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 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.
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.
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!
@@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.
@@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!
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.
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 .
❤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 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!
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.
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).
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"!
@@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...
@@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.
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
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!)
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.
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!
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.
Definitely a very good and interesting album, sadly one that passed me by at the time of its release but have since rectified that 😁 Pump organ? Not heard this term but am guessing it was a Harmonium of which there was one at Abbey Road, often kept in No.2 studio. Great review of this classic album 👍
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!!
Personally I always felt Beatles For Sale also carried that quintessential Fall season vibe about it, idk why. Anyway, really nice breakdown and didn’t know it was so mellotron heavy! Definitely will be giving it a full listen today (as I’m still waiting for my 20th Anniversary box set of American Idiot to arrive since yesterday when it was supposed to).
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.
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.
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!
😎👍 I've always viewed "Odessey & Oracle" and Manfred Mann's "Mighty Garvey" album as being fraternal twins. Alike in so many ways, yet slightly different in others. They were both released at the same time, they're both Mellotron heavy, they both include a lot of tunes with descending bass lines, and they both included an iconic hit single. I've also always viewed "Cubist Town" as being like "Hung Up On A Dream," but filtered through a psychedelic looking glass. 👻
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
The Zombies had a pretty good album in 2023! I wish the industry (and their scummy manager) had treated them better, they might have done 5-10 more albums of great 60s-era quality. On the other hand, without the manager putting cover bands out in their place when they were broken up, we probably wouldn't have ZZ Top. You decide which is more tragic.
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!
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.
I saw the Zombies a little over a year ago in support of their last album (which is pretty darn good). Of course they did the hits and, as Colin introduced them, “Four songs from Odyssey and Oracle” of which This Will Be Our Year was one. Colin still in fine voice. Great album. Sorry about Rod’s stroke and I hope he is on the mend. Btw, not sure if you’ve done a video on the Searchers yet. If not, maybe one day in the future?
Can't really add anything new to what's already been said here in the comments regarding this extraordinary album, except to contribute, for whatever that's worth, my own opinion on it. And in that regard, mere words really aren't adequate. This is truly one of those recorded works that will live forever. Without doubt not only one of the best UK albums of the 1960s, but one of the most staggeringly awesome pop records ever produced by ANY band in ANY decade.
"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.
A wonderful album Andrew. Like Nick Drake it is also uniquely English sounding. Evocative and emotional some of the tunes are almost heartbreakingly good.
Grand vid as ever, and a great LP. My copy is one of those Sainsbury's exclusive coloured vinyl things. I'm intrigued as to why was there such a big gap between the recording and release?
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.
Saw the Zombies in Portland, Oregon, last year before their tour was halted. Now I know the reason. Best wishes to Rod Argent - been loving his music for over half a century.
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.
I'm really happy to see you discussing the Zombies, my favorite British band of the 60s (believe it or not). That being said, I actually think the 20 or so single sides they released between their first album and Odessey is an even more impressive body of work.
When I first heard about this album on CD, I bought it and was instantly transported back to the 1960s. What a time capsule! Most of the songs sound rather raw, compared to the polished sound of their two big hits. But the tunes and lyrics are catchy and sound unlike anything else from that era. It feels like eavesdropping on their recording session.
My 14 year old daughter found it herself on apple music and told me, that she found "something sensational!!" not knowing that this album is one of my alltime favorites. Goes to show that great music will always stand out and touch people.
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.
Great job, this album was as good as anything in the '60's. I do know one of the "Friends of Mine" - Paul and Molly were guitarist Paul Atkinson and his wife.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)!
I had heard the radio hits in the seventies and liked them but never sprung for an LP, then about 1980ish I picked up Time Of The Zombies (double LP) which is comprised of their songs from 65 through 68. I still love every groove of that album and when I play it for friends, fans are quickly created. Eager now to find the mono versions on CD.
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.
Really only know the Zombies due to a couple of their hits so I'll definitely be checking the album out, always good to discover a great album you've not heard before.
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!!!!!
I was just listening to my CD of this album the other day. I bought it in Oct.1997. I don't know if I'd say it's better than Sgt Pepper but it's definietly one of my all time favorite albums.
I would rate the Zombies and the Kinks as the most underated bands ever. The song missing from Oracle was "Imagine the Swan". Both bands went on to do several more great albums and indiviually as well. "As Far as I Can See" was great for the Zombies!!!
I just went and had my first listen to the album, and my goodness it is delightful! Then came back and watched the video. No wonder it has such a special reputation behind it
When I was in High School. I'd skip class and go to Tower Records and stay there for most of the morning going through the "Import" section of the store. I ended up on the last band, "The Zombies". I looked over the CDs and was really taken aback by the artwork on "Odessey & Oracle". It just looked so different. This was in 1998 when the 30th Anniversary CD was released. I still think this is the best release that people should get. It has the album in Mono and Stereo with a few alternate mixes and one outtake. This album has made me a life-long fan. I was lucky enough to see the band twice and once was them performing the album in its entirety with all surviving band members. It was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Colin Blunstone's voice was so incredible. I feel so lucky to have been able to witness that before the pandemic hit. I think it was in 2018. I'm so glad this album is finally getting the love it deserves. I play this album more than Sgt. Peppers. I'm not saying it's better than Pepper but Odessey is just as incredible as well. Thank you for making this video Andrew and I hope people seek out this album and purchase it.
I was looking forward to the deep dive on this one, and it was well worth the view! I discovered this quite late about 20 years ago, mostly thanks to covers of its deep cuts by various 2000s indie artists. Completely blown away on first listen and now it’s one of my favorites of that decade. Unbelievably memorable melodies are all over this one! Now to listen again…..
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.☺
I only recently got into the album as it passed me by back in the day. I cane to it through Argent, the band, having owned the Circus and Counterpoints albums since the late 1970s. It was just the search for new music to me from the 1960-70s that sent me to The Zombies back catalogue. Plus, I've always known Time of the Season.
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 ....
Jean and Jim are the Rodford's. Jim was Rod Argent's cousin and that the time was playing in the Mike Cotton Sound and went on to be the bass player for Argent and the Kinks (surprisingly being their longest serving bass player) as I'm sure you know. He also played on some later day and at the time unreleased Zombie tracks/demos, just prior to the their split. I hope that helps. Russell.
I love this album. I bought it back when Rhino first released it on CD back in 1987, not being familiar with it at the time. Since then I’ve purchased vinyl copies in both stereo and mono. It’s such an amazing work and disappointing that it was not appreciated when first released. The Zombies had broken up by the time it came out, so never had a chance to perform its tracks live, until a set of 40th anniversary reunion concerts was held in London in 2007 and video taped for release on DVD. The concert and music is superb, but for my tastes the camera post production work is very amateurish and choppy. It’s still worth buying as it’s a great companion to the original album. eBay has copies available to purchase.
great work, thanks. rod argent was a true innovator. but my favourite by him was "Hold Your Head Up." by his subsequent eponymous band. a live version of the song had an extended organ solo that showcased rod's abilities on Hammond B3.
They had a significant hit in the United States called “Tell her no” soon after their first hit single it was called the most negative song ever with NO repeated an insane number of times
thank you for the fun and informative video as always. i skimmed the comments but didn't see any discussion of best pressings. anyone with thoughts on best sound and value?
Time Of The Season brings back so many memories. I was 16 the year it was released. The stop and go of music was different from anything on the charts. Plus I never could get that line “What’s your name. Who’s your daddy?”. Out of my head. Classic line to meet girls and I was shy back then.
A sublime album all around,and one which has become a favourite of mine. Paul Weller sang "Beechwood Park" with them at their Barbican concert in June, which is a treat to see on UA-cam.
On Saturday nights in the 70's, I used to listed to a oldies show on Belgain Radio. They ended every show with "time of the season". I eventually bought an original copy of this LP in 1978 for £12.50!
The pump organ on "Butcher's Tale" was the same one John Lennon used for "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite."
@@dogratco wow never knew that and truly has made my day
Cool. It was certainly miked differently for Butcher’s Tale, because you can hear the “works” of it so clearly.
Thank you for honoring one of the 10 best albums of the sixties.
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!).
Thanks for that!
@@Parlogram Welcome! Thanks for the great videos!
@@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.
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.
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!
@@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.
@@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!
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.
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 .
❤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!
I would have loved to have seen that! I never got a chance to see either of them. Definitely a bucket list concert.
@@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!
@@PaIaeoCIive1684 There's also a live DVD of the 40th anniversary concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire 2008 on the same label.
I “discovered” this album back in 2022 and it immediately became a favorite listen. Wonderful stuff, here!
Right up there with The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society.................two magnificent albums!!!
Brilliant video, love the details and trivia you manage to unearth. Keep them coming Andrew.
Cheers Steve. Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
I didn’t know Rod Argent had a stroke this past July. He was an awesome keyboard player.🥂
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).
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"!
@@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...
@@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.
Great video…I hope the Moody Blues are on your short list for amazing music/albums
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
Absolutely. There's a big story to be told of those 7 albums from Days... onward through to Seventh Sojourn.
They are!
@@Parlogram You rock!
I spent my childhood playing in Beechwood Park. Not the one in the song, but the song completely sums up the park I knew.
Your channel, Andrew, is consistently SO good. I look forward to watching a new episode each Sunday.
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!)
Will do!
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.
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!
You were very lucky! Thanks for sharing the experience.
@@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
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.
Definitely a very good and interesting album, sadly one that passed me by at the time of its release but have since rectified that 😁
Pump organ? Not heard this term but am guessing it was a Harmonium of which there was one at Abbey Road, often kept in No.2 studio.
Great review of this classic album 👍
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!!
Personally I always felt Beatles For Sale also carried that quintessential Fall season vibe about it, idk why. Anyway, really nice breakdown and didn’t know it was so mellotron heavy! Definitely will be giving it a full listen today (as I’m still waiting for my 20th Anniversary box set of American Idiot to arrive since yesterday when it was supposed to).
Beatles For Sale is such an autumnal looking album. We'll be covering its 60th on the channel soon!
@@Parlogram Awesomeee! You're giving us everything Apple doesn't. I'd love a mono reissue of Beatles for sale
@@Parlogram oh I can’t wait. My fave beatle album!
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.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!
and "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" (written by Russ Ballard), which even name checks Cliff Richard.
One of my favorite albums. All the songs have a great mood and interesting tunefulness.
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.
Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy next week's episode.
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.
Glad you enjoyed it, Nick!
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!
😎👍 I've always viewed "Odessey & Oracle" and Manfred Mann's "Mighty Garvey" album as being fraternal twins. Alike in so many ways, yet slightly different in others. They were both released at the same time, they're both Mellotron heavy, they both include a lot of tunes with descending bass lines, and they both included an iconic hit single. I've also always viewed "Cubist Town" as being like "Hung Up On A Dream," but filtered through a psychedelic looking glass. 👻
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
The Zombies had a pretty good album in 2023! I wish the industry (and their scummy manager) had treated them better, they might have done 5-10 more albums of great 60s-era quality. On the other hand, without the manager putting cover bands out in their place when they were broken up, we probably wouldn't have ZZ Top. You decide which is more tragic.
I saw them perform this album when they toured with Brian Wilson. Incredible show. O and O in its entirety…..amazing
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!
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.
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
Love this album. Was turned on to it just 4 or 5 years ago. I can't believe I missed it in the classic rock shuffle.
I saw the Zombies a little over a year ago in support of their last album (which is pretty darn good). Of course they did the hits and, as Colin introduced them, “Four songs from Odyssey and Oracle” of which This Will Be Our Year was one. Colin still in fine voice. Great album. Sorry about Rod’s stroke and I hope he is on the mend. Btw, not sure if you’ve done a video on the Searchers yet. If not, maybe one day in the future?
Can't really add anything new to what's already been said here in the comments regarding this extraordinary album, except to contribute, for whatever that's worth, my own opinion on it. And in that regard, mere words really aren't adequate. This is truly one of those recorded works that will live forever. Without doubt not only one of the best UK albums of the 1960s, but one of the most staggeringly awesome pop records ever produced by ANY band in ANY decade.
"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.
A wonderful album Andrew. Like Nick Drake it is also uniquely English sounding. Evocative and emotional some of the tunes are almost heartbreakingly good.
Grand vid as ever, and a great LP. My copy is one of those Sainsbury's exclusive coloured vinyl things. I'm intrigued as to why was there such a big gap between the recording and release?
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.
Saw the Zombies in Portland, Oregon, last year before their tour was halted. Now I know the reason. Best wishes to Rod Argent - been loving his music for over half a century.
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.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm really happy to see you discussing the Zombies, my favorite British band of the 60s (believe it or not). That being said, I actually think the 20 or so single sides they released between their first album and Odessey is an even more impressive body of work.
When I first heard about this album on CD, I bought it and was instantly transported back to the 1960s. What a time capsule! Most of the songs sound rather raw, compared to the polished sound of their two big hits. But the tunes and lyrics are catchy and sound unlike anything else from that era. It feels like eavesdropping on their recording session.
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.
That copy of Days of Future Passed just keeps tempting us in the background. Really hope that album is waiting in the Parlogram queue.
It is, Phillip!
My 14 year old daughter found it herself on apple music and told me, that she found "something sensational!!" not knowing that this album is one of my alltime favorites.
Goes to show that great music will always stand out and touch people.
Time Of The Season is Classic..... Who's Your Daddy...Is He Rich Like Me....one of the greatest lines Ever ❤
I've never heard this record all the way through, incredibly. I'm going to rectify that right now. Thanks for another great video!
Thanks for listening. Hope you enjoy it.
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.
Great job, this album was as good as anything in the '60's. I do know one of the "Friends of Mine" - Paul and Molly were guitarist Paul Atkinson and his wife.
Great! Thanks for that!
very much looking forward to that mellotron video!!!
One of the most essential British albums of the late '60's.
One thing I liked about the Zombies is that they would hold their heads up high when they performed.
Always thought of Odessey & Oracle as a summer album
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.
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.
Such a great album both vocally and instrumental. This always sounds much more mature than many albums of that era.
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.
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.
Good call, George. Hope you like next weeks video!
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.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
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)!
Fair point, David.
Five Leaves Left isn't a reference to the turn of the season...😉
WOW everyone suddenly started talking about the zombies and its great 🦣
I had heard the radio hits in the seventies and liked them but never sprung for an LP, then about 1980ish I picked up Time Of The Zombies (double LP) which is comprised of their songs from 65 through 68. I still love every groove of that album and when I play it for friends, fans are quickly created. Eager now to find the mono versions on CD.
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.
This album reminds me of Pilot’s Morin Heights album from 1976.
Really only know the Zombies due to a couple of their hits so I'll definitely be checking the album out, always good to discover a great album you've not heard before.
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!!!!!
My pleasure, Gary!
I was just listening to my CD of this album the other day. I bought it in Oct.1997. I don't know if I'd say it's better than Sgt Pepper but it's definietly one of my all time favorite albums.
I would rate the Zombies and the Kinks as the most underated bands ever. The song missing from Oracle was "Imagine the Swan". Both bands went on to do several more great albums and indiviually as well. "As Far as I Can See" was great for the Zombies!!!
This video finally moved me to get off my butt and order a Repertoire mono to replace/augment my stereo copy (same as the one you just got, Andrew).
I just went and had my first listen to the album, and my goodness it is delightful! Then came back and watched the video. No wonder it has such a special reputation behind it
When I was in High School. I'd skip class and go to Tower Records and stay there for most of the morning going through the "Import" section of the store. I ended up on the last band, "The Zombies". I looked over the CDs and was really taken aback by the artwork on "Odessey & Oracle". It just looked so different. This was in 1998 when the 30th Anniversary CD was released. I still think this is the best release that people should get. It has the album in Mono and Stereo with a few alternate mixes and one outtake. This album has made me a life-long fan. I was lucky enough to see the band twice and once was them performing the album in its entirety with all surviving band members. It was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Colin Blunstone's voice was so incredible. I feel so lucky to have been able to witness that before the pandemic hit. I think it was in 2018. I'm so glad this album is finally getting the love it deserves. I play this album more than Sgt. Peppers. I'm not saying it's better than Pepper but Odessey is just as incredible as well. Thank you for making this video Andrew and I hope people seek out this album and purchase it.
I was looking forward to the deep dive on this one, and it was well worth the view! I discovered this quite late about 20 years ago, mostly thanks to covers of its deep cuts by various 2000s indie artists. Completely blown away on first listen and now it’s one of my favorites of that decade. Unbelievably memorable melodies are all over this one! Now to listen again…..
Glad you enjoyed it!
Beechwood park was a boys school in 1967 and also the Dirty Dozen was filmed there.
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.☺
Glad you enjoyed it, Paul!
its one of the best and most underrated albums of all times, but not better than Pepper
I only recently got into the album as it passed me by back in the day. I cane to it through Argent, the band, having owned the Circus and Counterpoints albums since the late 1970s. It was just the search for new music to me from the 1960-70s that sent me to The Zombies back catalogue. Plus, I've always known Time of the Season.
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 ....
Great post!
I hope you meant Honors. Lol
@@simpleman5688 In regards to ...?
@@Parlogram Thank you, Andrew. ☺
Jean and Jim are the Rodford's. Jim was Rod Argent's cousin and that the time was playing in the Mike Cotton Sound and went on to be the bass player for Argent and the Kinks (surprisingly being their longest serving bass player) as I'm sure you know. He also played on some later day and at the time unreleased Zombie tracks/demos, just prior to the their split.
I hope that helps.
Russell.
Is that a Mellotron 'ignition key' on the left of the picture at 3:46?!
This is sparkling stuff Andrew: thank you!
It is! More in next week's video!
One of the greatest albums ever
I love this album. I bought it back when Rhino first released it on CD back in 1987, not being familiar with it at the time. Since then I’ve purchased vinyl copies in both stereo and mono. It’s such an amazing work and disappointing that it was not appreciated when first released. The Zombies had broken up by the time it came out, so never had a chance to perform its tracks live, until a set of 40th anniversary reunion concerts was held in London in 2007 and video taped for release on DVD. The concert and music is superb, but for my tastes the camera post production work is very amateurish and choppy. It’s still worth buying as it’s a great companion to the original album. eBay has copies available to purchase.
I have the Repertoire Stereo/mono 40th anniversary double cd,love it !!!
Oh my god! This is the most perfect álbum ever. Glad to see something about the zombies in here. ❤
I bought the record first from Rock Machine records 1986, Big Beat Records stereo 1998 (30th) and Repertoire mono 2015.
Thanks, I've never listened to this album, but I will remedy that now. Great review.
great work, thanks. rod argent was a true innovator. but my favourite by him was "Hold Your Head Up." by his subsequent eponymous band. a live version of the song had an extended organ solo that showcased rod's abilities on Hammond B3.
They had a significant hit in the United States called “Tell her no” soon after their first hit single it was called the most negative song ever with NO repeated an insane number of times
Check out 'Nobody But Me' by the Human Beinz....it might be a draw!
Butcher's Tale is one of the best WW1 songs. Amazing.
thank you for the fun and informative video as always. i skimmed the comments but didn't see any discussion of best pressings. anyone with thoughts on best sound and value?
great Video! Will you do a video on the new Queen I 2024 mix, and compare it to the original?
Time Of The Season brings back so many memories. I was 16 the year it was released. The stop and go of music was different from anything on the charts. Plus I never could get that line “What’s your name. Who’s your daddy?”. Out of my head. Classic line to meet girls and I was shy back then.
It's a great album but falls short of Pepper by some distance.
A sublime album all around,and one which has become a favourite of mine. Paul Weller sang "Beechwood Park" with them at their Barbican concert in June, which is a treat to see on UA-cam.
I've got 14 vinyl versions of it ! Without any regret...
On Saturday nights in the 70's, I used to listed to a oldies show on Belgain Radio. They ended every show with "time of the season". I eventually bought an original copy of this LP in 1978 for £12.50!