The Zombies: Odessey & Oracle (Revisited)

One of the best and most underappreciated of the British Invasion bands of the 1960s, the Zombies had already broken up when “Time of the Season” became their biggest hit. That meant that Odessey (sic) & Oracle, the album that spawned the single, went largely unnoticed—a real pity, as it was a post–Sgt. Pepper masterpiece. That wrong was finally righted when the four surviving members (guitarist Paul Atkinson died in 2004) got together in London in 2008 to perform the album in its entirety—the first time they'd ever played the songs live. The first half of the concert, staged at the Shepherds Bush Empire, consists of obscure tunes from the group's early days; singer Colin Blunstone's solo career; and Argent—keyboardist Rod Argent's post-Zombies band. But Odessey & Oracle is the main attraction, and with Argent, Blunstone, bassist Chris White, and drummer Hugh Grundy (augmented by additional musicians) performing, it is simply brilliant, with layers of rich, intricate harmonies, odd instruments (like a 19th-century pedal organ on “Butcher's Tale”), and literate, provocative lyrics. The Argent-White songwriting is uniformly superb, and the arty vibe of “Care of Cell 44,” “A Rose for Emily,” “Changes,” and other tunes make them no less accessible. Notwithstanding the occasional crack in the upper vocal registers, the band is spot on, and when they end with “Time of the Season” and the immortal singles “She's Not There” and “Tell Her No,” the standing ovation that ensues is richly deserved. Presented in 5.1 surround sound, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: P. (S. Graham)