Underrrated pop groups of the 60s: The Zombies

Sure, you've heard "Time of the Season," "She's Not There" and maybe even "Tell Her No," but there's more pleasure to be had from this band than a few British Invasion-linked top singles.

Connoisseurs of 60s pop, of course, have made the band's 1967 LP Odessey and Oracle a cult classic--as well it should be. It, and a good compilation of the group's singles, belong in any self-respecting record collection.



I enjoy The Zombies' BBC recordings, as well. I have a batch on an LP Rhino Records put out in the 80s at some point, but there are newer, more comprehensive collections out now on CD. Great stuff, with some fun, brief interviews and cool voiceover intros by BBC announcer Brian Matthews (familiar from his appearances on the Beatles and Who BBC compilations).

The band was comprised of keyboardist Rod Argent (who later led a band under his last name, which charted a hit, "Hold Your Head Up," in 1972 and also recorded "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," which was later covered by Kiss), vocalist Colin Blunstone, guitarist Paul Atkinson, bassist Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy.



I love Blunstone's cool, breathy vocals. The combination of it and Argent's often jazzy Hammond riffs gives the group a unique sound that stands out from the other, mostly guitar-based British Invasion bands. And the harmonies are awesome, particularly on the various Odessey and Oracle tracks. I remember a review that described the album as sounding like the Beach Boys in Westminster Abbey, and that's apt.

Actually Odessey was recorded in Abbey Road, just after the Beatles wrapped up Sgt. Pepper. And it was put on tape by the same engineer, Geoff Emerick.

If you haven't heard the album, you should. It stands up there with Pet Sounds, Revolver, Aftermath and other mid-60s greats.

Zombies CDs


Decca Stereo Anthology (all the band's pre-Odessey album and singles for Decca)


Odessey and Oracle (straight remaster of the original, in stereo)


Odessey and Oracle (Big Beat release containing both the mono and stereo versions-it's worth it)


Live at the BBC (a remastered and much-expanded compilation of the Rhino LP that came out in the 1980s)


Zombie Heaven 4-CD Box Set (includes all singles, album tracks, BBC recordings and rarities)


Into the Afterlife (post break-up collaborations and rarities)

DVD


* Live at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London (featuring one of the Argent-Blunstone reunion shows)

Zombies on Youtube:

The Zombies on "Shindig" Tell Her No

The Zombies (Shindig) - It's Alright With Me