ZOMBIES : Original 1968 UK Odessey and Oracle, MINT
£
400
$
530
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
This is one of the rarest and most difficult UK albums to obtain in it’s original format. Odessey and Oracle by The Zombies. This is an Original 1st UK issue on the CBS label catalogue number 63280. I stress, this is the original, not a reissue or a remix of any kind. To obtain such a copy is exceptionally difficult, particularly in this condition. This is the original Stereo version.
This album has only been played once from new for the purpose of recording onto reel to reel tape and then carefully stored since. So not only is this a rare album but to have only been played once is remarkable. Both labels have only very light spindle marks from the one play and are otherwise in MINT condition. The vinyl on both sides gleams like a mirror and is totally unmarked in any way. It does not even have paper traces from being removed from the sleeve, under bright light. This is as close to MINT as you could expect from a record issued in 1968.
The Ernest J Day outer sleeve is in remarkable NEAR MINT condition with nice sharp corners and only the slightest sign of self wear. The unlaminated rear of the sleeve is remarkable clean and upon examination, one would be hard pressed to see this is 40 years old.
I am the 2nd owner from new, having purchased the item from the original vendor who confirms one play only. Looking at the item, it is easy to see it has been lovingly cared for throughout the years. Sadly, this was the last album from the Zombies and although it is now available in vinyl and on CD, you will not have the original mix that is free from digital remastering etc.
The English Pet Sounds? At the very least a classic that has not received the recognition that it surely deserves
Mention the Zombies and the you automatically think of the wonderful She's Not There. However, they never received the acclaim that they justified and this is surely highlighted by Odessey and Oracle. Apart from the "hit" they had not made much headway in the UK and so, in 1967, they left Decca and moved to CBS. Friends of Mine and Care of Cell 44 were released as singles but they had little impact on the charts. The release of Odessey and Oracle followed although the band had split by then. Time of the Season was released posthumously and was a hit in the US. The single reached number 3 in the US and was a million seller as it also was in Japan.
This is without a doubt one of the most missed albums of the 1960s and should be up with the likes of Revolver, Pet Sounds and Ogden's Nut Gone Flake. Odessey and Oracle mixed well-crafted songs with impressive arrangements, superb harmonies and Colin Blunstone's clear voice. It was even named in Mojo's 100 Greatest Albums voted for by critics in 1995.
All the songs were written either by Chris White (bass) or Rod Argent (keyboards). The band had not released any original material for over a year although some had been written. In addition, they were feeling optimistic about a new start on a new label. Unfortunately, it was also the end. It was produced by Chris White and Rod Argent, quite rare especially in those days that the band would produce their own album. It was also a rare Abbey Road recording by a non-EMI artist.
Time of the Season is the stand-out track starting with a bass intro before Blunstone enters the fray. The song builds from there with individual instruments making their own mark and highlighting the musicianship present in the band. It is hardly surprising that this was not a hit in the UK as it does not have that commercial pop feel. It is, however, a masterpiece of creativity that sounds fresh and exciting even now in 2008. Rose for Emily features just vocals and piano. This track like many of the others has an "Englishness", not in the same way as the Kinks but stories closer to reminiscences of past times.
One area that makes Odessey and Oracle stand out and invites the Beach Boys comparisons is the vocal harmonies. Not only was Colin Blunstone an extremely gifted singer but the other members of the band helped to create such beautiful vocal sounds.
This is a forgotten masterpiece that deserves a new audience.
Released: 1968 CBS CD-re-release: 1998 Big Beat CDWIKD 181 UK Highest Chart Position: Did not chart US Highest Chart Position: 95Essential Tracks:
· Time of the Season
· Maybe After He's Gone
· Friends of Mine
Track Listing:
- Care of Cell 44
- A Rose for Emily
- Maybe After He's Gone
- Beechwood Park
- Brief Candles
- Hung Up On A Dream
- Changes
- I Want Her She Wants Me
- This Will Be Our Year
- Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
- Friends of Mine
- Time of the Season
I will ship internationally but buyer pays P&P. I accept personal cheques, money/postal orders, UK CURRENCY ONLY and Paypal in Pounds Stirling only. Payment is to reach me no later than 10 days after auction close or the sale will be considered void.. Those with less than 10 feedbacks, please mail me before bidding or your bid will be removed. This is unfortunately due to timewasters. Good Luck.
price rating
