Odessey & Oracle

This is an underrated piece of pop music. Among all the British Invasion bands of the 60s, very few had much staying power. Most were merely able to generate a few pieces of forgettable radio hits while being overshadowed by the likes of the Beatles and the Stones. But among the fray was the Zombies, a quintet from St. Albans, who were born to sing and write music. Colin Blunstone had the most angelic voice and was arguably one of the most talented front man vocalists of that era. He might not have had the showmanship of a Jagger or a Daltry, but he had a much stronger voice with an ear for pop zeal. Chris White was a brilliant, underrated songwriter. The songs are about love won, love lost, looking back on previous experiences from a wiser perspective, and being young. "Time of the Season" is the instant standout, but each song provides something rewarding to the listener. "This will be our year" is one of the greatest romantic pop songs ever written; "Rose for Emily" is a beautifully sung ballad by Blunstone; "Care for Cell 44" is an outstanding album opener. This album's stature has only grown in the years since its release, and it's no wonder why: it is a timeless treasure from the summer of love that featured the group at its zenith. The band split up in 1968, but this album remains their triumph. It may not be Pet Sounds or Sgt. Pepper, but it is indeed one of the strongest albums released from the 60s.

While I have been 'familiar' with the Zombies since the original hits of the mid '60's, which I heard on AM radio during their respective initial releases, I was not yet listening to and/or purchasing albums in those days, just 45s. After being awakened to this album during some live performances of the Zombies while I was aboard the Moody Blues Cruise, I subsequently purchased this album, both on vinyl LP (here), as well as on CD elsewhere.While listening to this I realized that it was released about the same time as the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour, and with that as a timeframe reference in mind, I realized how great this album really is, both then and now. (I mention this comparison to Magical Mystery Tour for the convenience of those that may be unfamiliar with the Zombies.) In my opinion, the single hit released from this album, "Time of the Season," is one of the lesser of the songs on this album, with several others even better. I can't imagine anyone not liking this album, unless they they didn't like this style of music as a whole. I recommend it.As far as this vinyl release, the pressing is clean, flat, and quiet, with decent quality mastering. Not Mobile Fidelity® quality, in my opinion, but not bad either, and a good deal for the money.

wow the Zombies imploded after recording this magnum opus from the 60's that beats both Sgt Peppers and Pet Sounds hands down. Oracle is the essential album from the golden age of pop with pyschedelic flourishes baroque arrangements that rival The left Banke and a set of songs that are amazing. Time of the Season is the hit on this one and is a good example but the other songs outshine it even brighter. Colin Bluntstones vocals are gorgeous and the instrumentation is topnotch. What also makes this so unique is its a stab at pyschedelia that isnt typical- sure they were influenced and this was there attempt but it came across as utterly something new. If you get this album i recommend just getting the original album without the bonus tracks or stereo mix. hear it in its original form as it was intended. I also recommend The pretty Things- S.F Sorrow** Love_forever Changes** H.P Lovecraft- 2** and Pink Floyd's Piper at the gates of dawn. All classics from this time period.

This album is far too overlooked. Every song is a gem. Such a beautiful album. I'll also comment that the Big Beat Records import vinyl (30th Anniversary edition) sounds absolutely flawless. I feel like I'm in the studio with the band. Everything sounds so vibrant and alive. I would suggest spending the few extra dollars for this edition if you are looking to add this classic vinyl album to your collection.

Been listening to this for years on CD and MP3 and wanted to finally get it on vinyl. I got a brand new copy of the "30th Anniversary Edition" on the "Big Beat" orange record label and it sounds and plays perfectly. These are some of the greatest songs of the 67-68 years and it is wonderful to see them presented today in such great quality. I will leave it to others to describe the songs because I will focus here mostly on the product itself.I think the record came with just plain shrink wrap (no sticker or price tag or anything), no sleeve. So I took off the shrink rap and put it in a sleeve, no problems unwrapping it. The record itself was very clean but for one little speck of white something (lint maybe?) but it came off when I brushed it lightly with a cotton swab. Played all the way through with no skips and perfect stereo sound.I take one star off though because something odd happened with the cardboard LP jacket. I left it out overnight (the LP was on the turntable so the jacket was empty) and I don't know what happened but it was bowed in the morning. It had risen up kind of high too and it took me a moment to figure out what it was before I recognized it as the LP cardboard jacket. It was maybe two to three inches high. Maybe it serves me right for not putting it back in the plastic sleeve but I've done this with other LP's too and never had them get all bowed out like that. The cardboard itself is in good color and legible but it seems to be made of much thinner material than with other LP's I've ordered. It is thinner than original 70's cardboard jackets as well as the new ones they are making now. I have the record right now in front of me and it has more or less gone back to normal but it was very odd. I will take back my star-minus if this is somehow my fault though.Not much I can add except that this is excellent music from a wonderful era.

Bellissimo album degli Zombies che insieme a Pet Sound dei Beach Boys e Sgt Pepper dei Beatles rappresenta il meglio in assoluto della musica psichedelica degli anni 60. Ottima stampa e qualità del suono del vinile della etichetta inglese Blue print

Turned up in perfect condition

Que le Sgt pepper des Beatles soit considéré comme le meilleur album du groupe parce que c'est le plus poétique est évident. Que le Pet Sounds des Beach Boys soit considéré comme le plus grand album de la pop juste après Sgt Pepper est tout aussi évident. Mais que ce Odessey and oracle des Zombies soit presque inconnu est un scandale. Ces trois albums constituent la bible pop définitive des sixties.

Great musicNice find

The vinyl is very good. Thank you. I'm happy for the speed of your shipment. 😁😎 is very very good!!!