Odessey And Oracle

For the longest time I thought the Cranberries made this album

Album contains Time of the Season which is a classic, but that is the only real hit on the album. The rest is rather boring and nothing to get excited about. Overall the album was a decent listen and was ok. I decided it was a solid 5/10 and gave it 3 stars.

Alt her er bra! Lystig pop som egentlig er mørkt som det mørkeste hjerte. Hva er det egentlig å ikke elske? 10/10

Random thought, I genuinely don't think I've ever heard anyone in real life ever talk about The Zombies. This is clearly one of the best collections of songs from this era, and it's so sad how underappreciated it is. I'm sure every music nerd knows it and loves it, and the fact they only ever had one real standout album doesn't help, but this album deserves to be talked about in the same breath as the best albums by The Beatles, The Stones, Beach Boys, etc. Sounds like a dream, huge drum sound, gorgeous mellotron, great songwriting, great lyrics. "Changes" and "I Want Her She Wants Me" aren't quite at the same level as the rest, but that's only like, a five minute valley. Legendary Stuff

Now this is pop music I can get behind! I really like how cohesive the album felt. The songs flowed perfectly together, albeit with distinct A and B side vibes. On many older records like this you can tell that there was much more attention to the order of tracks when this is how most people experienced music. This was another album that I enjoyed more on subsequent listens. The harmonies are amazing and the baroque pop elements are damn near perfect. Just psychedelic enough to make it interesting. Overall, a really hep album with an interesting history, from the band’s immediate break up, to the misspelled album name, to the fake Zombie band tours in the US. Different times, man.

Other reviews seem to think this is a generic '60s pop record. They are incorrect, and superficial in their analysis. To appreciate this you must turn off all the lights, lie down in the middle of the floor and crank the volume.

time of the season is one of the best songs ever made in my book! such a smooth track. The Album as a whole is good. (4.0/5.0)

8/10 Having left Decca, the record label for their first record, in disappointment at their lack of success, the Zombies signed with CBS records. On a limited budget, they took to the studio to record this, their last album for over 20 years. Before the album was even released, the band split, citing a lack of demand for live performances and two unsuccessful singles in the lead up to the release of the LP. The following year, Time Of The Season became a sleeper hit in the United States, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard charts. After that point, the album began to gradually pick up a cult following, with a bunch of dubious cover bands touring the States in an attempt to cash in, although it wasn’t until 1989 that the band began to sporadically record together again. This album sits in a very interesting sweet spot between the harmonic baroque pop stylings of the Beach Boys, a little of the Beatles, and arguably a whiff of the Incredible String Band. There’s a good pop-music sensibility to a lot of the melodic writing across the record, but there’s plenty of structural interest at play, as the band develops songs along themes, rather than always relying on a standard verse/chorus/verse structure. They weave elements of folk and even some more jazzy parts into the mix and bathe it in a psychedelic production style that, while a little rough around the edges, has bags of charm and sonic interest sprinkled through it. Music with a psychedelic and folk music edge often walks a fine line on the edge of the cliff of twee, with the more hippie qualities sometimes coming off as contrived or cheesy. Fortunately, this record manages to more or less keep its balance on that cliff edge, and there’s enough of that pop music heart in there to keep things on the straight and narrow, while still providing space for interesting developments and sonic experimentation to make it feel like its own unique sound, rather than just an aping of similar groups of the time. The overall feeling I had when listening to this album was that it was unerringly pretty. There were moments in which the band pulled things into slightly darker or weirder territory, but rarely did they stray too far from an enchanting melody, or stacked vocal harmony that would bring things right back to that pleasant centre. It’s kind of baffling that this failed to make any impact at all on release, as there’s far more of value in here than a lot of the more successful music of the time, but I suppose that often, artistic success is as much about luck and timing as anything else, and it’s fortunate that the album did find its own way in the end. Care Of Cell 44 - It’s a pretty jaunty start, and the chord structure is cool. There’s an air of melancholy to it, despite the upbeat nature of the track that reminds me compositionally of the Beach Boys. There’s a lot of harmonic richness to the composition and the production has a very nice balance, with some very well layered textures across the instrumentation. The vocal harmonisations are lovely, and it has a slightly quirky edge that works really well for me. A lovely start. A Rose For Emily - There’s something of the Beatles about this, particularly in the vocal melody. The layered vocal parts are very pretty and the simple piano backing makes it feel stark and personal, especially the way that it’s sat a little further back in the mix. Another lovely little song. Maybe After He's Gone - This feels like it’s slipping into a more psychedelic direction now. The production is deep and expansive, and I really like the reverb used on the drums during various points. It’s got a slightly twee edge and feels like it has a bit of influence from British folk music dripped into it. Despite the short length of the tracks, they pack in loads of development and evolution of ideas, which is fantastic. It continues to be very pretty, too. Beechwood Park - This is a little darker and more psychedelic, despite the theme being based on experiences in primary school. Perhaps it’s wistful, but it does feel a little bit oppressive. It’s very affecting though, and while it’s a little more structurally and melodically simple, the evocative nature of the songwriting and production sell it really well. Brief Candles - I’m never that keen on vocal melodies and lead lines that follow each other so closely. There’s some great melodic writing on this, but for me, a bit more counterpoint to the piano would have worked wonders. There’s some lovely harmonic work through the full band sections and, yet again, the slight edge of psychedelia gives it extra sonic interest and quality. Not my favourite on the record, but still pleasant enough. Hung Up On A Dream - Oooh, this continues the theme of the album on nicely, and then just before a minute, an oppressive darkness emerges just for a short while. It’s very cool. This dances really beautifully in and out of a range of emotional states and manages to convey a dreamlike state really effectively. There’s so much harmonic texture to unpack on this record, and this is another fine example of that. Changes - Psychedelic folk pop walks a very thin tightrope to avoid becoming too twee and silly. This starts to lean over that line quite precariously. There’s some great quality in there, with the broad vocal harmonisations a stand out. But it does start to feel a little bit close to the line of performative quirkiness. I still like this, actually, but if they lean any more in this direction, I may start to struggle. I Want Her She Wants Me - We’re homing back in on the slightly psychedelic edged 60s pop now. I think the structure of this is great and, while it’s a bit more of a straightforward song, the transitions between sections are really interestingly managed. The melodies are great, the vocal harmonies add an ethereal and broad edge to the tonal mix, and it doesn’t outstay its welcome. Lovely. This Will Be Our Year - This so simple, but incredibly effective. The vocal performance is absolutely delightful, and has a really nicely written melody. In all honesty, there’s not a vast amount to this, but what’s there is brilliantly put together, and that vocal completely sells it. Really lovely stuff. Butchers Tale (Western Front 1914) - This is interesting and effective. It feels melancholic and confrontational in equal measure, which is a suitable blend for the subject matter. It almost feels like a funereal call to arms. Musically, it’s not necessarily the strongest part of the album, but thematically, it’s excellent. Friends Of Mine - Back to something more 60s pop coded now. It’s fairly bouncy and chipper, but there’s a nice bit of depth to the production that gives it a little bit of extra quality. It’s definitely still got a quirky edge, but it’s well balanced with the poppy side of the songwriting. Another short but sweet dip into pretty harmonic pop. Time Of The Season - Well this is a classic, of course. That main bass, drum and breath groove is delicious, and the way it breaks into the chorus is excellent too. The organ solos are great fun, with a funky, jazzy edge. There’s so much rhythmical texture in this across the different parts, and it’s just the right balance of melodic pop quality and psychedelia. A brilliant piece of work and a wonderful way to round off the record.

HELL YEAH

okay

It was fine

Overrated

god this was dull. Begin Here was infinitely better. Gains a star for Time of the Season

4.5

good classic 60s rock

Banger

Some really good 60s tunes, nothing particularly stand outish for the time but I don’t think anything particularly bad either. Would listen again

Very good. Beautifully crafted choruses, lovely harmonies. This album isn't about the band really; it's about the vocalists. And they're perfectly in sync. I really enjoyed the psychedelic elements; as someone with little background in psych pop this is a lovely introduction. I enjoyed thoroughly. I wouldn't say there were weaker tracks in the middle portion, but certainly none that hit the heights of the cream of the crop, and that's all that drops it down from a five. Bit harsh maybe.

Good album

Liked most of it but way too many mediocre tracks

A refreshing 60s album finding its own way around the Beatles' supermassive shadow. Some really good arrangements, interesting instrumental solos and nice psychedelic ideas, with a few genuinely well-composed songs. Unfortunately, it gets rather sluggish at times and lacks the punch to keep me engaged throughout. Could easily have been a 2/5, but out of mercy for the Beatles' competitors, I'll give it a 3/5. 😂

they was putting pure joy and happiness in the lsd in the 60s i stg

jeff lewis is wrong, this is still fun

This project is supposed to introduce us to 1001 albums we need to listen to, but this album also happens to contain one of the top 1001 songs of all time in “Time of the Season.” The Zombies were underrated and often overshadowed by The Beatles, which may have contributed to their lack of commercial success. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting they were The Beatles, but I do think they deserved greater success than they achieved. I loved the melodies throughout, and this album definitely deserves its place on the list. A solid 4

Awesome record. Own this one on vinyl. Classic

This was a bit bland. While not bad it’s a 3.5 rounded down.

Had some potential and some great parts (time of the season) but most of it I did not like

Another good album that I enjoyed but don’t have a strong urge to return to. Pleasant psychedelic(ish) 60s rock. Stand out is easily ‘Time of the Season’ which is a really great song.

Pleasantly surprised by this.

Zzzzz

Ну мне такое не очень нравится. Оценка: 6/10

In 1964, the members of The Zombies all had regular jobs and were doing the music scene after hours when they decided to enter The London Evening News rock band contest. They came in first place so decided to make the band a higher priority, but met with limited success in England. Near the end of ‘67, they decided it was time to dissolve the band but spent about three months recording Odessa and Oracle before calling it quits. By the time Time Of The Season became a hit (their biggest) they were no longer a band. Hence the several knock off bands calling themselves The Zombies. But the (real) Zombies music was resurrected in the early nineties when their greatest hits album was released using the original master tapes from the 1964-67 sessions. I was familiar with most songs from O&O as several of them are on the greatest hits. I can see how this forgotten gem garnered a cult following and why it made The 1001 Must Hear List. (4.4*s) Not sure why the Brits never embraced this band, they ave a unique sound and a ton of good songs.

I was looking forward to a Zombie mode. I have only ever paid attention to the hits, which they do got a few all-timers. Odessey and Oracle is alright but falls short on delivering a top album. "Care of Cell 44" and "Butcher's Tale" are good ones and worth mentioning but "Time of the Season" is so far ahead of the pack. It doesn't even fit with the rest of the album...it's so much cooler and swaggerful. It lands pretty high on my personal fave tracks list. The Zombies fit well in that post bubblegum Beatles 60s psych vibe with the likes of The Animals and Jefferson Airplane. They deserve a list spot and this record may be a must listen from them but it just doesn't sate the appetite...neeeeed moooore brains. 2.73 stars.

I never realized The Zombies only released 2 albums before their breakup on the band's initial run. I never realized they were mostly a revival act with an alternate lineup that endured through the 90's and 2000's (evidently were still active through 2023 somehow?). They have such a distinct 60's sound that I never even considered they were releasing albums anywhere near my lifetime. I just figured they were a middling 60's act that saw their share of success but eventually petered out. What an odd arc for this band. I've always loved a couple of their singles, including Time Of The Season which is the highlight of this album. The rest of the songs are pretty clean 60's pop songs that scratch a certain itch if that is what you are looking for. I like their dreamy sound, and even if I don't expect I'll revisit Odessey specifically, I sometimes still throw on a couple Zombies hits now and then. Even if it didn't wow me, I'm still glad I listened to this album. 2.57 stars

This sounds no differently than every other English rock band 5 year before this album was released ⭐⭐⭐.51

It's not my favorite. Definitely has its place on the list, but it's not the most interesting.

I would get absolutely BLITZED to this album if I lived in the 60s lol. It's a little bland with that era's sound, but not bad. Time of the Season is legendary. Best songs: Time of the Season, Beechwood Park

Its a lovely album but its popped up by its end track, the rest of the album seems like gorgeous hold music for a banger of a track.

Very good album, I really liked the instrumentals and themes in the lyrics. 7.5/10

“This is my happening and it freaks me out!” Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)

The cover is busy, but fits the album. I like the font choice and the Odessey references. This album starts extremely strong, with "Care of Cell 44" and "A Rose for Emily". The accapella on "Maybe After Hes Gone" is angelic, and throughout the whole abum, The Zombies harmonize really well. "Beechwood Park" has excellent synchronization between members, and the chorus reminds me of Deja Vu by Olivia Rodrigo (which of course I listened to first). "Brief Candles" has a chorus that comes at you with a bang, and the album ends off good with "Time of the Season". To me, these guys absolutely mog The Beetles. Its not a 5, due to unoriginality, but man is this good. Best Song: A Rose for Emily. Worst Song: Butchers Tale (Western Front 1914).

This Odessey feels similar to the book, and equally as long. Just when I was hoping for the end, another song popped up to challenge my endurance.

The Beatles, is that you? Oh, it's just the Zombies. Quite similar to the Beatles, this upbeat Psychedelic Pop and Pop Rock is popular and influential, with the hit "Time of the Season." Strangely, I can hear chords and styles that may have influenced Pink Floyd throughout the album. High consistency is a huge feature of this album, with every song being on par with the last. There is one clear best song, the perfect opening "Care of Cell 44." Is this a classic? Maybe, but I am considering the originality and innovation of this album. The whole sound is obviously copied from the mega-successful Beatles, which knocks off some points for me. I also consider replay value. Will I truly go back to this specific album, when other amazing Psychedelic albums exist? For those reasons, I'm not sure if I can give this album 4 stars, however much I want to — it's a terrific record. It may grow on me, but for now I believe a 3 is appropriate.

T.b.c

It’s jangle pop from the 60’s. Time of the season is the standout for sure.

Brian Wilson is sweating as he looks in his rear view mirror and sees The Zombies coming around the bend

Autumnal pop perfection that pales only a LITTLE because of the boys down the hall (but also perhaps more cohesive than anything JPG&R made together). Not a single melody I dislike. Vocal arrangements that are more Brian than anything else. Great, great stuff!

I never heard this except for the one song at the end that everybody knows, and I still feel like I've heard it a hundred times before, it's that generic.

There’s some Beatles stink on here in the back half, but I’ve always liked The Zombies, I think they have a haunted sound sometimes that I really attach to. Their best of album is 5/5

Wow, moldy psychedelic Brit-po? Really taking chances with this list

I listened to this twice to make sure I really like it. I really like it. It has that last 60's feel and was on the whole a very listenable album. I really liked "This Will be our Year" and yes "Time of the season". Even though the last one just made me want to watch Glee. Four stars. Fun, and I do agree with the person that said in another world the Zombies are the Beatles. That made sense.

Never come across them before and with a name like The Zombies, I was expecting some punk, nu punk or post punk album. Instead, choir singing folky rock from the 60s. Mmm, inoffensive, light and breezy. For the time, I guess this was pretty fresh and even now it is somewhat intriguing. Maybe worth revisiting as the first trip didn't quite hook me into anything in particular. 2 for now...

60s vibes, quite fun, would happily listen again.

Big 60s energies. I enjoyed this more than I expected

Pleasant but forgettable. Not enough to grab hold of. 3.5 rounded down.

Pretty good

Nice album

Great album, a couple songs I don't love though (Butcher's Tale, of course, and Changes).

Throughout I kept wondering why I was listening to the Beach Boys. Time of the Season is a great song, but not emblematic of the rest of the album. It was a nice listen in the background while prepping dinner

Not bad. I’ve not had good experiences with albums released around ‘67-‘69 not recorded by the Beatles, but this record is an exception.

Det er få plater som oppleves som like magiske som denne. Sånn sett passer det fargesterke omslaget godt. Svimlende hva de klarte å få ut av skjør vokal, pussige akkordskifter og jazzinfiserte tangenter. Også er det så mange fine låter her! Det tar jo aldri slutt. Tidenes tann er likevel brutal, og da jeg så dem live i Oslo en gang på 2000-tallet var det en gigantisk nedtur. De hadde blitt gamle. De spilte treig blues. Det hørtes ingenlunde ut som på Odyssey & Oracle. Heldigvis har vi innspilt musikk. Står fortsatt som en påle.

The Zombies - Odyssey And Oracle Eg får gåsehud av desse harmoniane og den mørke undertone som lurar i botn på fleire av desse fenomenale popsongane. Opnaren “Care of Cell 44” er så vakker at det nesten gjer vondt. Og dei som følgjer på her, “A Rose For Emily”, "Beechwood Park, “Brief Candles”… Ja, det er ikkje noko poeng i å ramse opp… Eg snakkar om heile jævla greia. Dette er kort sagt ein av dei beste halvtimane med musikk som nokon gong er festa til tape. 10/10

Típico 60's, com um grande hit. Mas nada tão memorável assim.

One of the greatest psychedelic songs ever on this album, but otherwise nothing that seems too special to me.

There is a weird contrast between the cheery happy melodies but the lyrics are pretty dark which is interesting. Songs more or less blend together and have a similar sound. "Time of the Season" which is a classic is a total different sound from the trip happy sound of the rest of the album and stands out. 2/5

Pretty good but not my vibe

Me gusto, no me mato, pero me gusto. Buenos temas, nada q diga que es esta genialidad (excepto el ultimo)

I don't think I've heard this before. I do know of the band due to the song "She's Not There", but I've never heard an album from them. But I better pay attention of Paul Weller likes it (according to wiki notes)! 1. Care of Cell 44 - wow, strange song about someone getting out of prison soon, sung like someone writing about springs coming soon. 2. A Rose for Emily - Another cheerful song on a darker topic. 3. Maybe After He's Gone - similar topics but the music matches the lyrics better. My fav so far. All these songs are about isolation so far :( 4. Beechwood Park. Another downer, don't like this one as much as the others either 5. Brief Candles. It's OK. Better than Beechwood. Leans more into imagery and psychedelic type music of the time 6. Hung up on a Dream - enjoying this as kind of a more upbeat Nick Drake 7. Changes - Different, choral song about seasons in year / years of life. Very unique. 8. I Want Her She Wants Me - nice pop ditty of the style at the time but nothing special. 9. This Will Be Our Year - better, got some brass and heavy keys at least. A bit in the beatles, the turtles elanor and so on 10. Butchers Tale - returning to form, serious originality returns with a soldiers song about war. A must listen. 11. Friends of Mine - It's OK, again similar tracks done better by others, but if you want to feel upbeat and feel happy for the band and strangers, smile it up. 12. Time of the Season - Oh, I really know this song already. It's cool and laid back. This song and "She's Not There" are the only zombie songs I knew before Rated: 1. Care of Cell 44 2. A Rose for Emily 3. Maybe After He's Gone 6. Hung up on a Dream 7. Changes 10. Butchers Tale 12. Time of the Season This style of pop music was so short lived, like from 1964-1969 then it kind of disappeared. People lost optimism, music evolved from this proto type Brit pop and the 1970s became totally different. EG there was an Australian band called Master's Apprentices and around 1966 it was all psychedelic music, but by 1970 they'd turned into a hard rock band. The strange thing about this album is the start of it was darker lyrics sung as a happy tune in the first place.

an ok album, no hits or great songs in my mind. a solid 3 stars

Nothing interesting

Some good some not so much

“What’s your name, who’s your daddy, is he rich like me?” remains one of the sauciest lyrics I’ve ever heard

Fun but older stuff can always be a bit difficult to listen to.

Yeah, there is this hit but the rest...phew...

Do people talk about this album in the same breath at Pet Sounds? Really poppy, chamber-like music about love - surely people are holding this in the same regard? Fav songs: Time of the Season, Care of Cell 44 and This Will Be Our Year

They are not the Beatles. They are not the stones. They are not The Beach Boys. They are not The Who. They feel like some sort of AI generated mixture of all those bands. But this was way before AI and honestly it's not the worst album I've ever listened to. It does have a couple of iconic songs in it but for the most part, it's your standard 60s Proto psychedelic rock album.

60's aren't usually my jam, but damn it, I was charmed. Beechwood Park, Changes, Butcher's Tale all good (apparently) deep cuts.

Definitely enjoyed this more than some of the other works around this time (looking at the Kinks, of course). However, despite a few great tracks, it's a bit forgettable at times. Not sure there is quite a memorable song of the bunch other than 'Time of the Season'. Rating: 6/10 Favorite Song: Time of the Season

2,9/5

Opening track is a classic. The rest isn’t as intriguing, but the production is downright fantastic for 1968. Colin Blundstone is a breathy fucker.

First two songs are an amazing 1-2 punch to start an album. Brief candles is delightful. Reminds me of my The Who phase in college. A very enjoyable album, perhaps the one I've enjoyed the most start to finish. Time of the season is a classic for sure, I knew that song without knowing the band, I'm glad I now know the band

A fine album from educated artistic young men wot you would trust your daughters with. They were definitely influence by the orchestration of The Beach Boys and the artistic lyricism of The Beatles as they entered their more halucinogenic phase. The songs are well produced and arranged, but are just short of being catchy. Hence a 3.

Unfortunately I listened to this while working, so I didn't get a strong sense of it. I'll probably relisten, but I suspect the slightly twee chamber pop thing won't do much for me.

Good

Not a bad album, but most of it is kind of mediocre. The harmonizing is good, but so much of that was happening around that time. Made sort of the same time as Pet Sounds, which is incredible, but not nearly as good as that. Seems like "Time of the Season" is doing most of the lifting to make this a "must listen" album

Peak 60s psychedelic pop

Really more of a three-star album, but the final track, Time of the Season, is an all-time classic that I could listen to on repeat by itself, so that boosts the whole project. I’m not as big of a fan of these harmonies compared to the Beach Boys or the Beatles, but it’s still a nice sound and there appears to be some experimental work going on in a few of the tracks. Beatles-esque, really, but for me that’s a good thing. I listened to the album twice, so that’s a good sign it will grow on me more. Added to liked list: Brief Candles, I Want Her She Wants Me, Time of the Season.

Was close to a 2 because the sound does get a bit same-y but then Time of the Season right at the end is a fuckin banger, 3 it is.

Не знал что тайм оф сизон - это они, альбом довольно ровный

Normale

Only 34 minutes I threw in the towel half way thru

Actually quite fun and i enjoyed it

Very psychedelic - bits reminiscent of the Beach Boys and the Beatles, and some stuff that's uniquely Zombies. I'm familiar with "Time of the Season", but never expected to hear an album full of music with that unique blend of musical variety and incredible harmonies. It's a little too disjointed to make my regular playlist, but I recognize the talent needed to make it.

Brain dead

Strong album. Great blend of harmonies, psychedelic instrumentation and pop sensibilities.

This feels like they took all the best parts from all those huge 60s bands and combined them for a really solid and stellar album.

damn i really liked this. felt very current. time of the season is an all timer of course

estilo the beatles, suenan muy parecido

Flower power rules. Recorded in England not California. Lyrically not quite up to the best but musically very good.

This makes a pleasant companion to the Kinks’ 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘭𝘴𝘦, the Small Faces’ 𝘖𝘨𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘴’ 𝘕𝘶𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦, or the Beatles’ 𝘚𝘨𝘵. 𝘗𝘦𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳. The lovely harmonies, colourful arrangements, and slightly psychedelic touches put it in familiar territory. The Zombies certainly know how to write an appealing melody, and the wistfulness running through the songs gives the album some charm of its own. I just don’t come away with the same enthusiasm. The songs are easy to enjoy, but I don’t get particularly attached to them, and the album doesn’t make the same impression on me as the records it brings to mind. I’m happy to hear more of this kind of British pop; I’m simply not convinced I’ve found another favourite.