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[Hombre_de_ningun_lugar]

The story of "Time Of The Season" resulted to be like the title of some bad horror movie: the return of the Zombies. This band had had a successful beginning with two of their first three singles being important hits. But then the group released many other refined singles that were unsuccessful despite their good quality. Months and years passed without good news, so the band decided to record a final album and then dissolve the group. The song I'm reviewing came from that album; it was written by Rod Argent and released as a single in March 1968 in UK. However, the single was converted into a great hit one year later, when it was released in US and reached the #3 position. But the Zombies were already disbanded at that point, so they truly were like living deads, honoring their name. Anyway, beyond all these historical facts, the song has become a classic masterpiece. It features a fantastic bass-drums-breath rhythm that is repeated throughout the recording; the lead vocal and harmonies are heaven-like; and there are two superb keyboard solos, in the middle and the end of the track. The lyrics should also be highlighted, as they summarize the summer of love in few words. It's not a surprise that this song has been frequently used as a soundtrack of its time.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SPnHaiPU4o" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SPnHaiPU4o</a>

[tkitna]

Awesome song.  Great keyboard solo by Rod.  Drum pattern is gold and the vocals are great as well.  I'm a fan.

[Hombre_de_ningun_lugar]

I think that keyboard solo, at the end of the song, is double-tracked. That's one of my very favorite fragments of recorded music.

[Hombre_de_ningun_lugar]

The story of George Harrison praising the Zombies' debut single, "She's Not There", is quite well known. But I've recently read that George also loved "Is This The Dream", released in late 1965. It seems that George reviewed the single saying that he didn't understand why the Zombies were not being successful at that moment.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFr8fHhlDOM" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFr8fHhlDOM</a>

[tkitna]

My only comment with 'Is This The Dream' is that it sounded pretty shallow and thin compared to other music in 65'.  The song sounds like it should have been released two years earlier. I love the Zombies but I can see why that song wasnt as well received as some others.

[KelMar]

I think that keyboard solo, at the end of the song, is double-tracked. That's one of my very favorite fragments of recorded music.

It is very cool but I never noticed it until I started listening to Internet radio. DJs have a tendency to obscure the ending of records. But now I always make sure to listen for it.

[Hombre_de_ningun_lugar]

My only comment with 'Is This The Dream' is that it sounded pretty shallow and thin compared to other music in 65'.  The song sounds like it should have been released two years earlier. I love the Zombies but I can see why that song wasnt as well received as some others.

Yes, I think you're right. I still like the song, but it may not have been up to date when it was released. Probably the instrumental part (from 1:40) sounds a little more progressive.

The B-side of that single was "Don't Go Away". I actually think this last song was approaching the Odessey And Oracle sound.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrkVYathQxY" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrkVYathQxY</a>

[tkitna]

I like 'Don't Go Away' better for sure than 'Is This The Dream'.  I love the Zombies though and like practically everything they ever did.