Odessey & Oracle: 30th Anniversary Edition

Odessey & Oracle: 30th Anniversary Edition

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Zombies were perhaps the most British-sounding of all British Invasion groups, and yet they never scored a hit record in their native U.K. The band released three great singles over here, including the wonderful "Time of the Season," which concludes this 1968 masterpiece, frequently called Britain's version of Pet Sounds. This 30th anniversary edition presents both the stereo and mono versions (and there are substantial differences) of the melancholic, keyboard-dominated pop that flowed from Rod Argent and bassist Chris White. The Zombies' main songwriters explored "psychedelic" themes from odd angles. Here songs address a letter to a girlfriend in jail ("Care of Cell 44") and war ("Butcher's Tale"). There's even a "flowers-in-their-hair" hippie anthem (the gorgeous "Hung Up on a Dream"). Totally of its time, and, nevertheless, a timeless classic. --Bill Holdship

Product Description
1998 reissue on Big Beat of their 1968 album featuring the smash 'Time Of The Season'. As the 30th anniversary edition of the recording, it contains both the stereo & mono versions of the original LPs 11 cuts and five bonus tracks: mono & stereo versions of 'This Will Be Our Year', plus 'A Rose For Emily' (Alternate Version 2), 'Time Of The Season' (Alternate Mix) and 'Prison Song aka Care Of Cell 44' (Backing Track), the last three of which are previously unreleased. 27 tracks total. Also contains the original cover art. 1998 Ace Records release.

Odessey and Oracle,The Zombies,Big Beat UK,Baroque Pop,British Invasion,British Psychedelia,England,Pop,Popular Music,Psychedelic,Psychedelic Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop


Odessey & Oracle: 30th Anniversary Edition

Odessey and Oracle
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Pure magic
  • Do you distrust critics like me?
  • An indispensible Sixties masterpiece
  • Fresh even now!
  • The Greatest Album Ever Made
Odessey and Oracle
The Zombies
Manufacturer: Big Beat UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Baroque PopBaroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
British InvasionBritish Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
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  4. Moby Grape
  5. Tomorrow

ASIN: B000005YZM
Release Date: 1998-03-30

Tracks:

  1. Care Of Cell 44
  2. A Rose For Emily
  3. Maybe After He's Gone
  4. Beechwood Park
  5. Brief Candles
  6. Hung Up On Dream
  7. Changes
  8. I Want Her She Wants Me
  9. This Will Be Our Year
  10. Butcher's Tale
  11. Friends Of Mine
  12. Time Of The Season
  13. Care Of Cell 44
  14. A Rose For Emily
  15. Maybe After He's Gone
  16. Beechwood Park
  17. Brief Candles
  18. Hung Up On A Dream
  19. Changes
  20. I Want Her She Wants Me
  21. This Will Be Our Year
  22. Butcher's Tale
  23. Friends Of Mine
  24. Time Of The Season
  25. A Rose For Emily (Alternate Mix 2)
  26. Time Of The Season (Alternate Mix)
  27. Prison Song (Care Of Cell 44 Backing Track)

Product Description

1. Care Of Cell 44
2. A Rose For Emily
3. Maybe After He's Gone
4. Beechwood Park
5. Brief Candles
6. Hung Up On A Dream
7. Changes
8. I Want Her She Wants Me
9. This Will Be Our Year
10. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
11. Friends Of Mine
12. Time Of The Season
13. Care Of Cell 44
14. A Rose For Emily
15. Maybe After He's Gone
16. Beechwood Park
17. Brief Candles
18. Hung Up On A Dream
19. Changes
20. I Want Her, She Wants Me
21. This Will Be Our Year - Stereo Version
22. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
23. Friends Of Mine
24. Time Of The Season
25. A Rose For Emily - Alternate Mix 2
26. Time Of The Season- Alternate Mix
27. Prison Song (Care Of Cell 44 Backing Track)

Format: CD

Amazon.com

The Zombies were perhaps the most British-sounding of all British Invasion groups, and yet they never scored a hit record in their native U.K. The band released three great singles over here, including the wonderful "Time of the Season," which concludes this 1968 masterpiece, frequently called Britain's version of Pet Sounds. This 30th anniversary edition presents both the stereo and mono versions (and there are substantial differences) of the melancholic, keyboard-dominated pop that flowed from Rod Argent and bassist Chris White. The Zombies' main songwriters explored "psychedelic" themes from odd angles. Here songs address a letter to a girlfriend in jail ("Care of Cell 44") and war ("Butcher's Tale"). There's even a "flowers-in-their-hair" hippie anthem (the gorgeous "Hung Up on a Dream"). Totally of its time, and, nevertheless, a timeless classic. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Pure magic.......2007-07-26

Odessey and Oracle is one of the many unfairly overlooked classics of the 60s. Released at the tail of the tail end of the decade to dissapointing sales, the Zombies' last album is a lush, evocative masterpiece. It's a record of dreamy psychedelic pop classics, a set of songs that combine multilayered instrumentation, delicate vocal harmonies, and soaring hooks to create some of the most atmospheric sounscapes you've ever heard. "Care Of Cell 44" is a rousing, piano driven ode to an incarcarated girlfriend that positively drips with yearning and hope, while "Maybe After He's Gone" is a beautifully melancholy anthem of loneliness. "Beechwood Park" is an almost groovy, undeniably catchy bit of nostalgia, and "Changes" features some crystal-coated vocals and rumbling percussion. "Butcher's Tale" is a truly unsettling anti-war song with some nightmarish lyrical imagery and a tense, desperate vocal performance. "This Will Be Our Year" and "I Want Her She Wants Me" are enticing, irresistable pop songs. Perhaps the album's most well-known song, "Time Of The Season" is a relentlessly groovy, unquestionably cool tune with some fantastically obtuse lyrics. My personal favorite track is "Hung Up On A Drum," an absolutely gorgeous swirl of dreamy (as the title implies) music and wistful, yearning lyrics. But really, the whole album is gorgeous. Anyone who gives a damn about rock, pop, or psychedlia should have it.

5 out of 5 stars Do you distrust critics like me? .......2007-07-09

Generally I find that the critics "lost classics" were lost for a good reason. This album is one case where they got it right. This album should have been a huge hit - it's a crime that it got such little play back in the day. I can't guarantee that you'll like it as much as I do, but I can guarantee that it's top quality vocal pop/rock from the time when the music scene was exploding. Stir up the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Kinks and get a totally original treat.

5 out of 5 stars An indispensible Sixties masterpiece.......2007-07-05

The Zombies really never got their due in their time, however, that has changed. They were a great singles band, and in this, their magnum opus, a great album band. Very Sixties, very pop, very good songwriters and performers, and ODESSEY AND ORACLE (purposely misspelled) stands alongside PET SOUNDS and SGT. PEPPER as one of the best albums of the era. The track everyone knows is "Time Of The Season", but every song on ODESSEY AND ORACLE is as outstanding. Ten perfect pop classics, flowing together like melted butter, with "Season" as the dessert. If you have not heard this album, you are in for a treat! Dense, beautifully harmonized vocals with the breathy Colin Blunstone in the lead, gorgeous keyboard work from Rod Argent, intricate and inventive bass guitar from Chris White, equally inventive drumming and percussion from Hugh Grundy, swirling, shimmering guitar from Paul Atkinson, and tremendous songwriting from Argent and White make ODESSEY AND ORACLE a must for any library.

And this CD, from Big Beat UK, presents the Thirtieth Anniversary Edition, with an enlightening booklet, beautiful remastering, and, both the MONO and STEREO versions of the album, with three bonus tracks appended!

A must-have for any Sixties Pop aficionado.

5 out of 5 stars Fresh even now!.......2007-05-12

I had never heard this album before. I bought it on recommendation from a friend who read a review which praised it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the musical depth of this remarkable band! The musicianship has all the hooks but those vocals will really grab you especially on the tracks: "BRIEF CANDLES" (my personal fave), "HUNG UP ON A DREAM, "CHANGES" and "FRIENDS OF MINE". There are some very mature themes explored here such as "CARE OF CELL 44" a letter to a girlfriend in jail and "A ROSE FOR EMILY" a heartbreaking account of loneliness. I've always liked the British rock sound much better than the American counterparts of the time even though it was American rock and roll that inspired most of these British artists in the first place. This album version has both the stereo and mono versions as well as extra tracks. The purists will like the mono tracks and they do sound good. When I collected 45's and had a stereo record player, I always thought the newer stereo recording sounded better. No exception here. If you've heard only the mono version and liked it, you should hear this one. If you are a fan of the 60's sound and never heard this album, your collection is missing a real gem! Buy this album!

5 out of 5 stars The Greatest Album Ever Made.......2007-04-19

I know how bold a statement that is, and I don't take it lightly. But the whole thing is a song cycle about the death of a relationship, rebuilding after the breakup, and that moment where you're ready to get back into the game. "A Rose for Emily" is a gorgeous piece of piano-pop, and few genius tunes are as distinctly British as "Maybe After He's Gone." You all probably know "Time of the Season" from its incessant play on oldies radio; but it doesn't really make as much sense out-of-context, without the lead-in of the weird but happy "Friends of Mine."

And that's just the tip of the iceberg with this record. Shifts in mood are frequent, just like the ups and downs of being on the receiving end of a really bad dumping. "Brief Candles" details what everybody goes through, trying to convince themselves that things WILL get better with time, that the wounds of the broken heart will heal given enough time. Really, it's the Zombies' version of the classic Beatles tune "For No One." That song, off the Beatles' masterpiece Revolver, is a gorgeous, heart-wrenching tune that will break anyone's heart; and the Zombies somehow best it.

But the most amazing track of them all comes smack-dab in the middle of the B-side: "This Will Be Our Year." With a stunning, almost blue-eyed soulful vocal performance by Colin Blunstone (back when he could still sing), the song packs the most hope possible into two minutes. Simple lyrics abound, but sometimes, simple lyrics are the most profound: "I won't forget the way you said / Darling I love you / You gave me faith to go on / Now we're there / And we've only just begun." And if you don't get goosebumps when Blunstone's voice cracks slightly as he sings, "The warmth of your smile / Smile for me, little one," you just don't like heartfelt music.
Odessey and Oracle
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • On an odessey
Odessey and Oracle
The Zombies
Manufacturer: Big Beat UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Baroque PopBaroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
British InvasionBritish Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000PATZQK
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

  1. Care of Cell
  2. Rose for Emily
  3. Maybe After He's Gone
  4. Beechwood Park
  5. Brief Candles
  6. Hung Up on a Dream
  7. Changes
  8. I Want Her, She Wants Me
  9. This Will Be Our Year
  10. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
  11. Friends of Mine
  12. Time of the Season

Album Description

Alongside Sgt. Pepper and Pet Sounds, there is Odessey & Oracle. A timeless classic that belatedly attained the recognition it so thoroughly deserved. And now, in 2007, it garners a fresh and massive batch of publicity as the track 'Time Of The Season' features in the prolific current TV ad' for Magners Irish Cider.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars On an odessey.......2007-06-26

Many bands (the Beatles, the Beach Boys) at least dabbled in psychedelica, but the Zombies are often overlooked. For the 30th anniversary of "Odessey and Oracles," the Zombies' best album was rereleased in a new form, proving that their enchanting psychedelic pop has aged exceeedingly well.

The Zombies were unusually good at taking perky, sweet, lush music and wrapping it around a more serious song, such as the upbeat "Care of Cell 44" (guy writing to his jailed girlfriend), or the lovely "A Rose For Emily," a poignant little song that tells of a lonely woman doomed to stay lonely. "And as the years go by/she will grow old and die/The roses in her garden fade away/Not one left for her grave..."

But the Zombies aren't all sadness wrapped in happy music. There are perky songs about being happy in love, losing a love and hoping she'll return, and reminiscing about "golden days and golden summer nights." The album ends on a reassuring note with the laid-back "Time of the Season," which sounds like the ultimate hippie anthem.

I have no memories of the 60s, since I was only born in the eighties. But "Odessey and Oracle" gives a rosy glow to that era,. Psychedelic flair minus the hazy, and every song is a gem. Though "Time of the Season" was the sleeper hit from the album, it's not the best or catchiest song on here -- it's just one of many excellent ones.

Rod Argent was definitely an outstanding songwriter. He was able to create atmospheric and beautiful songs with very simple writing ("Brief candles in her mind/bright and tiny gems of memory"). Perhaps his finest moment here is "I knew he when summer was her crown/and autumn sad/how brown her eyes," as a kick-off to a colorful look at a woman compared to all the seasons.

Colin Blunstone's vocals were well-suited to the music: a bit husky, quite pleasant and mellow. The music itself was generally based on guitar, gentle drums, pretty piano, and wavering Mellotron, with a bit of accordian coming in in one song. There's a rich interweaving of many instruments, in all sorts of pop music. Some is almost classical in tone, some is uptempo stuff that is perfect for the radio.

The Zombies were in peak form in "Odessey and Oracle," churning out some of the purest pop music ever. As sweet and exquisite as it was in the 1960s.
Odessey & Oracle: Deluxe Edition
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Zombies
  • Take an "Odessey"
  • Sheer, unmitigated brilliance.
  • As Good As It Gets
  • See, there is a God
Odessey & Oracle: Deluxe Edition
The Zombies
Manufacturer: Fuel 2000
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002BO0US
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

  1. Care Of Cell
  2. A Rose For Emily
  3. Maybe After He's Gone
  4. Beechwood Park
  5. Brief Candles
  6. Hung Up On A Dream
  7. Changes
  8. I Want Her She Wants Me
  9. This Will Be Our Year (Mono Mix)
  10. Butcher's Tale (Western Front)
  11. Friends Of Mine
  12. Time Of The Season
  13. I'll Call You Mine (Stereo Mix #1)
  14. Imagine The Swan (Stereo Mix #1)
  15. Conversation Off Floral Street
  16. If It Don't Work Out (Overdubbed)
  17. Don't Cry For Me (Overdubbed)
  18. Smokey Day
  19. She Loves The Way They Love Her
  20. Time Of The Season (UK Mono Mix)
  21. I'll Call You Mine (Overdubbed)
  22. Imagine The Swan (Stereo Mix #2)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Zombies.......2005-12-13

The Zombies were almost ignored by the record buyers through most of their relatively short career from 1963-68. They only managed to release two albums and about a dozen singles, of which only three hit the charts. Almost everything they did record was of very high standards.
This album, their second, from 1967 is usually considered their best recording moment; and it really is a great album. Both songwriters Rod Argent and Chris White contribute strong material.
Except for "Butcher`s Tale" for which I never really cared, there are no fillers here.
Then to the extensive inclusion of great bonus tracks.
Chris White`s "I`ll Call You Mine" was the B-side of the "Time of the Season" single and as such a very logical choice. A great recording
The White/Argent collaboration single "Imagine the Swan" was the follow up to their world-wide hit; unfortunately it failed undeservedly. It was recorded after Colin Blunstone had left the band; in fact they did record an album`s worth of material which recently has been released in Japan titled "Rest in Peace" which was the origal working title for their never released follow-up album. Most of these recordings are featured here as bonus tracks. Most of these recordings are up to the same standards as "Odessey and Oracle".

Besides "I`ll Call You Mine" and "Imagine The Swan" songs like "Smokey Day" and "I Could Spend the Day" are all-time Zombies favourites of mine.

5 out of 5 stars Take an "Odessey".......2005-01-01

Many bands (the Beatles, the Beach Boys) at least dabbled in psychedelica, but the Zombies are often overlooked. For the 30th anniversary of "Odessey and Oracles," the Zombies' best album was rereleased in a new form, proving that their enchanting psychedelic pop has aged exceeedingly well.

The Zombies were unusually good at taking perky, sweet, lush music and wrapping it around a more serious song, such as the upbeat "Care of Cell 44" (guy writing to his jailed girlfriend), or the lovely "A Rose For Emily," a poignant little song that tells of a lonely woman doomed to stay lonely. "And as the years go by/she will grow old and die/The roses in her garden fade away/Not one left for her grave..."

But the Zombies aren't all sadness wrapped in happy music. There are perky songs about being happy in love, losing a love and hoping she'll return, and reminiscing about "golden days and golden summer nights." The album ends on a reassuring note with the laid-back "Time of the Season," which sounds like the ultimate hippie anthem.

I have no memories of the 60s, since I was only born in the eighties. But "Odessey and Oracle" gives a rosy glow to that era,. Psychedelic flair minus the hazy, and every song is a gem. Though "Time of the Season" was the sleeper hit from the album, it's not the best or catchiest song on here -- it's just one of many excellent ones.

Rod Argent was definitely an outstanding songwriter. He was able to create atmospheric and beautiful songs with very simple writing ("Brief candles in her mind/bright and tiny gems of memory"). Perhaps his finest moment here is "I knew he when summer was her crown/and autumn sad/how brown her eyes," as a kick-off to a colorful look at a woman compared to all the seasons.

Colin Blunstone's vocals were well-suited to the music: a bit husky, quite pleasant and mellow. The music itself was generally based on guitar, gentle drums, pretty piano, and wavering Mellotron, with a bit of accordian coming in in one song. There's a rich interweaving of many instruments, in all sorts of pop music. Some is almost classical in tone, some is uptempo stuff that is perfect for the radio.

The Zombies were in peak form in "Odessey and Oracle," churning out some of the purest pop music ever. As sweet and exquisite as it was in the 1960s.

5 out of 5 stars Sheer, unmitigated brilliance........2004-12-29

Found this album at a garage sale when I was 10, fell in love with it, & now years later am thrilled to find that it exceeds even my youthful enthusiasm. I've never before been moved to write a review on this site before, but this album is the exception (I'm listening to it as I type). Think about a "Something Else" -era Kinks infused with "Carrie Anne"ish Hollies vocal harmonies and "Ummagumma"-era Pink Floyd production values and you'd be starting on the right track - but there's so much more to "Odyssey" than that. "Time of the Season" is the radio track, of course, but a moody masterpiece like "Beechwood Park" and the immense, spacious, otherworldly "Hung Up On A Dream" actually put it to shame. Apart from the dreadful "Butcher's Tale," there isn't a bad cut in the bunch - and you can hear threads of the remainder of the disc woven throughout rock history from '67 onward. "Influential" doesn't begin to describe the impact of this disc; basically, the entire history of '60s britpop is rewritten in the course of 40 minutes by this sadly underrated band. "Odyssey" also benefits from seeming somehow timeless - despite some incredibly naive lyrics (to 21st-century ears) this is incredibly forward-looking music. And still, it oozes late-'60s England with every chord. And just _try_ to play along with it...never has sophistication so moved you to snap your fingers...

5 out of 5 stars As Good As It Gets.......2004-11-28

The Zombies 'Odessey & Oracle' (with bonus tracks) may well be the best CD I've ever heard. I can't honestly say I've ever enjoyed a CD more. My son (age 17) picked it up on a whim, (he liked Time of the Season), last August, and I've been playing it ever since. I'm addicted to 'Odessey & Oracle'. I've listened to it countless times since then, like once or twice a day, nearly every day. It's the singing, the vocals. Euphoric! They are just so happy, just so glad to be there! This is a CD in which the band just loves to sing - joyous, baroque, harmonious Beach Boys Beatles Barclay James Harvest Steeleye Span-like, they just love to sing! The lead vocals, the harmony vocals, the second harmony vocals, the background sounds, the oohs and ahhs and Beatlely little accents and touches permeate the disc - this band just loves to sing. Euphoric, that's it. Every cut is a musical journey, every cut has something special to offer, including the bonus tracks, (on which they also love to sing). I have no idea how I missed this when it was new, but I did. It's magnificent. I'm forever indebted to my son for finding it for me. (good thing I had him!) If you don't have it, GET IT!!! NOW!

5 out of 5 stars See, there is a God.......2004-09-18

There's no way this minor group - nearly broke, on the way to breaking up in 1967 and seemingly stuck in an artistic rut - could have been expected to produce such a masterpiece. The songwriting, the harmonies, the performances are exquisite. This album caught more of that evocative summer than anything outside of Sgt. Pepper. Not one clinker in the bunch. There's a reason why this album was ranked #82 in the Rolling Stone Top 500 albums of all time and why some music giants today consider this album one of the most influential ever. This reissue is as low-fi as the original recording. You can almost hear the scratches from a cheap turntable. Enjoy!
Odessey and Oracle
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Another (barely) classic psychedelic pop album from the 60's!
  • "Oracle" tells all
  • The most under-rated band ever
  • A Classic + a Great Lost Album!
  • The ONLY thing wrong here is the spelling..."Odessey"!
Odessey and Oracle
The Zombies
Manufacturer: Repertoire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005B0PU
Release Date: 2001-04-09

Tracks:

  1. Care of Cell
  2. Rose for Emily
  3. Maybe After He's Gone
  4. Beechwood Park
  5. Brief Candles
  6. Hung Up on a Dream
  7. Changes
  8. I Want Her, She Wants Me
  9. This Will Be Our Year
  10. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
  11. Friends of Mine
  12. Time of the Season

Album Description

German digipak reissue of the British Invasion act's 1968 album with 16 bonus tracks, 'I'll Call You Mine', 'She Loves the Way They Love Her', 'Imagine the Swan', 'Smokey Day', 'I'f it Don't Work Out', 'I Know She Will', 'Don't Cry For Me', 'Walking in the Sun', 'Conversation Off Floral Street', 'I Want You Back Again', 'Gotta Get a Hold of Myself', 'Goin Out of My Head', 'She Does Everything For Me', 'Nothing's Changed', 'I Could Spend the Day' and 'Girl Help Me'. Digipack. 2001 release.

Album Details

Digipak reissue with 17 bonus tracks. Completely different than the US version on Big Beat.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Another (barely) classic psychedelic pop album from the 60's!.......2006-01-04

The 60's were indeed a great decade - SO many classics came out it's pretty staggering. The Zombies' "Odessey and Oracle" is but one of many timeless albums released in that decade, and it doesn't disappoint (though it's barely a classic). It's extremely accessible for most people and definitely fun and interesting to listen to (it also features the timeless hit "Time Of The Season"!). The singer is usually dead-on as a psychedelic pop singer - he has pretty good charm, although in some songs he's a little iffy (like on "Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)"). The harmonies on this album are notably great. The lyrics are unfortunately not all that great. Musically the album is also fantastic. This is primarily a psychedelic album, but it DOES cover a little R&B and pop rock. The audio quality is also very very good considering it was recorded in 1968. I'm pretty sure everybody can enjoy this album along with other classics like, say, The Lovin' Spoonful's "Greatest Hits". I think I would've given this a "4.5", but its historical influence, the classic "Time Of The Season" and all the bonus tracks pushes it to a "5". Highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album (except for probably "Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914")

5 out of 5 stars "Oracle" tells all.......2005-02-05

Many bands (the Beatles, the Beach Boys) at least dabbled in psychedelica, but the Zombies are often overlooked. For the 30th anniversary of "Odessey and Oracles," the Zombies' best album was rereleased in a new form, proving that their enchanting psychedelic pop has aged exceeedingly well.

The Zombies were unusually good at taking perky, sweet, lush music and wrapping it around a more serious song, such as the upbeat "Care of Cell 44" (guy writing to his jailed girlfriend), or the lovely "A Rose For Emily," a poignant little song that tells of a lonely woman doomed to stay lonely. "And as the years go by/she will grow old and die/The roses in her garden fade away/Not one left for her grave..."

But the Zombies aren't all sadness wrapped in happy music. There are perky songs about being happy in love, losing a love and hoping she'll return, and reminiscing about "golden days and golden summer nights." The album ends on a reassuring note with the laid-back "Time of the Season," which sounds like the ultimate hippie anthem.

I have no memories of the 60s, since I was only born in the eighties. But "Odessey and Oracle" gives a rosy glow to that era,. Psychedelic flair minus the hazy, and every song is a gem. Though "Time of the Season" was the sleeper hit from the album, it's not the best or catchiest song on here -- it's just one of many excellent ones.

Rod Argent was definitely an outstanding songwriter. He was able to create atmospheric and beautiful songs with very simple writing ("Brief candles in her mind/bright and tiny gems of memory"). Perhaps his finest moment here is "I knew he when summer was her crown/and autumn sad/how brown her eyes," as a kick-off to a colorful look at a woman compared to all the seasons.

Colin Blunstone's vocals were well-suited to the music: a bit husky, quite pleasant and mellow. The music itself was generally based on guitar, gentle drums, pretty piano, and wavering Mellotron, with a bit of accordian coming in in one song. There's a rich interweaving of many instruments, in all sorts of pop music. Some is almost classical in tone, some is uptempo stuff that is perfect for the radio.

The Zombies were in peak form in "Odessey and Oracle," churning out some of the purest pop music ever. As sweet and exquisite as it was in the 1960s.

5 out of 5 stars The most under-rated band ever.......2004-12-27

I don't understand why The Zombies aren't up there with The Beatles and The Beach Boys. I love listening to them for the same reasons I love listening to The Zombies: First of all, the music is just fantastic with no explanation needed at all - it's just fantastic. And Second of all, for the fun, clever, beautiful melodies and masterful harmonies. The Zombies are still uniquely original with there smooth cool vocals, jazz influenced style, there own version of production perfection, they've got Rod Argent on the keyboards, I don't know, the album speaks for itself. I've put the CD on for different people and because it's so timeless they thought it was some new band that was bringing a new sound or something. I think that timelessness is possibly the best trait a piece of music can have. And this totally has it.

This version of the album is the best I've found. Or the Zombie Heaven box set. But if you're not into the whole demo version thing, this CD and Begin Here with the German bonus tracks is a great combo and gets all the released tracks pretty much covered. That's a fantastic CD too. Both are musts, but Odessey & Oracle is a must more. No. Wait. Get both. But get Odessey & Oracle first. A greatest hits won't do. You would really miss out if you just got one greatest hits CD. Each song is truly great. That's something that's really rare. The album itself is a masterpiece and the bonus tracks are a must have. You'll understand when you get the CD. The more you listen to The Zombies, the more you fall in love with their music. Eventually you'll run out of Zombies songs to individually obsess over and you will be sad. But then you'll remember that you have both Begin Here and Odessey & Oracle with all these bonus tracks and you will be happy once again. The end.

5 out of 5 stars A Classic + a Great Lost Album!.......2004-04-04

The British 1960's band the Zombies seemed to have all what it took to be a success. Two unsually gifted songwiters in Rod Argent and Chris White and two outstanding singers, Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent (again). What they may have lacked was a little more "edge" to balance their melodic music and "nice school-boys" image.

They actually did have early success with their 1964 single "She's Not There". But in spite of several strong singles were recorded and released during 1965-66, they somehow were not able to follow-up their early success.

So in early 1967 the band had not had a hit-record for more than two years, and it seemed that their time was over. They decided to record a final "real" album before they'd split up. The result was the highly acclaimed "Odessey and Oracle" which they recorded during the second half of 1967.

Of course they had hoped that one of the two first singles taken from these recordings "Friends of Mine" and "Care of Cell 44" would bring them back into the charts. And since this did not happen they assumed their time was over, so they disbanded before the album was actually released in April 1968.

Another single was chosen to promote the album, and the succeeding big success of "Time of the Season" in America came as a complete surprise. The album itself also reached the lower parts of the charts in the States.

Their music has proving its viability over the years, and this album contains some of their finest moments, with great tunes from both Argent and White.

After their unexpected 1968 "comeback" effort were made to secure a Zombies re-union. But Rod Argent and Chris White were already deeply involved in gathering a new band, which eventually would become "Argent".

In this transition period Argent and White were persuaded to do a final "Zombies" album which was given the title "R.I.P."

The album was supposed to consist of earlier out-takes and demos, ( with new overdubbings ) combined with new recordings.

This 12-songs "new" album was for release some time in 1969 but the album which had been given the title "R.I.P." was never released.

This was a big shame, as it would have been a great album.

In recent years this album has actually been released in Japan and all songs have been released released on various compilations. Here among the bonus-tracks you'll 11 of these songs of which most equals on the actual album. The box-set "Zombie Heaven" contains all 12 songs.


6 of these "R.I.P." songs are original Zombies recordings from 1964-66, featuring Colin Blustone on vocals. He was called in to record new vocals to "Walking in the Sun" which is the earliest track, from late 1964, but he is not involved in any of the "new" 1968 recordings. Rod Argent, who is also an incredibly fine singer, takes over the vocals on these tracks. All these 1968 songs / recordings are great. "Imagine the Swan", "Smokey Day", "Girl Help Me", "I Could Spend the Day" are outstanding songs. "Imagine the Swan" was released as a single and was a minor hit in America.

The earlier recordings featuring Colin Blunstone are equally strong. "If It Don't Work Out" was written for Dusty Springfield in 1965. The song was also released as the Zombies' final single in July 1969.

So apart from the one missing song ( "I'll Keep Trying" ) this highly recommed CD contains two great Zombies albums.

5 out of 5 stars The ONLY thing wrong here is the spelling..."Odessey"!.......2003-11-08

O.K., nothing terribly witty or mindbendingly profound here. The others have said what had to be said. Virtually every track will have you marveling at the Zombies ability to play WITH music. Listening to this CD refreshed memories of thought and feeling that I thought were forever lost. "Brief Candles," "Smokey Day", and "Walking in the Sun" will renew your innocence... and, YES, that feeling just might provoke a tear or two. One of the top 5 albums of all time? It just might be. Just close your eyes and listen.
A Single Odessey
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Hidden Gems Uncovered!
  • Absolutely Essential
  • Why isn't this all over the radio?
A Single Odessey
Velvet Crush
Manufacturer: Action Musik
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Jangle PopJangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Indie & Lo FiIndie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. In the Presence of Greatness
  2. Heavy Changes
  3. Stereo Blues
  4. Teenage Symphonies to God
  5. Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Six Seconds: A Short Cut to Teenage Fanclub

ASIN: B00005N8PE
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Tracks:

  1. If Not True
  2. One Thing Two Believe
  3. Circling The Sun
  4. Everything Flows
  5. She Cracked
  6. Atmosphere
  7. Gentle Breeze
  8. Butterfly Position
  9. Drive Me Down (Acoustic Version)
  10. Remember The Lightning
  11. Elevator Operator
  12. Mr Spaceman
  13. One Hundred Years From Now
  14. Don't You Slip Away From Me
  15. It's Been Too Long And It's Too Late Now
  16. Be Someone Tonight
  17. Leisure 40
  18. The Thing That You Do
  19. Party Lime
  20. On My Side

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Hidden Gems Uncovered!.......2003-08-09

This collection spans their career and it's worth every penny. One of their best CD's, ironically. The covers are great and Matthew Sweet's touch shines through on the earlier material.
If you like V. Crush, Matthew Sweet, or Teenage Fanclub, you'll love this one!

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely Essential.......2001-11-12

There are two kinds of singles compilations. There's the kind that contain the band's best-known songs, and there's the kind that really gives you the essence of a band's sound and influences. A Single Odessey is one of the latter. I used to make Velvet Crush compilation tapes for people that had many of these songs on them. The handy part of this disc is that even though it does not contain many album tracks from the Crush's albums, it does give you a slice of what each album sounds like. The Velvet Crush's albums each have a different personality to them; the noise of In The Presence Of Greatness, the country-rock of Teenage Symphonies To God, the hard rock of Heavy Changes, the relaxed pop of Free Expression. If you're new to the band, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you start here and use this disc to figure out where you want to go next. If you're already a fan, get it and enjoy these rare tracks which stand up to the Velvet Crush's classic albums.

4 out of 5 stars Why isn't this all over the radio?.......2001-11-11

Man, I can't believe I'm the first person to review this album. Meanwhile, Britney Spears' latest effort gets about 1200 reviews, most of them 5 stars. What is wrong with this picture?

If you have never heard of Velvet Crush before, then let it be known that these guys represent power pop at its finest. Actually, it is unfair to pigeonhole them under a "power pop" label -- they run through melodic rock and roll, a bit of country, a bit of the Byrds...all executed brilliantly.

If this is your first encounter with the band, then start with "Teenage Symphonies To God" and then come back to this one.

"Odessey" (named after the Zombies' album "Odessey and Oracle") is a compilation of single tracks, b-sides and unreleased material that will make you wonder why this band isn't all over the radio.

Listen to their cover version of Teenage Fanclub's "Everything Flows." Listen to the great guitar licks on their original tunes. Listen to their masterful Byrds covers. Listen to Matthew Sweet's great production work. This is one fine band.

I am giving this 4 stars only due to the fact that I gave "Teenage Symphonies" 5 stars, as their masterpiece. But really, there are no bad tracks here. Crank it up!
White Trash Gangsta Trance
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Analog bliss.
  • Complete "C- - P
White Trash Gangsta Trance
Various Artists , Darwin Chamber Presents: Ghettoelectro , Spirit Firechild , Control-X , and Odessey
Manufacturer: Moonshine Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
TranceTrance | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000005QD3
Release Date: 1997-09-02

Tracks:

  1. Indian Summer - Danny Saber
  2. Furvert - Stepdisk
  3. Ghettoelectro - Ghettoelectro
  4. Rhythm Culture - Supersoul
  5. Rattle The Fear - Spirit Firechild
  6. Lift Off - Danny Saber
  7. You Better Work It Out - Control X
  8. Meridian - Darwin Chamber
  9. Botanical Blipz - Supersoul
  10. Turntable - Control X
  11. The Odyssey Continues - The Odyssey

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Analog bliss........2000-09-23

Bottom Heavy White Trash Gangsta Trance is a collection of thoughtfully composed electronic music, which is focused on a beautiful hybrid of trance and breakbeats, with an underlying groove sound that is immersed in the sound of the analog synthesizer. The result is a sound more interesting and innovative than trance or breakbeat science alone. Definitely recommended.

1 out of 5 stars Complete "C- - P.......2000-01-03

This Cd is a total waste of money, somebody gave this to me and I had to throw it away because nobody wanted it.
Big Boy Pete Treats
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Big Boy Pete Treats

    Manufacturer: Rocket Racket Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B0006IBPB4
    Release Date: 2005-04-05

    Product Description

    Deemed "too far-out" by English Publishers when pop prelate Pete Miller penned them in the mid- and late 1960s, these songs now gain a long-overdue debut thanks to a collaboration between Miller and neo-pop unit The Squires of the Subterrain. After more than 30 years, these songs do more than evoke an era of lava lamps, Hindu visuals and paisley skies. They extend the pop continuum, showing that "psychedelic pop" is not an artifact frozen in another time, but a living, vital tradition.
    Longload Odessey
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Longload Odessey
      Sakura Merry Men
      Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      JapanJapan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
      InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B000P0I9DA
      Release Date: 2007-06-04
      Strawberries on Sunday
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Strawberries on Sunday

        Manufacturer: Rocket Racket Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000CAE50Y
        Release Date: 2005-04-05
        Odessey & Oracle
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Odessey & Oracle
          Zombies
          Manufacturer: Big Beat/City Hall
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD
          ASIN: B000Q7ZNE0
          Release Date: 2007-06-01

          Rap Music:

          1. Paradise and Lunch
          2. Poor Little Critter on the Road
          3. Poses [Bonus Track]
          4. Pyromania
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          6. Selling England By The Pound [Original recording remastered]
          7. Separation Sunday
          8. Shinola, Vol. 1
          9. Showbiz
          10. Soviet Kitsch

          Rap Music

          rap music

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