Search - Zombies :: Absolutely the Best

Get the lps and box set instead, but a nice primer

Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 08/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a recent article that I wrote for a local zine, I argued for the inclusion of the Zombies as one of the most important acts of the 1960's, no less the "British Invasion" (ranking, in my view, only behind the Beatles, with the Kinks a close 3rd)- this despite the fact that they only made 2 proper lps, the severely underrated "The Zombies Begin Here," and the legendary "Odessey and Oracle," as well as the fact that most of their singles either did not chart or reached paltry rankings in Billboard or Cashbox. Despite the obvious lack of insight by buyers, reviewers, or both, the Zombies were a brilliant band well ahead of their time. Their fusion of jazz, blues, and pop sensibilities set them apart from all of their contemporaries. Who else sang even close to a "She's Not There," or a jazzed up "I Want You Back Again"?! Rod Argent and Chris White's superior writing skills (and equally muscular chops on organ and bass, respectively) are perfectly accentuated by Colin Blunstone's immaculate, wispy lyrical style, guitarist Paul Atkinson's underappreciated, sometimes angular, style, and drummer Hugh Grundy's inate sense of timing. Here was a band with superior musicianship that even the Beatles couldn't match.While personally not a fan of "greatest hits" packages, this cd offers the newcomer or nostalgia buff many of the great Zombies hits, ranging from the well known "She's Not There," "Tell Her No," and the astounding "Time of the Season," (and the brilliant "I Love You," a minor gem that I hear on oldies radio from time to time, though, alas, the cover version by the People). The rest of the package is the real deal, as well, showcasing the full range of talent that this band had to offer, from the jazz of "Whenever You're Ready," to their r&b roots on Argent's "Is This the Dream," to White/Argent's post Zombies, pre-Argent nugget "Imagine the Swan."While I highly recommend both of their lps, or the glorious "Zombie Heaven" box set, this cd is an excellent way to be introduced to one of the most important bands of the 1960's, who's music still sounds fresh today- the Zombies."

A bit short on running time, but still some great music

P. Nicholas Keppler | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania United States | 01/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With their Byrds-ish jangle, Beach Boys-ish harmonies and Moody Blues-ish keyboard parts, it is difficult to argue that The Zombies were a band ahead of their time. Yet, one of the major reasons this St. Albans, England quintet only had three hits, despite being one of the best singles-orientated bands of their day, is that popular music was not quite ready for their tricky time changes and winding melodies. Certainly, the quality of the material was not a problem. A survey of Absolutely the Best, which collects sixteen of The Zombies' greatest tracks, reveals a plethora of almost perfect pop-rock singles, such as the gently rolling "Remember You;" the hauntingly bleak "Imagine the Swan;" the masterful alternations between jazz-ish virtuosity and R&B-ish oomph, "Is This the Dream" and "Just Out of Reach;" and the remarkably clever "Whenever You're Ready," which is probably the best snide, offhand rejection song this side of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice It's Alright." Then there are the hits: The frantic "She's Not There," the serene "Tell Her No" and the playful "Time of the Season," all of which are bonafied classics. The consistent excellence of their work makes listening any Zombies collection a delight, but it also makes one hungry for more after this particular compilation, lasting a mere forty minutes, has ended. Surely, project supervisors could have found more material to treat listeners to, especially considering "Time of the Season" is the only track from the group's only proper album, 1968's Odessey and Oracle, which is considered a masterpiece in many circles. Hopefully, The Zombies will someday be granted a best-of compilation with a more satisfying running time. Until then, Absolutely the Best, although somewhat scanty, remains the best introduction to this astounding and underrated band."

Best single-CD Zombies compilation

ACJ | Gladstone, MI, USA | 12/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As someone who's heard it all Zombies-wise, I can say that THIS is the best one-CD Zombies compilation, and the best introduction to the band for those who've only heard their three big hits.My suggestion? Get this first; then, seek out BEGIN HERE and ODESSEY AND ORACLE (in either order, but get 'em both!). Chances are, once you've heard them all, you'll want to save up for the box set ZOMBIE HEAVEN."