The Magical Sound of The Zombies Odessey & Oracle

[@MarshGooch]

I'm just an aging semi-pro musician from Seattle. My band got to open for the Zombies in 2007 or 8 and it is still among the top 5 highlights of my career. (Also up there are opening for The Damned and X.) Somewhere there is a photo of me, a bandmate, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone from that night. And I still have a signed poster from that gig. I LOVE the Zombies!

[@Notmyrealmame]

@@MarshGooch Great memories.

[@truthstillmatters59]

Cool story!

[@deirdre108]

@@MarshGooch Seattle resident here. Was that at the Moore?

[@MarshGooch]

@@deirdre108 We played with them at El Corazon. I was in a band called Guns & Rossetti. (Jon Auer of The Posies also played.)

[@JPTyler]

@@MarshGooch Aging? Nay....CLASSIC! You got to perform with some bad mofo's & I applaud you. 👏👏👏👏

[@dogratco]

The pump organ on "Butcher's Tale" was the same one John Lennon used for "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite."

[@walkerandwilliam]

@@dogratco wow never knew that and truly has made my day

[@Fool3SufferingFools]

Cool. It was certainly miked differently for Butcher’s Tale, because you can hear the “works” of it so clearly.

[@dazzlingdavedainty]

Remember looking up Time of the season many years ago for its uk chart position. Totally stunned when I realised it had failed here.one of the best songs of the sixties!

[@HumbertoTerrones-vz5zt]

❤ love The Zombies and this presentation is superb 👌 👏 👍🏽 ty

[@KingTutNJ]

@dogratco Curious where you heard this? My understanding is that the pump organ was something Rod or Chris had bought and was kept in the flat they shared

[@markusweienhorn7023]

Thank you for honoring one of the 10 best albums of the sixties.

[@samguberman2288]

I only discovered this album about 10 years ago sitting in a coffee shop and the young barista had music playing that intrigued me as I couldn't work out who it was by. The barista mentioned he came across it on a radio programme highlighting lost classic albums, immediately had to but this on cd first then vinyl, it's such a ray of sunshine, and this album is in my top ten but Sgt Pepper and Revolver tops my list. I was lucky to see The Zombies live in 2018 on their 50th anniversary tour of the album, they were outstanding but Colin Blunstone's vocals were amazing, fantastic album. Great harmonies .

[@EmeraldWoodArchives]

It's absolutely one of the great, great albums. The mellotron magic, the glorious harmonies, the fantastic songwriting, the beautiful sounds Geoff Emerick achieved... it's got it all. Along with the 13th Floor Elevators' "Easter Everywhere" (released October, 1967), it's always been my go to Autumn soundtrack. Thanks for another fantastic video, Andrew. Also, really looking forward to your Mellotron episode! I've had the pleasure of recording on a 70's M400, and after years of using software, playing a real one was mind blowing. I recall one violin D key sounding like a dying bee before the tape rewound. Beautifully weird sound.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy next week's episode.

[@MrCimryadeal]

Couples from Friends Of Mine are: Joyce Vale & Terry Quirk (designer of the cover), Paul Atkinson (guitarist of the band) & Molly Molloy, Liz Evans & Brian Baldwin, Joy Whitman & David Jones, Kim Elliott & Maggie Downing, June Browne & Duffy Coke, Jean & Jim Rodford, Jim & Christine Oakley. And by the way, if you find This Will Be Our Year lightweight, try the mono version, you're in for a surprise!

[@notreallyadog9646]

@@MrCimryadeal Yes! Re: the mono version of The Will Be Our Year. It is both much better sounding overall, and contains the great “Penny Lane” style trumpet lines that are sadly left off the stereo version. My brother and his wife danced to the mono mix for their first dance at their wedding.

[@MrCimryadeal]

@@notreallyadog9646 the brass section was directly overdubbed while mixing the song down, hence it doesn't exist on the multitrack tapes. The first time I heard the song I was surprised how bare it was. But later on when I heard the mono mix it all made sense!

[@nicktherecordlover1969]

@@notreallyadog9646 Re: the Mono Mix. The version on the Date label in U.S. has the mono version with trumpets (on the stereo LP). The whole album in mono is great (I have the CDs with mono and stereo mixes with bonus tracks). Love this album.

[@michaelharrington75]

Jean and Jim in the song 'friends of mine' were Jim and Jean Rodford. Jim played with the Kinks for a while, and with the Zombies in the 2010's. Both Jean and Jim were backup singers for the 2008, 40th Anniversary concert of Odessey and Oracle (which is amazing if you can find it!).

[@Parlogram]

Thanks for that!

[@michaelharrington75]

@@Parlogram Welcome! Thanks for the great videos!

[@GaryB007]

@@Parlogram Even though he toured with The Zombies, when Jim came home, he still played pub gigs here in St Albans right up until his death, mainly with "The Rodford Files" which featured his two sons, Steve (who is the current drummer with The Zombies) and Russ. A really nice chap who just loved to play music.

[@Sp33gan]

Cool info! I hadn't realised that from the names. Jim Rodford was also Rod Argent's cousin and had been asked to be The Zombies' bassist when they first formed in 1961. He declined as he was already in a band he liked and the position went to Paul Arnold, who came up with the group's name. Arnold left not long after, replaced by Chris White. I think Rodford started played with them around 2004/05, over 40 years after first being asked.

[@KingTutNJ]

@@michaelharrington75 One small correction. Jean wasn’t a backup singer for the Odessey & Oracle concerts. That was actually Chris White’s wife Viv Boucherat.

[@stevekirk7066]

Brilliant video, love the details and trivia you manage to unearth. Keep them coming Andrew.

[@Parlogram]

Cheers Steve. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronbo11]

"Odessey and Oracle" stands at the peak of my favorite 60s albums along with Love's "Forever Changes", The Kinks "...Are the Village Green Preservation Society", The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds", The Beatles "Abbey Road", "The Band" by The Band and a dark horse I discovered about a decade ago called "Begin" by The Millennium. A lot of times if I have long road trips, I'll be sure to include The Zombies, Love, The Band and The Millennium in my road CDs (along with "The Darlings of Wapping Wharf Launderette" by The Small Faces that has 50 of their Immediate recordings including every track from the LP "Ogden's Nut Gone Flake"). Great traveling companions that you can sing along with.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

You've mentioned my top three albums of all time right there at the beginning. This, Love and the Kinks. We can be friends.

[@hihiaurelnarmadashankar4334]

Add one more S.F Soroow

[@NewFalconerRecords]

@@hihiaurelnarmadashankar4334 ABSOLUTELY!

[@JustAFocus]

Just the fact that you named "Forever Changes," "Village Green" and "Begin" along with the obvious others....kindred spirits, man. I will never stop loving all of this stuff. Rock on!

[@jimmyoconnor1]

❤Fantastic video! We saw them perform this gem of an album in its entirety when they opened up for Brian Wilson in NYC a few years back. Glad I captured it!

[@lowenbad]

I would have loved to have seen that! I never got a chance to see either of them. Definitely a bucket list concert.

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

@@lowenbad There's an Odyssey & Oracle live 40th anniversary double CD recorded in London in 2008 (might be on YT?) which can still be found if you wanted to hear it -- expensive though!

[@johnmurray7905]

​@@PaIaeoCIive1684 There's also a live DVD of the 40th anniversary concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire 2008 on the same label.

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

@@johnmurray7905 Think I've got that one. I've also got the DVD/CD set from Metropolis Studios (2011) but that isn't an Odessey & Oracle set. The 2008 live one I mentioned is the best complete O & O performance, IMO. Colin Blunstone's fine voice held up well on these gigs despite it being around 40 years after the studio album too.

[@phillippope6844]

That copy of Days of Future Passed just keeps tempting us in the background. Really hope that album is waiting in the Parlogram queue.

[@Parlogram]

It is, Phillip!

[@joeywisedrums]

@@Parlogramwould love to eventually get around to the relationships between psychedelia, proto prog, progressive pop, and baroque pop. I find it highly interesting how prior to 1969 bands had a particular sound. Then King Crimson, The Nice, and ELP set the standards of what progressive music would be. Yes’ debut album and Genesis’ debut album were both very interesting and specific music, then the above influences are quite apparent on their 2nd albums.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

In 1968, the album that the music industry was obsessed with was Laura Nyro's art pop masterpiece and seismically influence Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, a contender for the best pop/rock ever made based on all songwriting and musical elements. Nyro "probably influenced more successful songwriters than anyone" Elton John, 2007. Her writing and vocal delivery was revolutionary for pop. In November 1969, covers of her songs were at Nos 1, 2 and 10 on Billboard.

[@buddycushman2851]

She's my all-time favorite singer. Nice piece of information tucked in these comments. Thanks.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

@buddycushman2851 Me too. Cheers.

[@SQDLVR]

Another awesome video of one of my favorite albums from childhood. My Dad bought me the US lp which was on the Date label back in 1969. I found a reel tape of it while going through his tapes.

[@GordonHudson]

I spent my childhood playing in Beechwood Park. Not the one in the song, but the song completely sums up the park I knew.

[@JoJoJoker]

I “discovered” this album back in 2022 and it immediately became a favorite listen. Wonderful stuff, here!

[@photoslum]

all the way back in 2022! lol - said in good humor

[@JoJoJoker]

@@photoslum :-)

[@tajarberlin]

I've got a polish version in 1976, when I was 12 years old. I definitely felt in love with the record.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Thanks for this review. I think you might already know, but a Moody Blues musician had worked with the company that made the Mellotron, and so had inside knowledge in more ways than one.

[@truthstillmatters59]

I bought a copy of this album back in 2010 and was shocked that such an excellent album managed to slip past my radar. Of course I was familiar with Time of the Season, but was blown away by how well the album flowed. There isn't a bad song on it. Unlike you, I was able to see the Zombies in 2019 open for Brian Wilson. They performed the album in its entirety which was pretty damn cool!

[@marionreed5496]

Thought it may of influenced early Pink Floyd,just my take of the album.

[@truthstillmatters59]

@@marionreed5496 I can hear that now that you mention it. It seems more likely that Syd Barrett's Pink Floyd influenced Rod Argent and the Zombies.

[@davehealey2397]

Thanks for that. Really enjoyed your tribute to the album. It is, of course, in my collection, but it is always a pleasure to get fresh overview and perspective.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheAltonEllis]

"Time of the Season" was a familiar listen on AM radio when I was a kid, but it was not until I was in my 20's did I discover the glory of the entire album. Now, a treasured member of my desert island disc collection. Great video, thanks for this!

[@Parlogram]

Great memories. Thanks for watching!

[@buddycushman2851]

Really nice review. I love this record. Thank you.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@piershemmingsen3937]

Another terrific episode. Many thanks. Care Of Cell / Maybe After He's Gone 45 was issued as a single in Canada in late 1967 on the orange Columbia label - that single predated Time Of The Season / Friends Of Mine issued in Canada on the green Date label in late 1968 (mono Lps were no longer pressed in Canada after mid 1968). Those two Canadian Zombies singles were only pressed in mono, while the Canadian Date Odessey Lp was stereo only as you state. Many thanks again for a well researched and highly informative video on The Zombies' finest hour.

[@Parlogram]

Cheers for the info, Piers. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jamesfetherston1190]

My buddy and I were fascinated by the Zombies back in the early 1980s after hearing “Time of the Season” on the radio. We used to call into stations daily requesting Zombies, but usually were ignored. Their records were pretty hard to find then, but he got a hold of a copy of a double album called “Time of the Zombies” which included Odessey and Oracle on one disc. It was a real revelation

[@bernhard99]

Tack!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you so much!

[@chriscorry7290]

Really nice to watch this, with some details I hadn't heard before. This was the very first album I ever bought (along with Revolver and the Strawberry Fields/Penny Lane single) after hearing it championed on UK radio 1 by Kenny Everett. Thanks, Rod, Colin and Co!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardcompton8881]

Man, does this bring back 😊 wonderful memories or what...??!!!!!

[@DuelFilms]

On your suggestion here, I just picked up the double CD with both the mono & stereo versions of this album (and some demo tracks). Looking forward to a thorough listen today - thanks for this review!

[@nicktherecordlover1969]

@DuelFilms I have the single CD with mono and stereo mixes (30th Anniversary) and studio outtakes. Bought the double CD as well. Did you get the Record store Day Teal vinyl version? I bought that a couple years ago and last year or so I found the fiery orange colored vinyl.

[@bernhard99]

So well produced videos and so calm voice, well done

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@KingTutNJ]

Thanks for this great video Andrew! To be upfront, I’ve had the privilege of working with The Zombies for the past 25 years (so I’m somewhat biased!). This experience has also given me the privilege of personally seeing how this album has touched generations of people around the world (including those like you who heard the Polish release) from the 1960’s to teenagers today. Thank you for supporting the band. And I hope I’m not violating community rules by mentioning this, but the original band members have recently reclaimed their rights to the catalog and are planning a definitive mono reissue on vinyl next year, remastered from the original tapes!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the information! Looking forward to the future reissue.

[@johnnytheg]

This is one of my favorite albums of all time. I got to see the Zombies minus Paul Atkinson perform the album in its entirety in New York around 2014 or so. The first time I heard it is when I bought the CD in the mid 80's and it blew my mind.

[@nicknikipediacaulkin5943]

Superb video, Andrew! This album is a classic and deserved to do much better but at least it has now been recognised as a masterpiece.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it, Nick!

[@777noirkat]

Thank you Mr Argent! Time of the season is truly a masterpiece- I really enjoyed seeing the Dave Matthews band cover it live- cheers

[@HartponderJr]

Great video…I hope the Moody Blues are on your short list for amazing music/albums

[@phillippope6844]

Yes! I can sympathize this request - no discussion of 60s UK albums can be complete without Days of Future Passed and the other many other fabulous Moodies albums from 67 to 69

[@ramblerandy2397]

Absolutely. There's a big story to be told of those 7 albums from Days... onward through to Seventh Sojourn.

[@Parlogram]

They are!

[@HartponderJr]

@@Parlogram You rock!

[@ShiningHourPop]

Your channel, Andrew, is consistently SO good. I look forward to watching a new episode each Sunday.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you kindly. Glad you enjoy it!

[@50l12]

Love this video! Very mature take on WW1, the Butchers Tale is so out there, sounds like the Microphones over 30 years earlier. I've never got the autumnal connection with this album as a whole though for me it's much more of a summer album. This video made me go back and listen to my Half Speed remaster vinyl which sounds good. I never knew there was such significant differences in the stereo mix, would love an original but not spending probably thousands to get one. I know you mentioned Scott 4 in your best British albums of the 60s list but I would love to see a similar video on that.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it. A video on Scott 4 is coming soon.

[@rileyswedelius-smith6360]

For anyone who has not yet heard it, the Zombies’ newest album Different Game is honestly their second-best album after O&O. It’s a beautiful album about love and growing old.

[@KingTutNJ]

@@rileyswedelius-smith6360 I can’t agree with you more!

[@moxievision]

Great video, this album has been a favourite of mine since my teen years, when I was after all things psychedelic and couldn't get enough of records like this, the Left Banke, the Pretty Things' SF Sorrow and more. I didn't have it on vinyl until more recently, when I bought the Craft/Varese Sarabande reissue, and was underwhelmed by what I felt sounded drab and muddy. Then I got the Big Beat 40th Anniversary pressing, and was much happier with the results. But then I got a tip that one of the best ways to get a decent analogue pressing of Odessey & Oracle is to get the double LP anthology Time of the Zombies, which has one LP of Zombies singles, in glorious mono, and the stereo mix of O&O in its entirety on the second platter. The double LP is relatively cheap and easy to find, and while U.K. copies are optimal, the North American pressing on Epic will do in a pinch (and shouldn't cost more than $20).

[@barrymargolis5369]

I too love "S.F. Sorrow" but it's such a downer, I'm not surprised it was a hit. (Imagine dropping acid and listening to this sad story!) It also didn't help that Motown got their grubby fingers on it and ruined the artwork...not to mention the audio drop out on "Baron Saturday"!

[@moxievision]

@@barrymargolis5369 A Pretty Things-loving friend of mine says U.K. mono is the only way to go for S.F. Sorrow (the band's preferred mix, apparently), but I've given up on finding one outside of the pricey box set reissue. Living in Canada, I'll have to make do with my copy, in that weirdo Motown double LP set that include it and Parachute, which isn't a bad deal, TBH. Haven't spun it in ages, I should see if the drop out carried over to the reissue...

[@barrymargolis5369]

@@moxievision Being a stereo fanatic, I prefer the stereo. If your two record set it on Motown, it will have that same drop after the instrumental break.....you might check Discogs for the mono Snapper CD reissue.

[@moxievision]

@@barrymargolis5369 Thanks for the reminder Barry, went straight to Discogs and found a used copy of the Snapper mono CD of SF Sorrow for 6 Euros! Sweet deal.

[@deepredson]

a fantastic album. So often overlooked these days. Really beautiful stuff there. Barty

[@misternewoutlook5437]

One of my favorite albums. All the songs have a great mood and interesting tunefulness.

[@nicktherecordlover1969]

Hi Andrew. This is a great video! I heard it this morning at work on my headphones. Very informative about the songs. Just saw your vid about The Beatles U.S. albums as well. Wonderful content! Keep up the great work! Since I first bought the 30th Anniversary of "Odessey and Oracle" on CD, I could tell they were influenced by The Beach Boys on "Care of Cell 44".

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@melonmaniac]

My 8 year old daughter is presently obsessed with this record ( I purchased a white box set around 2018). I had to buy another copy of the record for her so she would not wear down my copy, in fact I may have lost access to my turntable.... Thank you for this wonderful video which I will show her tonight.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! I hope she enjoys it.

[@Transterra55]

I have always loved this album… Music is like a Time Machine - it can take you to a definitive time and place when you first heard an album, bringing back all kinds of warm memories.

[@immaterialimmaterial5195]

Thanks!!! Lovely album. HUNG UP ON A DREAM is my fave! All of this album is magical/powerful/beautiful and relevant. Love your channel!

[@FilipSandecomposer]

Thank you so much for this video. This album is actally insane good. The Molodies, the chord changes, the playing the production EVERYTHING! As a classical composer this music makes me so happy.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vo2maximus177]

Another beautifully researched, produced and presented piece, many thanks Andrew. I'm possibly stating the obvious so please forgive me, but after the Zombies finished Rod Argent started up another band, simply called Argent. With lead singer Russ Ballard (he of the sunglasses) they recorded the hit Hold Your Head Up.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SuperNevile]

and "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" (written by Russ Ballard), which even name checks Cliff Richard.

[@bifftannen74]

An amazing album and a great video. I was lucky enough to see The Zombies in Bristol back in June. They were astonishing.

[@kev5621]

I saw them perform this album when they toured with Brian Wilson. Incredible show. O and O in its entirety…..amazing

[@Rosyglowofchristmas]

Right up there with The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society.................two magnificent albums!!!

[@NewFalconerRecords]

My two favourite British albums. You and I could be friends.

[@alanboyle9392]

Saw these guys in may of 2023,they were on my bucket list,along with the Moodies,both crossed off now,Awsome!

[@paulkroger4099]

Thank you for the recommendation. I only knew "time..." from this album. I bought it last week and this is really a great album!

[@nicktherecordlover1969]

@paulkorger4099 I have book, "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die", and this is one of them. As it should be.

[@stevengornall934]

I really love O&O holds a special place in my heart One of if not my favourite album ever And "Hung Up On A Dream" is pne of my favourite songs ever

[@RonaldBrown59]

I came across this LP sometime in the eighties and it has been on my favorites since that time. Thanks for doing such a great job on covering the history of it. Don't I just want to remind that 'This Will Be Our Year' is one of the most popular tracks on the LP by younger people who discovered the album long after it was released. Another great production, thanks for sharing.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Ronald. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sp33gan]

Thank you, Andrew, for featuring this incredible album. It's been one of my favourites, as have The Zombies themselves, since I was a teenager back in the mid-70s. Odessey And Oracle is one of those rare albums where every single track is a winner and I can't count the number of times I've just sat back with my headphones on, my lights off, and just lost myself in the ride. Like you, Brief Candles is a particular favourite and it inspired me to write a similarly themed song while sitting in my local pu while watching the people at the other tables. Unfortunately, I forget to bring it with me but the waitresses all told me they loved my 'poetry' when next I was in. ☺ In late 2017 I had the joy of seeing The Zombies as they toured the world in honour of the 50th anniversary of this album's recording. All the original members were there for it, save the departed Paul Atkinson. It remains one of my favourite of the hundreds of concerts I've seen. Watching A Butcher's Tale performed live was wonderfully atmospheric and sent chills down my spine. Chris White did a fantastic job on the vocals, making me feel the horrors first hand. Best of all, I had the honour of meeting with Chris White and Hugh Grundy to talk about the album and their career. They were both so friendly and happy to answer any questions I had, as well as a couple of pointers for my own band and songwriting. As a bonus, my favourite aspect of any band has always been the rhythm section, the bass and drums being are the glue that holds the songs together. Who better to share this with than one the best rhythm sections in my eyes. As an interesting aside, with the eventual massive success of Time Of The Season, The Zombies were asked to reform and tour to support the single. They declined but an unscrupulous promotor hired two existing bands to tour the US as ersatz Zombies. One of those groups had two members of the future ZZ Top in their lineup. From tiny acorns ....

[@Parlogram]

Great post!

[@simpleman5688]

I hope you meant Honors. Lol

[@Sp33gan]

@@simpleman5688 In regards to ...?

[@Sp33gan]

@@Parlogram Thank you, Andrew. ☺

[@charliestoops8815]

Have always loved this album! Also appreciated the shoutout to Five Leaves Left, would love for you to do a video on Nick Drake someday (whenever you can get around to it of course!)

[@Parlogram]

Will do!

[@davidferguson777]

Andrew, you have finally made an opinion I must take issue with namely giving This Will Be Our Year the short shrift. Amidst the regret and sad irony of most the other tracks, this one provides a joyous celebration of the singer and his subject. Blunstone knocks it out of the park on the vocals, especially the modulated key into the third verse. Other than that, carry on and terrific episode (and channel)!

[@Parlogram]

Fair point, David.

[@roberttowler1278]

Carry on indeed!

[@martincornew8285]

I bought this album on cd back in 1996. I'd seen it in the MOJO magazine's top 100 albums feature probably of the same year. For a long while i considered this as my favourite album of the 60's. Even introducing it to some of my 60's loving friends. They all agreed it was a hidden gem of a find. It's still up there as a favourite of mine but have since discovered many other fantastic albums of that era to add to it. I'd also bought "Arthur" by the Kinks from the same MOJO list. Another gem too!!

[@jeremyohodge4184]

Outside of Fishbone, my favorite concert was when I saw The Zombies at The Birchmere (within walking distance from my residence) two years ago. I wasn’t the youngest there, but I recall most of the men resembling Charlie Rich. I sat up front between the stage and the dressing room (close enough to where at its closing, I got to shake Rod Argent’s hand as he walked off stage). They performed many songs from this album, some new ones, an Argent track, and I Love You, complete with a small rant by Colin on an American band having success with it. It was an incredible experience and I was shocked at how Colin still sounded as he did on record all those years ago! I’m saddened to hear of Rod’s stroke, but I hope he gets well soon!

[@Parlogram]

You were very lucky! Thanks for sharing the experience.

[@paulshaum3421]

@@jeremyohodge4184 fishbones the best show I’ve ever seen as well, but they kicked out Norwood recently and it’s just not the same unfortunately

[@dailyflash]

Living in L.A., I saw Fishbone a few times, and even got to open for them once. No one knew if it was them or The Chili Peppers that would break out, but I guess they weren’t considered different enough from the Peppers, so there was only room for one punk/funk to get bigger.

[@dustincampbell5170]

Great video! Thanks Andrew!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you liked it!

[@dustincampbell5170]

@@Parlogram I liked it so much that I had to order a copy of the album last night!

[@hawkmoon03111951]

I heard "Care of Cell 44" at a Lyceum, London, gig back in the late 60's. Had to go out and buy the LP. Never regretted it and still have my original copy. Most of the LP's I bought in the 60's never get played anymore but... this one does along with "Forever Changes"" and "Pet Sounds"".

[@DanielCochranSC]

That was a very nice walk through on that album. Thank you. God bless

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@roberttowler1278]

Great listen thanks to everyone for the BBC suggestions!” Alexa play” lol

[@tiagogalindez]

Great video! This is one of my favorite albums...such a masterpiece. Thanks!!!!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thegravelcamp-official5465]

Excellent video as usual Andrew. In the summer of ‘67 my main focus was on the Sgt Pepper album but I was also listening to tons of music from that year however, amazingly Odyssey and Oracle passed me by. But it came to my attention the following year when Time of the Season was n of the tracks on the excellent sampler album, The Rock MachinecTurns You On. I then bought O and O. Brilliant album bi not as good sonically nor musically as Sgt Pepper. I saw the Zombies in 2010. They were brilliant!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing your memories.

[@mikejohnson5914]

Thank you for a indepth explanation of the Zombies Oydessy & Oracle album. I was 7 in early summer of 1969 living San Diego California when the song Time of thw Season hit the radio air waves and was a big hit. When i first heard tbis song, i just loved it and gave me chills. The song reminds me being at the beach with family and friends. A great time for me. I still get chills listening to this song. So all these years later i will purchase this album to hear all the songs produced. Thanks again to bringing this album to light.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gidneyandcloyd]

I just got The EP Collection for Christmas this year. I am suddenly a huge Zombies fan. As a 70-year-old American, I knew and liked their three hits but never looked deeper into their work. I’m so sorry to hear about Rod Argent’s stroke. I would very much have liked to have seen them.

[@jimcabezola3051]

Mahalo for introducing me to yet another album I'd never even considered! And...the Mellotron? I'd never considered how it worked! Very much looking forward to your next video!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leamanc]

Great stuff! I appreciate the detailed look at the album's origins. It is just one of those essential LPs that any collection must have. And somehow, it seems to sound more modern each year rather than becoming dated.

[@edwardmulholland7912]

I borrowed the album from the library a couple of weeks ago because I’ve always known how highly rated it is. It’s was the mono/stereo CD edition. I ripped to my iTunes, but I’ve I’ve yet to listen to it. This video has inspired me to give it a good listen. Thank you for this.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Well done for presenting such a great rundown of this album in just 16 minutes. If you'd given me the task, I'd be doing a three hour video at least, I love this album so much. I put it just under Love's 'Forever Changes' and 'The Kinks Are the Preservation Society' as my all time fave. But it's like Don Bradman's batting average of 99.94, virtually perfect.

[@jimsaco4334]

Around 1980 I bought the two record set "Time of the Zombies" and it immediately made 80% of my record collection obsolete. Odessey definitely among my 25 favorite albums of all time.

[@J_alex_day]

Hi Andrew thanks for a very interesting video! I borrowed the album from a friend a few years ago. I really like the groovy mellow feeling! Time of the Season I had heard before and is a track of my teenage years. Hearing it in the context of the album gives it a lift. I will buy a copy for my collection. Cheers 🍻

[@Parlogram]

Glad it was helpful. It's worth owning.

[@thechuckster6838]

Love this album and your presentation of it! Great work. I've owned it for a very long time and bought the first CD release of it in the 80's by Rhino.

[@TheSteveBoyd]

I've never heard this record all the way through, incredibly. I'm going to rectify that right now. Thanks for another great video!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks for listening. Hope you enjoy it.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

@TheSteveBoyd Are you in for a treat!

[@CraigCholar]

Thanks for the Odessey and Oracle appreciation! In preparation for seeing The Zombies play an intimate gig in San Francisco at least a decade or more ago, I dived into their catalog, and was stunned that I had somehow missed knowing about Odessey and Oracle completely. I only wish that I had been able to go to one of their more recent concerts where they played that brilliant album in its entirety.

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Superb vid Andrew. An album that deserves everyone's attention. I very much look forward to next week as I'm a big Mellotron fan! For anyone interested and on a budget, the early 70s compilation called Time of The Zombies includes O&O as the second disc with an assortment of early hits and oddities on the first. Whilst I can't compare to a UK first press, this issue sounds great to my ears.

[@Parlogram]

Good call, George. Hope you like next weeks video!

[@JasonCryer]

Thank you for shedding some light on this beautiful album… looking forward to your Mellotron video! I had the privilege of seeing The Zombies perform the album in its entirety at the Fillmore here in San Francisco back in 2015 (a fitting venue, I must say). They hadn’t missed a step, they sounded fantastic! And Chris White’s vocal performance of Butcher’s Tale was a highlight. It really ripped your heart out.

[@einarkvaran4276]

I got this album when it first came out and promptly fell in love with it. I have since switched over to just CDs, so it was one of the first CDs that I got. The Zombies were (I think) the first major band I saw live (in the Philippines, maybe in 1967) and I was hooked from then on. Thanks for reminding me why.

[@theshivers1967]

Thank you so much, Andrew. I was first introduced to this true masterpiece about thirty years ago. It is indeed a master class in songwriting, and it also took my already obsessive love of the Mellotron to an entirely new level.

[@martygould5114]

One of my all time favorites. Hung Up On A Dream... hasn't that happened to us all? My copy is the Date green label.

[@JC20XX]

Excellent video, thank you. I'm sad to hear of Argent's stroke and wish him well. His playing inspired my love for the keys.

[@bobbycampbell9155]

Thanks Andrew. Excellent video. I was unaware of Rod’s stroke. I was born in ‘68 and have loved this LP since the mid ‘70s. I’ve seen them more than any other band, the first time was the 40th anniversary of the album and then every time since. Even saw them at the Palladium in London for the 50th. They were always amazing and Colin’s voice was as powerful as it ever was albeit in a different register.

[@nrod66]

Great album... It is sitting on my shelves for more then 40 years! Love the Zombies. Looking forward to your sixties favourite UK albums. Cheers, Nelio.

[@bobsbigboy_]

very much looking forward to that mellotron video!!!

[@garywright8557]

Andrew, MANY THANKS for pointing out this album to someone like me who had never heard of it! I'm going to place an order right now for the CD and a vinyl. Will be sure and let you know what I think of it. Your channel is absolutely priceless! Keep it up!!!!!

[@Parlogram]

My pleasure, Gary!

[@MartysPopParty]

Nice Job Andrew ! One of the greatest Rock albums of all time. Created by the nicest bunch of guys you’d ever want to know.

[@dasherf17]

I got my first CD (mono/stereo) of the album and played it through headphones in bed...I was truly blown away... Time of the Season, fabulous track as it is, seems out of place with the rest of the album... My favorite track is Chris' Butcher's Tale...I like them dark and moody... Good show, Andrew!

[@andrewmoodie5751]

Great video about a great album, thanks!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Edits9000-h7m]

I’ve listened to both odyssey and oracle as well as begin here (not on vinyl or cd or cassette) but I can say that they are incredible albums I really recommend them

[@essexboy5520]

Nice one Andrew. Love this album. Saw them live in St Albans (there home town /city) in 2009 I think. They played a few tracks from the album Colin Blunstone said it was Paul Wellers favourite album. So pleased I got to see them.

[@paulwhiteside1805]

Excellent video, Andrew. 👍To the uninitiated ( I counted myself in that category) this album and the story behind it, are a revelation. The explanation of how a Mellotron works is fascinating and, equally, it came as a surprise to me that the Zombies never again reached the dizzy heights they achieved with " She's not there". Thank you for your research.☺

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it, Paul!

[@greeneyedmonster1174]

while watching your video, I stopped midway through as I was so intrigued by what you said about the album that I decided to give it a listen. simply put, it's amazing. surprised I never heard of it before (though I did know Time of the Season). quickly turning into one of my favorite records, some of it absolutely blew my mind. thanks for helping me discover this gem!

[@Parlogram]

Glad to be of service!

[@octavechords]

When the album turned 50, I wrote an article for this sort of online magazine (in Spanish). While doing all the research, I found out that Jim and Jean were the only couple who hadn't divorced (from the Friends Of Mine namedropping section), and up to that moment, Jim was the current Zombies bassist.

[@CoinOpTV]

Such a classic album!

[@georgecapote6374]

I wholeheartedly agree. This album has always been in my top ten list. I find it enchanting as it weaves through sadness, loss then hope. Mellotron heaven!

[@Nutspittle]

I stumbled into the existence of this album in 2017. Time of the Season has always been one of my favorite songs of all time, even though I was born in 1968. I quickly purchased this album and it is one the top 10 albums. I like every song from beginning to end.

[@hm4steve]

An excellent commentary for a excellent album.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dennisstuempfle5594]

Thanks for some insight. This is one of my all time favorite LPs. I bought it when it came out in the US while I was serving in the US Air Force and I played it for everyone in the barracks that I liked and who liked rock. The base exchange sold out within a few days. It's a great album and interesting that this review mentioned two of my other top 10 fav albums Sgt Pepper and Pet Sounds.

[@NLKINK]

Wonderful video, Andrew. I haven't listened to this album for quite a while but will be giving it a spin tomorrow while I'm working.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@seananglum4737]

In spring of 1969, my high school girlfriend and I picked Time of the Season as "our song." Tho' the romance cooled and was finally put asunder with her death in an auto accident a few years later., every hearing of that incredible song since reminds me of beautiful Christy. On a sunny autumn day in 2001, I strolled into Rhino Records' shop in LA just as they were cueing up the album. I spent my time record shopping with the Zombies (and Christy.) Still a memorable day! ❤

[@Zappa-bn3dq]

I became aware of this album after buying a second hand copy of the double LP Time of the Zombies in 1979 ( now also a minor collectors piece). It had the same effect on me that you seemed to experience. WONDERFUL

[@JWD1992]

I love the mellotron; I love this album, haha. I will absolutely be watching the mellotron video. I guess the Zombies were not as big as their contemporaries (at least not initially) because they didn't have "the look." Two guys with thick glasses. I could not care less if an artist looks "cool," but the general public often does. Brief Candles is probably my favorite track. Those melancholy mellotron swells are just lovely. I have a US 1970s reissue with a different jacket that has a second disc with some Decca singles. I would absolutely love to hear an original UK mono. I know This Will Be Our Year is significantly different in mono.

[@Michel-r6m]

Thanks for bringing up this album. Knew the band but not this album 👍 As for Mellotron... There are digital versions that use uncompressed tapes from original Mellotron as sample/source material. They do sound impressive.