Album of the Week # Fore

The album of the week this week is: Odessey And Oracle by the Zombies

Before high school, I was scarcely interested in music. As my interest in music grew, I decided to set a goal for myself. I assembled a list of "must have" albums from different books about the best albums ever and the Rolling Stones list of 500 greatest albums ever. Up till the past week, I had completed the list barring three entries:Never Mind the Bollucks, Here's the Sex Pistols by the Sex Pistols, London Calling by the Clash and Odessey and Oracle by the Zombies.

On the topic of forgotten artists, there are few that shine clearly with musical relevance today. The Zombies is the most prevalent of these lost acts. This album starts off with the harmonies and musical textures of a musically talented band. Their sole remembered material is limited to the song "Time of the Season."

The album starts off with the twangy notes of a piano, leading into the luscious pop sounds of "Care of Cell 44." It sets the mood for the album: catchy and introspective. The second track continues the jazz-like feel of Rod Argent's piano clusters. The whole album is filled with full-bodied harmonies and melody lines that continually play in the listeners head.

The album has the potential to sound dated, but still exuberates a fresh feel. The band used experimental techniques when applying instruments such as the mellotron's flute sounds, which are tastefully used and do not sound unrealistic. The avante-garde practices on this album are due to the Zombies' lack of budget when it came to studio musicians. Throughout the band's history, the Zombies were never graced with chart success. Their only previous chart success was their single "She's Not There," which was the sole reason they were signed to Decca.

Some of the lyrics contain a melancholy feel ("The summer is here at last/The sky is overcast/And no one brings a rose for Emily"), which would make sense due to their lack of success, but are still not depressing. The mood exerts a weary and tired hope, similar to the faith that Job had after his many troubles. This LP is in part of the long run of albums I have recently purchased that would is perfectly suited for a rainy day.

The remastered, remixed album is loaded with bonus tracks. The remastered album came with the original stereo mix of the album, a mono mix of the album, and three alternate versions of tracks on the album, while the sound is clear and clean.

Though this isn't the best album I own, it is definitely something I will constantly listen to.