Love Zombies

Of the literally dozens of memorable bands that emerged from the British Beat scene in the early to mid-'60s, the Zombies were one act that stood out: there was a smart, slightly arty aura to their clever and beautifully crafted melodies, superb vocal harmonies, and a distinct instrumental sound, highlighted by Rod Argent's keyboard work, often using electric piano to memorable effect. Even when the Zombies rocked out or sunk into a tough R&B groove, they could convey a keen intelligence along with their energy, and their more introspective moments gave them a sound and feel that was unique. As good as they were, the Zombies didn't have much luck on the charts - while "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No" were hits in 1965, most of their subsequent recordings attracted little notice on initial release, and some of the band's finest work was barely heard in its day…

This double-CD set isn't a substitute for the four-CD box from Big Beat, but it does provide a slightly leaner and less-expensive way of running through the band's history. It's difficult to believe that a group whose recording history lasted just a little more than three full years could account for the 22 single A- and B-sides on disc one of this set, but that was the pace of the business in those days, and it wasn't unheard of for a band to get four or five singles out in a year…

This collection, remastered for SACD, covers the Zombies' short and tasteful career, spanning their 1964-1967 years for Decca Records, and their single album, the classic Odessey & Oracle, for Epic Records in 1968. Two versions of "She's Not There" are included here, one the so-called "stereo underdub" version that lacks the snappy drum overdub that gives the superior single version its crisp, edgy feel. There are also two mixes of "Time of the Season," the familiar version and an alternate mix that features a little more organ in the verse sections.

At the end of the 70s, The Monochrome Set were part of the first wave of "post punk" bands. Right from the beginning, the band earned a solid reputation as purveyors of fine pop, gaining praise from the 80s contemporaries such as Morrissey and Edwyn Collins. Importantly, in later years this praise has continues with artists such as Franz Ferdinand, The Divine Comedy and Graham Coxon, all citing the band as a key influence on their own work. The Monochrome Set sound has often been described as "timeless", and that alone explains why, over the years, the band has continues gaining admirers.

Short of buying Big Beat's four-CD Zombie Heaven box, this disc and Repertoire's companion expanded reissue of Odessey & Oracle are probably the simplest and handiest way to plunge into the Zombies' history, or at least the best of it. Using the original 14 songs off their debut album – one of the strongest British Invasion debuts – as a jumping off point, this disc adds 17 more songs from adjacent sessions before and after. The latter include single A- and B-sides ("Tell Her No," "Leave Me Be," etc.), EP cuts that never made it onto their original LPs, and odd outtakes like "I'm Going Home." One of the factors that helped place the Zombies in the front rank of British Invasion bands was the quality of their work, which was so high that even their outtakes are worth hearing multiple times, as is borne out on this disc. The music itself is primarily R&B-based British pop/rock, similar to the Beatles, the early Moody Blues, and, to a lesser degree, the Hollies at their most soulful, and as inventive, entertaining, exciting, and original as any material of this era in history.