It's the mid 1960's MONSTER hit that definitely DIDN'T rely on a click track!

[@willtopper]

I'm 71 years old. Grew up in the 60's and 70's. Probably the best 2 decades of music in history. YA SHOULD BEEN THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CitizenCardigan]

I was there and you are right 😎

[@cahatlady]

I was!!! I'm 67 & believe we were really lucky with our music.

[@Lilah1754]

I was there and you are right! It was an amazing time. So much great music.

[@bobbennett2075]

I think 71/72 may have been the absolute peak

[@jasonhuttermusic424]

def 70s and 90s. only latter half of 60s was any good once English invasion came around.

[@dagmar.6954]

So glad you are doing these classic rock reviews. The Zombies are one of the great British bands from the 60's. Their lead singer Colin Blunstone has such a great voice. Their biggest hits were "She's Not There", "Tell Her No", "I Love You", "She's Coming Home" & "Time Of The Season". But they had a lot of other good songs. Their 1968 album Odessey & Oracle is really great!

[@MrVvulf]

"Odessey & Oracle" is one of the top 10 albums of the 1960s for me. Ironically, they had already broken up by the time it was available to purchase.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

They recently released a new album, Blunstone and Argent still making new music.

[@roseyc.5846]

SO GREAT!!! 💞

[@StanEngland]

"I should tell you, I love you I do" Great song!

[@coldlakealta4043]

The Zombies are my favourite band. I've followed them over the decades, and seen them many times over here in Canada. They aren't an oldies band - they are a band which has evolved steadily over the years. Rod has never played better, nor has Colin been in better voice. Their place in the Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame was well earned.

[@apollokr64]

R they still playing?????!!!!!

[@marlachristensen2076]

When I had to recently start rebuilding my album collection after my original album collection went missing, the first LP I re-purchased was 'An Argent Anthology' of which I first purchased upon its original release.

[@Knards]

I had no idea Rod and the band were still playing.

[@mchozen2958]

Cold Lake?! The drive up is gorgeous but too long. Where did/do you see the Zombies?

[@coldlakealta4043]

yep, they're on tour@@apollokr64

[@johnb5519]

It's hard to believe all the raw talent that was around back then. These songs never seem to get old.

[@racinnut77]

Fil has his "I wish I was a member of the band" smile on his face.

[@johndillon5488]

You are absolutely right about the occasional flat pitch of the singing. It gave the song an added sad angst to it.

[@nigden1]

I was 14 when this brilliant song came out, we'd had the Beatles, Stones, Kinks and Yardbirds, I didn't know of any fan of any of those superb bands that didn't love the Zombies.

[@williamtippins3651]

Same here. This song just jumped out of my little transistor radio !

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

Animals...Them.. .The Who...Small Faces...

[@laneromel5667]

Song was as close to perfect as you can get. What is great is the musicians actually knew how to ply music.

[@RaymondCore]

I was 12

[@susanpilling8849]

And I was 10. We were so very lucky to grow up with real music! I really can't listen to the radio these days.

[@CaptainBakerJason]

It is lost on many how incredibly talented and influential The Zombies were at the time. The music industry elites in USA only seemed to focus on their traditional artists and somewhat the Beatles, and The Zombies were nothing short of sensational and influenced American stars like The Doors. You are so right about the tempo change, Fil. Still prominently used in jazz improvisation, it is all but extinct in the world of pop and rock music due to dominance of click tracks, live track integration and cut and paste digital production. It is a joy to catch classic artists that began in the wake of bands like the Zombies such as Deep Purple and Blue Öyster Cult that still perform old-school live shows where accelerando and retardando are skillfully used to affect dramatic emotive influence on the audience. Definitely catch these bands when you can as these shows still are among the tightest performances you can find and give the audience a musical treat that is seldom experienced in the 21st Century as even great Prog shows often give in to timed tracks to coordinate lights and stage effects. Good musicianship like good music will win out and will distinguish itself in live performances despite the technical progress. 🤘🏻 Another great analysis Fil … you Rock!

[@TR4Ajim]

Their song “Time of the Season” really shows off those “breathy” vocals.👍 Also remember that in those days deviations in tape speed when recording can lead to those “in between” notes.

[@barbaradownie3265]

SO COOOOOOOL

[@4260pip]

Yeah, another ripper song from them.

[@DS40764]

They have a jazzy and groovy feel, don't they? And imagine a title "The Zombies" in the 60s? Very creative and up there with many groups during that time,starting with the Beatles. I bet you the Beatles loved them.

[@drewpall2598]

"She's Not There" is an excellent song written by Rod Argent and sung by Colin Blunstone, The Zombies from 1964 to 1969 recorded great songs and their album "Odessey and Oracle" is a classic. Thanks, Fil, for breaking down this song in detail.

[@musicbiz8219]

Argent "Hold your head up" ? Yeah! Love that song, is that who is in the band?

[@konradhof7318]

Yes. Zombies keyboardist Rod Argent later led the band Argent of Hold Your Head Up fame. Same keyboardist in both bands.

[@StephenMerchant-up8sg]

You're right about musicians not having to be in the same studio these days. In fact they don't have to be in the same hemisphere! Saw The Zombies only 6 years ago and they still 'had it'. Excellent analysis again Phil, never thought of it before but I get a Doors vibe here before that band even formed!

[@GaryMeadowsMusic]

I just recently played out at a local venue and heard a video clip and noticed my 1st song was quite a bit faster. I think I was excited.

[@roseyc.5846]

Oh, Fil..thank you!! I LOVED The Zombies and this song so much. It wa EVERYWHERE that year..so different from what our young ears were used to. I appreciate how you analyze nusic that crosses genres and time periods. How I miss the music of the 1960's! Thanks again!! Stay safe and sane.. Rosemarie ❤

[@ivannovotny4552]

Well said Rosemarie.

[@Lilah1754]

Brings back good memories! They were part of British Invasion here in US. Great music from 60’s. Thanks Fil!

[@cabrodeur555]

I love “It’s the Time of the Season “.

[@ДмитрийБрылов-ж6к]

You are not alone...

[@zakmartin]

The moptop haircuts, the suits, the elevated drummer, the deep bow at the end... amazing how prevalent the Beatles influence had already permeated by 1964.

[@markraciborski4289]

As opposed to what, no shirts, tattooed, jumping around like their arse is on fire from Taco Bell night, a bass that is ridiculously long neck not needed to get the job done, it just looks so cool? My, my, what Paul did with a suit, tie, short neck bass. 😊 I miss keyboards, or a Sax used as a bridge in a song, as opposed to a Sax now just used in the opening lead in, or worst, a very repetitive riff which everyone now will wax poetic over. Love the old Motown bass players. But then again, I'm older than dirt.

[@chocho8036]

you are assuming that people copied the Beatles as opposed to the other way around 😂😂

[@zakmartin]

@@chocho8036 I'm not assuming anything. I was there, and I saw how it went down.

[@mcconlogue1898]

Definitely Beatles influence. Ask anyone who was alive.

[@vernonfrance2974]

@@mcconlogue1898 I was alive and it was not The Beatles. They were quite mediocre at first despite their success. "I Wanna Hold your Hand" was awful!

[@BarbaraPryor-Smith]

Fabulous hit. I remember this so well! What I'm noticing now that I never paid attention to in 1964 is that this is the only song by a British group that I can actually hear the British accent. Adorable! Singing often camouflages such differences, but I hear it in this! Fun stuff! 😊❤

[@susanpatrick4965]

7:15 This was one of my favorite songs. Thanks for appreciating it.

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

'Tell Her No' is another great song by The Zombies. It has a real jazz rhythm feel and makes great use of the Maj7 and Min7 chords in the chorus.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Monster hit for The Zombies in the '60s. Thank you Fil for sharing.

[@tommyd5238]

Not only are they a great performing band, but having had a chat with Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent, and the late Jim Rodford found them to be really nice people as well, who have time for their audience.

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Colin Blunstone. All time great voice, plus a name right out of Spinal Tap.

[@g26s239]

Spinal Tap 🤣 love that reference.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Classic reference 😂

[@mybabba]

And very easy on the eyes, I might add ❤

[@lindadescafano3749]

The 60's had some great music and the Zombies had a sound all their own. I think both vocals blended well together. I enjoyed this analysis and just learned what a pianet is. 😊🎸🎵

[@kyfifer]

Saw them live recently and… wow. Those guys sound as good as ever. One of the best live shows ever.

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

Glad to hear you mention "melody" which made so many songs distinctive back then...a lot of 'reactors' these days equate 'melodic' with 'mellow' because the music is 'easy' to listen to often ignoring the intrinsic power of the melody to the point where they appear to have become de-sensitized to the inherent drama in the music. Much of what passes for melody these days is often meandering and lacking in distinction and compensated for with vocal and instrumental technique and volume.

[@jinjocat]

I've always loved this song, for all of the reasons you picked out. You nailed this one, Fil!

[@Stefandejager01]

My favourite song of all time. Perfect, not a second wasted.

[@apollokr64]

Hi Fil! This a great video. I’m 70 so this takes me way back in time to my high school summers. I can’t believe I forgot this song!! It’s great. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@musicbiz8219]

MUSIC GURU!!!! WOW! Who else would choose this song or the many others you have chosen to examine. Great song, and the fact that you break it down and talk about segments of the interesting parts of the song helps peoples understanding of what made a lot of the music from the 60's and 70's so relevant. Love your sublime reactions, honest, sincere not click bait, you also help me to remember some songs from yesterday that I had forgotten. Keep up with this type of stuff, your audience will only grow, I will be sharing!

[@gl15col]

I have been in love with this song since I was a teenager, and it still sends shivers up and down my spine...

[@waldorfstatler3129]

Excellent point you made about the sameness of modern recordings after pitch correction. How many times I've seen young reactors to old recordings on KZbin and being amazed at how natural and raw they were, actually preferring that quality.

[@bobturnley2787]

It's a great song. The Billboard #17 of 1964 and a song that sounded nothing like The Beatles. During the Beatles biggest year, it went against the claim that so many Beatles fans believe that everyone was copying The Beatles. Hardly anyone really sounded like The Beatles because most bands didn't have three singer songwriters.

[@joycerichardson1810]

Rod Argent, Chris White, and Colin Blunstone wrote their songs.

[@sketchartist1964]

I believe George Martin mentions the Zombies in his book "All You Need Is Ears" and says something similar to what you're saying. That they had their own sound.

[@pninnabokov3734]

"It sounds like a feeling." Precisely! You always manage to find the "mot juste." Thank you!

[@Rosemary-fw6pj]

I've loved this song since it came out when I was in junior high. This performance was maybe from the Hullabaloo show. Thanks for adding another dimension to the song for me, Fil!

[@oldiesgeek454]

@Rosemary I believe you're right about this being from Hullabaloo. The only other show it could be from is Shindig. 😊

[@rayl6901]

Absolutely LOVE the Zombies! My band has 6 Zombies songs in our repertoire that we regularly played, this one included. Stuff you don't hear that often, but FANTASTIC stuff! Great analysis about the shifts in tempo; one thing our keyboardist does when creating sequences is note the tempo map. A lot of classic rock/pop songs or that era just don't sound or feel right when it's a constant tempo in some cases. Thanks again Fil! :-)

[@veramilton833]

FIL, what a great one, as well as a great sound ! I still remember the first time I heard this song ! Loved it !

[@jazzpunk]

Pretty sophisticated Pop song...1964?!!? Bass break, organ solo, great groove. "Tell Her No" is equally great.

[@garymaidman625]

Go Now by the Moody Blues came out around the same time and also had these features.

[@SilverJ56]

I love "Tell Her No"!!! It is completely Colin's song...

[@maryannswanson3832]

I consider this one of my favorite songs, and I still have the 45 record. His voice is soooo smooth. It came ot when I was 15 and I know all the words and love singing along! When they bow it reminds me of the Animals! Many of the 60's songs had a bit of a crescendo to them.

[@popeye807]

I personally prefer a bit of " flatness" because it's a natural voice, rather being ' fixed' by pitch correction.

[@dianecourtney2724]

Yes !

[@jamesleyda365]

Absolutely

[@barbaramilone2800]

I agree. Modern technology is turning singers into robots rather than humans with natural voices. Why?? Also, when this song was on the radio, I never noticed the increased tempo when they sang the chorus! (Well, I was only 9, so I'm not surprised.) Great analysis, as usual; I always learn something new from Fil!

[@nancywyatt821]

I have perfect pitch, and I like it. If it was too far off, I couldn't listen. It was deliberate.

[@joycerichardson1810]

That's what makes it real.

[@mtp4430]

I had this in my record collection as a kid. They were on Parrot records. I remember being excited learning the bassline. It was a lifetime ago now. But great music is like great wine. It improves with age. Just like Fil and his videos 👍

[@martyndawson7484]

Colin's singing on Old And Wise with the Alan Parsons Project is amazing.

[@kristinmoore1151]

Thanks, Fil, for another master class that helps us understand why we are instinctively drawn to, and enchanted by, these great classics. Every time, you add to our understanding and enrich our experience.

[@robinhowells159]

I was too young to see the Zombies many years ago. About six years ago I finally got a chance to see them at a small venue outside of Philadelphia. I was outside the theater with my husband just hanging out before the show. A very tall gentleman with a British accent started a conversation with us. He was really nice and really tall. He told us to have a good time & we went in to the show. We realized it was Colin Blunstone. The concert was great & Colin still has the voice.

[@LOL-Can]

All these old goldies that stir my memories . It's great. An informative analysis. Thank you for this .

[@migalito1955]

Fabulous analysis. As a retired theorectical mathematician I really appreciate the not necessarily easy seen beautiful or interesting details embedded in the music uncovered in your analysis.

[@michelewelch5319]

I think that guy has a dreamy voice. Must hear more of this group. I’m so addicted to these analyses by Fil. Really enjoy them!!❤

[@howlingwolf8441]

FIL..you are absolutely the best song and voice analysis on KZbin hands down..Great work my friend..😁👍👍

[@mikeskinner45]

I've been a bass player since 1967. Bass lines like this-and many others from that era-are SO much more interesting, both to listen to and to play, than "chugging" root eighth notes. I feel like, with the separate recording of the individual musicians, that any interesting ideas for a bass line get shoved aside. I don't even consider a "chugging" bass part to be a bass "line". I remember-when this first came out-being blown away by Colin's vocals and the musician ship of the whole group. Great analysis.

[@jerryclasby9628]

I loved your dissection of this song by the Zombies but I just loved the song and the use of changing the tempo to add depth and feeling to the piece Thanks from a 75 year old guy

[@eggman7527]

Magnificent, Fil! Thanks for doing the Zombies! I am totally speechless about how good that band was. O&O is a top 10 greatest of all rock albums--every track on that thing is spectacular and spectacularly underappreciated! Thank you!

[@mr.t8562]

Colin's vocals on Alan Parson's "old and Wise" is also very good. Great voice.

[@kiwi5162]

Had the great privilege of meeting Colin personally after a show in Columbia MO, 2008 at the Blue Note when he and Rod Argent were starting a new duo and I had the chance to speak with Colin to express my gratitude and say how extraordinary effect his "Old and Wise", (he sang that night) had when I first heard it and for my entire life after. I felt truly blessed to have had that moment face to face to thank him. LOVE. PEACE. God Bless

[@blackprix]

So many great groups from the British invasion… Zombies one of my favorite😊

[@joycerichardson1810]

I agree!

[@aurelia5614]

I've always loved The Zombies, and this song takes me to another level. Thank you for your insight into how that magic happened. I noticed your smile lit up the minute the song started to play - marvellous.

[@SUE6865]

This is fantastic! I am a MOODY BLUES fan. I know you have done a couple of modern videos of them but please do a classic song such as Legend of a mind, Are you sitting comfortably or Gypsy. Their harmony was very special! Any classic song would be great as long as it includes Ray and Graeme. They were on The Tom Jones Show back then. Thank you for all you do!

[@mwilson70201]

Back when cool ruled. I pity today's youth. All the things pitch correction "fixes" are the things that gives a piece real soul. Can you imagine James Brown vocals without the raw emotion expressed in his voice, with it all flattened to some computer generated perfection? Today stars are made, in the past they were discovered. As usual, great analysis.

[@jreeder6168]

This was a great era for rock. The songs had great riffs easily identifiable within two or three notes. No wonder radio was such an important part of our young lives back then. Good break down on the mechanics of this great song.

[@karinwolf3645]

The "flatness" just sounds intentional. Makes it all sound haunting. I loved the subtle flat spots that make the song a bit sad and angry at the same time. 💋💖💋💖🌵👵🐺

[@LEWOOF]

Love the Robert Palmer models lounging around.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

Great point about the change in tempo at the chorus, but I have always loved the the bass line that brings it all back together in the middle. That's one of my favorites. And those old 60s TV studio arrangements. Man, does that take me on a trip on the wayback machine.

[@jskit92380]

Thank you, Fil. I really appreciate learning why songs are pleasant to the ears and I liked this song since the 1st time I heard it. Your explanations are awesome! Janet from Louisiana. ☮🖤🤘

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@DianeRinella]

I love these deep dives, and this is absolutely my favorite era for music. Thanks, Fil!

[@1emmajones]

Oh for the days when music was organic. This really is a very special song. Thanks for covering. ❤

[@flychk1229]

Oh my…this was one of my favorite songs in the day. Tickled to see it covered!

[@forget-me-notlawncare9821]

This may be my favorite critique video so far. No, it was not a perfect performance but as you stated it was perfectly matched, where it wasn't perfect. Love your perspective, Fil!

[@geebrewer8186]

I feel so old, I remember this song from my youth, and could sing all the words lol

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Loved the Zombies! In '65 I was in 5th/6th grade and the British Invasion was just starting. What a time that was!

[@thetwistedwigs8253]

Great video! I've loved The Zombies since I was about 12 years old, so like 45 years (!) I had the opportunity to see them live about 5 years ago and they were still great. Also got to meet Rod and Colin after the show. Super nice guys. Meeting those guys were a dream come true.

[@constancemerwin8171]

Remember all the sixties hits, including this one! Glad you chose it to analyze. Good vocals!

[@kevinalbertina136]

This is one of my favorite tracks from the 1960s. I like it even better than their later hit, Time of the Season. I can put on their music and just get lost in it for an hour or two, "Tell Her No", "I Love You", etc. Thank you for this!

[@mchozen2958]

Like many of the commenters below, I loved this back in the day when I was 13. We were so fortunate to have had the Ed Sullivan show broadcast here in Canada so we saw the British Invasion unfold. It carried on the momentum of Gene Pitney, the Everly and the Righteous Brothers. Then along came Joni, Judi, Petula, Marianne, Cilla, Brenda Lee The list goes on. An embarrassment of riches. Immense gratitude to you for all your brilliant analyses.

[@g26s239]

Great choice Fil. This song has stood the test of time.

[@jimthompson606]

This was always one of my favorites and it's nice to have all the subtleties of the song explained.

[@margaretchayka6878]

Love The Zombies. I've got 'em on all my playlists, probably this song more than most.

[@Knards]

The Zombies, like the Classics IV were blessed with great vocals! If you havent done the Classics IV, consider it. 2 songs, Spooky and Traces

[@oldiesgeek454]

Not to mention my favorite of theirs, Stormy. 😊

[@Knards]

@@oldiesgeek454 A perfect addition!

[@oldiesgeek454]

@@Knards Thanks. I forgot to mention, Every Day With You Girl. 😊

[@communitypark2313]

TY Knards...Have been hoping Fil would give a listen to & analysis of Atlanta Rhythm Section's 'Spooky' LIVE Champagne Jam, Grant Field 1978. ARS possessing the monstrous talents of former Classics IV & Candymen (Roy Orbison backup) members.

[@Knards]

@@communitypark2313 thats a great request as well

[@garymaidman625]

They seem like really cool guys, Colin in particular. A particular story fairly recently I'm reminded of. Another KZbin channel, Alex and Andy, were reacting to and ranked the Zombies song Time of the Season, which they ranked as an S tier song. Colin got in contact with them, thanked them for the reaction and ranking and then said something along the lines of if you like that song, try out She's Not There. Alex and Andy, obviously were absolutely stoked about that and went on to react and rank She's Not There. Just a cool story from an artist that definitely didn't need to waste their time on some random KZbinrs.

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Great song...and I especially like the electric piano solo. Of course, the breathy vocal is perfection!

[@danthompson1m]

I love me some Zombies. I appreciate your appreciation. What a treat, just to hear those isolated vocals. I think the flatness works to convey character and meaning because it's like what we hear in a speaking voice. The melody of this song is haunting and enigmatic by itself, but the flatness, I believe, "speaks to us." You hear this in a lot of their other songs, which draw you in with their storytelling, and part of that is feeling that a particular person is conveying their experience, not just "singing a song." "Not a Rose for Emily" comes to mind. And let's also give credit for the beautiful silent model in this film, who does an outstanding job of not being there.

[@pstanton2445]

I used to play this song, (and Tell Her No), every day at work on my headphones, along with my other 800 favorites. I was around 6 years old when this came out. Sometimes, having older siblings is great. 😊

[@lindamcnelis6374]

Great analysis of the Zombies. As soon as you hear the intro music, one will know what the song is. It’s always great hearing music from the 60’s. The slight psychedelic sound between verses is reminiscent of that time period. How you break this song down , Fil, is amazing!! Thanks for sharing your great talent with us.

[@IDShar]

And I am amazed that I still remember the lyrics. One of my many favorites.

[@bgdavenport]

I remember the Zombies as rulers of the radio along with the Beatles. They're music was "avant guarde" for the day. Your enthusiasm for the genre is apparent, too!

[@stephenhyder4659]

Great job. In our day, we played both this one and Tell Her No. We found the jazz chords somehow. We loved the Zombies.

[@ronnie5129]

Cool, I still have the 45 RPM Single when it came out, Cousin Figel

[@bbbanks6912]

Love your smile Fil, so genuine.

[@wendyt7958]

Every time I hear this song, all I can hear is my engineers voice, "watch your mouth noises"! But what he failed to realize is this is what made this decade so good was the raw talent. Real nuances and not overly engineered and cleaned up so to speak. Great song!

[@oldermusiclover]

LOVE the bass guitar on this song

[@clifffan3]

I always loved this song

[@thefogvocalgroup7841]

Classic. One of my favorites. It’s a tragedy what’s happened to music the last 30 years. Thankful I grew up with 60s-70s music

[@vlw4165]

It's so cool when you review a song I've loved forever, and explain the subtleties that help me understand WHY I love it so much.

[@chthoniapodcast]

I love this song, and I especially love the bass line. I can't imagine what this song would be like if it were pitch corrected (maybe that's the other video...). The vocals are part of what makes it.

[@oldermusiclover]

love it too

[@stephentoto6564]

Fil,So happy you did something on the Zombies,I love the 60's groups,to me that's when music was music,lyrics and melodies,like the Rascals,Buckinghams,Turtles,Beach Boys,Ect,that's what got me playing the guitar,Keep up the good work!!

[@The5Leeses]

Know this well as an “oldie” love it! Thanks Fil for🫶🏻 doing what you do!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@billybud9557]

I remember well when this song first hit America. Blew us away. and the keyboard work was the wildest I ever heard..... I wanted to play like that. Best keyboard I ever heard. Ever. Was that guitar a big Gretch Country Gent in the back? Great vid. Time of the Season delivered a one two punch by this group.

[@wallynowacki6704]

Rod Argent on Keyboards. Yea Man!!! Often overlooked is the awesome BASS line. Crazy good.... Love it

[@miketayse]

Thanks for a great read on a old tune! I love the visuals of the vid, the keyboard instrumental, the whole bit. I'm 'gonna go listen to some more of their stuff.

[@bthomson]

This, "96 Tears" and "Needles and Pinza" (pins!) were some of my favorites!

[@yonaavraham9594]

I'm 67 and remember these songs like it was yesterday.I love,love,love the 1960's!

[@debishaw9355]

Great song! Great analysis, Fil……..