The Zombies.

Orizio

Anyone else listen to this British pop group from the 60's? From AMG...

Aside from the Beatles and perhaps the Beach Boys, no mid-'60s rock group wrote melodies as gorgeous as those of the Zombies. Dominated by Colin Blunstone's breathy vocals, choral backup harmonies, and Rod Argent's shining jazz- and classical-influenced organ and piano, the band sounded utterly unique for their era. Indeed, their material — penned by either Argent or guitarist Chris White, with unexpected shifts from major to minor keys — was perhaps too adventurous for the singles market. To this day, they're known primarily for their three big hit singles, "She's Not There" (1964), "Tell Her No" (1965), and "Time of the Season" (1969). Most listeners remain unaware that the group maintained a remarkably high quality of work for several years...

Link.

Odyssey & Oracle is their materpiece, and matches pretty much any other pop album made in the 60's that I've heard, except possibly Revolver. Its the kind of album that you've heard before without realising it, so many of the tracks are so familiar (I swear I've heard 'Time Of The Season' in a Tarantino film before).

Anyway, for fans of The Beatles and The Kinks they are a must.

Shes Not There - The Zombies

Time Of The Season - The Zombies

pinksoir

Yeah, they're super sweet. I love Oddessey and Oracle. One of my favourite albums. Though I'd have to say, 'Butchers Tale (Western Front)' could have been left off the album and it would have been much better for it.

Orizio

Crazy. 'Butchers Tale' is a masterpiece. Just adds more variety and necessary change in pace to the album. Great lyrics and hook as well.

pinksoir

To each his own I guess. I just think that it sounds extremely out of place and creates an unnecessary break in what is essentially one of the finest runs of pop songs ever recorded. I just don't see how a song about World War I fits in with the rest of the album, which is about love and everyday life.

Not a bad song on it's own, mind you, just not in the context of the album.

pinksoir

On another note, I hadn't listened to that album in a while. So thanks for bringing it back to my attention! Listening to it now...

Orizio

Yeah but you can't have every track of a similar variety and pace, and tracks like Butcher's Tale offer a nice chance of the listener having a deep breath between the vigourous pop of Friends of Mine and This Will Be our Year. In my opinion at least, I can't imagine the album without Butchers Tale.

pinksoir

I would agree that a break between 'This Will...' and 'Friends...' is welcomed, in that it breaks up a run of songs that are somewhat similar in tone and arrangement, with 'I want Her...' also included in that run.

But, i dunno. 'Butchers Tale' just doesn't sit right with me. It's just personal taste I guess...

Orizio

I take your point, but think of it like this,it shows the talent and originality of The Zombies in pulling off such a diffenent track, but also in making such an important song with a vital message. For me Butchers Tale is one of the great anti-war songs ever made, and thats something The Zombies should be very proud of imo. Butchers Tale just shows the depth and ability of The Zombies talent.