DM's Beatles forums
Other music forums => Various Artists, Lyrics, Discographies => Topic started by: KelMar on November 30, 2013, 07:40:25 PM
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The group formed in 1962 in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England, and gained their initial reputation playing the Old Verulamians Rugby Club in that city. The band was formed while the members were at school. Some sources state that Argent, Atkinson and Grundy were at St Albans School, while Blunstone and White were students at St Albans Boys' Grammar School (since renamed Verulam School). Argent was a boy chorister in St Albans Cathedral Choir.
Their choice of names was out of desperation, and the Zombies won out over Chatterley and the Gamekeepers, according to Blunstone and White. After winning a beat-group competition sponsored by the London Evening News, they signed to Decca and recorded their first hit, "She's Not There" (Argent's second song, written specifically for this session). It was released in mid-1964 and peaked at number 12 in the UK, their only UK Top 40 hit. This minor-key, jazz-tinged number, distinguished by its musicianship and Blunstone's breathy vocal, was unlike anything heard in British rock at the time. It was first aired in the United States in early August 1964 on New York City rock station WINS by Stan Z. Burns, who debuted the song on his daily noontime "Hot Spot". The tune began to catch on in early fall and eventually climbed to No.2 in early December. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Zombies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Zombies)
Murray the K's Christmas show at the Brooklyn Fox Theatre, 1964:
(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee372/KelMar1963/zombies_christmasshow__zps25f67f9e.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/KelMar1963/media/zombies_christmasshow__zps25f67f9e.jpg.html)
January 12, 1965 on the first episode of Hullabaloo:
http://youtu.be/tKmA_9bSHYI (http://youtu.be/tKmA_9bSHYI)
http://youtu.be/ezSMbQKQEJI (http://youtu.be/ezSMbQKQEJI)
Interview with Colin Blunstone:
http://www.classicbands.com/ZombiesInterview.html (http://www.classicbands.com/ZombiesInterview.html)
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One of my favorite bands of all time. There isnt much that I dont like from them.
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One of my very favorite bands too, it's easily in my Top 10 despite their relatively short catalog. Odessey And Oracle is a Top 3 album for me, along with Rubber Soul and Revolver. A collection of their singles released before that masterpiece is also essential for any fan of the band. It's curious the fact that they had much more success in US than in UK. They had three Top 10 hits in America: "She's Not There" (#2), "Tell Her No" (#6) and "Time Of The Season" (#3); not bad. I guess British people preferred the Hollies, a very good band, but they can't hold a "brief candle" to the Zombies in my opinion.
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I figured it was about time they had their own thread!I didn't know much from them but the three big hits that you mentioned Andrés, but Pandora radio plays songs from this a lot:
(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee372/KelMar1963/61Pilx9dAML_SY300__zpsd493035c.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/KelMar1963/media/61Pilx9dAML_SY300__zpsd493035c.jpg.html)
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Here's a few of my favorites excluding 'Odessey and Oracle' because thats a masterpiece and theres nothing bad on it.
The Zombies-"I Can't Make Up My Mind" from Begin Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z8ceYOmYRg#)
The Zombies - If It Don't Work Out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4UtjhH4__4#)
The Zombies - Don't Cry For Me [High Quality] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O_ZwuYfPT0#ws)
'Breif Candles' is my all time favorite Zombies tune.
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The As and Bs collection is wonderful and begs the question why Gold Radio stations only play two of their songs (She's Not There, Time of the Season). Music radio could be superb if ALL the back catalogue of groups like The Zombies, Them, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Spencer Davis Group etc. was used.
I've always thought that a Beatles' As and Bs compilation would be a worthwhile release, 22 As on CD 1, 22 Bs on CD 2.
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The As and Bs collection is wonderful and begs the question why Gold Radio stations only play two of their songs (She's Not There, Time of the Season). Music radio could be superb if ALL the back catalogue of groups like The Zombies, Them, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Spencer Davis Group etc. was used.
I've always thought that a Beatles' As and Bs compilation would be a worthwhile release, 22 As on CD 1, 22 Bs on CD 2.
At least three A's & B's collections by the Zombies have been released actually. My favorite is this:
(http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/500/37277331/The+Singles+As++Bs+TheZombies.png)
I like it because it includes every single they released before Odessey And Oracle, begining with 11 A-sides and finishing with the respective 11 B-sides, in chronological order. This collection includes the single "I Want Her Back" (a.k.a. "I Want You Back Again")/"I Remember When I Loved Her", only released in US in 1965 and omited in the collection mentioned by Kelley. I think this compilation plus a release of Odessey And Oracle that includes at least "I'll Call You Mine" and "Imagine The Swan" as bonus tracks, make a pretty decent summary of the Zombies' recordings for a fan. If one wants more than that, then the four-CDs compilation Zombie Heaven gives you practically everything they ever recorded.
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One of the strong points of the Zombies was their songwriting, but they've also recorded some pretty good covers. This is an interesting live version of "Gotta Get A Hold Of Myself":
The Zombies- "Gotta Get A Hold Of Myself" Live and In Color! 1966 (Reelin' In The Years Archives) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtyROCysfN0#)
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The As and Bs collection is wonderful and begs the question why Gold Radio stations only play two of their songs (She's Not There, Time of the Season). Music radio could be superb if ALL the back catalogue of groups like The Zombies, Them, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Spencer Davis Group etc. was used.
That's why I really like to listen to Pandora radio. That's what they do, plus they are very good at introducing me to artists I probably wouldn't have found on my own. Once in a while they get it wrong but I haven't used the thumbs-down in quite a while. Thanks to them I also have a station for Christmas songs I actually enjoy! I'm sure Rhapsody and others are the same way.
One of the strong points of the Zombies was their songwriting, but they've also recorded some pretty good covers. This is an interesting live version of "Gotta Get A Hold Of Myself":
That is an interesting performance of another song I really like. I kind of think of it as the next step in overcoming heartbreak after "Leave Me Be". There's a glimmer of hope in this one!
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I bought 'Odessey and Oracle' several years ago, but for a long time I didn't really understand what all the fuss was about. Then one day it just started sinking in somehow, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorite albums. Funny how an album can do that. It's still one of my all-time favorites, I rank it even higher than any of the Beatles' albums.
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January 12, 1965 on the first episode of Hullabaloo:
[url]http://youtu.be/tKmA_9bSHYI[/url] ([url]http://youtu.be/tKmA_9bSHYI[/url])
[url]http://youtu.be/ezSMbQKQEJI[/url] ([url]http://youtu.be/ezSMbQKQEJI[/url])
This came right after the Christmas Show. The Zombies worked hard promoting their singles touring here in the United States. She's Not There and Tell Her No differed from most of the British Invasion songs. Phenomenal lead vocals by Colin Blunstone and superb vocal harmonies led to those reactions by the audience.
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Here's a few of my favorites excluding 'Odessey and Oracle' because thats a masterpiece and theres nothing bad on it.
The Zombies-"I Can't Make Up My Mind" from Begin Here ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z8ceYOmYRg#[/url])
The Zombies - If It Don't Work Out ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4UtjhH4__4#[/url])
The Zombies - Don't Cry For Me [High Quality] ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O_ZwuYfPT0#ws[/url])
'Breif Candles' is my all time favorite Zombies tune.
Very well put, Todd. It truly is a masterpiece. Some of us discovered that when the LP first came out.
(http://www.1000recordings.com/images/artist-xyz/zombies-999-l.jpg)
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I bought 'Odessey and Oracle' several years ago, but for a long time I didn't really understand what all the fuss was about. Then one day it just started sinking in somehow, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorite albums. Funny how an album can do that. It's still one of my all-time favorites, I rank it even higher than any of the Beatles' albums.
I can understand you feeling that way, Joost. Maybe it's the vocals that did it for you.
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I bought 'Odessey and Oracle' several years ago, but for a long time I didn't really understand what all the fuss was about. Then one day it just started sinking in somehow, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorite albums. Funny how an album can do that. It's still one of my all-time favorites, I rank it even higher than any of the Beatles' albums.
That's not a surprise, because Odessey And Oracle is usually considered as the British Pet Sounds. Of course, the Zombies' album is different since it is much less produced (a merit in my opinion), but in terms of melodies and harmonies they are similar recordings. For example, I've always thought that the beautiful end of "I Want Her She Wants Me" was inspired by "God Only Knows"; and the opener "Care Of Cell 44" seems to be molded in "Wouldn't It Be Nice".
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I just listened to Odessey And Oracle for the first time and you guys weren't kidding; it is an amazing album! The vocals blew me away, especially the harmonies and the way the voices sounded like instrumental parts. (Does that make sense?) Like Pet Sounds it left me feeling like I'd just been to an auditory banquet. The beginning of Beechwood Park sounds a bit like the actual Pet Sounds title track but my favorite has to be A Rose for Emily. Thematically it reminds me of Eleanor Rigby. I also really like Friends of Mine. I don't think I've ever heard a song expressing such joy over someone else's relationship. I like that. Brief Candles is great too. It's all great! I think it's going to sneak into my cart when I do my Amazon Christmas shopping in a bit.
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The vocals blew me away, especially the harmonies and the way the voices sounded like instrumental parts. (Does that make sense?)
The human voice was the first instrument....a stringed instrument.
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I can understand you feeling that way, Joost. Maybe it's the vocals that did it for you.
I like Colin Blunstone's voice, but he's not one of my favorite singers. I think it's mostly the compositions and the mood of the album that did it for me. I agree with Hombre, this is probably the closest that anyone ever came to making another Pet Sounds.
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God Only Knows
The Beach Boys [Pet Sounds] - God Only Knows (Stereo Remaster) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybvruzd3XE0#ws)
A Rose For Emily
A Rose For Emily - The Zombies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SNvkM7T54M#)
I Want Her She Wants Me
The Zombies - 8 - I Want Her She Wants Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNvj8i_EGLM#)
2:06
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my favorite has to be A Rose for Emily. Thematically it reminds me of Eleanor Rigby.
That's a good comparison. I also relate "A Rose For Emily" to "Eleanor Rigby" not only because of the lyrics, but because of the minimalist backing instrumentation as well (only a piano in the Zombies' song and only strings in the Beatles' recording).
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This song should have been a hit:
Whenever You're Ready - The Zombies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL2Ql7noLCI#)
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Anyone remember a British film called 'Bunny Lake Is Missing' where, although not appearing, The Zombies (and Philip Glass) did the soundtrack? A terrific film that used to turn up quite regularly when we had 4 channels.....but now we have 999 channels it's never shown!!!
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I remember that as being a very interesting film. An interesting cast, to be sure. I may have to order it.
:)
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A great psychological thriller by Otto Preminger! And I was in love with Carol Lynley in those days.
The Zombies appeared on a TV set in a pub...
(http://www.cinefania.com/newsletter/images/bunny_lake.jpg)
(http://www.tvcream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/bunny03.jpg)
(http://stef.net/files/filmstills/bunnylake/screenshot13a.jpeg)
Bunny Lake Is Missing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quP1R4E2ug0#ws)
Nothing's Changed
Just Out Of Reach
Remember You
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(http://www.seanceofcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Picture-910.jpg)
Where is Bunny Lake?
The Zombies - She's Not There (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8BkkFJI910#)
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I also relate "A Rose For Emily" to "Eleanor Rigby" not only because of the lyrics, but because of the minimalist backing instrumentation as well (only a piano in the Zombies' song and only strings in the Beatles' recording).
Ah, yes!
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That's a good comparison. I also relate "A Rose For Emily" to "Eleanor Rigby" not only because of the lyrics, but because of the minimalist backing instrumentation as well (only a piano in the Zombies' song and only strings in the Beatles' recording).
'A Rose for Emily' originally had strings as well. There's an alternate version that's a bonus track on some versions of 'Odessey & Oracle'. I prefer it over the album version, and I really don't see why they decided to mix the strings out.
The Zombies - A Rose For Emily [Alternate Version] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj-3S_wS4TU#)
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'A Rose for Emily' originally had strings as well. There's an alternate version that's a bonus track on some versions of 'Odessey & Oracle'. I prefer it over the album version, and I really don't see why they decided to mix the strings out.
I'm on the other side of the fence with the strings. Usually i'm a sucker for the strings, but they just feel like they are fighting the rest of the song during 'A Rose For Emily'. I prefer the album version, but thats why we're all different.
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I'm on the other side of the fence with the strings. Usually i'm a sucker for the strings, but they just feel like they are fighting the rest of the song during 'A Rose For Emily'. I prefer the album version, but thats why we're all different.
I usually just listened to the regular 'Odessey & Oracle' album tracks, and 'A Rose for Emily' always sounded to me like it lacked something. When I finally started listening to the bonus tracks as well (they were buried at the end of my CD, after the stereo and the mono versions of the entire album) and heard the alternate version, it sounded to me like this was how the song was really supposed to sound. Like it all fell into place.
But indeed, like someone once said, "I'm glad we're all different. Cause otherwise everyone would be after my girlfriend." ;D
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'A Rose for Emily' originally had strings as well. There's an alternate version that's a bonus track on some versions of 'Odessey & Oracle'. I prefer it over the album version, and I really don't see why they decided to mix the strings out.
The Zombies - A Rose For Emily [Alternate Version] ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj-3S_wS4TU#[/url])
That's another reason to think that it was meant to be their "Eleanor Rigby". But I agree with tkitna here, I prefer the original album version; I think that's the kind of song that shines because of its simplicity.
On the other side, I prefer the mono version of "This Will Be Our Year", which includes horns and a trumpet; they're absent in the stereo version. I think that beautiful trumpet does improve the song.
This Will Be Our Year - The Zombies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmuswTEGF-U#)
The Zombies - This Will Be Our Year (Mono Mix) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akmdejcd8CM#noexternalembed)
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This hit by the Outsiders is very Zombish...
The Outsiders - Time Won´t Let Me (1966) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaj1wVNvSqk#)
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This hit by the Outsiders is very Zombish...
The Outsiders - Time Won´t Let Me (1966) ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaj1wVNvSqk#[/url])
The Outsiders was a "White Soul" band. They used brass and strings extensively as did The Buckinghams, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Chicago a little later on. Time Won't Let Me was a big hit here in the United States in early 1966. I think their sound was noticeably different in comparison to The Zombies' British Beat sound.
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The Outsiders was a "White Soul" band. They used brass and strings extensively as did The Buckinghams, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Chicago a little later on. Time Won't Let Me was a big hit here in the United States in early 1966. I think their sound was noticeably different in comparison to The Zombies' British Beat sound.
I'm talking about the song, not the band (in fact I don't know any other song by them). At least the singer and the backing organ reminds me a lot to the Zombies. Just quit the brass and it's the Zombies!
By the way, the Zombies recorded some soul-like songs as well:
The Zombies - I Want You Back Again (Mono) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlT30Ez41N0#)
They also recorded cover versions of "Summertime" and "You Really Got A Hold On Me".
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The other day I was thinking about how would be the perfect summary of the relatively short Zombies discography in one CD.
This was my conclusion:
1. She's Not There
2. Leave Me Be
3. Tell Her No
4. She's Coming Home
5. I Want You Back Again
6. Whenever You're Ready
7. I Love You
8. Is This The Dream
9. Remember You
10. Indication
11. Gotta Get A Hold Of Myself
12. Goin' Out Of My Head
13. Care Of Cell 44
14. A Rose For Emily
15. Maybe After He's Gone
16. Beechwood Park
17. Brief Candles
18. Hung Up On A Dream
19. Changes
20. I Want Her She Wants Me
21. This Will Be Our Year
22. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
23. Friends Of Mine
24. Time Of The Season
The first part consists in the eleven A-sides from 1964-1967 plus the presumably most important B-side ("I Love You"). The rest of the CD is the whole Odessey And Oracle album from 1968.
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I love their version of 'Summertime' too.
Summertime - The Zombies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKu2P8zT_F4#)
Speaking of 'Summertime', the Buckinghams version is better. Do we have a Buckinghams thread or do I need to start one? They deserve it.
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Do we have a Buckinghams thread or do I need to start one? They deserve it.
Yes they do. Start one Todd.
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The perfect Zombies collection came out about 15 years ago on Ace's subsidiary label Big Beat.
It simply had all the As and Bs from 1964 to 1969 in order.
The kind of release which would be brilliant if applied to the 60s 45s by Marc Bolan, David Bowie and The Who.
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Finally the Zombies will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Not that I care too much about the Hall, but it's nice to see the band getting the recognition they deserve.
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Finally the Zombies will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Not that I care too much about the Hall, but it's nice to see the band getting the recognition they deserve.
That’s good. I’m not too excited about the rest of them though. I just read that there is fan input used when deciding on this. Nobody asked me if I thought Janet Jackson should be in there!
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That’s good. I’m not too excited about the rest of them though. I just read that there is fan input used when deciding on this. Nobody asked me if I thought Janet Jackson should be in there!
I'm not a fan of the other inductions either, but I guess bands like Radiohead, Roxy Music and the Cure deserve to be there due to their importance at their respective times.
I also believe that the Zombies will be the last British Invasion band to be inducted, as there doesn't seem to be enough acclaim for the rest. Actually the Zombies may have entered due to the historic revisionism that started in the '90s, otherwise they probably would have been another forgotten '60s act.
Anyway, the whole concept of the Hall may be silly, but at least the Zombies will be exposed to the world once again after a long long time, and I think that's good.