The Zombies was like an added Goodie thrown into the mix in the flood of The British Invasion. The Beatles sang sounding American while The Zombies had/have that genuine British sound. I spent a couple of my Air Force years in England, enjoyed every second of the experience. A band that never made it big across the pond, though they tried, check out The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.
As much as I love The Beatles I’m gonna have to say The Zombies are my Favorite Band Their sound is so different from mixtures of Jazz, R&B,Pop, Rock and Roll,Baroque Pop I’m so happy The Hall of Fame inducted them.
One of my favorite 60's British Invasion bands...Argent's keyboards, Blunston's vocals...they were a haunting, compelling combination. And those harmonies....oh, those harmonies! Amazing. They dabble in jazz, romantic pop, blues. Just a great band with a great sound & great songs!!! 👍
That is true greatness... Rod planning to sing what he wrote And then Realizing that Colin's voice was just too amazing And Colin saying that they should add keyboards recognizing Rod's talent for that You can see it in Rod's back up vocals What a key part he is... His energy is a huge part of vocals even though he is considered back It reminds me of Lou Rawls stunning back up to Sam Cooke In Bring it On Home to Me
'Nobody But Me' by the Human Beinz pipped it by quite a few. Over a hundred "no's" compared to about 60-70 on 'Tell Her No'. But at least 'Nobody But Me' has one "yeah" in it.
That is one of my favorite bands; they got inducted into the RnR Hall of Fame way too late. The bass player had died recently and didn’t get to see it. Sad.
What is interesting to me is that a couple of their most successful songs had very pointed powerful lyrics No one told me about her And Time of the Season As well as covers like Summertime Rod Argent was said to be very picky about phrasing And its possible some of the later songs did not have the same power in lyrics This said with huge love as i listen to them all the time And adore Colin's voice past all reason ❤ But must confess that am left a bit cold by some later lyrics Rod said that he wrote those 2 songs practically overnight And Colin had to record Time the very day he saw it for the first time It goes to show that sometimes when the brain is under great pressure to produce in little time, The subconscious can sometimes take over And throw out great depth
I was lucky enough to interview Colin Blunstone a couple of years ago for a documentary film on the late, great Clifford T.Ward..Colin really is the nicest gentleman you could wish to meet..and after we had finished filming he took us all to a spot by the canal behind his house and we spent an hour feeding the ducks and chatting about absolutely everything except himself ..no big ego or idea of himself as a star..and genuinely humble...a day I will always remember
Ah, man...thanks so much for this! When I was introducing my teenage son to the Beatles he found my old Zombies record, which I admit was so scratchy I was embarrassed, and ended up buying a new version at a used record store because he was so impressed! Thanks for this...this, the Banke...you are hitting all my faves!
Since first hearing the Zombies - decades ago - I got to know their few top radio hits quite well. In my head, I always thought; "the rest of their stuff has gotta be really good." In the midst of collecting other bands, I didn't get around to dig deep in to the rest of their catalog until I was in my late 40s. I continue to be blown away by these guys, and I even deeply respect their work from 1990 on out. It's amazing the struggles that this band endured, we're very lucky to have them around today. Totally worthy of their place in the rock and roll hall of fame.
About 15 years ago, was my first of about 7 Zombies concerts. What a special night that was, having since connected with several people who were at that same show. Considering the 1000's of artists I've seen live, they recieved the only triple standing ovation I've ever witnessed; for, Time of the Season!!! There were 2 older women ahead of me in the outside lineup. We started talking & the quiet one got immediately animated when the Zombies topic came around. "Did you see them last time they were here?" "No, when was that?" * May 26, 1965, Vancouver, BC (Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars '65). She then produces an instamatic photo of both herself & her girlfriend, posing with both Colin & Rod, outside the venue. I was five years old, then. So ahead of their time, never getting their due, back in the day...Odessey and Oracle is one of rock's greatest albums, a masterpiece.
Thanks for your interesting series on the history of various 60s groups. One suggestion, when you're talking about the success or lack of it of individual tracks or groups, it's worth remembering that in the early 60s music on the radio in Britain was severely limited on the BBC, and in the evenings by Rado Luxembourg. So promotion of music was dependent on its play in clubs, etc. Things changed with the arrival of the pirate stations in 1964 when all day or latterly 24 hour music could be heard on multiple stations on the radio.
I was an Am DJ in the late 60's through the late 80's. I interviewed many groups from Freddyand the Dreamers the Zombies Strawberry Alarm clock etc. I had no clue the intricacies of these bands not the background. Absolutely FACINATING
Love post-Animals Alan Price, in particular his soundtrack to O Lucky Man and there's a song on the Alan Price & Georgie Fame Together album called "Time I Moved On" that always seems to strike a chord in me.
I loved The Zombies! I saw them in 2003. At that point, only Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone remained of the original group. Argent’s cousin was there on bass. They played Zombies tunes, as well as Hold Your Head Up, of Argent fame, that raised the roof! It was a little club in Folsom, CA. I hung out with the band for about 90 minutes after the show. They were very gracious with their time.
Another great episode in this series. I bought the first Zombies album back in '65 when it came out, and it was one of the very albums that was more than listenable from start to finish. But finding more than that one album here in the US was virtually impossible. I think that it was Fusion Magazine that listed about 40 Zombies songs (all pre-Odessey & Oracle), and graded them - virtually all got good grades. (Stretching my memory, I do remember that the magazine's cover was mostrly yellow - with a cartoon of Nixon?). I see no listing for this, but I could swear that Parrot eventually put out a second album in the States, either to capitalize on People's "I Love You" cover or "Time of the Season."
'Is This The Dream' is such a sublime pop record, and oh man, their version of 'The Look of Love' -- Colin Blunstone is quite simply the male equivalent of Dusty Springfield on that. So much breathiness. I hope you've got something special in store for part two. I've got a feeling it'll be a good 'un. Cheers!
I really felt that their drums were the really interesting element in an already fascinating band -I’d have thought they were related the way the vocals sounded SO similar like the same person Double Tracked!
Great ears...I've had the pleasure of seeing them about 7 times...one being their 50th Anniversary Tour with both the regular touring group & the original rhythm section. Respectfully, the difference was VERY obvious; such a special group ❤️
I almost wonder if they were just a minute too early to the psychedelic era also. That jazzy vibe has similarities to the Doors, but Jimbo had the looks to get sophisticated sounds over on young people.
I saw the "Odessey and Oracle" reunion tour in probably 2017 or 2018 with all the surviving original members. Amazing show!!!!! They still have got it.
The Zombies are one of my all time favorite bands. I have been waiting for this for awhile. Rod Argent deserves to he recognized for his talent on keyboards, he is extremly talented nevermind his age. I believe his keyboards are really what made them successful. He really is a spectacular pianist.
I "discovered" the Zombies in 1998 when I went to the Import area of Tower Records and I saw the cover of "Odyssey And Oracle". I purchased it for a crazy $25.00 on CD at the time and I became obsessed. It was the 30th Anniversary release of the album and it's incredible. I've seen them live twice and Colin's voice and even Rod's are amazing. If you're getting into the band's early material I'd recommend "The Decca Stereo Anthology". 2 CDs of early Zombies in the best sound quality in my opinion. Why this hasn't been released on Vinyl is beyond me. I'd also recommend "The EP Collection". It's a bit pricey but it does include some rare mixes that are really cool to have. Can't wait for Part 2.
Excellent information Matt. Thank you. I was lucky enough to see the Zombies about 7 years ago in there home town of St Albans Argent and Blunstone still cut it, they looked and sounded brilliant. Such an underated 60s band...Obviously now the collectors all want to own original copy's of there UK LPs there worth £$££$....including me! Keep up the good work 👏
I remember reading a tongue-in-cheek write-up on a reissue in the 80's, claiming them being "despite their name one of a few groups from the 60' never to reform". Mind you, they still looked a lot better in recent years than some in the Fortunes or the Tremeloes did in '86... 😉😄
Keyboards are probably the second most underrated instrument (after the harmonica. RIP Keith Relf). When Steve Winwood brought the organ to the Spencer Davis group it really rounded out their sound. Great retrospective, my favorite of theirs is their version of Tell Her No. I had tickets to see them in Seattle on the 50th anniversary of O and O but I got terribly I’ll (precovid of course).
Hey Matt. Great job (as usual) on the Zombies. I did not realize they had no hits for a few years. In one previous email I told you I went to see them 2 years ago in Detroit. AMAZING! Colin has not lost a note off that incredible voice, all the same keys and harmonies from the other guys. I had goose bumps. They played the Whole Oracle album. Rod was killer on the keyboards and having a blast. As a keyboard player I can tell you he is right up there with Emerson and Wakeman. Looking forward to part 2. Pianoman Craig.
i saw the Zombies about 10 years ago in a small Edinburgh club - small but packed. They were great, it's almost needless to say! She's Not There must have been one of the few singles with prominent electric piano to make a mark at that stage - apart from Ray Charles, of course.
Another thoughtful portrait of an amazingly talented group that deserves more than the "Two-Hit Wonder" or "Cult Band" status currently has. My nomination for 'lost classic' is the song "If It Don't Work Out". Perfect pop!
Let's not forget "Time Of The Season"... so they're really a three-hit wonder...LOL :- ) Yikes, hard to think of just one "Lost classic" by them as so many come to mind. "I'll Call You Mine" "Is This The Dream" "Beechwood Park" "Just Out Of Reach" "Brief Candles" "Imagine The Swan"... on and on... and of course, as mentioned "If It Don't Work Out" :- )
I have seen them 3 times since they regrouped 20 years ago.They always put on a great show.I agree that their music was mostly at the wrong time of the invasion. Now we see how good they were.Their latest 2 albums show they are not just an oldies band.If you get a chance to see them don’t hesitate-they are getting too old to play much longer
Indication is one of the most underrated/overlooked singles ever released by a "British Invasion" band! They were overlooked then, but thankfully it seems that The Zombies have been finally getting the credit they're due.
Had Herman's Hermits or any of their ilk released "Whenever you're Ready" or "Just Out of Reach" they would've had two #1 hits on their hands, that's how good I feel those songs were/are.That's how criminally under rated this band was. People who were alive back then should feel ashamed that they didn't support bands like the Zombies and the Yardbirds because if they had , today's musical landscape might just be a little different in a good way IMHO (Great video as always Matt)
She’s Not There is such a standout song, still absolutely modern today. It sounded like nothing else on the radio. I have the 45 of it on the Parrot label. Such a timeless composition.
Thanks once again for highlighting one of my favorites. I had a chance to see the the Zombies a few years back at my local theater and they were just fantastic.
The beat of some of their hits like Tell Her No and She's Not There are complex syncopation, yet catchy & danceable. A hidden gem is "I Love You". Buy their greatest hits and enjoy!
Ah, The Zombies! A “group” that never wears thin. As Matt observes, their sound differed from other bands. Fresh vocals, good lyrics, and melodic arrangements made them among the best of the 60s. Thanks for featuring these musicians, Matt!
Great job. Another group I came to later in my life. I started listening in 66 to Beatles and out from there. I was in my 40s when I discoved groups like Pretty Things, LOVE, The Zombies and others. Keep up the good work so others won't have to wait so long to learn and enjoy these fantastic groups.
Gus Dudgeon famous too for engineering John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Clapton. Sadly, for British listeners this all passed us by - apart from 'She's Not There' and 'Time of the Season' their songs didn't register amid the storm of the other bands with great hits that you mention Matt. Looking forward to Part 2 - will give me time to play Odessey through, which I never have.
The Zombies are indeed a fascinating group. They probably didn't click because their songs needed multiple hearings before actually taking hold. But the Zombies are probably the only group to outstrip the Beatles or the Beach Boys in pure musicianship. They did 3/4 time (I Want You Back Again) at a time when an attempt to do so fell apart for the Beatles (early takes of I'll be Back). White created melodic bass lines (She's Not There, Summertime) that Macca could reach until For No One. Their sophisticated arrangements (for only four instruments, remember) required the use of session players for the Beach to achieve the same effects on Pet Sounds. Argent's work on keyboards point straight to the Doors, Yes and Genesis. I believe he's responsible for the keyboard riff on Who Are You...
Great comment, Francis. Chris White is a fine player and really supports the melody of the song. If you hear the Zombies live now, they really can fill the space wonderfully with minor instrumentation.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I believe that they were also an influence on the Who, as they also tended to structure their melodies on the bass (Happy Jack, the Underture in Tommy) Townsend idolized the Zombies.
I had a friend in freshman year of college ('77 - '78) who went around declaring that the Zombies were the "Best Rock Group EVER!". While I felt they were respectable, I never took the band seriously. Thanks for featuring this band and making my friend's case better that he did.
Thank you, Dana. I started my Zombie crush my freshman year of college and I remember going to a girls dorm and at the front desk, a girl was listening to Odessey and Oracle, which blew me away.
"Is This The Dream" is one of those cuts I've encountered on several garage comps but had no idea it was originally a Zombies' tune. The chorus is hecking sublime. Great show! Yet another one that reminds me of empty pockets in my collection.
In 1970 my local record shop in Sunderland, UK, Atkinsons, decided to sell off all their unsold mono LPs as everyone had switched to stereo, and new stereo records could be played on mono record players. While sorting through the box of mono records, each priced at £1, I came across Odessey and Oracle. Although I had not heard it, I did like what I had heard of The Zombies, and for £1, it was worth a shot, so I bought it. What a great record it is! I still have it, and it is probably the most valuable record I have. Mono versions in mint conditions are worth over £1,000, and though mine is not mint, having been played many, many times, it is still very good, and probably worth a few hundred pounds. Not that I would sell it!
Well, here I was, hoping to not be so talkative next time and you cover one of my all-time favourite bands. Gee, thanks, Matt ☺ I can't think of a single Zombies track I don't love. They always kept things interesting and creative and their Jazz and Classical roots have always been a draw to me. They're one of those blessed bands where every member has something of their own to bring to the table. Colin Blunstone's sublime voice, Rod Argent's keyboards and songwriting, Chris White's creative bass work and songwriting, Hugh Grundy's fantastic drumming, and Paul Atkinson's often subtle guitar. Grundy is an amazing drummer and his complicated syncopated rhythms belie the fact that he'd only begin learning to play a few years before. I love vocals and harmonies are a huge bonus for me, but I've always been drawn to the strength of the rhythm section, and The Zombies could stand up with the best of the decade. White would throw in some cool walking lines to follow the lyrics or drive the song with on beat hammers while Grundy would stay on the off beat. Meanwhile, while Atkinson was usually overshadowed by his bandmates, he did things that accentuated the songs perfectly. Check out his call and response acoustic playing to Blunstone's vocals in the chorus of I Love You. As for why they never really made it during their career as a group, it may have something to do with the penchant for more introspective lyrics that were never as happy as most Pop groups, as well as the fact they played a lot in minor keys. I do agree with your point about possibly being too Jazz for Pop audiences, too. I played sax and sung Jazz in high school so maybe this point never turned me off about them. I just loved their music. I had the joy of seeing the original band (less the deceased Atkinson) in 2017, during the tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the recording of Odessey And Oracle. They played the entirety of the album and no one had lost a step. It was a powerful concert, made even more emotional with an amazing performance from Chris White on his Butcher's Tale. My favourite part of the night was getting to meet Hugh and Chris before the show and we chatted for a good while on rhythm sections, songwriting, and the thrill of playing to such receptive crowds again. Honestly, they were the nicest guys and could have been the old guys living next door with their open friendliness. Being a musician myself, it was cool to get advice and share stories with two of my childhood heroes.
Loved this video, and very excited about part 2 to see about Odessey And Oracle. If you accept suggestions in this video category, I’d love to see you talking about The Hollies
Hey Matt, thank you very much for this video, I love The Zombies, saw them live several years back, they were excellent! I know you're going to talk about their masterpiece "Odyssey And Oracle" in part 2, what an under appreciated and often overlooked album, I love every track on that album! Anyway, eagerly waiting for part 2! See ya! ✌🏼😎✌🏼
Colin Blunstone had a seriously charismatic voice -- my son sings and plays guitar and everyone says he sounds just like Colin. Thanks for this,
One of the most underrated bands of all time. I can’t believe they didn’t have tons of number one hits. Just saw them live and still sound great.
So underrated. Vocally alone they're a cut above most.
Who's rated above them? Wjat number are they rated? What ratings system was usef? Nielsen?
@@rudolphguarnacci197 Are you really going to play dumb as to how popularity and notoriety work? Have fun with that.
@@monovision566
Yes, i'm actually going to. Can you believe it? Isn't it preposterous?
I have always felt that Colin Blunstone had one of the best voices in the business.
I think so, too.
One of the most underrated bands of the 60s.
Definitely!
"She's Not There" remains an amazing mid-60s classic! Great work Matt to make the call of profiling this group!
Fantastic song! Santana did an incredible cover of it, too.
Highly underrated band. That first album didn’t have a single bad song on it. Thanks Matt for another great documentary on another great band.
Preach
The Zombies was like an added Goodie thrown into the mix in the flood of The British Invasion. The Beatles sang sounding American while The Zombies had/have that genuine British sound. I spent a couple of my Air Force years in England, enjoyed every second of the experience. A band that never made it big across the pond, though they tried, check out The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.
As much as I love The Beatles I’m gonna have to say The Zombies are my Favorite Band Their sound is so different from mixtures of Jazz, R&B,Pop, Rock and Roll,Baroque Pop I’m so happy The Hall of Fame inducted them.
Loved the unique sound of The Zombies. "Summertime" is a unknown gem, probably my favorite rendition of the Gershwin tune.
Check out their cover of Billy Stewart's, Waiting in the Park For You.
One of my favorite 60's British Invasion bands...Argent's keyboards, Blunston's vocals...they were a haunting, compelling combination. And those harmonies....oh, those harmonies! Amazing. They dabble in jazz, romantic pop, blues. Just a great band with a great sound & great songs!!! 👍
That is true greatness... Rod planning to sing what he wrote
And then
Realizing that Colin's voice was just too amazing
And Colin saying that they should add keyboards recognizing Rod's talent for that
You can see it in Rod's back up vocals
What a key part he is...
His energy is a huge part of vocals even though he is considered back
It reminds me of Lou Rawls stunning back up to Sam Cooke
In Bring it On Home to Me
“Tell her no” supposedly held some type of record for “the most negative song of all time” because of the number of times “No” was repeated
'Nobody But Me' by the Human Beinz pipped it by quite a few. Over a hundred "no's" compared to about 60-70 on 'Tell Her No'. But at least 'Nobody But Me' has one "yeah" in it.
Bill Withers in his song Ain't No Sunshine sings I know I know I know over and over!!
Their later stuff had such a gorgeous,autumnal feel to it.Great band, Great upload..
Autumnal is so right. On the final day of autumn every year, I play 'Odessey and Oracle'. It's just become a thing that I do.
@@James-hd4ms 'Beechwood Park' -- how great is that song?
This is one of my favorite bands. Unsung....and VERY underrated
ahead of their time with complex chord structures
That is one of my favorite bands; they got inducted into the RnR Hall of Fame way too late. The bass player had died recently and didn’t get to see it. Sad.
Sometimes one unique voice makes all the difference. Timeless.
Say you don't mind was my favourite
What is interesting to me is that a couple of their most successful songs had very pointed powerful lyrics No one told me about her
And
Time of the Season
As well as covers like Summertime
Rod Argent was said to be very picky about phrasing
And its possible some of the later songs did not have the same power in lyrics
This said with huge love as i listen to them all the time
And adore Colin's voice past all reason ❤
But must confess that am left a bit cold by some later lyrics
Rod said that he wrote those 2 songs practically overnight
And Colin had to record Time the very day he saw it for the first time
It goes to show that sometimes when the brain is under great pressure to produce in little time,
The subconscious can sometimes take over
And throw out great depth
Saw the Zombies live several years back in Albany, NY. One of my favorites.
You lucky dog!
I was lucky enough to interview Colin Blunstone a couple of years ago for a documentary film on the late, great Clifford T.Ward..Colin really is the nicest gentleman you could wish to meet..and after we had finished filming he took us all to a spot by the canal behind his house and we spent an hour feeding the ducks and chatting about absolutely everything except himself ..no big ego or idea of himself as a star..and genuinely humble...a day I will always remember
You Lucky man...truly fortunate to spend time with Colin...
How nice.
Ah, man...thanks so much for this! When I was introducing my teenage son to the Beatles he found my old Zombies record, which I admit was so scratchy I was embarrassed, and ended up buying a new version at a used record store because he was so impressed! Thanks for this...this, the Banke...you are hitting all my faves!
Excellent! Plenty more to come.
Top 40 AM...
Since first hearing the Zombies - decades ago - I got to know their few top radio hits quite well. In my head, I always thought; "the rest of their stuff has gotta be really good." In the midst of collecting other bands, I didn't get around to dig deep in to the rest of their catalog until I was in my late 40s. I continue to be blown away by these guys, and I even deeply respect their work from 1990 on out. It's amazing the struggles that this band endured, we're very lucky to have them around today. Totally worthy of their place in the rock and roll hall of fame.
About 15 years ago, was my first of about 7 Zombies concerts. What a special night that was, having since connected with several people who were at that same show. Considering the 1000's of artists I've seen live, they recieved the only triple standing ovation I've ever witnessed; for, Time of the Season!!! There were 2 older women ahead of me in the outside lineup. We started talking & the quiet one got immediately animated when the Zombies topic came around.
"Did you see them last time they were here?"
"No, when was that?"
* May 26, 1965, Vancouver, BC (Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars '65).
She then produces an instamatic photo of both herself & her girlfriend, posing with both Colin & Rod, outside the venue. I was five years old, then.
So ahead of their time, never getting their due, back in the day...Odessey and Oracle is one of rock's greatest albums, a masterpiece.
Time of The Season is an alltime 60's "flower power" peace & love psychedelic classic! It's timeless!!
I can't believe they weren't bigger in the States. What a great band! Odessey and Oracle was an overlooked classic.
Thanks for your interesting series on the history of various 60s groups. One suggestion, when you're talking about the success or lack of it of individual tracks or groups, it's worth remembering that in the early 60s music on the radio in Britain was severely limited on the BBC, and in the evenings by Rado Luxembourg. So promotion of music was dependent on its play in clubs, etc. Things changed with the arrival of the pirate stations in 1964 when all day or latterly 24 hour music could be heard on multiple stations on the radio.
OMG their "The Look of Love" sounds excellent! It's perfect for them!
Yeah, Blunstone nails it.
Thanks Matt for the great résumé ! It always struck me how She's not there doesn't sound like 1964 at all !
I was an Am DJ in the late 60's through the late 80's. I interviewed many groups from Freddyand the Dreamers the Zombies Strawberry Alarm clock etc. I had no clue the intricacies of these bands not the background. Absolutely FACINATING
I Love You is my favorite Zombies song. Bluestones vocal on it is soooo good !
Great look into the Zombies 🧟. Always loved “ She’s not there” . There is more to them than I knew…
The animals also had a keyboard sound thanks to Alan Price, and when he went solo a majority of his songs had a keyboard vibe to it
Dave Clark five were also more organ than guitar in their sound.
@@thekitowl They also had a big saxophone sound thanks to their premier sax player
Love keyboard heavy bands like those mentioned, The Young Rascals and early Santana.
Love post-Animals Alan Price, in particular his soundtrack to O Lucky Man and there's a song on the Alan Price & Georgie Fame Together album called "Time I Moved On" that always seems to strike a chord in me.
Along with Alan Price of The Animals, other great British keyboardists I would add to the list would be Graham Bond and Brian Auger👍
I loved The Zombies! I saw them in 2003. At that point, only Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone remained of the original group. Argent’s cousin was there on bass. They played Zombies tunes, as well as Hold Your Head Up, of Argent fame, that raised the roof! It was a little club in Folsom, CA. I hung out with the band for about 90 minutes after the show. They were very gracious with their time.
Another great episode in this series. I bought the first Zombies album back in '65 when it came out, and it was one of the very albums that was more than listenable from start to finish. But finding more than that one album here in the US was virtually impossible. I think that it was Fusion Magazine that listed about 40 Zombies songs (all pre-Odessey & Oracle), and graded them - virtually all got good grades. (Stretching my memory, I do remember that the magazine's cover was mostrly yellow - with a cartoon of Nixon?). I see no listing for this, but I could swear that Parrot eventually put out a second album in the States, either to capitalize on People's "I Love You" cover or "Time of the Season."
Tell her no is one of my favorite pop songs. I see Odyssey and Oracle is next in the pile… running to pt 2 with all haste :)
Love the Zombies and their 60s sound. Can’t wait for part 2 !
This will come up a lot but "Odyssey And Oracle" is truly a milestone. The album flows wonderfully. Underrated, except by the freaks who know.
'Is This The Dream' is such a sublime pop record, and oh man, their version of 'The Look of Love' -- Colin Blunstone is quite simply the male equivalent of Dusty Springfield on that. So much breathiness. I hope you've got something special in store for part two. I've got a feeling it'll be a good 'un. Cheers!
Great observation, two of my favorite voices
Both of them on my regular Playlist
I've heard a great analysis of Dusty's singing , fascinating
I caught the Zombies twice in the last two years and they were great.Colins voice is still amazing
Probably the best 60s group still touring.
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND DID A AWESOME RENDITION OF " TIME OF THE SEASON....❤
They did a really great version of " going out of my head"..
I really felt that their drums were the really interesting element in an already fascinating band -I’d have thought they were related the way the vocals sounded SO similar like the same person Double Tracked!
I'm glad you mentioned the drums. I talk a bit about this in part two so stay tuned!
@@popgoesthe60s52 will do!
Hugh Grundy was an excellent drummer!
Great ears...I've had the pleasure of seeing them about 7 times...one being their 50th Anniversary Tour with both the regular touring group & the original rhythm section. Respectfully, the difference was VERY obvious; such a special group ❤️
@@popgoesthe60s52
Have you done the Drummy Video yet? 👍
I almost wonder if they were just a minute too early to the psychedelic era also. That jazzy vibe has similarities to the Doors, but Jimbo had the looks to get sophisticated sounds over on young people.
This band makes me want to go buy a turntable ❤. I love this band. My favorite is tell her no. I think I’ve played that song at least a hundred times.
Wow, very underrated band. It is like the Beatles and Beach Boys teamed up. Only weakness would be the lyrics. Amazing compositions.
The Zombies music is timeless and so melodic ❣🎹🎸🥁🎼💎🌟Glad they’re in the Hall of Fame. ❤🙏
It's amazing how 60's bands could continue to grow under a record contract deal and not like today's music where it's a million one hit wonder bands.
I saw the "Odessey and Oracle" reunion tour in probably 2017 or 2018 with all the surviving original members. Amazing show!!!!! They still have got it.
The Zombies are one of my all time favorite bands. I have been waiting for this for awhile. Rod Argent deserves to he recognized for his talent on keyboards, he is extremly talented nevermind his age. I believe his keyboards are really what made them successful. He really is a spectacular pianist.
I appreciate the comment, Miles - more to come!
I remember hearing "I Love You" on the radio and the on the charts it was credited to a group called "The People"
Such a great band to discover even these days...never knew any more of them except Shes not there plus Time 'o the season
My goodness! Of course I've heard "She's Not There" all my life, but never had any inkling of the group beyond that. I have some ground to make up.
I "discovered" the Zombies in 1998 when I went to the Import area of Tower Records and I saw the cover of "Odyssey And Oracle". I purchased it for a crazy $25.00 on CD at the time and I became obsessed. It was the 30th Anniversary release of the album and it's incredible. I've seen them live twice and Colin's voice and even Rod's are amazing. If you're getting into the band's early material I'd recommend "The Decca Stereo Anthology". 2 CDs of early Zombies in the best sound quality in my opinion. Why this hasn't been released on Vinyl is beyond me. I'd also recommend "The EP Collection". It's a bit pricey but it does include some rare mixes that are really cool to have. Can't wait for Part 2.
Thank you, Rene! Part two will be out in within a week!
The box set Zombie Heaven has all their recordings and a really cool coffee table book as well.
My favorite group from the 60s.
Excellent information Matt. Thank you. I was lucky enough to see the Zombies about 7 years ago in there home town of St Albans Argent and Blunstone still cut it, they looked and sounded brilliant. Such an underated 60s band...Obviously now the collectors all want to own original copy's of there UK LPs there worth £$££$....including me! Keep up the good work 👏
Yes, they are still great live!
I remember reading a tongue-in-cheek write-up on a reissue in the 80's, claiming them being "despite their name one of a few groups from the 60' never to reform". Mind you, they still looked a lot better in recent years than some in the Fortunes or the Tremeloes did in '86... 😉😄
Keyboards are probably the second most underrated instrument (after the harmonica. RIP Keith Relf). When Steve Winwood brought the organ to the Spencer Davis group it really rounded out their sound. Great retrospective, my favorite of theirs is their version of Tell Her No. I had tickets to see them in Seattle on the 50th anniversary of O and O but I got terribly I’ll (precovid of course).
I appreciate the clean arrangements with the vocals out front. Refreshing no matter what the decade.
Great band to talk about. Look forward to part 2 and Odyssey and Oracle.
Hey Matt. Great job (as usual) on the Zombies. I did not realize they had no hits for a few years. In one previous email I told you I went to see them 2 years ago in Detroit. AMAZING! Colin has not lost a note off that incredible voice, all the same keys and harmonies from the other guys. I had goose bumps. They played the Whole Oracle album. Rod was killer on the keyboards and having a blast. As a keyboard player I can tell you he is right up there with Emerson and Wakeman. Looking forward to part 2. Pianoman Craig.
So excited you're profiling this under-appreciated group. Thank you, Matt!
i saw the Zombies about 10 years ago in a small Edinburgh club - small but packed. They were great, it's almost needless to say! She's Not There must have been one of the few singles with prominent electric piano to make a mark at that stage - apart from Ray Charles, of course.
Another thoughtful portrait of an amazingly talented group that deserves more than the "Two-Hit Wonder" or "Cult Band" status currently has. My nomination for 'lost classic' is the song "If It Don't Work Out". Perfect pop!
Let's not forget "Time Of The Season"... so they're really a three-hit wonder...LOL :- ) Yikes, hard to think of just one "Lost classic" by them as so many come to mind. "I'll Call You Mine" "Is This The Dream" "Beechwood Park" "Just Out Of Reach" "Brief Candles" "Imagine The Swan"... on and on... and of course, as mentioned "If It Don't Work Out" :- )
I have seen them 3 times since they regrouped 20 years ago.They always put on a great show.I agree that their music was mostly at the wrong time of the invasion. Now we see how good they were.Their latest 2 albums show they are not just an oldies band.If you get a chance to see them don’t hesitate-they are getting too old to play much longer
"Odyssey and Oracle" sounds oddly contemporary 54 years later. You'd think it was recorded in the last 5-10 years or so.
Nice job! Love it. Look forward to part two and your taking on other bands.
Indication is one of the most underrated/overlooked singles ever released by a "British Invasion" band! They were overlooked then, but thankfully it seems that The Zombies have been finally getting the credit they're due.
Hey Ethan! They had several rather progressive songs that still hold up and Indication is one of them!
Had Herman's Hermits or any of their ilk released "Whenever you're Ready" or "Just Out of Reach" they would've had two #1 hits on their hands, that's how good I feel those songs were/are.That's how criminally under rated this band was. People who were alive back then should feel ashamed that they didn't support bands like the Zombies and the Yardbirds because if they had , today's musical landscape might just be a little different in a good way IMHO (Great video as always Matt)
She’s Not There is such a standout song, still absolutely modern today. It sounded like nothing else on the radio. I have the 45 of it on the Parrot label. Such a timeless composition.
Thanks once again for highlighting one of my favorites. I had a chance to see the the Zombies a few years back at my local theater and they were just fantastic.
An amazing band with incredible songs ! Got lucky to see them live they still play amazingly
The beat of some of their hits like Tell Her No and She's Not There are complex syncopation, yet catchy & danceable.
A hidden gem is "I Love You". Buy their greatest hits and enjoy!
Ah, The Zombies! A “group” that never wears thin. As Matt observes, their sound differed from other bands. Fresh vocals, good lyrics, and melodic arrangements made them among the best of the 60s. Thanks for featuring these musicians, Matt!
My pleasure, Ed. Thanks for the comment.
One of my all time favorite albums is gonna be featured in part 2. It's a masterpiece (except The Butcher's Song).
Great job. Another group I came to later in my life. I started listening in 66 to Beatles and out from there. I was in my 40s when I discoved groups like Pretty Things, LOVE, The Zombies and others. Keep up the good work so others won't have to wait so long to learn and enjoy these fantastic groups.
Thank you, Robert!
One of my all time favorite bands...
Excellent presentation! Love the zombies! No one like them.
Gus Dudgeon famous too for engineering John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Clapton. Sadly, for British listeners this all passed us by - apart from 'She's Not There' and 'Time of the Season' their songs didn't register amid the storm of the other bands with great hits that you mention Matt. Looking forward to Part 2 - will give me time to play Odessey through, which I never have.
Argent was so young when he wrote and Colin's voice was sooo seductive
The Zombies are indeed a fascinating group. They probably didn't click because their songs needed multiple hearings before actually taking hold.
But the Zombies are probably the only group to outstrip the Beatles or the Beach Boys in pure musicianship. They did 3/4 time (I Want You Back Again) at a time when an attempt to do so fell apart for the Beatles (early takes of I'll be Back). White created melodic bass lines (She's Not There, Summertime) that Macca could reach until For No One. Their sophisticated arrangements (for only four instruments, remember) required the use of session players for the Beach to achieve the same effects on Pet Sounds.
Argent's work on keyboards point straight to the Doors, Yes and Genesis. I believe he's responsible for the keyboard riff on Who Are You...
Great comment, Francis. Chris White is a fine player and really supports the melody of the song. If you hear the Zombies live now, they really can fill the space wonderfully with minor instrumentation.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I believe that they were also an influence on the Who, as they also tended to structure their melodies on the bass (Happy Jack, the Underture in Tommy) Townsend idolized the Zombies.
Great points!
Wow! The Zombies really had a great sound, thanks for sharing your knowledge Matt, I’ll explore those songs you gave a little taste of.
Thanks for the pleasant, interesting review. The Zombies always catch my ear.
Good to see a new upload
Enjoyed the zombies history Matt I’ve seen the band live great musicians how they did not get more chat success is a shame excellent videos Matt
I Want You Back Again didn’t exactly miss the UK singles chart, it wasn’t released as a single in the UK at all.
I had a friend in freshman year of college ('77 - '78) who went around declaring that the Zombies were the "Best Rock Group EVER!". While I felt they were respectable, I never took the band seriously. Thanks for featuring this band and making my friend's case better that he did.
Thank you, Dana. I started my Zombie crush my freshman year of college and I remember going to a girls dorm and at the front desk, a girl was listening to Odessey and Oracle, which blew me away.
I had no idea that I liked the Zombies! Eagerly awaiting part 2. Another great episode, thanks Matt!
Very nice material so far by this talented group and well covered in part 1. The resurrection is definitely coming up in part 2 for sure...can't wait!
The Zombies (flop) singles were all exquisite. "Indication" is a pretty heavy psych-rocker for them worth re-discovering.
"Is This The Dream" is one of those cuts I've encountered on several garage comps but had no idea it was originally a Zombies' tune. The chorus is hecking sublime. Great show! Yet another one that reminds me of empty pockets in my collection.
In 1970 my local record shop in Sunderland, UK, Atkinsons, decided to sell off all their unsold mono LPs as everyone had switched to stereo, and new stereo records could be played on mono record players. While sorting through the box of mono records, each priced at £1, I came across Odessey and Oracle. Although I had not heard it, I did like what I had heard of The Zombies, and for £1, it was worth a shot, so I bought it. What a great record it is! I still have it, and it is probably the most valuable record I have. Mono versions in mint conditions are worth over £1,000, and though mine is not mint, having been played many, many times, it is still very good, and probably worth a few hundred pounds. Not that I would sell it!
Some of their early songs seemed to signpost the coming psychedelia from late 1965 onwards.
Great work Matt! Appreciate your in-depth research, writing and production.
Thank you, Ken - much appreciated!
I've made it my mission to document they're lives I've undug alot
Well, here I was, hoping to not be so talkative next time and you cover one of my all-time favourite bands. Gee, thanks, Matt ☺ I can't think of a single Zombies track I don't love. They always kept things interesting and creative and their Jazz and Classical roots have always been a draw to me. They're one of those blessed bands where every member has something of their own to bring to the table. Colin Blunstone's sublime voice, Rod Argent's keyboards and songwriting, Chris White's creative bass work and songwriting, Hugh Grundy's fantastic drumming, and Paul Atkinson's often subtle guitar.
Grundy is an amazing drummer and his complicated syncopated rhythms belie the fact that he'd only begin learning to play a few years before. I love vocals and harmonies are a huge bonus for me, but I've always been drawn to the strength of the rhythm section, and The Zombies could stand up with the best of the decade. White would throw in some cool walking lines to follow the lyrics or drive the song with on beat hammers while Grundy would stay on the off beat. Meanwhile, while Atkinson was usually overshadowed by his bandmates, he did things that accentuated the songs perfectly. Check out his call and response acoustic playing to Blunstone's vocals in the chorus of I Love You.
As for why they never really made it during their career as a group, it may have something to do with the penchant for more introspective lyrics that were never as happy as most Pop groups, as well as the fact they played a lot in minor keys. I do agree with your point about possibly being too Jazz for Pop audiences, too. I played sax and sung Jazz in high school so maybe this point never turned me off about them. I just loved their music.
I had the joy of seeing the original band (less the deceased Atkinson) in 2017, during the tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the recording of Odessey And Oracle. They played the entirety of the album and no one had lost a step. It was a powerful concert, made even more emotional with an amazing performance from Chris White on his Butcher's Tale. My favourite part of the night was getting to meet Hugh and Chris before the show and we chatted for a good while on rhythm sections, songwriting, and the thrill of playing to such receptive crowds again. Honestly, they were the nicest guys and could have been the old guys living next door with their open friendliness. Being a musician myself, it was cool to get advice and share stories with two of my childhood heroes.
I love The Zombies, thanks for covering this! 😎
Loved this video, and very excited about part 2 to see about Odessey And Oracle. If you accept suggestions in this video category, I’d love to see you talking about The Hollies
Hey Matt, thank you very much for this video, I love The Zombies, saw them live several years back, they were excellent! I know you're going to talk about their masterpiece "Odyssey And Oracle" in part 2, what an under appreciated and often overlooked album, I love every track on that album! Anyway, eagerly waiting for part 2! See ya! ✌🏼😎✌🏼
I've always loved the Zombies so thanks for this one Matt. I knew it would be great and it was and I'm looking forward to part 2.