Album Information:

About The Zombies:

The Zombies were a British rock band formed in 1961 in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The group consisted of Rod Argent (keyboards, vocals), Colin Blunstone (lead vocals), Paul Atkinson (guitar), Chris White (bass), and Hugh Grundy (drums).

The band's early sound was heavily influenced by American R&B and rock and roll, and their first single, 'She's Not There,' was a top 10 hit in the UK and US in 1964. Their follow-up single, 'Tell Her No,' also charted well, and the band quickly became known for their catchy melodies and harmonies.

The Zombies' most successful album, Odessey and Oracle, was released in 1968. Despite being critically acclaimed, the album was not a commercial success at the time. However, its popularity grew over time, and it is now considered a classic of the psychedelic and baroque pop genres.

After the band broke up in 1968, Argent formed the band Argent, while Blunstone pursued a solo career. In the 1990s, the original members of The Zombies reunited and began performing together again. In 2019, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Zombies' music has been influential in a variety of genres, including indie rock and power pop. Their distinctive harmonies and innovative use of studio techniques continue to be admired by musicians and fans alike.

About the album Odessey And Oracle:

Sure, I'd be happy to provide a detailed description of The Zombies' album Odessey and Oracle!

Released in 1968, Odessey and Oracle is regarded as one of the most influential and innovative albums of the 1960s British psychedelic pop/rock movement.

The album kicks off with the upbeat and catchy 'Care of Cell 44,' which sets the tone for the rest of the album with its lush harmonies, strong melodies, and intricate arrangements. Other standout tracks include the psychedelic pop gem 'Time of the Season,' which features a steady, hypnotic beat and lyrics full of sexual innuendo, and the hauntingly beautiful 'A Rose for Emily,' which showcases Colin Blunstone's ethereal vocals.

One of the most impressive things about the album is its cohesive sound. Each track seamlessly flows into the next, creating a polished and unified work of art. This is partly due to the fact that the album was recorded in just six weeks, with band members working long hours to perfect each track.

Lyrically, the album deals with themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, with many of the songs reflecting a melancholy longing for the past. This melancholic atmosphere is perfectly captured in tracks like 'Beechwood Park,' which features haunting harmonies and a mournful melody.

Musically, the album is a masterpiece of intricate arrangements, with multiple layers of instrumentation weaving together to create a rich, textured sound. The use of unusual instruments like harpsichords and mellotrons adds to the album's dreamlike quality, while the band's tight harmonies and sophisticated songwriting skills elevate the album to the level of pop perfection.

Despite its critical acclaim and the fact that it has since become regarded as a classic album, Odessey and Oracle was not initially a commercial success. However, its reputation has only grown in the ensuing decades, and it is now widely regarded as a landmark of 1960s British pop/rock that continues to influence generations of musicians today.

Members:

The Zombies were an English rock band formed in 1961. They were best known for hits like 'She's Not There' and 'Time of the Season.' The key members of the band included:

1. Colin Blunstone (Vocals) - Born in 1945 in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Blunstone was the lead vocalist for The Zombies. After the band disbanded in 1968, he pursued a solo career. He released several albums and also worked as a session musician. Blunstone reunited with his former bandmates in the 1990s for a few concert tours. He continues to perform and record music to this day.

2. Rod Argent (Keyboards) - Born in 1945 in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Argent was the keyboardist for the band. He co-wrote many of The Zombies' songs and later went on to form the band Argent. As a producer, he has worked with artists like Cher and Gary Moore. Argent continues to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with his band.

3. Paul Atkinson (Guitar) - Born in 1946 in Cuffley, Hertfordshire, Atkinson played guitar for The Zombies. After the band broke up, he worked as a talent scout for Columbia Records in the United States. Atkinson passed away in 2004 at the age of 58.

4. Chris White (Bass) - Born in 1943 in Barnet, Hertfordshire, White played bass for the band. He co-wrote many of their songs and also played other instruments, such as flute and saxophone. After The Zombies disbanded, he worked as a producer and also wrote music for television and film. White continues to be involved in the music industry.

5. Hugh Grundy (Drums) - Born in 1945 in Winchester, Hampshire, Grundy was the drummer for The Zombies. After the band broke up, he worked in the music industry as a producer and engineer. In the 1990s, he reunited with his former bandmates for several reunion concerts. Grundy passed away in 2020 at the age of 75.

Track List for Odessey And Oracle:

Sure, here are the tracks from The Zombies' album 'Odessey and Oracle' in order with play times and brief descriptions:

1. 'Care of Cell 44' (3:56) - This opening track features upbeat instrumentals and harmonies with a catchy melody. The lyrics are about a man addressing his incarcerated lover.

2. 'A Rose for Emily' (2:20) - The second track is a melancholic number that expresses desire for someone who has already passed on. The harmonies and acoustic guitar create a dreamy, wistful atmosphere.

3. 'Maybe After He's Gone' (2:34) - This song is about holding on to a relationship despite knowing that it may not last. It features a soft acoustic guitar and piano, and a simple, heartfelt vocal performance.

4. 'Beechwood Park' (2:43) - The fourth track is more upbeat, with jangly guitar and drums. The lyrics describe a lovers' retreat in a park, but the slightly dissonant chords give the song a sense of bittersweet nostalgia.

5. 'Brief Candles' (3:30) - Another melancholic track, 'Brief Candles' features intricate harmonies and a unique rhythm. The lyrics discuss the fleeting nature of life.

6. 'Hung Up on a Dream' (3:02) - The instrumentation and harmonies in this song create a psychedelic feel, with lyrics that suggest a dreamlike place of refuge from the pressures of reality.

7. 'Changes' (3:19) - A cheerful song with uplifting harmonies, 'Changes' encourages the listener to embrace the future with optimism and hope.

8. 'I Want Her, She Wants Me' (2:52) - A more lighthearted track, 'I Want Her, She Wants Me' has playful lyrics about a romantic pursuit. The horns and electric piano give the song a funky, upbeat sound.

9. 'This Will Be Our Year' (2:06) - 'This Will Be Our Year' is an optimistic song about falling in love with someone and conquering the challenges of life together. The track has a simple acoustic guitar melody with smooth vocal harmonies.

10. 'Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)' (2:48) - This eerie, minor-key track is a stark contrast to the preceding track. It describes a soldier's experience during World War I, with sound effects of gunfire, bomb explosions, and screams.

11. 'Friends of Mine' (2:18) - Another upbeat track, 'Friends of Mine' features jangly guitars and horns. The lyrics discuss the joys of spending time with friends.

12. 'Time of the Season' (3:33) - The final track is arguably the most popular and well-known song on the album. 'Time of the Season' is a seductive, groove-heavy song with a catchy melody, and the lyrics center around sexual desire and temptation.

Overall, 'Odessey and Oracle' is a versatile album with many different styles and moods, showcasing The Zombies' skills as both songwriters and performers.

Discography for The Zombies:

Here is the complete discography of The Zombies in chronological order, including all albums, singles and other releases (all dates are in UK format):

Albums:

1. Begin Here (1965)
2. The Zombies (1965)
3. Odessey and Oracle (1968)
4. New World (1972)
5. Zombie Heaven (1997)
6. As Far As I Can See... (2004)
7. Breathe Out, Breathe In (2011)
8. Still Got That Hunger (2015)

Singles:

1. 'She's Not There' / 'You Make Me Feel Good' (1964)
2. 'Leave Me Be' / 'Woman' (1965)
3. 'Tell Her No' / 'Leave Me Be' (1965)
4. 'She's Coming Home' / 'I Must Move' (1965)
5. 'Whenever You're Ready' / 'I Love You' (1965)
6. 'Indication' / 'How We Were Before' (1966)
7. 'Gotta Get a Hold of Myself' / 'The Way I Feel Inside' (1966)
8. 'Maybe After He's Gone' / 'Remember You' (1966)
9. 'Friends of Mine' / 'Friends of Mine' (1967)
10. 'Care of Cell 44' / 'Maybe After He's Gone' (1967)
11. 'Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)' / 'This Will Be Our Year' (1968)
12. 'Time of the Season' / 'I'll Call You Mine' (1968)
13. 'Imagine the Swan' / 'Conversation Off Floral Street' (1969)

Other Releases:

1. R.I.P. (1969) - Compilation album
2. The World of the Zombies (1972) - Compilation album
3. Begin Here Plus (1999) - Re-release of Begin Here with bonus tracks
4. Zombie Heaven Box Set (1997) - Includes unreleased tracks, live recordings and rarities
5. The Absolute Anthology 1964-1969 (1997) - Compilation album
6. Odessey and Oracle (Revisited) (2009) - Re-recorded album with newer artists
7. The Singles Collection - A's and B's, 1964-1969 (2015) - Compilation album

Note: The discography may differ in other countries.