '60s, and didn't actually entertain serious professional ambitions until they won a local contest, the prize being an opportunity to record a demo for consideration at major labels. Argent's composition "She's Not There" got them a deal with Decca, and the song ended up being their debut release. It was a remarkably confident and original first-time effort, with a great minor melody and the organ, harmonies, and urgent, almost neurotic vocals that would typify much of their work. It did well enough in Britain (making the Top 20), but did even better in the States, where it went to number two.

In fact, throughout their career, the group would experience a lot more success across the waters than they did at home. In early 1965, another piece of classic British Invasion pop, "Tell Her No," went into the Top Ten. Yet that was as much Top 40 success as the group would have for several years.

· Track List:

01. Care of Cell 44
02. A Rose for Emily
03. Maybe After He's Gone
04. Beechwood Park
05. Brief Candles
06. Hung Up on a Dream
07. Changes
08. I Want Her, She Wants Me
09. This Will Be Our Year
10. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
11. Friends of Mine
12. Time of the Season


· Personnel:

Colin Blunstone – vocals
Rod Argent – organ, piano, keyboards, vocals, Mellotron
Paul Atkinson – guitar
Chris White – bass
Hugh Grundy – drums


· About...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Zombies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odessey_and_Oracle


·Video: