The Zombies - Odessey and Oracle
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On this episode, we discuss a barque pop masterpiece: Odessey and Oracle by the Zombies. The Zombies were one of the original “British Invasion” bands, but distinguished themselves from the others by arguable the best vocalist of the bunch in Colin Blunstone, and by having keyboardist Rod Argent carry the musical load. Always slightly jazzier, and somewhat more professional, than their contemporaries, the Zombies scored several monster hits(“tell Her No” “She’s Not There” to name a few) prior to going into the studio to record Odessey and Oracle.
The Zombies entered Abby Road studios shortly after the Beatles had completed their sessions for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band . As a result, they were able to apply the knowledge and studio tricks that the engineers at Abby Road had gained in recording that album, not to mention use several of the instruments the BEatles had left behind (John Lennon’s mellotron, for instance). Full of lush harmonies, complex and compelling instrumentation, and unbelievably catchy tunes, Odessey and Oracle was roundly ignored upon its release, and the band broke up shortly afterwards.
The song “Time of Season” found an audience and became a huge hit well after the band was official no more, which lead competing touring versions of the Zombies in the US, none of which had a single member of the actual Zombies. One did however, have members of ZZ Top!
