Search - The Zombies :: Odessey and Oracle: 40th Anniversary Live Concert

A wonderful way to remember an unforgettable evening . . .

Mark Preston | New York, NY | 07/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a longtime Zombies fan who flew in from to New York to see this very concert that was recorded on March 8, 2008 in London. It was a rare opportunity to hear a recreation of one of the greatest albums of all time, never mind that it was 40 years later. The concert exceeded all expectations in that not only was O & O brilliantly recreated, but the music that came out of their instruments, and the vocals that came out from the band members has only improved over time. Colin was always a great singer, and time as only enhanced his voice. Rod's voice is as good as ever and his keyboard mastery let's you know he is still the master of his domain, and Chris, he was something else. I haven't heard Chis's voice in years, and though it cracks in a few places, his singing just seems to have more conviction to it. "The Butcher's Tale" simply blew me away. Hugh's drumming hasn't skipped a beat, and the touring band, which has sounded wonderful since the I first heard them play together at BB King's in 2002, just keeps getting better. Keith Airey is as incredible guitarist, and the Rodford father and son team also deliver very nicely. Kudos to the sound engineers for doing a marvelous job at truly capturing the sound and the feel of this historical event. You definitely want to listen to this CD, and if you have the opportunity to see the Zombies touring band (they're touring in the US this summer), GO! Tell your friends too!"

A Classic Masterpiece, by a Classic Band!

Joy Andis | Seattle, WA, and London area, UK | 09/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are a good many people who remain largly unaware of the incredible contributions the Zombies have made to music over the years. Odessy and Oracle ranks up there with all the rest of the classic albums of that period: The Beatles "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band", The Rolling Stones "Flowers, as well as "Their Satanic Majesties Request" and I will even throw in The Moody Blues "In Search of the Lost Chord".

Perhaps it was something in the air, but whatever it was has left an endelible mark on the music sound of today.

Odessey and Oracle produced the Zombies biggest hit, the stellar "Time of the Season", which is still enjoying considerable airplay on radio stations all over the world.

40 Years later the remaining members of the Zombies with Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent, the founder of the Zombies and Argent, Chris White, and Hugh Grundy along with Keith Airey who replaced the late Paul Atkinson played to a sold out crowd on 3 evenings in March at the Shepards Bush Empire, London. This historic and memorable concert has garnered many great reviews, so I will not try to replicatre those, however the subsequent album is enjoying much wear and tear in my car:)

Why? Because the album is a true gem. Not only is the album of Odyessey and Oracle performed live in its entirety, you also have several of the songs that were recorded by Argent, and Colin Blunstone during his solo careeer.

It is simply amazing how much musical history is packed in here, Disc one is the Odessey and Oracle live performance, showcasing the rich harmonies, beautiful soaring melodies, and true musical style that will not quit. Ending it nicely are the 3 major hits of "She's Not There, "Tell Her No", and "Time of the Season".

If anything, the band has shown how they have gotten better with the years, and this recording is the proof.

Disc 2 opens with "I Love You", the song that opens many of their live shows, and to be honest, when I first heard this song in Seattle, and Colin hit that high note dead on, I was sold on the spot. Then there is the journey through the solo career of Colin with "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", the hit he had with Dave Stewart in 1981, and then the string quartet along with Colin perforemes 3 songs from his treasure "One Year", these are "Misty Roses, "her Song", and Denny Laine's "Say You Don't Mind".

As you are left there with your breath litrally taken away, Rod Argent brings it back down to earth with 2 songs from Argent, the rollicking "Rock and Roll Rag" which coveres musical styles from early ragtime i.e. Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton (before ALL our times but well worth the listen!

With the resounding classic hit "Hold Your Head Up" they soar to the heights with the delivery of this song. It is amazing how much musical history os packed in here. The band is enjoying a renaissance of sorts with new generations of fans who are discovering their music for the first time. When you listen to this you understand why.

Highly recommended.

"

Fantastic Celebration of a Wonderul Album

Don Labonte | Wales, WI USA | 07/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, can a band reunite after 40 years and deliver the goods live? The answer is a resounding "YES" in the case of the Zombies. The original Odessey and Oracle LP is deservedly considered one of the best LPs ever recorded. The performance captured on this CD is nothing short of wonderful. In fact the Zombies sound so good I would have trouble believing that this was a legitimate live document had I not seen the touring band last week. Colin Blunstone's voice has held up better than any of his contemporaries. Rod Argent plays like a man who is absolutely in love with the music he is performing. The performances on this CD are faithful to the originals, but also reflect slightly the fact that the men playing and singing are 40 years older. The songs are delightful, and this is perhaps the most underrated band in rock history. If you have the slightest curiosity about the music of the Zombies because you like their hits, buy this: it is revelatory. If you already know this music from the first time around, buy it and enjoy the celebration that this recording is."