TIME STAMPS - 1:02 Performance 4:53 Analysis Start - Colin Blunstone's Vocal 8:22 Change in Feel 12:16 Guitar Chords 14:54 Guitar Solo 17:43 Brief Band History
Let's be honest. There were quite a bit of wrong notes when he was singing. But the rest of the playing was top notch. Especially the organ and guitar solo.
love the Zombies, ever since 1st they hit (i was 10 when the original came out), Colin & Rod are actually facebook friends of mine! they're still amazing! i'm sure you remember Rod's eponymous group Argent in the 70's, who had a huge hit w/'Hold Your Head Up'... thumbs up, of course, #543
@@Milewskige I know. That's what happens with age. Should have paid some good background singers to support him. But apart from that I've never seen a band from that are playing better than they used to back in the day. Especially the guitarist was playing really clean.
What a great song. I feel so fortunate to have lived in this era of incredible musicianship. I was getting a Spencer Davis groove during the organ solo.
I love that they have their younger selves projected up there. It's like they're saying, they know they're gray now, but they can still rock the house better than ever! I also love the way you're digging in with the instruments now too!
Colin Blunstone is my favourite singer and I'm so lucky to have met him on a few occasions. What continues to impress me is that, unlike the majority of older artists, he still sings these classics in the same keys he did in his youth. He recorded 'She's not there' not long before his 20th birthday, and here he is in this 2019 performance still giving it everything at 73. Absolutely amazing, still touring at 76 years old and producing new material.
I was very fortunate to have Colin reach out to me after he read an article about my son-in-law and I using Zombies and Argent music in his stroke therapy. Colin and Rod arranged a private meet & greet for us in New York which was amazing! My son-in-law (Chuck) died less than a year later. It was a magical year for me and Chuck as we connected with The Zombies!
Thank you for recognising The Zombies, Fil. They've been one of my favourite bands since they first came over to North America. Theirs is a story of a band unappreciated for what they did. They won that initial contest with a wonderful cover of Gershwin's Summertime, which they would later record, with Colin's breathy voice being perfect for it. After their UK success with She's Not There, and the two singles in the US, their chart strikes began to dry up, despite releasing some amazingly strong singles. Part of the problem was that they often worked in minor keys and complicated rhythms that didn't seem to sit well with audiences. Possibly, it was also their Jazz and Classical based sound that was ahead of its time as the public was leaning more into Blues oriented music. With such a strong vocalist in Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent's powerful keyboards, as well as a very underrated and highly creative rhythm section, guitarist Paul Atkinson usually took a back seat to his bandmates, yet his work behind the others had always been part of the backbone of the group. Listen to his work in songs like I Love You and I know you'll appreciate what he brought to the band. Odessey and Oracle was released in early 1968, mostly to the sound of crickets amongst the buying public. The label gave them almost no promotion, in fact making things difficult for the group during the mixing. Rod Agent and Chris White had mixed the album in the mono standard of the day, but the label insisted they also mix it in stereo. With no budget left, Rod and Chris sank their own money into remixing. With no label promotion and no hits for the previous couple of years, Odessey and Oracle was doomed to the cutout bins. Meanwhile, Al Kooper, an A&R man for the label's US arm, heard the album and heavily pushed it to his bosses. Eventually, they released the brilliant but very sombre A Butcher's Tale as a single, a very odd choice, considering the sunshine of the Pop market at the time. Kooper persisted and was finally rewarded with the release of the #1 Time Of The Season. Sadly for the band, they'd long since broken up, and declined to reunite. There has been a rumour that one of the ersatz 'Zombies' groups organised by the shady North American promoter contained members of the future ZZ Top. Over the ensuing years, Odessey and Oracle has gained momentum and is now recognised for the work of genius that it is and is considered to be one of the finest albums from the time. The group's Hall of Fame induction is a reflection of that resurgence in popularity. I had the joy of seeing the original lineup, less Paul Atkinson, on their 2017 tour to promote the 50th anniversary of Odessey and Oracle where they played the entirety of the album. As you point out here, they hadn't lost a step and, in many ways, were better. I got the chance to speak with bassist Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy before the show and they were so amazingly nice and open. It was like talking to a next door neighbour. To briefly know them and to see them finally getting their just due was icing on the cake for this longtime fan.
Haha! I had to vote a million times on the R&R Hall of Fame audience poll for the Moody Blues in 2019, because my pal who's a major fan has very poor eyesight and goofed up the "I am not a robot" thing! You got to vote for several choices, and the Zombies were the one I wanted, so I feel all happy to see that you picked this! Super interesting analysis and background!!
I have had the privilege of attending a number of their concerts as well as some Q&As they've done aboard the rock 'n' roll cruises. Rod and Colin have both worked with vocal coaches over the years to preserve their voices, and Colin specifically stated that with coaching he was able to extend his range. And these guys are some of the nicest, most personable fellows you'd ever want to meet. Love, love, love this band.
TRUE STORY via NPR interview: On 1st meeting w/ their label. "We were on time, polite, behaved & impeccably dressed. They were not impressed. We weren't The Rolling Stones."
+Teresa Fino: Hey....no need to apologize for an enthusiastic "OMFG" when hearing this! I'm M-67, meaning I was about 11 or 12 when this hit the airwaves. It was a FANTASTIC time to be alive and deep off into rock 'n roll....because there were non-stop mind-blowing tunes coming at us from every which way. I always loved this song, but never really liked the original vocals, as I felt they sounded pretty "effeminate", which I didn't like at all. By total accident this morning, I surfed into this video and it gripped me big hard. These guys, probably a good 10 years older than me.... are really laying it down like the polished pros that they are. They DO look like they're having fun....which is what rock music is all about. I would have loved to have been there for this performance. 'Scuse me while I go back and play this again and again! jbeinarizona
@@joelewing4498 DITTO to everything you just said!! Had to do a double take to make sure I hadn't written it myself! How great did we have it back with the music?? I just turned 64 but had older siblings and was listening to all this great music starting about 1963. I always say approx. 1963-1975 was hands down best music period and greatest bands in the history of music. Some people argue with me but I'll never waver..😎
Looks like the keyboard player was the “musician in charge”, always necessary if you want to have a tight sound playing live. I’d say these guys never stopped making music. Way too natural and relaxed. Nice to see them still getting it done, a bit of hope for those of us getting up there in years.
Great work fil. I was 10 years old when I first heard this song in the 60s. It sounded great on my transistor radio back then and sounds great on TH-cam today..
I am amazed at how good they sound! This is as good as the original! Really loved the sixties music. Thanks Fil for bringing back this great song and showing us how good it really was.
I love the Zombies music! They had some of the best song’s, most of their songs was played in the 60’s and I was a teenage in the 70’’s I still I got grow up with them . Best decades ever! Thanks Fil for another great Analyses !! Stay Awesome !!!🤘🏻
Without a doubt, The Zombies were one of the absolute CLASSIEST bands to come out of The 60’s British Invasion era! Colin Blunstone’s unique-sounding, subtly sexy voice was truly one-of-a-kind………
@@markesquivelarvizu6942 Totally screwed up by the record company. Held it for 18 months or so. Unbelievable. TOTS still broke. O&O slowly climbed its way into almost every 100 of ALL TIME list. Argent's keyboard parts are up there with anyone.
I always found it interesting that in that era of British bands, some were much more popular in England and some were much more popular in the United States, with the Zombies fitting into that last group. They had a unique sound, keyboard solos often instead of guitar solos for instance. I always liked their sound. If I remember correctly, Colin did vocals for some of the Alan Parsons Project songs.
Man Fil, you are amazing! This is one of my favorite songs and while I was listening to this live performance I could swear I heard a Santana-esque riff from the lead guitarist! Considering the fact that I am not a musician, the thing that draws me to your channel is how you explain WHY I love these great old songs and what is going on in the song that makes my body move and my spirit soar! You can’t even imagine how big I smiled when you confirmed what I thought I heard with my own ears. I was pretty proud of myself. I owned that Santana Lp from 1979. It was called Inner Secrets and also featured Well Alright (Buddy Holly) and Stormy (Classics IV). Well done sir. PS, still wish you would do The Cowsills live version of The Rain, The Park and Other Things (Bill Cowsill benefit). Thanks again for all you do!!!!!
@@lynndow3185 Haha Lynn! Not my area of expertise (I run the other way if I hear tell of anything like them!) But that much I know.... Loved Fil's analysis of this!
Hi Fil. I'm in my 60's, was a big Argent fan during their heyday and found the Zombies retrospectively from that. Have sung first tenor in Male Voice Choirs for over 30 years, and can appreciate your comments about Colin Blunstone's voice and the problems of getting projection and control in falsetto mode. You're spot on. He's quite brilliant at it.Those who love and appreciate The Zombies, realise how unusually good they were, if you haven't really delved into their stuff, you're missing out. The O&O album is up there with best ever recorded.
I could listen to a half dozen of Zombie analyzes and never get bored. I saw an interview with the lead singer and he said they broke up because the had family obligations, not because they didn't get along. What a nice bunch of men
Ted Szweb Chris White wrote the song "I Love You" I too like the Zombies version "The People" recorded a psychedelic cover in 1968 witch I like as well.
I always said they should be in the RRHoF, and somebody countered by saying how few top 40 hits they had. I said "It's the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of sold the most records.
Phil, i'm so glad you reviewed this. this is an amazing song; every single instrument is doing something unusual and would have been enough to make a distinctive song. but they all seamlessly blend in together to make an amazing sound. and then the incredible vocal. this song is from 1965, and even the Beatles weren't yet doing something this musically complex in 1965. lightyears ahead of its time. when my friends and I worked on playing this together a few years ago, we discovered how complex and incredible this song is. and a lot of fun to play
In 2019 I had the thrill of seeing Colin and Rod play an set at a garden party. Just 2 voices and Rod’s electric piano. This song, Time of the Season and many more. They blew everyone away!
Interesting, I just looked up Billboard's position at it peaked on their charts at #3 March 29, 1969. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard it (and many times over). That was Spring '68. Probably because of KOMA - which was stationed in Oklahoma City and covered the whole southwestern US (nighttime). People in LA were listening to it. The DJ's back then had pretty much full reign - regardless of Billboard and Top 40 charts.
Great analysis - The Zombies just did a live performance at Abbey Road Studio #2 - they are a great band to see live and I was lucky enough to be at this performance. I highly recommend everyone see The Zombies in concert if you get the chance!!!
They used to play very small venues here in San Francisco back in late 1990-2000 ? Can’t remember exactly. But they played at the Great American Music Hall a couple of times. This place holds three hundred people at most. They sounded great. Both Colin,and Rod were in the band. I can’t recall who played bass, a very short man, but he nailed it. I’ve since heard he has sadly passed away. After the show both Colin,and Rod would hang around and sell pix they would sign,and just talk to people for almost an hour after the show . They had a niche following , but that niche was people that knew music, it seemed like everyone I ran into there was a musician. This was long before they were inducted into the HOF . In my humble opinion the Zombies were the first “ Progressive “ group -for lack of a better term.- then others came along in the seventies ,and were very slick. One must remember the Zombies were recording four track at AR in the sixties. Queen was recording twenty four track by the time of BH,that’s an addition twenty tracks on which to layer.
Really enjoyed hearing this new version and your explanation of his head voice prowess. Whenever I hear this song, I'm so appreciative of how the British Invasion was the contribution of more generous used of minor chords and the brooding melodies.
Yay! I think they did a great job considering all our ages. I used to love, love , love this song. I still do. I didn’t know they were still together. Thank you , Fil
Glad you brought up the lead singer performing in a much fuller voice. As I listened, I thought am I losing my marbles? I could swear the classic record was sung in falsetto as the melody slid higher into the chorus. Great ear and explanation, Fil.
Their song This Will Be Our Year is such simple yet beautiful songwriting and performance all in a little over 2 minutes. I'm embarrassed to say I discovered it through a commercial for Kohls Department Store. Going back to the performance highlighted in this video, try to find the complete video of their induction. They were having the time of their lives. Imagine being recognized decades after you first began your success. I would have had the same reaction.
Yes great band, great "ingredients". So hard to get a good live audio sample. I like to think there is some reel to reel recording on a shelf just waiting to be discovered.Great story about Rod and Colin's collaboration. It is so odd as I wanted to ask (in the last live stream but I fell asleep) for Fil to comment on just how collaborations/duets happen. Pulling an old band mate out of the audience at a gig has to be kind of rare. I ask on Tuesday's live stream. Thanks Fil.
Best live Zombies material is probably the BBC recordings. The Zombies visited the Beeb a couple of times. Their final visit is sad. They'd released TOTS and were clearly breaking up.
@@ytskeptic6834 Wow, thanks so much YT. I went to search on TH-cam and typed in "zombies live bbc" A great bunch of music waiting. I have heard all the songs before but not by the Zombies (they can't all be covers?.) Tips like this here (the one you gave) is one of the best reason to communicate. I think I blow up the FB WOP site with a bunch of postings but it is Tuesday and we have a live stream in 25 min. Thanks again.
@@danr5105 The Zombies are a poster-child of terrible management. (Missing money from their "tour" of the Phillipines is a small example). The Zombies played cover versions of MANY songs during the period between their 1st LP and O&O. FAR too many covers. Four months before they went to Abbey Road to record O&O, The Zombies performed "This Old Heart of Mine" for a live (dancing) audience at a Paris TV studio. SEEK IT OUT. It is the best live Zombies I've found. (The Zombies never performed many of the O&O songs live nonetheless before a camera). Colin is having the time of his life and I believe the drummer is losing time and speeding up as the song progresses. They were in the moment. Enjoy
Saw them twice during the Oddysy and Oracle tour. Chris White's rendition of The Butchers Tale is among the more moving anti war songs, of all time. Their complex harmonies were anachronistic in the 60s, but ultimately, timeless. Genius.
I hope that lead organ riff can be played in the key of C or else it's out my range of low ability. In the original track there is an air gasp between the first line and the next; your explanation of falsetto air cleared up a since the sixties question. Great explanation on the snare beat Fil and the theme melody of the organ riff. Thanks Fil. You are the Howard Stern of musicology. Ever think of pitching your show to Sirius radio? They need help, trust me Siriurs is wearing out of input worth a damm.
I was born in 1963 not much older than the original song. For a 60 yr old song and the original group. They sounded awesome! His vocals held up fairly good for the vocal changes he went through over the years via aging. I can't believe he sang as well as he did at his age. The entire band was on it! So much talent throughout this band. They only have a couple songs I am familiar with. But, saying that, they are one of my favorite bands. That says a lot about the talent of the entire band.
Hot! Love it! This came out before I was born and it (& they) have kept their place in time better than most in the music industry! If it’s changed at all, its just better! Super hot!!!
Each member of the Zombies as You mention are talented in their own rights. vocals of Colin Blunstone can't be match, Rod Argent went on to form his band The Argent and had a hit with "Hold Your Head Up" Chris White wrote the song "I Love You" that the band "The People" recorded a psychedelic cover of in 1968 I like the Zombies cover of "Summertime" by George Gershwin. Thanks for this analysis on the Zombies 👍
I was a small child when this song came out, but as I got older I realized what a huge hit it was(as were their others,like Time of the Season) The Zombies definitely deserved their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!! Cool👍🤘
Wow. This important information to me @17:55. If I heard this correctly, they got their big break by winning a competition sponsored by London Evening News.
Thanks for all the info and for getting out your guitar as well. I would never think to watch most of these performances if not for your analysis videos; much enjoyed!
I was huge Zombies fan when I was kid. I remember reading that all the great London bands would come to hear them. The writer of the article stated that they were truly a band’s band.. BTW Rod Argent is the man when it comes to keyboards.
The Zombies...what a great band and your appreciation of them shows on your face. Your videos are always entertaining and knowledgeable. Thanks Fil!!❤❤😊✌✌😢😢🤘🤘👻👻🎃🎃🏵😇
I was lucky enough to see the Zombies do a free show at Mohegan Sun Casino about 7 or 8 years ago. Colin and Rod Argent would take time between songs to explain the origin of some of their hits. And being a keyboard player myself, I was in heaven watching Rod's incredible playing. I never realized that Colin sang lead vocals on Old and Wise by Alan Parsons Project (which they performed !!!). It was one of the best concerts/casino shows I've seen.
Good stuff, Phil. As always solid, pointed, relevant, instructive, and enjoyable commentary. I'm a chronologically moved rocker at 70 and I remember these guys back in the 60s - their sound was unique, Blunstone's ethereal voice and Argent's keyboards..
Great work on this Fil! Does anybody remember Santana's cover of this song? I noticed that when you analysed the lead guitar break, the close - up showed the guitarist with what looked like a PRS guitar which is now Carlos Santana's "weapon of choice"! Colin Blunstone's voice is his trademark and instantly recognisable. Thank you Fil! Stay safe and well.
I'm a fortunate mom... my 25 year old son sings these songs with me even though these are before my time as well. (Born '75) but luckily had a young aunt to expose me to all the great 60s and 70s music which I have happily passed down.
chernaya koshka.. I Like your comment! Enjoy this Dreaded Rock Organ Classic by Ron Argent. Argent Hold Your Head Up 1973 The Midnight Special th-cam.com/video/k5fYPz8dKbg/w-d-xo.html
@@drewpall2598 Great link. You are awesome. Listening to Ron Argent sing "Hold Your Head Up" brings back memories from the '70's. Love this song, I'm takin' back in time!!🎶🎶
Hi Fil, Excellent deconstruction and commentary. This was the first record I bought as I was (barely) a teen. FIL, grabbed me, then as well as now, were the harmonies. The syncopated drum line and guitar were the hook. Thanks for the memories!
Worth noting that four of the five original Zombies are seen here (the guitarist died some years back). The bassist, Chris White, stepped back in after longtime bassist Jim Rodford died after a fall at home (he was also in Argent and the Kinks). Original drummer Hugh Grundy is seen here with Rodford's son, who is the regular in the band. Also worth noting that Rod Argent penned three of rock-pop's greatest classics: 'She's Not There', 'Time of the Season', and Argent's global hit 'Hold Your Head Up' (sung by guitarist in that band and multi hit writer himself, Russ Ballard), the latter co-penned with White, who put down his bass after the Zombies and became producer for Argent. As much as I love 'She's Not There', I was really disappointed with the clip here: Argent - a fave of mine - not doing the piano solo, opting instead for a bit of organ. Also surprised and disappointed that they broke into the Spencer Davis Group's 'Gimme Some Lovin'' riff. What was that about? They could have gone into 'Time of the Season' or even 'Tell Her No' or 'I Love You'. But 'Gimme Some Lovin''??? Still, very nice to see this, though I recommend something like this, which includes Rodford on bass. th-cam.com/video/zY2rTqD3dhk/w-d-xo.html
Where's the syncopated drumming it first had? That was a big feature of the original. This new one rocks, but it's just not the same without that cool drumming.
Great job FilI loved the Zombies man, I love the lead singers voice, and I love the song. There were a lot of people in the 60s who weren't there, and a lot of that left never came back. There were lots of great groups back then, and a lot them came from you neck of the woods. I'm so glad I was there to see them all as I growing up.
TIME STAMPS -
1:02 Performance
4:53 Analysis Start - Colin Blunstone's Vocal
8:22 Change in Feel
12:16 Guitar Chords
14:54 Guitar Solo
17:43 Brief Band History
Let's be honest. There were quite a bit of wrong notes when he was singing. But the rest of the playing was top notch. Especially the organ and guitar solo.
love the Zombies, ever since 1st they hit (i was 10 when the original came out), Colin & Rod are actually facebook friends of mine! they're still amazing! i'm sure you remember Rod's eponymous group Argent in the 70's, who had a huge hit w/'Hold Your Head Up'... thumbs up, of course, #543
@@EbonyPope Because he's so old now, his control is a little less, but still impressive considering age.
3:39 Gimme' Some Lovin'
@@Milewskige I know. That's what happens with age. Should have paid some good background singers to support him. But apart from that I've never seen a band from that are playing better than they used to back in the day. Especially the guitarist was playing really clean.
These guys are in their 70s---what an amazing performance!
He's really struggling with the high notes. But the first playing etc. was top notch.
@@EbonyPope They were possibly tired from sitting in the audience waiting for Stevie Nicks to finish warbling out her transposed set
The Zombies, one of the most underrated bands of the 60s. She’s Not There still sends me
One of my all time favorite groups! They can still swing! Rod Argent- hot damn!!!!!
Great song, and 50 years later, they sound great vocally and instrumentally. They jam
What a great song. I feel so fortunate to have lived in this era of incredible musicianship.
I was getting a Spencer Davis groove during the organ solo.
Definitely quoting Gimme Some Lovin'.
I love that they have their younger selves projected up there. It's like they're saying, they know they're gray now, but they can still rock the house better than ever!
I also love the way you're digging in with the instruments now too!
Colin Blunstone is my favourite singer and I'm so lucky to have met him on a few occasions. What continues to impress me is that, unlike the majority of older artists, he still sings these classics in the same keys he did in his youth. He recorded 'She's not there' not long before his 20th birthday, and here he is in this 2019 performance still giving it everything at 73. Absolutely amazing, still touring at 76 years old and producing new material.
One of my favorite also .I have seen them live 13 times and met them three times
I was very fortunate to have Colin reach out to me after he read an article about my son-in-law and I using Zombies and Argent music in his stroke therapy. Colin and Rod arranged a private meet & greet for us in New York which was amazing! My son-in-law (Chuck) died less than a year later. It was a magical year for me and Chuck as we connected with The Zombies!
@@scammettSo sorry for your loss, but what a beautiful gesture from Colin and Rod .. lovely, caring guys along with so much talent ❤
Thank you for recognising The Zombies, Fil. They've been one of my favourite bands since they first came over to North America. Theirs is a story of a band unappreciated for what they did. They won that initial contest with a wonderful cover of Gershwin's Summertime, which they would later record, with Colin's breathy voice being perfect for it. After their UK success with She's Not There, and the two singles in the US, their chart strikes began to dry up, despite releasing some amazingly strong singles. Part of the problem was that they often worked in minor keys and complicated rhythms that didn't seem to sit well with audiences. Possibly, it was also their Jazz and Classical based sound that was ahead of its time as the public was leaning more into Blues oriented music.
With such a strong vocalist in Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent's powerful keyboards, as well as a very underrated and highly creative rhythm section, guitarist Paul Atkinson usually took a back seat to his bandmates, yet his work behind the others had always been part of the backbone of the group. Listen to his work in songs like I Love You and I know you'll appreciate what he brought to the band.
Odessey and Oracle was released in early 1968, mostly to the sound of crickets amongst the buying public. The label gave them almost no promotion, in fact making things difficult for the group during the mixing. Rod Agent and Chris White had mixed the album in the mono standard of the day, but the label insisted they also mix it in stereo. With no budget left, Rod and Chris sank their own money into remixing. With no label promotion and no hits for the previous couple of years, Odessey and Oracle was doomed to the cutout bins. Meanwhile, Al Kooper, an A&R man for the label's US arm, heard the album and heavily pushed it to his bosses. Eventually, they released the brilliant but very sombre A Butcher's Tale as a single, a very odd choice, considering the sunshine of the Pop market at the time. Kooper persisted and was finally rewarded with the release of the #1 Time Of The Season. Sadly for the band, they'd long since broken up, and declined to reunite. There has been a rumour that one of the ersatz 'Zombies' groups organised by the shady North American promoter contained members of the future ZZ Top.
Over the ensuing years, Odessey and Oracle has gained momentum and is now recognised for the work of genius that it is and is considered to be one of the finest albums from the time. The group's Hall of Fame induction is a reflection of that resurgence in popularity.
I had the joy of seeing the original lineup, less Paul Atkinson, on their 2017 tour to promote the 50th anniversary of Odessey and Oracle where they played the entirety of the album. As you point out here, they hadn't lost a step and, in many ways, were better. I got the chance to speak with bassist Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy before the show and they were so amazingly nice and open. It was like talking to a next door neighbour. To briefly know them and to see them finally getting their just due was icing on the cake for this longtime fan.
Nice find Fil. Man these guys still got it over 50 years later. I was fortunate to catch Rod Argent as an All Starr with Ringo.
When you’re that groovy to start, you never lose it!!! Thanks Fil.
Haha! I had to vote a million times on the R&R Hall of Fame audience poll for the Moody Blues in 2019, because my pal who's a major fan has very poor eyesight and goofed up the "I am not a robot" thing! You got to vote for several choices, and the Zombies were the one I wanted, so I feel all happy to see that you picked this! Super interesting analysis and background!!
I have had the privilege of attending a number of their concerts as well as some Q&As they've done aboard the rock 'n' roll cruises. Rod and Colin have both worked with vocal coaches over the years to preserve their voices, and Colin specifically stated that with coaching he was able to extend his range.
And these guys are some of the nicest, most personable fellows you'd ever want to meet. Love, love, love this band.
TRUE STORY via NPR interview:
On 1st meeting w/ their label. "We were on time, polite, behaved & impeccably dressed. They were not impressed. We weren't The Rolling Stones."
Hi Phil. These guys were all over the radio at one time and my favorite of there’s is Time of the Season!
I love Time of the Season too!
Interesting!The Zombies had cool songs incl - Time of The Season, Tell Her No.. 1st saw on TV back then as a child.
Tell Her No. one of the best..
They have aged well!
Odessey and Oracle is a milestone in music.
Argent's 'Hold Your Head Up', another milestone!
OMFG!!! Excuse the French... but boy they've still got it and looks like they're having fun doing it. Brilliant performance! ❤️
+Teresa Fino: Hey....no need to apologize for an enthusiastic "OMFG" when hearing this! I'm M-67, meaning I was about 11 or 12 when this hit the airwaves. It was a FANTASTIC time to be alive and deep off into rock 'n roll....because there were non-stop mind-blowing tunes coming at us from every which way. I always loved this song, but never really liked the original vocals, as I felt they sounded pretty "effeminate", which I didn't like at all. By total accident this morning, I surfed into this video and it gripped me big hard. These guys, probably a good 10 years older than me.... are really laying it down like the polished pros that they are. They DO look like they're having fun....which is what rock music is all about. I would have loved to have been there for this performance. 'Scuse me while I go back and play this again and again! jbeinarizona
@@joelewing4498 what's M-67?
@@joelewing4498 DITTO to everything you just said!! Had to do a double take to make sure I hadn't written it myself! How great did we have it back with the music?? I just turned 64 but had older siblings and was listening to all this great music starting about 1963. I always say approx. 1963-1975 was hands down best music period and greatest bands in the history of music. Some people argue with me but I'll never waver..😎
Teresa OMFG is right! This is incredible! Always loved The Zombies and particularly this song, but they sound better than ever!
Looks like the keyboard player was the “musician in charge”, always necessary if you want to have a tight sound playing live. I’d say these guys never stopped making music. Way too natural and relaxed. Nice to see them still getting it done, a bit of hope for those of us getting up there in years.
FIL,the Sixties were Fabulous!
We'll never music like that again in any of our lifetimes.
Pop music was the Greatest!!!
Might be gray smoke at the chimney but the fires still burn hot. They're as good as ever.
Good work Chief. Keep them coming.
Great work fil. I was 10 years old when I first heard this song in the 60s. It sounded great on my transistor radio back then and sounds great on TH-cam today..
I am amazed at how good they sound! This is as good as the original! Really loved the sixties music. Thanks Fil for bringing back this great song and showing us how good it really was.
How cool was it that Jim Rodford was in 3 (Argent, The Zombies and the Kinks) awesome bands!
I love the Zombies music! They had some of the best song’s, most of their songs was played in the 60’s and I was a teenage in the 70’’s I still I got grow up with them . Best decades ever! Thanks Fil for another great Analyses !! Stay Awesome !!!🤘🏻
Without a doubt, The Zombies were one of the absolute CLASSIEST bands to come out of The 60’s British Invasion era! Colin Blunstone’s unique-sounding, subtly sexy voice was truly one-of-a-kind………
iI loved these guys. There was nothing like this song and Time of the Season out there at the time. Very original
Waaaaaay ahead of its time.
@@markesquivelarvizu6942 Totally screwed up by the record company. Held it for 18 months or so. Unbelievable. TOTS still broke. O&O slowly climbed its way into almost every 100 of ALL TIME list. Argent's keyboard parts are up there with anyone.
Love The Zombies, their music is timeless, Time Of The Season is my personal favorite.
I love Time of The Season as well.
I always found it interesting that in that era of British bands, some were much more popular in England and some were much more popular in the United States, with the Zombies fitting into that last group. They had a unique sound, keyboard solos often instead of guitar solos for instance. I always liked their sound. If I remember correctly, Colin did vocals for some of the Alan Parsons Project songs.
One of my fave songs from the 60’s. If I hear it I start singing to this day. Thanks. I hadn’t seen this vid.
Man Fil, you are amazing! This is one of my favorite songs and while I was listening to this live performance I could swear I heard a Santana-esque riff from the lead guitarist! Considering the fact that I am not a musician, the thing that draws me to your channel is how you explain WHY I love these great old songs and what is going on in the song that makes my body move and my spirit soar! You can’t even imagine how big I smiled when you confirmed what I thought I heard with my own ears. I was pretty proud of myself. I owned that Santana Lp from 1979. It was called Inner Secrets and also featured Well Alright (Buddy Holly) and Stormy (Classics IV). Well done sir. PS, still wish you would do The Cowsills live version of The Rain, The Park and Other Things (Bill Cowsill benefit). Thanks again for all you do!!!!!
Colin and Rod are amazing for musicians in their late 70’s.
They're zombies, how could they age?!
They did sound fantastic. And just love how you took apart this song.
Thanks Fil!❤️
Hi Konstantia! You are so logical! And correct!
@@lynndow3185
Haha Lynn! Not my area of expertise (I run the other way if I hear tell of anything like them!) But that much I know....
Loved Fil's analysis of this!
So much “bang for your buck.” How true. Growing up with this kind of music was a boon. Thanks for the incredible analysis.
Very interesting layered pop music that has aged very well.
Hi Fil. I'm in my 60's, was a big Argent fan during their heyday and found the Zombies retrospectively from that. Have sung first tenor in Male Voice Choirs for over 30 years, and can appreciate your comments about Colin Blunstone's voice and the problems of getting projection and control in falsetto mode. You're spot on. He's quite brilliant at it.Those who love and appreciate The Zombies, realise how unusually good they were, if you haven't really delved into their stuff, you're missing out. The O&O album is up there with best ever recorded.
Great song and Band. Amazing they can still sing at a top level.
I could listen to a half dozen of Zombie analyzes and never get bored. I saw an interview with the lead singer and he said they broke up because the had family obligations, not because they didn't get along. What a nice bunch of men
Rod Argent had an interesting and quite successful career post Zombies.
One of my fav keyboardist
Yes the band Argent. Great Band!
Their version of “I Love You “ really shows off Colin’s Vocals.
Ted Szweb Chris White wrote the song "I Love You" I too like the Zombies version "The People" recorded a psychedelic cover in 1968 witch I like as well.
Such great memories of their music in the 60s. Saw Colin and Rod with the Zombies a few years back. Still powerful and magical.
I always said they should be in the RRHoF, and somebody countered by saying how few top 40 hits they had. I said "It's the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of sold the most records.
Saw the Zombies a few years back when bassist/vocals Jim Rodford was still with us, One of the best concerts ever in my 60 yrs!
Jim’s son Steve Rodford is one of the drummers (the one on the right) on this recording
Phil, i'm so glad you reviewed this. this is an amazing song; every single instrument is doing something unusual and would have been enough to make a distinctive song. but they all seamlessly blend in together to make an amazing sound. and then the incredible vocal. this song is from 1965, and even the Beatles weren't yet doing something this musically complex in 1965. lightyears ahead of its time. when my friends and I worked on playing this together a few years ago, we discovered how complex and incredible this song is. and a lot of fun to play
In 2019 I had the thrill of seeing Colin and Rod play an set at a garden party. Just 2 voices and Rod’s electric piano. This song, Time of the Season and many more. They blew everyone away!
Time Of The Season hit and was getting a lot of Airplay in the Spring of '68 where I was living anyway.
Interesting, I just looked up Billboard's position at it peaked on their charts at #3 March 29, 1969.
I remember exactly where I was when I first heard it (and many times over). That was Spring '68. Probably because of KOMA - which was stationed in Oklahoma City and covered the whole southwestern US (nighttime). People in LA were listening to it. The DJ's back then had pretty much full reign - regardless of Billboard and Top 40 charts.
Great analysis - The Zombies just did a live performance at Abbey Road Studio #2 - they are a great band to see live and I was lucky enough to be at this performance. I highly recommend everyone see The Zombies in concert if you get the chance!!!
They used to play very small venues here in San Francisco back in late 1990-2000 ? Can’t remember exactly.
But they played at the Great American Music Hall a couple of times. This place holds three hundred people at most.
They sounded great. Both Colin,and Rod were in the band. I can’t recall who played bass, a very short man, but he nailed it. I’ve since heard he has sadly passed away.
After the show both Colin,and Rod would hang around and sell pix they would sign,and just talk to people for almost an hour after the show . They had a niche following , but that niche was people that knew music, it seemed like everyone I ran into there was a musician. This was long before they were inducted into the HOF .
In my humble opinion the Zombies were the first “ Progressive “ group -for lack of a better term.- then others came along in the seventies ,and were very slick.
One must remember the Zombies were recording four track at AR in the sixties.
Queen was recording twenty four track by the time of BH,that’s an addition twenty tracks on which to layer.
Great selection Fil. How about reviewing The Hollies' Long Cool Woman too. Another classic!
They still sound good!! It would be a concert to go to!
I love this group, then and now. The Zombies are simply superb. Watched their live stream a few days ago. It was brilliant.
Really enjoyed hearing this new version and your explanation of his head voice prowess. Whenever I hear this song, I'm so appreciative of how the British Invasion was the contribution of more generous used of minor chords and the brooding melodies.
Yay! I think they did a great job considering all our ages. I used to love, love , love this song. I still do. I didn’t know they were still together. Thank you , Fil
Rod and Colin were and are two of the greatest musicians ever. Love them both!
BRAVO!!! Yes, they sound young fresh and agile. But how they and I have aged so much. It is bittersweet. Thank you.
I appreciate that you take the time to analyze some of our older musicians. It’s great that they can be enjoyed by the younger generation. Thanks Fil!
Thank you for choosing this performance! Very interesting all around.
One of my favorite band way back college 1967 🎸
Love their songs 🎸🎶❤️
Great performance, they still sound great.... Fil, thanks for the analysis!
Glad you brought up the lead singer performing in a much fuller voice. As I listened, I thought am I losing my marbles? I could swear the classic record was sung in falsetto as the melody slid higher into the chorus. Great ear and explanation, Fil.
Their song This Will Be Our Year is such simple yet beautiful songwriting and performance all in a little over 2 minutes. I'm embarrassed to say I discovered it through a commercial for Kohls Department Store. Going back to the performance highlighted in this video, try to find the complete video of their induction. They were having the time of their lives. Imagine being recognized decades after you first began your success. I would have had the same reaction.
Yes great band, great "ingredients". So hard to get a good live audio sample. I like to think there is some reel to reel recording on a shelf just waiting to be discovered.Great story about Rod and Colin's collaboration. It is so odd as I wanted to ask (in the last live stream but I fell asleep) for Fil to comment on just how collaborations/duets happen. Pulling an old band mate out of the audience at a gig has to be kind of rare. I ask on Tuesday's live stream. Thanks Fil.
Best live Zombies material is probably the BBC recordings. The Zombies visited the Beeb a couple of times. Their final visit is sad. They'd released TOTS and were clearly breaking up.
@@ytskeptic6834 Wow, thanks so much YT. I went to search on TH-cam and typed in "zombies live bbc" A great bunch of music waiting. I have heard all the songs before but not by the Zombies (they can't all be covers?.) Tips like this here (the one you gave) is one of the best reason to communicate. I think I blow up the FB WOP site with a bunch of postings but it is Tuesday and we have a live stream in 25 min. Thanks again.
@@danr5105 The Zombies are a poster-child of terrible management. (Missing money from their "tour" of the Phillipines is a small example). The Zombies played cover versions of MANY songs during the period between their 1st LP and O&O. FAR too many covers. Four months before they went to Abbey Road to record O&O, The Zombies performed "This Old Heart of Mine" for a live (dancing) audience at a Paris TV studio. SEEK IT OUT. It is the best live Zombies I've found. (The Zombies never performed many of the O&O songs live nonetheless before a camera). Colin is having the time of his life and I believe the drummer is losing time and speeding up as the song progresses. They were in the moment. Enjoy
Since I have already seen this, it is more fun to watch Fil smiling!
Saw them twice during the Oddysy and Oracle tour. Chris White's rendition of The Butchers Tale is among the more moving anti war songs, of all time. Their complex harmonies were anachronistic in the 60s, but ultimately, timeless. Genius.
I hope that lead organ riff can be played in the key of C or else it's out my range of low ability.
In the original track there is an air gasp between the first line and the next; your explanation of falsetto air cleared up a since the sixties question.
Great explanation on the snare beat Fil and the theme melody of the organ riff.
Thanks Fil.
You are the Howard Stern of musicology.
Ever think of pitching your show to Sirius radio?
They need help, trust me Siriurs is wearing out of input worth a damm.
😂
Very interesting....
Zombies don't age
What an era to have grown up in. Amazing performances at this event from these guys. Thanks for this, Fil.
I was born in 1963 not much older than the original song. For a 60 yr old song and the original group. They sounded awesome! His vocals held up fairly good for the vocal changes he went through over the years via aging. I can't believe he sang as well as he did at his age. The entire band was on it! So much talent throughout this band. They only have a couple songs I am familiar with. But, saying that, they are one of my favorite bands. That says a lot about the talent of the entire band.
Hot! Love it! This came out before I was born and it (& they) have kept their place in time better than most in the music industry! If it’s changed at all, its just better! Super hot!!!
Each member of the Zombies as You mention are talented in their own rights. vocals of Colin Blunstone can't be match, Rod Argent went on to form his band The Argent and had a hit with "Hold Your Head Up" Chris White wrote the song "I Love You" that the band "The People" recorded a psychedelic cover of in 1968 I like the Zombies cover of "Summertime" by George Gershwin. Thanks for this analysis on the Zombies 👍
Cool! 👍
Colin Bluntstone did some amazing work with the Alan parsons project as well
I was a small child when this song came out, but as I got older I realized what a huge hit it was(as were their others,like Time of the Season) The Zombies definitely deserved their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!! Cool👍🤘
Cindy... I Wish we could nominate Fil Henley Wings of Pegasus for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? or Music Teacher of the Year?🤗🎸
@@drewpall2598 Yes, Fil's a Hall of Famer in my book too! ✌️
I love the look on your face when you're watching/listening. Pretty sure mine is the same. This music just never gets old.
Thanks for this analysis Fil. I'd love to see your take on Santana's version as well if it ever become possible.
Wow. This important information to me @17:55. If I heard this correctly, they got their big break by winning a competition sponsored by London Evening News.
Thanks for all the info and for getting out your guitar as well.
I would never think to watch most of these performances if not for your analysis videos; much enjoyed!
I was huge Zombies fan when I was kid. I remember reading that all the great London bands would come to hear them. The writer of the article stated that they were truly a band’s band.. BTW Rod Argent is the man when it comes to keyboards.
Wow I loved it brought fab memories, great vocal Colin sounds really good and good instrument solos good job Zoombies took me back to the sixties
Greatoxo in the 60s; even better now! Colin Blunstone still has the voice of a 19 year old Angel. xoxo
Loved it! Shows old band are still the best.
The Zombies...what a great band and your appreciation of them shows on your face. Your videos are always entertaining and knowledgeable. Thanks Fil!!❤❤😊✌✌😢😢🤘🤘👻👻🎃🎃🏵😇
I was lucky enough to see the Zombies do a free show at Mohegan Sun Casino about 7 or 8 years ago. Colin and Rod Argent would take time between songs to explain the origin of some of their hits. And being a keyboard player myself, I was in heaven watching Rod's incredible playing. I never realized that Colin sang lead vocals on Old and Wise by Alan Parsons Project (which they performed !!!). It was one of the best concerts/casino shows I've seen.
Good stuff, Phil. As always solid, pointed, relevant, instructive, and enjoyable commentary. I'm a chronologically moved rocker at 70 and I remember these guys back in the 60s - their sound was unique, Blunstone's ethereal voice and Argent's keyboards..
Great work on this Fil! Does anybody remember Santana's cover of this song? I noticed that when you analysed the lead guitar break, the close - up showed the guitarist with what looked like a PRS guitar which is now Carlos Santana's "weapon of choice"! Colin Blunstone's voice is his trademark and instantly recognisable. Thank you Fil! Stay safe and well.
Loved them back in my day. One of the best!!
Amazing they can still sound so good. In some ways, even better!
Really well done, guys. Thank you, Fil.
I’m a huge fan! Love the performance🤘
Always enjoy podcasts from Wings of Pegasus, his pleasure and appreciation of good playing from any era are always obvious and infectious!
Oh no! The dreaded rockin' organ! At least that's what my kids always said when I played all my old records. LOL
So funny, yet so true! 😀👍
I'm a fortunate mom... my 25 year old son sings these songs with me even though these are before my time as well. (Born '75) but luckily had a young aunt to expose me to all the great 60s and 70s music which I have happily passed down.
Hi chernaya!
The dreaded rockin' organ! Haha!
I think of Roy Young!
chernaya koshka.. I Like your comment! Enjoy this Dreaded Rock Organ Classic by Ron Argent.
Argent Hold Your Head Up 1973 The Midnight Special
th-cam.com/video/k5fYPz8dKbg/w-d-xo.html
@@drewpall2598 Great link. You are awesome. Listening to Ron Argent sing "Hold Your Head Up" brings back memories from the '70's. Love this song, I'm takin' back in time!!🎶🎶
Luv it when Fil whips out the guitar.
Hi Fil,
Excellent deconstruction and commentary. This was the first record I bought as I was (barely) a teen. FIL, grabbed me, then as well as now, were the harmonies. The syncopated drum line and guitar were the hook.
Thanks for the memories!
This was great! I had a much older brother so I was fortunate to grow up hearing great songs like this. Thanks, Fil for the analysis!
Unbelievably superb . The guys sound better than ever . True professionals.
Thank you so much for this one Fil👌🎶🎵
How incredible are they! Love them and their music 💜
I always adored the British invasion! I was like 5.
I was 4 when this song came out. Fast Forward ten years and I loved The Zombies music!🤘✌️👍
Worth noting that four of the five original Zombies are seen here (the guitarist died some years back). The bassist, Chris White, stepped back in after longtime bassist Jim Rodford died after a fall at home (he was also in Argent and the Kinks). Original drummer Hugh Grundy is seen here with Rodford's son, who is the regular in the band. Also worth noting that
Rod Argent penned three of rock-pop's greatest classics: 'She's Not There', 'Time of the Season', and Argent's global hit 'Hold Your Head Up' (sung by guitarist in that band and multi hit writer himself, Russ Ballard), the latter co-penned with White, who put down his bass after the Zombies and became producer for Argent.
As much as I love 'She's Not There', I was really disappointed with the clip here: Argent - a fave of mine - not doing the piano solo, opting instead for a bit of organ. Also surprised and disappointed that they broke into the Spencer Davis Group's 'Gimme Some Lovin'' riff. What was that about? They could have gone into 'Time of the Season' or even 'Tell Her No' or 'I Love You'. But 'Gimme Some Lovin''??? Still, very nice to see this, though I recommend something like this, which includes Rodford on bass. th-cam.com/video/zY2rTqD3dhk/w-d-xo.html
Amazing band! Had the privilege of seeing them live a couple of years ago. They do their music in the original keys. Don't lower the key at all.
Where's the syncopated drumming it first had? That was a big feature of the original. This new one rocks, but it's just not the same without that cool drumming.
Great job FilI loved the Zombies man, I love the lead singers voice, and I love the song. There were a lot of people in the 60s who weren't there, and a lot of that left never came back. There were lots of great groups back then, and a lot them came from you neck of the woods. I'm so glad I was there to see them all as I growing up.
I saw The Zombies play Odessey & Oracle in its entirety in Boston back in 2017. Fantastic show!!!