The Zombies: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Predicting music that will survive the ages just isn't possible. And the very existence of The Zombies in 2012 is even more baffling. Don't get me wrong; I love this group. A few of their 45 RPM singles - "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No" - I can still recall spinning 'round on my record player as a kid. But understand that this band didn't do so well at home in England and that its best known song, "Time of the Season," came out after the band had already broken up. The fact that The Zombies were here at my desk, that the band put out a record of new songs - Breathe Out, Breathe In - that the full band just completed a U.S. tour and that they sounded fabulous (I saw them twice in the past six months) is beyond surreal, it's a marvel.
This stripped-down version of The Zombies features two founding members: Rod Argent, the very adept keyboard player and backing vocalist, and singer Colin Blunstone. It may be Blunstone's voice - that sultry, gentle, kicked-back style - that defined the band's sound. These days that voice packs more punch than it used to, which is odd and amazing for a 67-year-old singer, though it's still unmistakably him. We caught Blunstone early in the morning for this Tiny Desk Concert, a time of the day when his range was self-admittedly a bit strained. However, the essence is still all there and so is the chemistry between Colin and Rod, a chemistry that began 51 years ago.
Set List
"She's Not There"
"Any Other Way"
"Time of the Season"
"I Don't Believe In Miracles"
Credits
Producer and editor: Bob Boilen; videographers: Bob Boilen and Nick Michael; audio engineer: Kevin Wait; photo by Ebony Bailey/NPR

[@lorilauber3014]

Colin's voice, the force of it, the presence of it, is so good! Every note is on target, his volume unapologetic because the timber, the color of his notes are truly beautiful. He is a true inspiration for a vocalist. Thanks Colin :)

[@slimturnpike]

Every note? Nah he blows quite a few, esp early on, maybe before his voice is warmed up.

[@markconnorsmusic]

@@slimturnpike for a guy who was pushing 70 in this video his voice is very strong...more refined than when he was in his twenties.

[@slimturnpike]

@@markconnorsmusic Fair enough.

[@MrAllallalla]

It just sounds bad. Don't know why you're deluding yourself. He used to hit these notes easily with a beautiful, unique breathiness. For some reason, 50 years later he tries to sing as high as back then unlike well-aging singers like Robert Plant and Tom Jones. The result sounds like a bad metal singer, going a third higher than he should, the words are unintelligible, and just an annoying forced closed sound. This guy needs to lose his ego and sing lower.

[@caroljordan6130]

I LOVE THE ZOMBIES 💓. Colin sounds AMAZING , STILL 😊

[@jamesstephenlee]

Colin is amazing. While most older musicians see a decline in the quality and power of their voices, Colin's has gotten increasingly more powerful and complex. He's also so damn humble (he doesn't even seem to know how to react to applause). What a pure talent and consummate gentleman

[@TheFibtastic]

If you're a Zombies fan you owe it to yourself to check out Colin's first two or three solo efforts. Glad to see them doing "I don't believe i miracles" here.

[@wobblebomb]

just saw them two nights ago-ten years after this video-and they still sound just as great. it was an absolutely fantastic show. they are so humble and talented...it was just the best

[@laradelucca9518]

The Zombies! The gift that keeps on giving. Scratch the surface of that one song you remember, and you discover a treasure trove of fantastic, passionate music. If the world should end today, I'd take my last breath whispering "Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent." Thank you!

[@AustinRoss42]

Man... this came up on a play list and I was like "wow this sounds really good...who is this? OH MY GOD THE ZOMBIES ARE STILL AROUND????"

[@patbressette-long9883]

Keep

[@caretakerfoch6103]

Turns out the band's name was an inspiration - The Zombies never die.

[@jgosier]

They have to be 175

[@vargaso]

Holy crap his voice. Incredible. It sounds possibly even better than on the records 40 frickin' years ago.

[@TheRabidabbey]

Holy hell! I didn't believe when I clicked the link that this would be "THE" Zombies. But it is!!

[@caretakerfoch6103]

I'm on a Zombies binge and I had no idea that they are still performing. These guys deserve a peerage, if only for sheer talent.

[@APanterALevel]

NPR thank you so much. The Zombies are one of the only bands that make me want to cry for one reason or another is every song. And you brought them to popular light. Whilst not as currently popular as some of the indie artists you pose on your channel, the Zombies are still the grandfathers of rock in my opinion.

[@richalfaro78]

I'm 45 yrs of age.,and I recall simpler times. When I was about 4 or 5 and my Mom would jam out to She's not there by the Zombies on a 45 record.,along w/ others being the British Invasion ..Good Music back then.,and still is the Blueprint..!!

[@oggysgirl1]

STILL GOT IT! I saw The Zombies in Lexington, Kentucky, a few years ago. What a thrill. Small venue, up close and personal and all of a sudden I was back in my first car with my first girl friend doing things for the first time. Thanks again to The Zombies and some of the greatest memories.

[@yearofthedragonjane]

they’re so stunning and still so great. when they harmonize I feel like Life is Beautiful

[@LadyCoco45]

What the??? The Zombies did a small bookshop last year, Wow? I just got back into their awesome sound. Saw them on the Moody Blues Cruise and was shocked to hear how strong Colin's vocals are and how wonderful Ron's finger work the keyboard. Well done lads!!!! I'm seeing four concerts this time around!!!! Blessings, Lady C . PS, These guys did it proper. Well done chaps!!!!!!

[@kirkfields9430]

These guys are the real deal. Must be nice to be blessed with that much talent. Even better that they shared it with the world.

[@baMbouZ]

This is such a classy performance

[@carygson]

Blunstone’s voice is extraordinary but Argent’s not doing bad on backup

[@billk9856]

Most under rated band of the 60's.

[@Bretoscaja]

300%. I think it might have to do with the fact that they didn’t release as many albums as Beatles, Stones, Beach Boys. But what they did put out there…man was it good

[@mikegardens]

legendary. still sound amazing! happy to know that they are still making music.

[@kellyd4229]

Awesome!!! Is the only word to describe Colin and Rod!!!

[@1ElCondor]

Great, is stunning, is to "take your hat off" the voice in excellent condition, delivery, attitude, of this singer and member of the band "The Zombies", Colin Blunstone Michael Edward, 67 years old, and i hope that still lasts for a good few years more, is that do not there are so many quality singers in the current music scene. Lately, there have emerged more quality female voices. It is worth recalling here that "She's Not There" is a song recorded for the 1965 album "Begin Here", 48 years ago. This songs could very well be released today.

[@JanetCordero-xv5kl]

❤❤❤❤ my favorite group,, 60's band are great, being nostalgic i was in high school year '64, when i discovered this group,love rod and colin ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheEaglewoman2]

Just Awesome!!! I grew up listening to the Zombies late at night on my transistor radio tuned in to Chicago radio stations, WLS or WCFL. So great to hear these guys after so many years, they sound better than ever!!!! (y)

[@lindafighera4268]

They sound amazing

[@Myeah]

I saw them at Santa Monica Pier and it was surreal!

[@jorgeiguana]

Incredible work !! Love you Rod & Colin

[@bernlin2000]

Glad these guys reunited...music this timeless deserves to be played, especially by those who crafted it. Monument men!

[@nicomoonbeam]

I can’t wait to see them tomorrow night at The Fillmore in San Francisco!

[@karinsmith7070]

Enjoying their recent performances so much, for me they are the musicians musician dazzling me with culminations of experience and special tones not found anywhere else xxoo

[@beatsbykana]

this man spazzin on the keys!

[@gigiosquiable]

My father said that today's young people need that inspiration. I loved the duet. Come to Brazil!!!

[@JamesAllmond]

Saw them in Macon, Ga, in a very small hall. They were simply amazing!

[@samgub]

I just had to go and see The Zombies 50th anniversary of Odessey and Oracle concert at The Palladium a few months ago, they were astonishing , i'd only discovered this classic album about 5 years ago. Colin Blunstone's voice is still superb.

[@oswaldthree]

@samgub "Colin Blunstone's voice is still superb." True. And actually, Rod Argent's is none too shabby either!! And his playing - wow. RjB

[@peterhughes8776]

This is rather wonderful! Thank you for posting it...I'd forgotten about these Tiny Desk concerts. Such a great idea.

[@hansinternett7661]

i am extremely delighted

[@ianhames2465]

It is a great time to be on this planet thanks to Colin and Rod.

[@rpscot55]

Two amazing talents still able to do it after all these years! Damn boys! Kudos! Can't wait to see you live again!

[@Trombonology]

Rod and Colin have lost none of the musical magic that made The Zombies such an important and unforgettable group. Wonderful!

[@thewintersessions]

Absolutely brilliant. These guys are the TRUTH.

[@willemvandeursen3105]

...And here we are, in 2023. Alive, both, still touring. The second song, not as widely knows as She's Not There, proves they still groove. Recorded in someone's, what, pantry? Fabulous. A concert of them ten years ago was the last musical event I went to. It was a birthday present from my sister, I didn't even know they were touring. They played many of their B-side single songs, it was truly a trip through time. When it was over I was in tears. The best concert I ever saw and heard. So personal, so warm, so professional. 1960s Prima Donna's? No, never for a moment.

[@my2cents2u]

Wow! What a treat! Feels like I just traveled back in time with one of my favorite bands. And a new album no less. :-)

[@CousinPike]

Wonderful! They still sound great!!

[@pumpkingirl4229]

The DJ played " Time of the Season " 3x at my Wedding...Back in 1983...My Brother was a Mod back then and he kept requesting it. 🤘🏼😜🎸

[@Sexypoision]

Amazing video! These guys are true artist!

[@ElusvOptmst1]

These wonderful men still have the it factor, the vocals, musicianship. Simply beautiful classical rock. I just love love love this. The Zombies are legendary. I never get tired of their music.

[@robertzofall7288]

Amazing after all these years!

[@robertzofall7288]

Just brilliant

[@eaqua56]

Glad I discovered this

[@TheGman858]

What a voice!

[@deidrajnay4697]

Wow man! I listen to these guys on heavy rotation... for years I've been seriously into them. Just beautiful. I dig it. Big time.

[@maribelcar-vall6055]

They are brilliant! Colin... I melt every time I hear him : ).

[@kalangoalpha5920]

Porra, um grupo lendário desses no Tiny Desk Concert quebrando tudo! Muito melhor que alguns artistas indie que aperecem por aí. Coisa de louco, parabéns pelo vídeo!

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

clicked on this expecting them to sound pretty bad tbh 40 - 50 years aftertheir peak and they sound fantastic- great versions!

[@canderson1522]

This is amazing.

[@WESSERPARAQUAT]

Big Cheer from my end when Rod stayed pretty faithful to the correct solos from Time of The Season!!! round of applause :)) BOTH of you still have it , Colin sounded superb here as good as in his youth if not better, anyway, Rod Argent Genuine Genius, me, pretend Genius :P oh well!

[@moonbeanification]

Boy do I love The Zombies ♥♥♥

[@startingfingerstyle]

Really enjoy these 'Tiny Desks' but somehow had missed this one. I was a massive fan of Argent in the 1970's especially the writing skills of Argent/White and Russ Ballard. I came to The Zombies through Argent, having been a bit too young in the 60's to appreciate it first time around. This was a great mini concert. Colin's voice amazes me, such power. Hoping once this 2020 virus studd is well and truly over, that I'll get a chance to see the boys in action again.....

[@momofoscardog]

Saw them love a few years ago after loving their music most of my life and they knocked me out with awe-same with this recording! Bravo!

[@alexdries8441]

Just great!

[@Nolina99]

Sounding as good as ever

[@nickfromCO]

great stuff. well done gentlemen

[@davidstensaas1471]

Yes, marvelous.. I'd love to have a voice that sounded so good strained or not, and Argent's playing is just gorgeous.

[@moxie96]

+David Stensaas --been revealed Rod only took two years of lessons and is mostly a self taught keyboardist

[@BabblingStudios]

This series continues to be the best thing on KZbin. Keep em coming! Maybe try for the Replacements (this seems like something Paul would get the group together for)?

[@zemundico7913]

Perfect! They have made the first steps into jazz-rock,even before The Yardbirds. Truly genious!

[@carygson]

If this impresses you go see their induction into the R&R Hall of Fame (don’t ask questions about Rod’s hair color)

[@iTomAnks]

Yes! Awesome!

[@theevilmachines]

this is awesome

[@MsPeach66]

awesome!!!!

[@johnbooth1556]

Goodness me. This was nothing less than fabulous. I was totally immersed.

[@Lookup2Wakeup]

These boys can perform in my front room any time!

[@allegroboy0]

The fact that so much came out of such small begings amazes me.

[@leguybond]

NO PUEDO CREER LO QUE ESTOY VIENDO! LOS ZOMBIES!!!! TREMENDOOOO!!!

[@simonlennis]

propper love singing their guts out,genuine genuine.

[@JordanIndiePop]

Perfection!!! :)

[@danmsc]

Amazing vocals

[@crazy0277]

I was actually present at this TDC when I was 12 and I really regret that I don't remember it after having gotten into The Zombies

[@MrOdisea]

Amo a esta banda...

[@miguelangelherrerasantilla1368]

Increíble!

[@nachobru]

te amo colin, sos increíble

[@miguelcanseco3107]

A living treasure of mankind

[@JDels-hn2ut]

As good, or better than ever!

[@PerryR-lr5pl]

Happy Birthday, Colin!

[@fugithegreat]

Love the Zombies!

[@MultiMoctezuma]

Increíble 😊👏🏻✌🏼👏🏻✌🏼

[@StLennyBruce]

I don't know if that piano guy got over his obsession with the "stripped down version," but, in spite of the great arrangements in his head, this real life, raw and awesome, heart-wrenching version is a killer. These guys are amazing. And the singer does their song "Any Other Way" at an age when, for me, it's the most touching. And it feels like even decades later, the pain is still there. Wow. I just adore this short clip.

[@carygson]

That’s Rod Argent

[@infallibleblue]

Fantastic

[@novembergentleman]

So goooood

[@kevingriffin8854]

Heck yes. Amazing.

[@ilsy74]

The Zombies' Ray Manzerik and Jim Morrison. Love you Rod and Colin .... you really spice up the music

[@jacktoddy9783]

Truly a beautiful perfromance.

[@robertokinks7251]

Two legends for one legendary band. The Zombies. They invented Prog Music

[@frereanaktom99]

i really liked them - my favourites along with the animals but they did not invent prog music.

[@QueenFan12]

@@frereanaktom99 I'd say Vanilla Fudge did that!

[@davidhorn2248]

Soft Machine!

[@lornainlondon4527]

Love Colin’s voice ❤️🇬🇧

[@juanestevesociales]

8:10 God, thank you, at last.

[@ezrac704]

Rod Argent is seriously such an incredible piano player

[@rapmaster]

In awe. Stunning.

[@cadenpolen001]

My favorite band, and to be honest they are EXTREMELY underrated. 🔥 They have so many amazing songs that go under the radar, and although they have similar sounds, I'd prefer them even over The Beatles. 🎶

[@maryanitaschmidt9651]

These dudes were awesome. Actually timeless looking for them..funny they do not look very old.considering they were popular a bit ahead of my age and i am old( er!)..great music but guess this is a decade ago..great sound here. Like these tiny desk bits ..thanks to youtube ..i see them..nice.

[@nakkadu]

They still look and sound great

[@fruitbythebecbec7165]

Why does this have as little views as it does......

[@freybyrd9851]

Hey! their new stuff is pretty good. It sounds old.