Reviews (page 3 of 13)
fabulous! One of the best of its time.
По началу только первый и последний трек, вроде бы зашло и решил дальше продвигаться, но вторым треком стал A Rose For Emily и мне что то не зашло и выключил. Но позже где то между 26 и 27 ноября вновь послушал когда плавал в бассейн и понял что недооценил этот альбом и даже тот трек. В итоге это теперь один из моих любимых альбомов и все треки как минимум хороши.
I have so much respect for this album.
I ignored this album for too long. Absolutely fantastic. Wonderful melodies, arrangements and playing. Gently psychedelic. This one is a keeper.
A hidden chamber-pop gem. Everything good about music from this era is here and executed with whimsy and an ear for melody.
Such a great album. Obviously these guys are not unknown and have a handful of hits, but I still feel like they’re erroneously left out of the discussion of the great bands of the 60s. This album is up there with the best of that decade, easily.
i can't say anything bad about this album. it's one of my favorites of all time. the songwriting and production are very late 60's which is maybe my favorite time period of music of all time. every song on here is catchy and lovely. of course, there's one big song on here that is a classic - 'time of the season' but i think most of these songs should be held as classics in the same vein. in particular, i adore 'this will be our year' which i think is one of the best songs of the decade. there's no world i would give this one under a 5.
приятный теплый мелодичный альбом
Evergreen. One of the songs on the album, This Will Be Our Year, I had heard out of context, and I thought it was modern. So melodic. Almost makes me wish I came of age in the late 60s. Almost. ;)
Classic. Timeless.
Underrated 60s gem, on par with classics which often appear at the top of lists.
Top 5 psychedelic albums of the 60s. Extremely influential but manages to remain untarnished by all of its proteges.
I cannot believe that I have never heard of the Zombies before. This album is fucking amazing. Rose for emily, being the theme of S town, was familiar, but nothing else until tike of the season which sounds like a different band and really surprised me. Huge.huge fan.
this is why im doing this. i loved it. exactly right.
10/10/24. I've been getting great albums this week, and this is top tier 60s psychedelic rock. Very Beatles like, but I think this one stands out on its own.
I really really like this one. I always think of Bob Brainen's show on WFMU and his calming voice and frog background on chill, chilly Saturday mornings while I drink warm coffee. He plays a bunch of Zombies tracks while the sun pours through the window, and I sit just listening and not worrying about what I'm doing with any part of my life. Yeah, so, totally five stars.
Brilliant record, a psychedelic masterpiece
cool
Das klingt ja wie "Beach Boys", "The Turtles", "Beatles" , wunderschön. Tolle Melodien, harmonischer Gesang. Für gehört dieses Album zu meinen Großartigen Entdeckungen. Danke
Great album
One of the real highs of the psychedelic era. Some absolute classic songs and others that have flown under the radar but are still great.
Awesome!
Bangers!
Goddamn I love this album. It's the complete package: catchy songs, awesome bass lines, incredible vocals, gorgeous harmonies, tasty arrangements, all lovingly recorded. And it's all over in 30 minutes. Long live the Zombies!
It was great then, and it was great just a few years ago when they brought a retrospective of this album on tour to NYC. The Zombies are STILL relevant.
There is a plethora of 1960s psych-adjacent pop bands like Zombies I did not give the time of day simply because I feared they'd end up sounding too much alike. With at least the Zombies I am regretting my procrastination. Tight jangly tunes that balance between trippy and joyful, delivering infectious melody song after song.
Great!
It's not necessarily an album I put on a lot. It is fantastic though. I should listen to it more often.
I know this one by heart but I'll give it another listen. Perfect pop songs with the most earnest, longing singing voice. Communicates so much emotion and melancholy. Everything is mixed beautifully and the harmonies sound gorgeous throughout. All tracks have something special so it feels to pick stand outs but Hung up on a dream and This will be our year are some of my favourite songs ever. One of my favourite albums of all time. 5 no question.
Easily one of my favorite albums of all time, Odessey and Oracle treats you to pop perfection right out of the gate with Care of Cell 44's mind-blowing, jaw-dropping chorus, and only tries to top itself to the very end of the album, with twists and turns, such as the percussion heavy sound on Changes, or the oddly fear-inducing Butchers Tale, culminating in yet another pop masterpiece, fit not only for 1968 with its more devious storytelling and oh-so memorable organ solo, but even relevant today as proof that the pop sound left behind by the greats like the Beatles was not tapped out of potential, and while the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds may have mastered the sunshine pop sound, this album perfected it. Every single moment is used perfectly, not a moment of the listener's time is wasted, not only leading to a concise yet filling album experience, but also ensuring every single note, harmony, and lyric leaves the listener in pure bliss. Its lush, its teeming with life, and its easily one of my favorite records of all time. Were the Beatles not the masters of music that they were, this would easily be my album of the 1960s, and if you've skipped out on it because Time of the Season didn't do it for you, give it in a listen any way, you won't be disappointed by what's offered.
Hmmmmm was going back and forth between a 4 and a 5 but I feel like it deserves a 5 bc I’m feeling generous. Really enjoyed it, plenty I’ll def be listening to again.
I imagine this is what The Beatles sounds like to people who like The Beatles
8,41
Great album! Maybe the one thing on this list that can be realistic compared to The Beatles. A couple of absolute bops, a solid middle section, and one of the darkest tunes ever made. I holds some nice memories of when I first got married and bought our first house together. I told my wife this was my album of the day and she rolled her eyes and groaned, which made a a little sad.
That was quite the treat! It was kind of like the Beatles And The Beach Boys got together and made an album.
Having only really listened to This Will Be Our Year, this album really blew me away with its psychedelic instrumentation and vocal harmonies. 4.5 bumped to 5.
I’m at a 4.5 that I think just barely bumps itself up to a 5. I wasn’t really feeling the first 2 tracks on this album; I thought they felt a little repetitive in their lyricism and vocals, even if the instrumentals were pretty good. From Track 3 onward though, I thought this album took a nice ramp up in energy; each track got progressively better and better (save for the sort of super generic track that is “I Want Her, She Wants Me”) before it started firing on all cylinders by Track 9 and never looked back. I genuinely had a big grin on my face when I realized “Time of the Season” was that track, because I’ve heard it several times (obviously, the Eminem sample helped a bit), but I’ve never really thought to listen to the original. The quality that stems from 9 of those final 10 tracks is what gets this to go from a 4.5 up to a 5; I think they’re just too damn good to sell them short by leaving them at a 4. Yes, the album starts slow, but it really does ramp up and finish in a remarkable way; the choice to end on Time of the Season, and save frankly your best song for last is really hard in the modern music industry, and it’s kind of a breath of fresh air to see it happen here. I might be overhyping it a little, but I really, really did enjoy this – I feel good about going to a 5.
Delightfully dreamy hippy pop music. I know of the Zombies name but it took a bit for me to place which songs I knew. Really enjoyed the album, nice harmonies like The Beach Boys but a little more subdued. Evokes different emotions well. 4.5/5
there's a sincerity to this that you don't get in a lot of psychedelia which makes it 100 times better than a lot of the other shit on here. A classic album.
The Zombies may have been best known for their hit singles, while releasing only two studio albums during their run in the 60's. So it's ironic that when their second album was finally released, the band had already broken up. I had only listened to the album in it's entirety more recently, it has gained critical acclaim over the years going from being woefully underrated to being recognized as a 60's classic rock masterpiece. Oh, what a swansong! Along with including one of their best songs, Time Of The Season, the rest of the songs on the album shine as a cohesive collection. For the most rewarding listening experience, this is an album meant to be listened as an album, in one uninterrupted sitting. It's worth it!
I've been blessed by the album gods so many times in just my first 100 albums. Odyssey And Oracle is one of my favorite albums ever - those first few notes of the harpsichord immediately lift my mood, and I'm in the happiest little buzz by the time I'm through Time of the Season.
It's impressive that the Zombies seem to have understood what John, Paul, and Brian (Wilson) were doing in (4-track!!) studios, thoroughly enough to reproduce the tricks to comparable magical results. But what makes this - or any album - great is the songwriting. This is such a stellar collection of songs that it belongs in any conversation of the best of Psychedelica: Rubber Soul/ Pet Sounds/ Sgt Peppers/ Good Vibrations. Hundreds, if not thousands, of acts all over the world captured that sound that tickles the ears. But so very few are built on songs that move the soul.
Of all the Beatles knockoff bands I’ve heard, this is the best so far. Good harmonies and songs that bring out different feels. I really enjoyed it.
lit
Cool and fun. Before music had to be super intense. Feels like the 60s makes you long for a simpler time.
Shocked how well recorded & produced this is - & the musicianship is a perfection point from this period in time. I had no idea how clean this was, I’d only heard this on FM or SiriusXM before. Tight PRAT!
Blast from the past! Good music.
Took a few listens to really appreciate how good this album is throughout. Adding to music collection for those times when I yearn for some brilliantly complex 60s composition. It's a shame the lack of commercial success of this album led to their breakup because I wonder what their successive releases would have been like.
That is one of the best happy mood music I know.
Absolute perfection start to finish. The Beatles never put out an album this good.
on want list
Baroque rock perfection. Just dandy 🩵
Really solid all the way through. I enjoy the woodwind arrangements and tight vocal harmony that are ethereal. This entire album has a psychedelic, ethereal, and beautiful sound. I like the use of heavy reverb on vocals in Time of the Season. The organ solo is amazing
I LOVE THE ZOMBIES this album is mid tho but still my most enjoyed thus far. Iconic song ofc time of the season (classic) however my fave song is: hung up on a dream and I deeply enjoyed listening to it. Fantastic.
A wonderful album that comes from the psychedelic explosion launched by The Beatles. Beautifully composed tunes with gorgeous instrumentation that is a trip to experience. From the explosive start of Care of Cell 44, to the dizzying soundscapes of Hung Up On a Dream. The haunting sounds of Butcher's Tale, and the absolute classic that is Time of the Season.
What a surprise this was. Never heard of the Zombies and it opens with such a banger in Care of Cell 44 and closes on the high loint of Time of the Season. Creative 60s pop rock that stands up pretty well to some of the Beatles albums on here, in my opinion. Enjoyed this very much.
What’s your name? Who’s your daddy?
This is a no skips classic. Wes Anderson core for sure. Must also be crazy to put together a masterpiece like this and have people shrug. Glad they got their due.
For me, the quintessential album that perfectly encapsulates what the 60s vibe is
How is it possible I never heard about this album or even band before. And then at the last song it hit me: oh this song... I know.
Came across the album just over a decade ago - I think because I heard "Time of the Season" in a soundtrack? I had definitely assumed these guys were San Francisco based, as they really nailed that sound - surprised to learn they're actually British! It's gorgeous stuff - lovely harmonies, almost but not quite too much tweeness, which can be a problem with psychedelia from this period - this is one of my fave examples of the genre. Fave tracks - "Time of the Season" remains a fave. "Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)" is great, and "A Rose for Emily" too - I could pick out a couple more highlights with each listen, too....
A Care Of Cell 44 5 A Rose For Emily 5 Maybe After He's Gone 5 Beechwood Park 5 Brief Candles 5 Hung Up On A Dream 5 Changes 5 I Want Her She Wants Me 5 This Will Be Our Year 4 Butchers Tale (Western Front 1914) 5 Friends Of Mine 5 Time Of The Season 5 One of the first vinyl records I bought, mostly because I loved the album cover, but I liked the music as well. I hadn't listened to this in awhile, so I was unsure what I would give it. I expected at least a 4, but didn't expect it to be the highest rated album yet.
When this popped up I honestly thought I was being punished (another obscure 60's UK band!) for having such a great run this week with Simon & Garfunkel and Janel Monae, but I was WRONG. This is a DELIGHT. Butcher's Tale has a haunting quality that reminds me of Days of Future Passed (The Moody Blues). Touches of it in Maybe After He's Gone & Changes. Holy shit, Time of the Season is The Zombies. Iconic.
This album is great and I really enjoyed it. More than that is the crazy story that goes with it. A massive thank you to the person that mentioned it in their review. Check out the Buzzfeed article "The True Story Of The Fake Zombies, The Strangest Con In Rock History" for an amazing read.
One of the best psych/baroque pop albums of all time. Great arrangements and vocal harmonies. Catchy melodies and solid instrumentals with some prominent bass and piano/organ. Toes the line between delicate and powerful. Just a great record that’s really a pleasure to listen to.
One of my all time favorite albums, I can listen to this endlessly. The diversity of different sounds that they use on the album is incredible and the switch up in some songs is so interesting. "Maybe after he's gone" and "Beachwood park" do this especially well. Every song on this album I just love. This is better than pet sounds and maybe better than rubber soul. It has darker undertones than those as well which make for a very interesting listen. After some of those songs with very diverse sounds, we get "Butchers Tale" which is mostly an organ with just vocals, singing about WW1, wanting to go home and some visceral images of flies coming down in the heat and their hands shaking. It's really something. So much depth to this album with seemingly simple lyrics.
Class
One of my favorite albums from the 60's. Kinda corny in spots, but I still love it
Absolute classic
Hits!
This album was a really pleasant surprise! High quality 60s pop with no bad songs. Half the album is good, the other half is great. The closer, Time of the Season, is of course a standout, along with Care of Cell 44. I would also like to highlight Butcher's Tale, with its haunting chorus and lyrics, and the sad and beautiful A Rose for Emily. I've been in serious doubt whether to 4 or 5 it, but I let the best songs decide. 75 albums in, my first 5!
I just can’t get enough of these 60’s psychedelic rock albums. Definitely a 5 for me!!!
Perfect start to finish. Some of the most brilliant melodies and structures in pop or psychedelia. Criminally overlooked in its time. Feels like they were trying to be the British Beach Boys in a way, but they landed on something really unique.
Very vibey album, psychedelic experience, would definitely want to get fried and listen to this
Very melodious and gentle music and lyrics!
I already knew this before and remember listening to it first time. It was one of those rare moments. I could not believe how good the record is. Perfect songwriting and beautiful vocals. I was impressed and hooked by every note and sound. By now this is the greatest Pop Record I ever listened to.
I really enjoyed this album. The cover art is great.
Amazing psychedelic rock album.
Beautiful and hypnotizing baroque pop
Care of Cell 44 Maybe After He’s Gone Brief Candles Hung up on a Dream This Will Be Our Year Time of the Season The guitar on this album is amazing. Such a great vibe behind this album. Vocals have great octaves and are strong. Genuinely enjoyed listening to this.
One of my favorite albums a reason why the zombies have a spot in my top ten favorite bands of all time. It's honestly tragic to me that the zombies didn't get more financial success in the 60s and ended up spending much of the subsequent decades not officially together. This was a the album they left on, an album absolutely full of creativity and a sound uniquely there's.
Sometimes I worry that I'm too stingy or too loose with the 5'ers. Then there's something like this, which, like pornography, you know when you see it. Absolutely spectacular - breathy bluntstone, electric piano argent, a bit less of their guitar/drummer, who are very effective when they come in, and wild soaring, contrapuntal vocals soaring in and out. Cool ass complex arrangements and song structures. Rose for emily is basically a more complicated eleanor rigby. Changes is a typhoon of a sad take on Creams I feel free. Time of the season of course and epoch defining banger. THis will be our year transcending simple blues base. Words are good too - ie world war one core - butchers tale, setting up a good template for Tom Verlaines later lyrical explorations from the front with the absolutely brutal: And I have seen a friend of mine, Hang on a wire like some rag toy And in the heat the flies come down And cover up the boy Yeesh. This one brings out the boomer in me- who is creating music this out there now, with such good song structure underlying? Who is following up on these innovations. You kids and your Gizzard Lizards could never...
Released in 1968, The Zombies' "Odessey and Oracle" stands as a bittersweet masterpiece. Despite the band's commercial struggles and eventual disbandment before its release, the album has become a cornerstone of psychedelic rock, lauded for its songwriting, musical innovation, and timeless appeal. Lyrics: A Tapestry of Emotions The album's lyrical tapestry is rich and multifaceted. Rod Argent and Chris White, the band's primary songwriters, weave themes of youthful optimism ("This Will Be Our Year"), existential longing ("Butchers Tale (Funeral of a Friend)"), and bittersweet romance ("She's Not There"). Songs like "Care of Cell 44" present a surprisingly tender perspective on confinement, while "A Rose for Emily" adopts a more cynical outlook on love. The lyrics are rarely overt, relying on evocative imagery and metaphors that resonate with listeners across generations. Musical Innovation: Beyond British Invasion Musically, "Odessey and Oracle" transcends the limitations of the British Invasion sound. While the band retains its signature jangly guitars and soaring vocals, the album incorporates elements of baroque pop ("The Flute and the Drone"), harpsichord ("Butchers Tale"), and even a Mellotron on the iconic "Time of the Season." This experimentation creates a sophisticated and layered soundscape. Colin Blunstone's distinctive, breathy vocals remain the album's focal point, adding a touch of melancholy beauty to each track. Production Magic in Abbey Road Recorded at London's legendary Abbey Road Studios, the album benefits from pristine production. Producer Hugh Murphy masterfully captures the nuances of the band's instrumentation, showcasing the interplay between Argent's keyboards, Paul Atkinson's bass, Hugh Grundy's drums, and Chris White's rhythmic guitar lines. The use of studio effects, particularly on "Time of the Season," adds a subtle psychedelic touch without overwhelming the songs' emotional core. Themes: A Look Beyond the Groovy Beneath the album's surface-level psychedelia lies a deeper exploration of universal themes. The fleeting nature of youth and the yearning for connection are central to songs like "This Will Be Our Year" and "She's Not There." Tracks like "A Rose for Emily" and "Butchers Tale" grapple with loss and disillusionment, hinting at a darker undercurrent beneath the album's pop veneer. Influence: A Legacy of Enduring Inspiration "Odessey and Oracle" continues to inspire artists across genres. Bands like The Flaming Lips, Belle and Sebastian, and The Clientele cite it as a major influence. The album's melodic brilliance and introspective lyrics have also found their way into film soundtracks and television shows. The Other Side of the Coin: Minor Shortcomings Despite its strengths, "Odessey and Oracle" isn't without minor shortcomings. The brevity of the album, with no song exceeding four minutes, may leave some listeners wanting more. Additionally, a few tracks like "Hung Up on a Dream" feel less impactful compared to the album's stronger offerings. A Timeless Masterpiece However, these minor drawbacks do not diminish the album's overall brilliance. "Odessey and Oracle" remains a testament to The Zombies' songwriting prowess, musical ingenuity, and ability to capture the essence of a fleeting era. It's a poignant reminder that sometimes, the greatest creative achievements emerge from moments of frustration and uncertainty. In conclusion, "Odessey and Oracle" is a must-listen for fans of pop, rock, and psychedelic music. Its innovative sounds, evocative lyrics, and timeless themes ensure its place as a cornerstone of popular music history.
Not listened to this for so long. What a pleasure.
Orchestral, baroque pop perfection. So beautifully constructed and performed, and Colin Blunstone's voice might be one of my favorites to come out of the 60s and the British Invasion. I first heard these guys as a young punk kid, expecting the name to align with some scuzzy pre-punk noise. It obviously didn't, but the Zombies have since become among my most treasured artists, and this album is definitely their pinnacle.
I was not expecting this to be such a great album. Fantastic and interesting musically. Fun harmonies.
Tack-piano attacks like a ticking alarm clock in a lone isolated phrase; yes, it is now the time (of the season) for some special occasion, some rising up out of a bed of obscurity for one singular great day of fame—such is a description of the Zombie’s one-off wonder Odessey and Oracle, an awesome album from 1968 released by a band that by that time was already broken-up and done-for. “Good morning to you…” the first song starts sung in prim smoky-tone over a delightfully familiar descending chord progression, just piano and drums chopping along. Bass enters in on tasteful phrases. The lyrics appear to regard man-n-woman’s long-anticipated reunion, divulged in the form of a letter; but how clever a concept when you realize that the boy plans to go get his girl from a correctional facility! Lyrics like “and we’ll get to know each other for a second time / and then you can tell me ’bout your prison stay…” reveal and explain the title ‘Care of Cell 44’. All the while, the music is sunshine-bright and beautified by spacious fades of mellotron and harmony vocal. In a chorus rivaling the best of the Beach Boys, ‘Care of Cell 44’ comes loaded with huge layers of heavenly harmony. “Feels so good!” ‘A Rose for Emily’ subverts expectations. An optimistic opening line “the summer is here at last” is coupled with the contrasting “the sky is overcast”. Worst yet, “no one brings a rose” for the eponymous Emily, and that’s what this is all sadly about. Played on piano, the song and its simple set-up become belied by complicated chords, inverted and diminished, minor and major, everywhere in the scale and beyond. Indeed, it all changes key for the chorus with well-woven vocal parts reflecting further on Emily’s hapless reality. Audible guitar occupies the shadowy opening of ‘Maybe After He’s Gone’, a sudden power-ballad in its chorus with walls of harmony, hammering piano, and the simple and somewhat desperate refrain: “maybe after he’s gone / she’ll come back / love me again”. Further verses wallow in great gloom with dramatic declarations of “I feel I’ll never breathe again / I feel life’s gone from me”. Drums thunder from a low valley and extra singers add sad la-la’s on the offbeats. These drastically different sections alternate (once with a bridge in between); and there’s finally an a cappella ending on those uncertain chorus words. Now the hazy glaze of 1967 summer-o-love shows up in the full swingin-psych of ‘Beechwood Park’. Warm organ and tremulous guitar walk in this pretty park together through a series of intriguing twists and shocking harmonic realizations—it’s a-lot like the natural ebb-n-flow of a free, sleepy mind. On those notes, the lyrics lean on wistful memories, detail-free impressions of the past with lovely music to match: “and the breeze would touch your hair / kiss your face and make you care / about your world / your summer world”. Hear the divine church-choir conclusion; it’s all a dusty dream for bygone times and untouchable things. ‘Brief Candles’ handles its drastic dynamics much in the same way as ‘Maybe After He’s Gone’ (ie, a sad and elegant section gives way to an enormous chorus). Each verse, with its pensive piano passages, features a distinct singer describing some lonely broken soul; but all is not lost as the music smooths into an exciting tune of triumph, an anthem of huge harmony with words “brief candles in his mind / bright and tiny gems of memory / brief candles burn so fine / leaves a light inside where he can see / what makes it all worthwhile / his sadness makes him smile”. How ear-catching! How encouraging! Next track trods through its end-twist progression insistently, the last chord always a strange yet stable resolution in this most noble of odes to the flower-power scene of the sixties: ‘Hung Up On a Dream’. The lyrics retell the singer’s blissful entrance into hippiedom when “a sweet vibration filled the air”, and how “[he] stood astounded staring hard / at men with flowers resting in their hair”. But what about that bridge? ’Tis revealed that this scene was just a dream, nothing but a transient time, a pleasant and intense memory that the narrator can never relive. But he’s hung up! The song haunts on with the presence of two more verses (now up a notch in a new key) and all the ghost vocals echoing each word (along with the tired lines “sometimes I think I’ll never find / such purity and peace of mind, again”). ‘Changes’ changes things up, appropriately so. This contrasting track blasts with banging bongos and overloaded harmony walls, these vocals repeating seasonal lyrics almost a cappella (save for the tribal percussion). Second section sounds outrageously dissimilar to the first due to its jazzy piano progression. These separate sections, essentially two distinct tunes, trade awhile and that’s all that really occurs in one of the longer songs on the album. Let that delayed bass bob along to introduce ‘I Want Her She Wants Me’, a harpsichorded rocker with audible guitar—again, the guitar does not feature nearly as frequently as common for contemporaries of ze Zombies. This track’s tune tickles the ear with its pleasant pop and optimistic message of mutual love. Maybe the mood’s a bit more menacing on the bridge (with lines advising care and caution); but ultimately, everything adheres to the easy-breezing feel-good stressless sentiment of young love: “there’s nothing on my mind / and life seems kind now!”. Piano drives the ballad-bus for ‘This Will Be Our Year’, a pretty little ditty refraining on the tag “this will be our year / took a long time to come”. The chords of the chorus capture the tumultuous up-n-down emotions of a pre-dating duo; but now their time is right. There’s even a short plunky piano solo and a key change stepping things up for maximum momentum in this lovely two-minute tune. There’s a big change of pace on ‘Butcher’s Tale (Western Front 1914)’ with its ominous winds and repetitive pump-organ passage. We’re here in the horrors of World War I as a poor butcher-turned-slayer sheds some dark light on the scenes of battle: “and I have seen a friend of mine / hang on the wire like some rag toy / then in the heat the flies come down / and cover up the boy”. The bleak chorus is most blood-curdling as butcherboy wails “I can’t stop shaking / my hands won’t stop shaking / my arms won’t stop shaking / my mind won’t stop shaking”. Of course, this eerie experience is utterly out of place on this album; but it isn’t unwelcome to any interested ears. ‘Friends of Mine’ be a twee tune about how touching it can be “to know two people / so in love, so in love”; in other words, it’s just a thoughtful guy feeling jazzed since his friends have found love. The music is straight-up fast piano-pop complete with the catchiest chorus—leadsinging repeats the title tunefully as buncho-backups say the names of specific friend-pairs: “Kim and Maggie / June and Duffy / Jean and Jim and / Jim and Christie” (I always enjoy that two Jims are mentioned—or maybe it’s the same scandalous Jim?). Cute composition. “Aw”, it ends. And at last ‘Time of the Season’ comes to close out the album with its classic claps and gasps and iconic drum-n-bass spooky-groove. Sensual singing comes to its glorious chorus with all voices together, tight and unaided by any instruments to express a simple statement: “it’s the time of the season for loving”. And there’s a few extended solos for an inspired electric-organ cutting loose over the only real instance of jamming this band left on the record. It’s a fine finish. Odessey and Oracle: it’s a mash of music characterized by a classical mode of composition, an ear-pleasing pop-sensible melody perspective, and a strong 1960s-style emphasis on love. Everything’s good-n-groovy, brother-n-sisters. Each song, crafted carefully with juicy artistic alloys, offers its own unique strength and sparkle. Taken as a whole, this album’s certainly one of the brightest and most substantial sets of songs of its time and season. [And even in 2019, 50+ years after the fact, the original band hasn't lost its verve and performs the entire album live! I won't forget a bunch of old Zombies making such beautiful music before my eyes—I hope they touch you all with their infectious melodies]
honestly one of the most pleasant and comforting albums i've heard in a while. It's all of the elements of classic rock/pop from the Beatles and indie pop bands without any of the boring chord progressions, topics, and musical blandness. REALLY liked this one.
the only reason british ppl are cool
Mellow and kinda surreal. Beatles-like, not sure if that’s a genre. I liked it a lot, mostly the beats and melodies, the lyrics were hard to catch.
4.5 - I originally had this at a four on RYM, but I relistened to it after getting it on here and ended up bumping it up to a 4.5. Some songs took a little growing, but a lot of them have nice hooks that I appreciate more the second time around. There's still a few songs I don't like as much, so it's not getting a perfect five, but there's a lot of solid tracks on here. I'd say it is a tad repetitive tonally, but there are a few darker sounding songs that help break it up a little. Butcher's Tale is probably my favourite at the moment, as it has a bit of a darker sound than everything else and it left quite an impression on me the first time I heard it. I'm glad I came back to this one.
One of the crown jewels of psychedelic rock. Immaculate in every respect.
absolutely loved this. seems timeless
Muy bien, parecido a los Beatles. 4 o 5.
This album feels like having really good sex - it lasts 35 mins and has a sweet explosive climax at the 33 minute mark.
This was awesome. I knew several of the songs, but didn't realize they were from the Zombies. I have never listened to this album front to back. It was really good.
Super enjoyable. Strong start with Care of Cell 44, then followed up immediately with A Rose for Emily, which is a solid listen. Thoroughly enjoyable and fun middle of the album with several brilliant tracks. This Will Be Our Year is a delighfully uplifting tune with bright piano. What an interesting stylistic shift to kick off Time of the Season - a really enjoyable and innovative ending to the album. Cool musicality, cool songs, impressive skills! I liked the album more and more as it went on - first listened, then saved to Spotify library, then downloaded. Will definitely listen again.
I loved it. Favorite album so far. Some strong Beatles and Beach Boys vibes. Definitely of that same era. Extremely musical. Instrumentation, arrangement, composition. All so good. It's a band where every part is playing a melody at one point or another. Tons of contrast in songs.
Which do you prefer: Pet Sounds or Sgt. Pepper's? Which band: Beatles or Stones? Your answers are representative of your tastes. Some of us shrug and defer to the Kinks or... the Zombies. Yup, the Zombies. It's hard to imagine that a band in the Rock and Roll HOF (albeit, decades after eligibility) are relatively unheralded... but Atkinson, Argent, and Grundy produced some of the more strange, beautiful, and sonically experimental songs of the 60s. Odessey [sic] and Oracle defines those of us with other kinds of taste. Brilliant.
35 Minutes of perfect tunes, can't believe this album wasn't successful at the time
beatles esque banger
Having only been acquainted with the Zombie's hits (which I enjoy) before listening, this was a treat. I started "Care of Cell 44" and immediately thought it sounded like an early 2000's indie record, which threw me a bit. The song has some wonderful vocal harmonies, and they are clearly influenced by both The Beatles and Donovan, who I imagine were contemporaries. Butcher's Tale sounds like it was straight off a Donovan record. No bad songs on this one.
Day4 - i know the zombies by their hits but now i see why this album is considered a classic. the track list is so good going from song to song and the harmonies are amazing. i remember then touring a few years ago and playing the album live and i’m upset i didn’t see them when i had the chance. if you like pet sounds you’ll like this one
Well that was fun
Quietly cheerful psychedlia. Time of the Season everyone knows; how much did the band's name mislead my interest? And being eclipsed by the Beatles? I can imagine teenage me, in a city with a record store and an allowance, loving every track.
Wow. This is an amazing record - beautiful production, fantastic songwriting, a joy to behold. Never even heard of these guys before! Favourite tracks: Care of Cell 44, A Rose For Emily, Maybe After He's Gone, Beechwood Park, Changes, Butcher's Tale, Friend of Mine.
Growing up in the midst of all these new groups coming to fame was incredible. I wasn’t into buying albums but certainly enjoyed the music. Hearing this album and following the lyrics of most songs for the first time made me appreciate the group more, 50+ years later. Great album!
Really enjoyed it. Loved the eerie sounding bits. Also, didn’t know Time of the Season was by them. Will definitely be replaying.
So good
what a good listen!! this collection is a prime example of the turning point in music trends between the very late 60s and early 70s. every last song is wonderfully played out, allowing you to really take a nice little gander at the colorful and dare i say sunshiny side of music around this time. absolutely brilliant.
Like you look at nu metal… that was a mind virus that everyone and every studio wanted to recreate every single time because it was the bread and butter of the studio And while there are the big stand out artists that everyone knows? Man there’s prolly 1000 other ones that they didn’t hit the mark by a few chords but essentially were the building blocks for the big boi Like you like to think the Beatles popped out of thin air but they were just a few chords different to everything that was happening around them That the studios and labels were looking for that sound The fact it got recorded in Abbey Road studio 2 years before the Beatles kicked off? Every great group is the ledge that took steps to get too The ledge didn’t just appear Chord by chord Vocal nuance by vocal nuance Story by story were all formulated like a spaghetti bolognese some Italian grandmother comes up with She didn’t just make it on the spot Spice by spice and timing by timing all judged by criticism and success led to that perfect dish They saw the zombies… not exactly the most marketable name The lyrics and delivery? 9 steps of the Beatles make up But the Beatles were the perfect saleable bolognaise But did they appear out of thin air? No they rode the choices and content and delivery of bands like the zombies pop psychedelic waves and tweaked that lock ever so slightly that put them into the commercial sphere Noooooo wonder John went mad He must of felt like an industry fraud no different to milli vanilli Definitely listen again
I dig this a lot. Right up my alley. I love Care of Cell 44, especially that chorus which has one of my favorite few seconds of music “Feeels so good, you’re coming home soon!”. A Rose for Emily is great as well. Maybe After He’s Gone isn’t as great but I do like the drums. Some good 60’s pop after that. I really like Changes for some reason too! Time of the Season is obviously the most well know, it is a great song but has a different vibe. Still always been a favorite of mine. For some reason Village Green Preservation Society hits a little more to me, comparing the two (maybe inappropriately). This is up there though.
I liked this really quite a bit beautiful short and sweet
A fantastic romp through 60's psychadelic rock. Would listen to this on repeat forever! Care of Cell 44, A Rose For Emily, This Will Be Our Year, Time of the Season
I heard The Beach Boys, The Stones, The Beatles, and so much more. But somehow, The Zombies are their own whole thing.
Loved it; great mix of different sounds. Time of the Season is the obvious standout, but Care of Cell 44 is a jam as well.
I have to do some more research about the context but I love the sound. It seems to have a very strong influence from the Beatles but is surprisingly diverse. I love the bass guitar in the first half of the album and the harmonizing vocals throughout.
Looooved. Classics and new additions to the rotation. Changes is 10/10
Loved it!
Yes!!!
Buy this one on vinyl. Great production all around. Love the drums, especially the toms.
Loves it!
Nostalgic
Very cute.
Actually so fire and my favorite album so far. I could genuinely listen to this album on repeat all day. 5/5
Light The Beatles vibes, but good nonetheless. I like them.
[in Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks' voice] Damn fine Psychedelic Pop!
Listened
This was so good. The singles, which are nearly ubiquitous, hold up really well. And the stuff that isn't a single is really good! Diverse types of songs, good soulful moments (not as in soul but as in emotionality), great musicality. I just really dug this. I'm a bit surprised to give it a five star rating, but I think it earned it.
Brilliant! I had no clue how good the album was as a whole, having only heard there is a season.
Maybe it is because anything is a welcome relief following Trout Mask Replica, but this album is a joy. Thoroughly listenable throughout, feeling like a lost Beatles album. "Time of the Season" is a well known classic, but there are several other great songs on here, and even the less memorable songs are still pleasant. Song going on my "1001 Songs" Playlist: Time of the Season Songs Going On My "1001 Albums Savelist" Playlist: Care of Cell 44, A Rose for Emily, Changes, This Will Be Our Year, Time of the Season
One of my favorite albums of the 60s. On the surface it's boppy psychadelia, but the lyrics stray to the dark side. A bit haunting. Lots of bangers, as well. Especially in love with "Hung Up On a Dream."
Fucking amazing. One of the best albums I’ve ever heard
Really solid 60s psychedelic hippy esque album. I was surprised by how much I liked this album considering 60s and psychedelic are two genres I don’t really listen to at all. I don’t think there was a single bad song on this album, and the opening and closing songs are both perfect. Surprised that this band wasn’t more popular because a lot of music from the 80s/90s sampled albums from the zombies and became waaaay more popular (summertime comes to mind). Really good listen, glad I came across this album
Surprisingly delightful and fresh
Peppy. Seems ahead of its time. Interesting instrument mix.
Cool rétro hippie
Not gonna lie, Somehow this was my introduction to Fiona. I missed out. This album has made it to my favorites list.
This is one of the great albums of our time, and truly timeless. I am happy to listen to this at any time and place. I've seen it performed live front to back with 4 of the 5 living band members 50 years after the fact and it was incredible. I love this album.
loved this album.... where have i been
Polyphonic, Wilson esque
This has always been one of my favorites. such a good example of 60s psych stuff.
Beatles vibes Nice psychadelic album
It is such a shame that I had never listened to this record before. I grew up listening to “oldies” radio and hearing songs by The Zombies, which were always some of my favorites. But until today I’ve never listened to a full album from them. Wow, I was missing a lot. I was completely captivated by the title track “Care of Cell 44,” which is probably my favorite off the album and possibly my favorite song ever from The Zombies. Every song on this is great. No skips. The only thing I hate is that it took me until now to listen to it.
Just a pop music masterpiece. Why I like this album, it doesn't sound as dated as many of the pop acts at time. It clearly sounds like a 60's album but it still has a freshness to it, perhaps its the right splash of psychedelia. 4.5 all the way but I'll round up.
I can see why so many bands cite this as an influence. It's so good and i should have listened to it years ago. A real treat and it deserves a relisten.
Very relaxing
Everything about this album is glorious, from the lyricism to the instrumentals to the cover of the album. It's absolutely phenomenal.
Ez dunk on bad albums. I love all of these songs. Alfa length. One of the best albums of the 60’s.
love the Zombies, would buy.
nice for its time 5*
A culture masterpiece. This group had so much potential to go further but were derailed by poor sales and in-fighting early on. The Odessey and the Oracle showcased what they were capable of. The Zombies had other great songs too but this was their own one perfect album.
So. Fucking. Good.
Ну очень классный альбом 60ых. Мелодичный и завораживающий
One of the most gorgeous slices of psychedelic pop ever put to wax. The vocals and harmonies in particular are just beautiful. Brief Candles is an S tier track
It's truly a shame that the Zombies were not well regarded in their time. Frankly, psychedelic rock in the late 60s begins to sound formulaic and forced as all popular/commercial genres tend to. It takes a very good psychedelic album to rise above the scores of bad ones. This album does just that. This album is very thoughtfully written and produced with interesting chord changes and melodies. What really stands apart for me is the lush vocal harmony and counterpoint reminiscent of the Beach Boys folded into a British, almost Beatles like musical base with a healthy dose of psychedelia. The result is some of the best baroque pop I've ever heard. The lyrics are surreal and often portray a sense of longing, but unlike some of their contemporaries, the Zombies are never trippy just for its own sake. It is carefully balanced.
I'd never really heard of the Zombies before (shows my ignorance) but this album was fantastic. Just a pleasure to listen to from start to finish.
esse é um dos melhores albuns dos anos 60. é incrivel o trabalho vocal que na minha opinião supera ate o de pet sounds por ser envolto em uma melodia mais psicodelica e com instrumentos mais rock. as letras são muito bem feitas tambem, tantos as musicas sobre amor quanto as mais abstratas... e as que são os dois ao mesmo tempo. eu ouvi ele sem parar por uns dois meses da minha vida até enjoar dele e quando ouvi hoje de novo me pareceu ainda melhor que antes.
A favorite of mine. A true gem of psychedelic pop music.
BEST SONGS: -A Rose for Emily -I Want Her She Wants Me -Time of the Season
Nice
This one was a hidden gem for a long time. Now it's universally recognized as the masterpiece it always was--well, except for a few reviewers in here, evidently tone-deaf whenever essential records from the sixities pop up in this app. I have a feeling those folks are more interested in sound than in good songwriting... But maybe I'm wrong. That said, a 3.47 score is not too bad, especially compared to the ones of the smaller fry often mentioned in Dimery's book... Don't get fooled by this psychedelic cover, by the way. *Odessey And Oracle* is indeed best understood and appreciated if you put it where it truly belongs: in the realm of a *chamber pop* that's not too far from the second stage of The Kinks discography. Except that The Kinks never released such an impressive LP, as excellent as their own foray into that genre were overall. Telling the tale of an prison inmate soon to be released, "Care Of Cell 44" is an amazing opener, whose rousing chorus is one of the best ever penned by an act from the so-called "British Invasion". Rod Argent and Chris White had a thing for sophisticated modulations in their choice of chords sequences, also exemplified in the tender "A Rose For Emily" and "Maybe After He's Gone" after that first track. Yet such choices never feel "forced", on the contary, they always feel earned and "natural". Plus, the instrumentation is pristine, between the subtle touches of Mellotron and the Beach Boys-like backing vocals. Next is "Beechwood Park" a very atmospheric piece that could remind you of a Moody Blues outtake--it would sound great as a soundtrack for a flick taking place between 1965 and 1670, for instance. Nice Hammond organ on that one, too. "Brief Candles" starts like an innocuous ditty displaying novelty overtones. But once again, The Zombies' flair for off-kilter chord sequences takes the whole thing to another level. Speaking of great chord sequences, "Hung Up On A Dream" is an instant classic, between its incredibly moving vocal lines, its adventurous bridges and its wealth of hooks on both guitars. Not to mention those Mellotron sounds, once again. This song is probably one of my top-ten favorite tunes from the sixties, and to be honest, I'm surprised by the small number of reviewers singling this one out in the reviews section. C'mon guys and gals, give this earworm another chance, I'm sure you'll thank me later! "Changes" opens side two on a quite different note, mostly relying on an elated-yet-oddly-distant group singing and a flute sound probably played on the Mellotron as well. Not as impressive as the other songs, but its place in the tracklisting, right after the wonders of "Hung Up On A Dream" makes sense: it's as if you were slowly waking up from said dream. "I Want Her She Wants Me" hearkens back to the Zombies' previous recordings, with a more upbeat sound that fits the early years of the British Invasion. A nice tune, even if it's far from being the best of the bunch. Fortunately, "This Will Be Our Year" follows, and even if its style is a little quaint and unobtrusive, this one has another memorable vocal line that makes it a miniature classic. "Butcher's Tale" is probably the most "psychedelic" song here, albeit one crossed with a traditional sort of tune, mostly played on an accordion (!). What a weird choice for a single. Yet at this point of the LP's tracklist, the mystical undertones of its chorus brings a lot of unbridled energy to the album. Some parts of the vocals are off-key, by the way, but that is actually an asset here--giving a spontaneous, lively and emotive air to a cut that could have passed as weird-for-its-own-sake had it been performed differently. And here we are at the end of this album. "Friends Of Mine" is very *flower power* and naive, and is probably one of the least interesting cuts. But who cares, because it's merely a transition leading to the only official "hit" in this record, "Time Of The Season", whose rhythm section using breathing sounds and handclaps is one of the grooviest and sexiest thing I've ever heard in my life. And there's also a Stax/Motown undertone to the song's lead vocals that brings the last ingredient this space-cake-of-an-album surely needed: some "soul" influences. Sure, said ingredient comes at the eleventh hour. But the mere fact that it doesn't sound out of place after all the other tracks shows how cohesive this record actually is. Cohesive and yet one-of-a-kind. 5/5, of course. Next please. Number of albums left to review: 530 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 225 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 109 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 137
Perfect for summer.
very much a product of its time and place — sounds like if brian wilson taught the beatles how to harmonize, and then the result was slightly worse than either. still a really good album, though. i really do love early psychedelia
Not 1st listen Mastapeece Songs I unfairly overlooked in past listens include the elegant “Brief Candles” and the wheezing pump organ-centered “Butcher’s Tale” “Care of Cell 44”, “Changes”, “Beechwood Park” & “A Rose For Emily” sound as good as I remembered. And “Time of the Season” sounds quite ahead of its time April 1 2023
idk yet
Now this is an album that deserves to be here. We are on a good run. Discovered this only a few years back. Criminally overlooked it despite already loving She's not There. I honestly think I assumed Time of the Season was by The Bryds or something. Care of Cell 44 is wonderfully Brian Wilson-esque. That chorus just absolutely POPs out of the speaker. Brilliance. I believe it was A Rose for Emily being played at the end of every episode of the podcast series S-Town that finally dragged me to this album. Doubtless I'm not the only one, so I'm very grateful to that. There's plenty of Pet Sounds influences here (which is enough by itself to draw me in) but there's lots more to love besides. There's hints of Nick Drake's Bryter Layter here too in Hung up on a Dream (which of course was slightly layter). A glorious and faultless 60s psych-pop album. Definitely one of the best records ever made. Best - Care of Cell 44, Time of the Season, This Will Be Our Year, Hung Up on a Dream.
ime of the Season is one of the best songs of the rock era. Incredible hook, gorgeous melody, sweet soulful singing, truly a modern classic. But how is te rest of the album? Well nothing quite so sublime as TotS but some really excellent psychedelic tinged rock songs. The whole album has a baroque feel that makes me think Belle and Sebastien ingested this album intravenously. All in all a beautiful album that is deserving of a 5 star rating.
I've heard the name before and wasn't super familiar with the music. When the last song came up I'm like "oh I have heard them before". Overall very, very Beatles-esque and definitely a shame this group only had such a limited output and was met with indifference. This is some great 60s era music that has aged like fine wine.
banger
Sgt who? Pet what? Peak psychedelic pop. Psychedelia achieved by reaching into music’s past - a time-traveling, genre bending pop explosion. Inventive melodies and chord changes you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. A beautiful work.
update: honestly, this is one of the best things I've heard in a while. The songs are incredibly catchy yet not too simple to remain engaging upon repeated listens. the songwriting is incredibly varied, the instrumentation is great (i love the drum playing and the occasional organ solo) and the vocals with the harmonies are just perfect. happy, uplifiting but with a hidden undertones of shadow - just not too sweet! I'm listening to this on the first day of spring, which seems like a perfect day to blast it to the entire world through open windows. 5/5
Great blend of cheesy 60s pop with psychadelia
Pop psicodélico. Un megahit. Venga, vinilo.
Can't believe I've never listened to these guys before. I loved the vocals and vocal arrangements. Lots of cool chord voicings and things like that. I just love psychedelic chamber pop stuff like this.
Really liked this one.
Nytt, digget det!
Really good psych album. I would say timeless. Hadn’t heard it but big fan.
It's like part dreamy part epic which I guess describes psychedelica lol but it's not like woooOoooOoo 9 minute jam sessions (not that there's anything wrong with that) it's subtle. Nice harmonies, cool instrumentation
"Odessey and Oracle" is the second album by the English rock band The Zombies. It was recorded at EMI (Abbey Road) and Olympic Studios in 1967 and self-financed independently since they were dumped by their record label Decca Records. The album was eventually released in 1968 by CBS Records after the band had broken up. The album did not do well immediately after its released but began to gather a cult following which has resulted in numerous reunion performances. The music is classified as baroque pop, chamber pop, pyschedelic pop and pop-rock, all of which adequately fit. The music reminded me of The Beach Boys with the harmonies and early Pink Floyd. I hear their influences in The Stone Roses. All band members contributed to the vocals and consisted of Colin Blunstone (lead vocals, percussion), Rod Argent (keyboards), Paul Atkinson (guitar), Chris White (bass) and Hugh Grundy (drums). The album start with "Care of Cell 44" which is the happiest song about a prison that I've heard. Strings. Nice backing vocals. Writing to a person in prison awaiting their release. "Beechwood Oak" has a more pyschedelic, early Pink Floyd vibe. Guitar. Organ. Great backing vocals. Remembering a girl at Beechwood Park. "Hung Up on a Dream" has strings, piano and firmly in the baroque pop area. A pyschedelic dream. Hmmm...wonder if any drugs were done? Side two continues the baroque pop with "Changes." I really liked the Beach Boys harmonization in this one. The fourth single "Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)" is different lyrically than anything else. It's still in pyschedelic music area with the keyboards but the only song sung by Chris White and about a butcher who goes to war based on a sermon but now regrets it....not sure I'm on board with this one. The first single was "Friends of Me" and is straight-forward pop and another one with great harmonies. A happy sounding song but the guy singing sees all his friends have lovers but not him. And then the closer is their big one "Time of the Season." Who doesn't know that unique groove of the percussion, bass and the "Ahhh." A groovy organ jam. It seems obviously about free lovin.' Hey, they were near the Summer of Love. This is a really, really good album. Sounding sort of like other bands but still very much its own. I can see why it has its cult following. Anytime you can reference The Beach Boys, early Pink Floyd and The Stone Roses in an album is a good thing in my world.
A beautiful psychedelic baroque pop masterpiece. It's fun, goofy, and optimistic with a bombastic and dynamic range in harmonies; the vocals blend together to immerse you. The instrumentation has a bright and pleasant classical feel to them. It's spacious, providing room for the keyboards and other instruments to fill the atmosphere while the vocals come in to supplement emotion. Almost all the songs have catchy choruses and memorble melodies. We start with "Care of Cell 44" setting the themes and tricks that the album will convey to set it apart from pretty much any album that has come before or after. They really put all their strengths here, especially how they mix a capella with lush instrumentation. My favorite part is the psychedelic bridge that puts you into a temporary dreamscape before pulling you back into the next verse. Also really love that extended ending that just goes on: it's so satisfying and complete, exciting me for the rest of the album. "A Rose for Emily" is the exact opposite type of song: a simple ballad that shows the power and versatility of our vocalists. The attention to diverted to the lyrics as you learn to look out for it. "Maybe After He's Gone" picks up the tempo and emotion, very folk like but also the way it conveys so powerful and dark, it's almost gothic. My favorite part is the bridge, but again has a satisfying ending. "Beechwood Park" is a personal favorite, happy yet melancholic, with a loud chorus but otherwise a nostalgic and reflective melody. "Brief Candles" features very baroque verses (which I'm not too big of a fan of) and a fantastic energetic chorus. Love the angelic bridge. "Hung up on a Dream" features a trippy jangly guitar (reminds me of Byrds) and hazy angelic vocals, which is followed by another really psychedelic song "Changes" that sounds like a wild drum circle. "I Want Her She Wants Me" is a personal favorite, such a cheery and dreamy song. Fantastic hook to excite me immediately, with lyrics that feel like walking on a street on a good trip, and a dramatic and optimistic coda. I think "This Will Be Our Year" is a romantic ballad, and I like the chorus, but I don't like where it goes, probably one of my least favorites despite its acclaim and how many times it's been covered. "Butcher's Tale" is one of the eeriest tracks, sounding like a ghost ship pirate shanty. Really love the loud chorus."Friends of Mine" is a fun sunshine pop song, a bit chaotic (especially those cymbal crashes) but like exploding in happiness. Finally we end with the summer of love anthem "Time of the Season", groovy and catchy, I love everything about it, but from the echoey vocals to the loving lyrics to the gasps back vocals to the trippy solo. I seriously love this album and all its tracks. Although I have a few complaints, it's impressive how memorable and unique all 12 were, and how I could compliment several things about them all. Honestly, the only major complaint is the track ordering which could make it more cohesive. I feel "This Will be the year" would be an appropriate closer, but since I'm not too big of a fan, I do personally enjoy the bombastic end with the hit "Time of the season."
Lovely in every way
Having been taken by the band Argent and being aware of the hits of the Zombies I came by this album as it was bundled as a double with their greatest hits. What a bargain! The album soon became a mainstay on the turntable. It is simple a superb collection of varied songs. Yes its genesis of its time but it does appear to span the generations. Exemplified by their short, but stunning, tour of the album 40 years after its release.
A Rose For Emily is one of my favourite songs of all time. And I'd forgotten how good Care of Cell 44 is too. Time of the Season is a full blown classic too. Whole album is ace tbf. Sometimes feels like the sort of British whimsy that Spinal Tap skewered so well, but when it's this infectious and fun you really can't complain. Absolutely brilliant from start to finish.
60s psychedelic pop is my jam
Vraiment un super album auquel je ne m'attendais pas du tout avec le nom du band... the zombies oh mon dieu, on ne peut pas être plus loin du style que je m'attendais. C'Est un Album A1 du début jusqu'a la fin. Surtout avec la super Time of the season a la fin 5+
So nice, very pleasant
Amazing Beatles-esque album. Lovely.
Back to the 60's, i haven't personally listened to too much material from this era but the influence of the Big Bang is definitely here in the opening track with a tinge of the psychedelic movement coming in. I'm digging the vibe here, lots of choral sections that lay pleasantly over the instrumental composition. Swelling music dropping to silence hits the emphasis on the and of songs or transition points and the song to song changes/progression is chosen well. The Zombies sound as a British rock band really come out in the vocals with some influence in the instruments, there's a Beatles-esque sound here and the bands careers did overlap. Closing out with Time of the Season had really good vocal recording, you can hear the echoes in the mastering and the crisp percussion. For me this was up there with Hung on a Dream and Changes, which as classically regarded as highlights of the album.
A great album. Catchy tunes, and the harmonies were beautiful. There wasn't a bad song in the bunch, but the one that really stood out for me was A Rose for Emily.
¡Excelente!
A pretty much perfect pop album. Immaculate. Catchy. Harmonic. 8-9/10
Ikkje dumt. Eg e ein sucker for barokkpop
Pop psicodélico. Un megahit. Venga, vinilo.
SPLENDID music
Wow, I absolutely loved this one. It's refreshing, fun, and the perfect mix of psych and pop. I also knew a lot more tunes from it than I expected. So good.
Maybe after he's Gone and Care of cell 44 extremely expressive songs, since lyrics with hope are embedded in quite life-affirming music, but the situations described are extremely gloomy and lyrical
Uno de mis discos favoritos, tremendos muertos vivientes sedientos de sangre
Really enjoyed listening to this album. Has a very classical 1960's psychedelic and rock & roll feel. I could see myself listening to this album again. My favorite songs on the album were Care of Cell 44, I Want Her She Wants Me, and Time of the Season.
Þessa uppgötvaði ég á Spotify fyrir nokkrum árum. Hún er geggjuð, mögulega besta barokkpoppið. Ekki mjög stórt genre, en oft mjög skemmtilegt svo þetta er mikið hrós.
Sick Album. Must have
How in the world was this not the biggest album on the planet? I thought it was here because of the one single that everybody knows, but so many of the other tracks reached up and slapped me out of nowhere. Incredible. Best track: Time of the Season
I only knew one song by The Zombies. Loved this album!
The oft-forgotten British Invasion band, The Zombies, reach their height with this album. The usage of stereo mixing, the short catchy rhythms, and vocal harmonies layer together for a truly great listening experience. The group had many worthwhile albums and tracks, but this is clearly their most polished and impactful.
One of the best pop albums of the 60s, certainly after the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Right up there with the Kinks best work for me. Fucking tragedy this band only made two albums.
I had forgotten how much I enjoy a lot of tracks on this album, used to listen to a lot of them while in college. Standout song for me is This Will Be Our Year - I hadn't heard it in a long time and it put a big nostalgic smile on my face. I think this is gonna be the first 5 star for me - I would do 4.5 if possible, but it definitely deserves more than just a 4. This definitely isn't everyone's style, so it's not something I'd recommend to just anyone. But if you can get into it, then it's a great listen.
fuck yeah, I love The Zombies 9/10
A revelation. Amazing arrangements. Doesn’t go full on psychedelia, which is a good thing. Gorgeous melodies, great harmonies. Classic.
A fabulous album through and through, one of my favourites. And props for one of the all-time most iconic songs of the 60's - Time of the Season. It so perfectly encapsulates the hippie counter-culture of that time.
#30 - the best album so far, and they had tough rivals - Deep Purple, Talking Heads, The Smiths, Elvis, Kraftwerk. Oh my God... What they did I never heard in my life. Every songs sounds both different and similar to the others. This is so good that you're afraid of listening to this album again.
Magnifique, du rock psychedelique qui fait penser a Forever Changes de Love. Premier coup de coeur du Challenge. Inattendu, vu le nom qui me faisait penser a du punk/metal. Je l'acheterai a la Fnac. Triste qu'ils n'aient jamais été reconnus.
At least today, there's nothing groundbreaking or original about this album. Like The Beatles with more technical depth, like The Hollies with more psychedelia, like The Moody Blues with less organ. It seems like I've heard it all before, yet The Zombies combines these disparate parts perfectly to a great album that hits the right spots and which I'll gladly revisit. Standout song: Time of the Season.
A genuine lost classic, they should have been huge. 1 perfect song after another. I particularly like the bit when you realise the girl in the first song is in prison
Neat.
very good imo
A chill, relaxing album with some really catchy songs. Overall, really nice.
What a classic! Not a bad song on the album. Beautiful harmonies, groovy psychedelic music. Love it.
I’d definitely listen again.
Never listened and loved it
Genieten met Time of the Season als leuke verrassing helemaal op het einde.
Una maravilla de principio a fin
Great sound. My fist experience knowing what I was listening to was music by the Zombies. I like it.
Vibes man. Very cool
Classic - amazing to hear the artists they inspired listening to this album.
I have listened to this album before and I love it!
First song sounds like it could be a demo of a 2010s band. These songs sound pretty 60s. I see influence on Queen, and influences from the Beatles. This was *surprisingly* good. Also, doesn't sound like what I would imagine a band called "The Zombies" would ever sound like.
Happy, upbeat, chill, easy listening Favourite track: Care of Cell 44
One of the best albums, musically, lyrically, and vocally, I've ever heard
Beatles-esk
Good listen
Happy, nice strings and vocal. Very good!
All these songs sound like they were written on piano Jellyfish were def inspired by this Better than I expected
Yllättävän hyvä. Mielelläni kuuntelen joskus uudestaan.
Real good psych record, drags a little in the second half, but those aren't awful and the momentum is regained with This Will Be Our Year. Highlights-Care of Cell 44, Maybe After He's Gone, Beechwood Park, Brief Candles, This Will Be Our Year, Butcher's Tale, and Friends of Mine.
such a wistful album. full of melancholy and nostalgia. something very childlike about these songs. some of the songs feel a little bogged down under the approach, and then there's songs that are moment-to-moment perfect ("Care of Cell 44", "This Will Be Our Year", "Time of the Season"). Elliott Smith did a great "Care of Cell 44" cover, for any Elliott fans out there. listening to this made me wonder if we'd hit Van Dyke Parks' Song Cycle on this list; unfortunately we are not, but if y'all haven't heard that before/in a while, do yrselves a favor.
1. Care of Cell 44 (★★★★☆) 2. A Rose for Emily (★★★☆☆) 3. Maybe After He's Gone (★★★☆☆) 4. Beechwood Park (★★★⯨☆) 5. Brief Candles (★★★⯨☆) 6. Hung Up on a Dream (★★★⯨☆) 7. Changes (★★⯨☆☆) 8. I Want Her, She Wants Me (★★★⯨☆) 9. This Will Be Our Year (★★★★★) -Fav 10. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914) (★★★★⯨) -Fav 11. Friends of Mine (★★★⯨☆) 12. Time of the Season (★★★★★) -Fav -TOTAL = ★★★⯨☆ (3,71)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Psykedelisk pop som gissningsvis gett inspiration till massor av senare rock- och popband. Tycker detta albumets sound åldrats mycket väl, visst man kan höra 60-talets estetik men samtidigt är det väldigt tidlöst och delar av det hade nästan kunnat tas för nutida. Det är ett bra och tidlöst album utan dåliga spår, det enda jag kan klaga på är att som helt album blir det lite för polerat och "snällt" men det är ju deras sound. Time of the season är förstås den stora låten här (intressant att det är sista spåret) men det finns många andra bra. Det är en klar 4a är det. Bäst är Care of cell 44, Maybe after he's gone, Hung up on a dream, This will be our year, Time of the season
чем-то на битлов похожи ну в целом музыка не напрягает но и не особо запоминается
Very cool surf rock / 60 rock album. Nice find.
This was lovely. A bit of a revelation. I knew a bit but enjoyed the whole of the album and grand choice making “Time of the Season” the closer.
Really interesting and not what i expected. Loved it
beatles om de var bra!
Me gustó bastante. Tienen esa vibra beatleezca que me interesa bastante. Me molesta un poco (como niño letras) que se llama Odisea y Oráculo y no tenga nada que se pueda llegar a vincular con la Odisea. La canción dedicada al preso le da el toque.
perfectly pure 60s psychadelic pop
The only song on this album I was familiar with was Time of the Season, but I actually liked the rest of the album more. The record was a pleasant surprise, just getting four stars from me.
not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue
They have almost Beach Boys level harmonies on this record. "Care of Cell 44" is an oddly upbeat song about being in prison, and it honestly sounds like something that would fit perfectly right on Sgt. Pepper's. "A Rose for Emily" always makes me think of the S-Town podcast. The first half of the album just has a very distinct Gothic and poetic vibe to it. Colin Blunstone has such a unique voice that cuts right through the mix, and there is a really cool organ on "Butcher's Tale". Of course, "Time of the Season" is great as always, closing out a brilliant piece of psych-pop history
It's a good album. It contains a number of lovely and sweet tunes, culminating in the all-timer, 'This Will Be Our Year'. Despite being recorded in the famed Abbey Road, it does lack some of the sound that Beatles albums recorded there at the same time are famous for. There's a remarkable layering of instrumentation and harmonies to these songs and their melodies are thoughtful. Many share a similar, underlying darkness ('Maybe After He's Gone', 'Brief Candles', 'Butcher's Tale') that I lack the musical vocabulary to describe. It's a very strong work, though not as catchy or groovy as I usually gravitate towards. The Zombies broke up after recording this and before its release. Had they been able to evolve for as long as the Rolling Stones, one wonders what they could have produced. It's a weak 4/5 but I think that's reflective of it's value as a part of this project. I'd recommend chasing down lots of covers of 'This Will Be Our Year' when you're done. There's a fair variety and I'm especially a fan of Lowland Hum's version (which is a bit of a departure from the original).
Some songs were great, some not really. Fav tracks: “Brief candles” and “Time of the season”. Could swear i hear some influence on Miracle Musical
6/10, felt kinda dated, Beatles like vibes. But with a couple of bangers on the album
Kuuntelin useempaan kertaan, ku kuuntelin päiväunien yhteydessä ja nukahin aina töitten jälkeen väsyneenä, ja nyt koko albumin kuunneltua pakkoa sanoa, että todella hyvä. Mielenkiintoinen psykedeelinen ja barokki pop soundi, ja biisien lyrikaat hyviä ja mukavana melankolisia. Tosi kiva 60-luvun soundi ja tarpeeksi lyhyt albumi, että jaksa kuunnella eikä tunnu siltä, että olisi filleriä. Välillä todella hienoja kohtia ja melodioita, jotka sai haukkomaan henkeä.
I’d been looking forward to this and it didn’t disappoint. Have always loved “Time of the Season” and added it to my playlist.
Banger, really strong psychedelic rock. I definitely have a soft-spot for this stuff though. 4/5
Enjoyed this a lot! Yes to this!
Happy and a bit psychedelic.
4/5
One would expect a band named the Zombies to have a harder edge, not this flower-power lovey-dovey nonsense! Decent album, though.
Odessey and Oracle es una obra de arte atemporal y uno de los monumentos más excelsos del pop psicodélico y barroco que ha envejecido bien en su sofisticación analógica. Aunque ingresé al disco reconociendo el coro inconfundible de "Time of the Season", la escucha completa revela que el resto del álbum posee una genialidad por descubrir en cada rincón, desmarcándose de los clichés de su época. El diseño de ensamble es de una claridad pasmosa; las complejas armonías vocales están bien entretejidas con los teclados y el Mellotron, tejiendo un tapiz sónico de enorme pulcritud. La propuesta estética del grupo brilla por su equilibrio emocional, habitando una hermosa dualidad nostálgica donde las melodías luminosas coexisten con letras de sutil melancolía. Lejos de ser un ejercicio frío de estudio, el álbum destila una fuerza y calidez que transmiten autenticidad y una autoridad superior desde la delicadeza de sus arreglos. Nos encontramos ante un trabajo compacto y conmovedor cuya notable sensación de paz y fluidez estructural lo convierte en una herramienta sónica excepcional para múltiples usos, destacando como un fondo idóneo para potenciar el trabajo creativo y la concentración intelectual.
I’ve always loved Time of the Season. Rest of the album is solid. Also enjoyed Butchers Tale.
Cracking. 4.4/5.
As far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong with a 60s era psych-baroque-brit rock album.
incredible album for its time, some songs are earworms for me. very solid 9/10. first listen tracklist ranking: 1. Time of the Season 2. Care of Cell 44 3. A Rose For Emily 4. Brief Candles 5. Hung Up On A Dream 6. This Will Be Our Year 7. Friends of Mine 8. Maybe After He’s Gone 9. Changes 10. Beechwood Park 11. Butcher’s Tale 12. I Want Her She Wants Me
happy pschy pop
Was really enjoying the pretty simple yet captivating tracks - then to take it to another level Time of the Season was the last track 🙂
Gran sonido, me generó un sentimiento de alegría tremendo, las canciones son muy parecidas a las de The Beatles pero con ése toque psicodelico típico de la época, me gustó mucho y el sonido no envejeció para nada mal.
Surprised I had never heard this album, just it's hits..really enjoyed it.
После сотых альбомов уже пугают 60–е+бойз бенд+ название это… приятно удивлена и история про три группы the zombies одновременно просто великая
Cool shit
great stuff i love the zombies
bizarrely racist top reviews for this one
Wow! The back half really kicks it into gear. Time of the season and I want her she wants me and this will be our year are all bopps 4.5
- Love me some fire 60s psychedelic rock - This will be our year is a perfect song - Time of the season is a perfect album ender
Another cool 60s psychedelic pop/rock album. I've admittedly got a soft spot for albums like this where a band makes very liberal use of the then-cutting edge Mellotron, I just love it's lo-fi string samples. 8/10.
8/10
It’s … nice?
Very good.
I really enjoyed this album. This will be our year is a song I’ve always loved and I think the version I am more familiar with is from a different band I can’t place right now, maybe fountains of Wayne?. Much of this album sounds like it could have come out in 2007.
Really liked this one! I've been meaning to get to it for years. One of the lushest and most pleasantly written collections of songs from the entire 60s, no doubt. How can you turn down that organ sound?
I'm not much of a psychedelia fan, but this was more enjoyable than I was expecting. With this being the first Zombies album I've heard, I wonder if this was the album where they attempted to rein it in a bit and try to make more of a run for pop. The song structures and melodies reminded me a lot of the first Fountains of Wayne album, and if the Zombies have more psych reminiscent of just good pop/rock songwriting, I'd be down to check that out. I'd honestly give this a 3.5, but I'll bump it up for mostly positive feelings about this album.
love a rock album opening with a harpsichord (or dulcimer?) after he's gone--is that a minor progression that the rolling stones use? i recognize it from some other 60s rock band. paint it black, *i think*. ok yah, that is what it's similar to. hung up on a dream--ooh i like this one. very nice arrangement butchers tale--oh yah there's the open reeded organ time of the season--strong influence from "stand by me". love the funky interlude. is that an organ or the mellotron? or both? overall, i think it's well executed '60s rock. the harpsichord features well. the vocals are pleasing even if the lyrics are perhaps plain or occasionally trite. instrumental arrangements are well done. nice use of minor keys, unusual instruments, etc. is it maybe a bit derivative? were the beatles or whoever ahead of them on the psychedelic rock train? i mean yah, sure. still nice listening. 4/5
uuuu forsi
This is very baroque and probably not for everybody but I really love the harmonies and the lead singer has a beautiful voice. Of course it helps that it has one of my favorite songs, Time of the Season
Insanely happy lyrics but in a minor tone, very interesting mix of sounds.
You can hear their influence on later artists.
First I thought: Great another Beatles, but no, they're really slept on. Bummer they broke up after this banger
one of my friend’s favourite albums, so not my first introduction to it. But it was nice to listen it all at once once again.
Cool album, really surprised I'm not more familiar with The Zombies. I've heard Time of the Season through ads and movies numerous times but I would never have been able to identify the band. I can see how Pet Sounds and Sgt Peppers would have influenced this album. 3.5/5. Raising to a 4.
Never heard of them, surprisingly entertaining. Sometimes a bit over the top in their attempts to be alternative 'sixties-style'. Last song is a banger.
10/10. No notes. Not an instant hit to my playlists but its music I think my grandma and I would listen to together (affectionate)
Lovely album.
My type of shit
How can anyone dislike The Zombies, what a great album. Lots of brilliant little tracks in there, just lovely. Favourites: Care of Cell 44 Brief Candles Time of The Season
This album sounds like running through a field of daisies. My favourites were rose for emily, hung up on a dream, i want her she wants me, and this will be or year
Great grooves. Really speaks to the times
Excepted psychedelic rock from the cover, wasn't disappointed.
I really flirted with a five for this one. It’s so far ahead of its time while still feeling of its era. I love the variety of instruments, the harmonies, really everything about it.
I'm usually not a big fan of psych rock but this was good! Very interesting and weird at time. Loved the keyboard throughout.
this was a much sweeter than expected album, i really loved the harmonies. it was a bit too hippie for my taste but i wouldn't mind hearing it again!
I really liked this album, reminded me a bit like The Kinks, but a bit more psychedelic-
Great album, no skips on this one.