C. J. Walsh

The Zombies - Ridgefield Playhouse Oct. 2015

 

When the idea was first floated to present Odessey and Oracle in its entirety Rod Argent insisted that the music be presented note-for-note, as on the original recording. Part of that effort included having all of the surviving band members involved in the shows. So drummer Hugh Grundy and guitarist Chris White were both present, augmented by five other top flight musicians. Care Of Cell 44 remains the finest ode to a jailed girlfriend, Colin Blunstone’s voice soaring beautifully over the prison walls. Later, eyes welled up when Argent helmed an ancient pump organ and White sang Butchers Tale (Western Front 1914). And Maybe After He's Gone is perhaps the most passive love song of all time. Proof of O&O’s artistry was present throughout the show, concluding with Time Of The Season. Closing my eyes the years faded away, both the band and the recording achieved timelessness.

 

Published in Record Collector Magazine