The Zombies
Odessey & Oracle (Revisited)
MVD – 2009

For a band that broke up in the late ‘60’s before they even had a hit single, then re-formed as “Time Of The Season” et. al. became smash radio hits, these English lads couldn’t have chosen a better moniker.

Like their supernatural namesakes, they just keep on a’ risin’ from their metaphorical musical graves and each visit is all the sweeter for its’ surprise. I was lucky enough to interview them and attend a rare live show in a relatively small venue back in the early ‘Oughts, and this live release celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their seminal
Oddessey & Oracle album finds them none the worse for the wear.

Recorded at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London in 2008, the disc captures the band as they’re finally seeming to realize the historical importance of that long-ago-released masterpiece, with an enraptured audience who look as if they’re hearing shouts down from Mount Olympus itself- fans both old and new seem equally in awe of the group’s mighty talents here, with part one showcasing today’s touring band and fan/band faves, winding down with the Argent classic “Hold Your Head Up.”

Part two replays the original Oddyessey & Oracle album, kicking off with a grand introduction from the mighty Al Kooper and producing absolutely gorgeous readings of such nuggets as “Care Of Cell 44,” “A Rose For Emily,” “This Will Be Our Year,” and the tried-and-true trio, “Time Of The Season,” “Tell Her No,” and “She’s Not There.” A solid piece of rock history that should not be missed.

-Sheldon Jackson

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