Odessey & Oracle: 40th Anniver [DVD]

This is unquestionably the finest and most-beautifully filmed music DVD that I have ever seen. I knew the concert was superb, because I've seen it three times, but I was still amazed by the excellence of this recording. The re-formed Zombies have gone from strength to strength during the past few years, and their finest moment has been captured here. The first half of the concert features the current touring band including ace lead-guitarist Keith Airey, veteran musician (and ex-Kink) Jim Rodford on bass and his son Steve on drums. It covers a remarkable spectrum of musical styles ranging from pop through jazz/r 'n b, soul, classical, rock 'n roll and prog; yet everything hangs together remarkably well. Colin Blunstone is in fine voice throughout, but the absolute highlight of part one has to be his totally breathtaking rendition of "Her Song" with a string quintet. This first half presents a worthy overview of the music of the Zombies, Colin Blunstone and keyboard-wizard Rod Argent.

That brings us to part two and the whole of the "Odessey and Oracle" album, which is introduced here by rock-legend Al Kooper. Those unfamiliar with the work can expect a revelation, since it arguably sounds even better live than it did on the original disc. It is a timeless work that still has a remarkable freshness, and can justifiably be mentioned in the same breath as the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds". Thus, it seems highly appropriate that the Zombies invited Darian Sahanaja from the Brian Wilson Band to play mellotron at the concerts. The "Odessey and Oracle" section also features original member and co-writer Chris White on vocals and bass, as well as original drummer Hugh Grundy on percussion. Encores are the two Zombie classics "Tell Her No" and "She's Not There".

The filming of the concert is exceptional, being simultaneously well-balanced and imaginative. There are also enough well-timed shots of the audience and venue (Shepherd's Bush Empire") to perfectly capture the atmosphere of the event. In addition, the lighting is both colourful and tasteful. On top of all this, the disc includes a brief documentary of the Zombies, and the band come across as highly likeable individuals. Five out of five definitely; in fact I would give this DVD a whole firmament of stars!

This is a beautiful DVD of a stunning show. Everyone familiar with "Odessey and Oracle" should add this to their collection because it is not only reproduced on stage with amazing accuracy, but it also works a treat on stage and parts of it thanks to the musicians age and experience are even better than it was back in the late 60's.

Colin Blunstone is a rarity in that that remarkable voice is intact and better than ever. He sings like a dream here. The first part featuring the touring version of The Zombies reveals why they are a must see onstage. Rod Argent is a brilliant master of the keyboards, Keith Airey a supremely talented guitarist and holding it all together, the unique father and son duo of Jim and Steve Rodford who are superb. Additionally we get three numbers by Colin with a string quintet that is one of the highlights of the entire show because it is gorgeously beautiful and Colin's voice... sensational! This is all sublime music played beautifully. Great harmonies and this version does The Zombies legacy proud. "Hold Your Head Up" is one of THE great rock anthems and this is a wicked performance.

The second half starts with an amusing introduction by Al Kooper recalling his part in the saga, and then... there they are - Argent, Blunstone with Chris White and Hugh Grundy. Keith Airey replaces Paul Atkinson (to whom this DVD, gigs and recent tour was lovingly dedicated) and we have Jim Rodford, with Chris' wife helping out on backing vocals. And then there is Darian, the gifted young man who helped make "Smile" a reality, deeply honoured to be filling in various keyboard and vocal parts as well as helping ensure this performance is as accurate and faithful to the original album as possible.

It is an amazing performance. I saw one of the shows on the short 4 date tour reprising this show and it was the best gig I've ever seen. In fact, this newly released DVD was selling like hot cakes and rightly so. It is a wonderful, lushly filmed document of a performance a great many of us could only had dreamed of. It sounds superb and timeless. These songs remain as fresh today as they were in 1968. There are some truly transcendental moments throughout - the trio of tracks "Brief Candles", "Hung Up On A Dream" and "Changes" is utterly breathtaking!

Chris White's creepy "Butcher's Tale" is another highlight with Rod on the pump organ and Chris giving a plaintive haunting rendition that is much better than the original. "Friends of Mine" which follows it has to be one of the most joyous uplifting songs ever written and this version will get you tapping your toes and/or singing along!

Everyone who loves this album will love this DVD. The performance is faultless and those harmonies will get the spine tingling. To see the show for myself in person was a highlight of my life, so it is therefore an absolute treat to see everybody close up and watch Argent's fingers in action in great detail. It is well filmed and edited. The sound is immaculate... and in 5.1 as well! Unlike the double CD of this show, this has every moment... all the announcements, intros, the lot. I felt huge love and pride watching this.

It is more than a mere souvenir of a reunion. This reveals and proves just why The Zombies are perhaps the most criminally under-rated bands of the 60's... they should had been huge, but it is fitting that 40 years on they are now receiving the acclaim and respect they always deserved. I cannot fault this DVD at all and I shall treasure it and watch it a great many more times.

The short documentary is an extract from a forthcoming documentary about the band and appropriately, this extract is devoted to the making of the album back in 1967 that is very enjoyable.

If it was possible, I'd give this DVD a great many more stars than 5!

The 2 gentlemen who wrote the first 2 reviews have literally taken the words out of my mouth, so you could very easily just go with what they said.
Still...I must add that when I heard that The Zombies were going to repeat the Odessey and Oracle concerts again this year, I had to come over. I flew in from Seattle to London for the 25 April performance of this legendary album at the Apollo Theatre. The release of the DVD was set to coincide with this tour, and I have to say it makes a very nice keepsake of my experience this year. I wouldn't have missed it for anything, honestly.
But, for those who were not as lucky as I was to be able to attend these incredible concerts, the DVD is a must.
It was a wonderful evening both at the Apollo, and obviously this recorded first night at Shepards Bush Empire last year.
I really love how the filming goes from colour to black and white in certain moments, to accent the classic time period when things were almost always filmed in b&w....the sheer artistry of the filming is truly exceptional quality. Which considering the nature of this masterpiece, frankly it calls for no less.
I will never forget seeing Chris White singing "The Butcher's Tale" while Rod plays the 1896 pump organ that he bought just for these concerts (The one played on the original recording, sadly was sold). That song, as well as "Changes" simply takes my breath away.
The touring band of Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Keith Airey, Jim Rodford and Steve Rodford have concerts lined up for the summer as well as the rest of the year. Please do yourself a favour and see these great musicians, they are truly one of the few legends who are the real deal...music will never sound this good again, I do believe. But while the Zombies are around to play it goes to show how great those times were, and Rod and Colin's music has indeed stood the test of time.