The Zombies reveal new single and video 'Dropped Reeling & Stupid'

Exciting news! The Zombies are back with a new single, and the legendary band plans to release the studio album "Different Game" on March 31, 2023. Listen to the great new jazz-rock track "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" and get more details on the upcoming album below...Robert Kinsler

THE ZOMBIES REVEAL NEW SINGLE & VIDEO “DROPPED REELING & STUPID” FULL ALBUM ‘DIFFERENT GAME’ RELEASING WORLDWIDE MARCH 31st, 2023 ON COOKING VINYL RECORDS NEW TOUR DATES & SXSW APPEARANCE ANNOUNCED

Album pre-order link: https://thezombies.lnk.to/differentgamePR 

“Dropped Reeling & Stupid” streaming link: https://thezombies.lnk.to/DRASPR 

Animated lyric video link: https://thezombies.lnk.to/DRASPR/youtube 

Media release 

January 12, 2023 - Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Zombies have released a brand new track and animated lyric video, “Dropped Reeling & Stupid”, on streaming services ahead of a full album CD, vinyl and digital release March 31st worldwide on UK indie label Cooking Vinyl Records. 

In support of the release, and a forthcoming feature documentary, the band will resume their “Life Is A Merry-Go-Round” Tour in 2023 with appearances at Austin’s famed music & film festival, South by SouthWest (SXSW), new concerts announced in Texas and New Orleans, followed by a full UK run in the Spring, and more extensive touring planned throughout the year. The Zombies began work on the album, titled Different Game, after their 2019 induction into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a USA tour with Beach Boys auteur Brian Wilson. 

The band, which features founding keyboardist Rod Argent and lead singer Colin Blunstone, along with drummer Steve Rodford, guitarist Tom Toomey and bassist Søren Koch, hoped to finish writing and recording the follow-up to their Billboard-charting 2015 album Still Got That Hunger during a busy 2020 touring schedule, but COVID-19 had other plans for them. 

As primary songwriter and producer Rod Argent relates, the band was not content to record remotely: “Making this album has been a joy from start to finish. Post-lockdown, we were absolutely determined to come together and record in as “live” a way as we could - to capture that magical, fleeting quality of energy and immediacy of performance.….“Dropped Reeling & Stupid” is our first streamed release …… Can’t wait for you to hear it!” 

Despite the Pandemic, The Zombies made the past three years productive, finishing the album, and giving fans previews of their new songs with a live-streamed concert from Abbey Road Studios London in 2021, and 65 concerts across North America and Europe in 2022 for the launch of their “Life Is A Merry-Go-Round” Tour. Along with rockers like “Dropped Reeling & Stupid”, Different Game will also feature tender acoustic ballads with classical string arrangements, and is produced by Rod Argent together with the band’s longtime live audio engineer Dale Hanson. The album cover for Different Game exemplifies the independent and hard-working spirit of a band that refuses to rest on the laurels of a 6-decade career, and comes from a photo taken by Rod Argent during a touring misadventure in the Arizona desert this past Summer. 

Singer Colin Blunstone explains: “We were traveling from Southern California to Tucson, when our tour van’s engine suddenly caught fire! We spent about 5 hours stranded in the remote Arizona desert, but thanks to our intrepid team and crew, we were rescued and made it to our next show! It was a harrowing experience, but also beautiful and surreal.” The animated lyric video for “Dropped Reeling & Stupid”, produced by Animind Studio, is inspired by the band’s desert mishap. The album is being released in advance of a new feature documentary entitled Hung Up On A Dream, directed by musician and filmmaker Robert Schwartzman, and co-produced by Schwartzman’s Utopia Films, The Ranch Productions, and Tom Hanks’ Playtone, slated for release later in 2023. 

Different Game track listing: 

Different Game 

Dropped Reeling & Stupid 

Rediscover 

Runaway 

You Could Be My Love 

Merry-Go-Round 

Love You While I Can 

I Want to Fly 

Got to Move On 

The Sun Will Rise Again 

Tour dates are listed below, with more shows to be announced for 2023.

USA Shows:
Jan 28-Feb 2, 2023 - Caribbean Sea - On The Blue Cruise
March 11-17, 2023 - Austin, TX - SXSW Film & Music Festival
March 18, 2023 - San Antonio, TX - Aztec Theatre
March 21, 2023 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
March 22, 2023 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
March 24, 2023 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
March 26-30, 2023 - Caribbean Sea - Flower Power Cruise

UK Shows:
April 05, 2023 - Wimborne Minster, UK - Tivoli Theatre
April 06, 2023 - Exmouth, UK - Exmouth Pavilion
April 07, 2023 - Fletching, UK - Trading Boundaries
April 08, 2023 - Fletching, UK - Trading Boundaries
April 09, 2023 - Fletching, UK - Trading Boundaries
April 12, 2023 - Pontardawe, UK - Pontardawe Arts Centre
April 13, 2023 - Bristol, UK - The Fleece - SOLD OUT
April 14, 2023 - London, UK - Islington Assembly Hall
April 15, 2023 - Bury St. Edmunds, UK - The Apex
April 18, 2023 - Norwich, UK - Epic Studios
April 19, 2023 - Felixstowe, UK - Spa Pavilion
April 20, 2023 - Harpenden, UK - Eric Morecambe Centre
April 21, 2023 - Harpenden, UK - Eric Morecambe Centre
April 23, 2023 - Kinross, UK - Backstage at The Green Hotel - SOLD OUT
April 24, 2023 - Kinross, UK - Backstage at The Green Hotel
April 26, 2023 - Glasgow, UK - Òran Mór - SOLD OUT
April 27, 2023 - Holmfirth, UK - Picturedrome
April 29, 2023 - Taunton, UK - Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre
April 30, 2023 - Bury, UK - The Met
May 03, 2023 - Stockton-on-Tees, UK - ARC
May 04, 2023 - Carlisle, UK - Old Fire Station
May 05, 2023 - New Brighton, UK - Floral Pavilion
May 06, 2023 - Milton Keynes, UK - The Stables - SOLD OUT

Check out the band's upcoming tour dates via The Zombies' website HERE.

About The Zombies: 

The second UK band following The Beatles to score a #1 hit in America, The Zombies infiltrated the airwaves with the sophisticated melodies, breathy vocals, choral back-up harmonies and jazzy keyboard riffs of their 1960’s hit singles “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No.” Ironically, the original lineup disbanded just prior to achieving their greatest success – the worldwide chart-topping single “Time of the Season,” from their swan-song album Odessey and Oracle, ranked in the Top 100 of Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Albums of All Time.’ To this day, generations of new bands have cited The Zombies’ work as pop touchstones, and the band continues to be embraced by new generations of fans. Following the break-up of the original band, Blunstone went on to develop an acclaimed solo career, while Argent rocked arenas in the 1970’s with his eponymous band ARGENT, but the legend of The Zombies continued to take on a life of its own. By the start of the new Millennium, Blunstone and Argent were inspired to resurrect The Zombies, which has led to several critically-acclaimed new albums and 2 decades of worldwide concert performances. 

For More Information On The Zombies: 

https://www.thezombiesmusic.com/

About Cooking Vinyl Records: 

Cooking Vinyl, established in 1986, is home to an eclectic mix of artists including The Darkness, Professor Green, Ladytron, Dave Rowntree, Don Letts, Passenger, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Billy Bragg, The Fratellis, Del Amitri, BABYMETAL, The Waterboys, Ron Sexsmith, The Jordan and many more. Recent successes include: Shortlisted for the 3rd year running for the Music Week Awards - Best Label/Artist Services Company. Nina Nesbitt surpassing over 1 billion career streams and gaining 278 New Music Fridays across her most recent album campaign. Passenger securing #2 UK Album, #2 Swiss Album, #3 German Album, #6 Australian Album, Del Amitri #5 UK Album and highest German chart position of their career and BABYMETAL securing #2 Current Albums, #1 Rock & Indie and #13 Billboard Top 200 in the US. Cooking Vinyl has consistently been at the forefront of the digital revolution and evolution. In 2005 the label set up its own online distribution company, Uploader, which was sold to the Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA). Subsequently Cooking Vinyl then set up the independent distribution company Essential Music which was bought by Sony Red in 2016 and soon after became The Orchard UK.

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The Zombies kick off Merry-Go-Round Tour

Read the information below; an official update from The Zombies...Robert Kinsler

BRITISH PSYCHEDELIC POP LEGENDS ANNOUNCE “LIFE IS A MERRY-GO-ROUND TOUR”

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES RELEASE “LIVE FROM STUDIO TWO”

RECORDED LIVE AT LONDON’S ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS

SPECIAL CD/DVD PACKAGE AVAILABLE AT SHOWS ONLY!

Despite a busy tour schedule this year, The Zombies have also been recording the follow-up to their 2015 Billboard-charting album, Still Got That Hunger (release date TBD), and will be performing several new songs on this tour, along with fan favorites. Led by founding members, vocalist Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent, The Zombies’ 21st-Century line-up features Steve Rodford on drums, renowned session guitarist Tom Toomey, and the newest member, Søren Koch, who joined the band following the untimely passing of their beloved bassist Jim Rodford (formerly of ARGENT and The Kinks) in early 2018.

 

The band is also releasing “Live From Studio Two,” a CD/DVD special package, recorded live at London’s Abbey Road Studios and available at the shows only.

Special Preview of Two Videos

Edge Of The Rainbow

https://youtu.be/ng_syrDWrqA

This Will Be Our Year

https://youtu.be/efGaF0o5y5A

 

The band’s live performances, described by Rolling Stone as “absolutely triumphant”, take fans on a journey through time, from their early hits…their 1968 masterpiece 'Odessey & Oracle'…post-Zombies solo favorites…right to today with 'Still Got That Hunger'.

 

The second U.K. band following the Beatles to score a #1 hit in America, The Zombies infiltrated the airwaves with the sophisticated melodies, breathy vocals, choral back-up harmonies and jazzy keyboard riffs of their 1960’s hit singles “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No.” Ironically, the group broke-up just prior to achieving their greatest success – the worldwide chart-topping single “Time of the Season,” from their swan-song album Odessey & Oracle, ranked #100 in Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Albums of All Time'.  To this day, generations of new bands have cited The Zombies’ work as pop touchstones, and the band continues to be embraced by new generations of fans.

 

Following the break-up of the original band, lead vocalist Colin Blunstone went on to develop an acclaimed solo career (with hits including "Say You Don't Mind," "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", and “Old & Wise” with Alan Parsons Project) and keyboardist/songwriter Rod Argent rocked ‘70’s arenas with his eponymous band ARGENT (“Hold Your Head Up,” “God Gave Rock ‘n’ Roll To You”), but the legend of The Zombies continued to take on a life of its own.  By the start of the new Millennium, Blunstone and Argent were inspired to resurrect The Zombies.

 

The explosive release of 'Still Got That Hunger' proved that Zombies fever is stronger than ever, with premieres at Rolling Stone, Mojo, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian  Speakeasy, and Spin, alongside special broadcast performances, including Later…With Jools Holland, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, CBS Saturday Morning and AOL Sessions. Moreover, it marked a historical moment on the Billboard charts, as The Zombies’ critically acclaimed album 'Odessey And Oracle' re-entered the Billboard 100 forty-eight years later at the same time as 'Still Got That Hunger'!   

 

On March 29, 2019 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, The Zombies joined Stevie Nicks, Radiohead, The Cure, Def Leppard, Janet Jackson, and Roxy Music as the 2019 Class of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fittingly, the Induction Ceremony took place exactly 50 years to-the-day after The Zombies’ classic “Time of the Season” first hit #1 on the charts in America.

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Tour Dates

April  1 - The Plaza Live - Orlando, FL

April  2 - Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce, FL

April  3 - The Parker Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL

April  5 - Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, FL

April  6 - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

April  7 - Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, GA

April  9 - Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA

April 10 - Iron City, Birmingham, AL

April 13 - Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN

April 14 - Bijou Theatre, Knoxville, TN

April 16 - Webster Hall, New York, NY

April 18 - The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA

April 19 - Maryland Hall, Annapolis, MD

April 20 - The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA

April 22 - Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY

April 23 - The Music Box at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ

April 24 - The Suffolk Theater, Riverhead, NY

April 26 - Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton, MA

April 27 - Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, NH

April 29 - Cabot Street Cinema Theatre, Beverly, MA

April 30 - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT

May  1 - Narrows Center For The Arts, Fall River, MA 

June 21 - Empire Theatre, Belleville, ON

June 22 - Living Arts Centre - Hammerson Hall, Mississauga, ON

June 24 - Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA

June 25 - Point of the Bluff Vineyard, Hammondsport, NY

June 26 - Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Munhall, PA

June 28 - The Kent Stage, Kent, OH

June 30 - Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati, OH

July  1 - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL

July  2 - Codfish Hollow Barnstormers, Maquoketa, IA

July  3 - Barrymore Theatre, Madison, WI

July  5 - First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

July  7 - Club Regent Event Centre, Winnipeg, MB

July  9 - Deerfoot Inn & Casino, Calgary, AB

July 13 - Alix Goolden Performance Hall, Victoria, BC

July 14 - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC

July 15 - Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA

TICKETS: THEZOMBIESMUSIC.COM/LIVE

The Zombies bring magic to a global audience via performance from Abbey Road Studios

The Zombies

Where: Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios in London

When: Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021

Learn more: www.thezombiesmusic.com

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Jules Annan

The Zombies took advantage of every single moment of their only public performance of the year on Sept. 18, 2021 to celebrate a 60-year legacy that continues to grow and thrill fans across the globe.

The Zombies, from left, are keyboardist Rod Argent, bassist Søren Koch,
singer Colin Blunstone, drummer Steve Rodford and guitarist Tom Toomey.

It is hard to believe that the British band — whose inception dates back to a jam held in St. Albans, England in 1961 — continues to be among today's most exciting rock groups. The growing parade of the band's admirers includes everyone from Paul Weller and the late Tom Petty to Paramore singer Hayley Williams, Arcade Fire and Susanna Hoffs (the famed Bangles singer-guitarist famously inducted the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019). At the worldwide livestream staged in Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios on Sept. 18, the quintet thrilled with a mix of enduring classics, artful covers, deep cuts as well as the live premiere of new songs set to be included on an as-of-yet untitled album likely to be released in 2022.

Colin Blunstone at Abbey Road Studios on Sept. 18.

Led by founding members Rod Argent (keyboards, vocals) and Colin Blunstone (lead vocals), the group also includes guitarist-backing vocalist Tom Toomey, drummer Steve Rodford and bassist-backing vocalist Søren Koch. The five members have a strong chemistry and together displayed top-tier musicianship and resplendent harmonies to bring the Zombies signature masterful style blending classic rock, baroque pop, jazz and blues to life throughout their 90-minute livestream. Blunstone's vocals defy time, and his soaring tenor remains a true wonder.

Rod Argent performing on Sept. 18, 2021.

Opening with a luminous version of "Moving On," the band's performance was equaled by the fantastic high-resolution visuals and great sound provided via the livestream. The band's 1965 single "I Want You Back Again" followed, this rendition a nod to the version covered by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers featured on their The Live Anthology released in 2009. Argent's wistful keyboard solo and Blunstone's soaring tenor bolstered the classic.

The jazzy "Edge of the Rainbow," driving "I Love You" and rocking cover of Denny Laine's "Say You Don't Mind" were other early standouts. 

From left, Søren Koch and Tom Toomey.

The Zombies then premiered several new songs, bringing the Q Strings quartet to the stage to further boost the new selections. The first of the songs, a beautiful chamber pop gem titled "Different Game," featured Argent playing a Mellotron; the song ended with the strings sans the rest of the group in a beautiful instrumental section. The lovely "You Could Be My Love" followed, bolstered by the strings and Argent's playing on a grand piano. A version of "I Want To Fly" also benefitted from the work of the quartet (sisters Laura, Ellie and Amy Stanford, and Jess Cox).

Throughout the event, Argent and Blunstone often shared interesting insights into the background of the creation or recording of their songs. For example, Blunstone noted that while in the studio recording "Tell Her No" around Christmas in 1964 they learned that they had just scored their first number 1 hit in America ("She's Not There"). 

They then performed a four-song set of tracks from their 1968 album Odessey and Oracle, noting that when they entered Abbey Road Studios to begin work on the LP in June 1967 they literally were there right after The Beatles completed work on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The Zombies were able to use some of the same instruments used by the Fab Four on their sessions.

A divine "Care of Cell 44," joyful "This Will Be Our Year" and melodic "I Want Her She Wants Me" were performed first, with the band's beloved "Time of the Season" expanded with an extended solo by Argent. 

From left, Rod Argent, Søren Koch and Tom Toomey.

The winning rock original "Merry Go Round" and debut performance of the reflective "Run Away (For All My Life)" followed.

A marathon-length version of Argent's "Hold Your Head Up" was dedicated to Jim Rodford (the long-time bassist of the Zombies and former member of Argent and the Kinks died in January 2018). 

The main set ended with a sweeping take on "She's Not There" complete with Argent and Toomey dueling on their instruments before Steve Rodford and Koch were featured in a rhythm section break-out.  Before leaving the studio, a tender version of "The Way I Feel Inside" focusing on Blunstone's vocals and Argent's skillful work on the grand piano provided the perfect close to the latest chapter in the Zombies' singular journey.  

The Zombies' setlist at Abbey Road Studios on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021

Drummer Steve Rodford of The Zombies.

Moving On

I Want You Back Again

Edge of the Rainbow

I Love You

Say You Don't Mind (Denny Laine cover)

Different Game (live debut, with string quartet)

You Could Be My Love (live debut with string quartet)

I Want To Fly (with string quartet)

Tell Her No

Care of Cell 44

This Will Be Our Year

I Want Her She Wants Me

Time of the Season

Merry Go Round

Run Away (For All My Life) — (live debut)

Hold Your Head Up (Argent cover)

She's Not There

The Way I Feel Inside

Recent Reissues: John Kay & Steppenwolf, NRBQ, Justin Hinds, 6 String Drag

Past glories are rightfully celebrated and revisited on new reissues featuring John Kay & Steppenwolf, NRBQ, Justin Hinds and 6 String Drag.

Artist: John Kay & Steppenwolf
Title: Steppenwolf At 50 (Rainman)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Steppenwolf
Tell me more: Fifty years after forming in Hollywood, CA, John Kay & Steppenwolf's enduring legacy is celebrated on the aptly-released Steppenwolf At 50. With its rewarding mix of blues, classic rock, roots, hard rock and alt country, the group's expansive three-disc audio set is bolstered by a mix of alternate takes, live cuts and previously-unreleased gems. An alternate cut of "From Here To There Eventually" (recorded in 1969), the previously-unheard acid rocker "Angel Drawers," traditional take on Hank Williams' "You Win Again," the blistering blues rocker "Straight Shootin' Woman" (featuring some killer guitar work from Bobby Cochran) and synth-anchored cover of Argent's "Hold Your Head Up" from 1982 are standouts on the first disc. Singer-songwriter/guitarist John Kay has always been able to infuse evolving styles into Steppenwolf's sonic brew, as evidenced by the commercial rock sound of 1987's "Rock & Roll Rebels" and "Give Me Life," as well as the literate approach on the quest for freedom via 1990's Berlin Wall-themed "The Wall" and probing "Rock & Roll War" showcased on disc two. The third disc features 13 tracks featured on the troupe's 1995 release "Live at 25." The performances sizzle with power; the blues rocker "Move Over," the outlaw countrified version of Hank Snow's "I'm Moving  On," Chicago blues-meets-rock attack of Willie Dixon's "I'm Your Hootchie Cootchie Man" and rousing takes on Steppenwolf's biggest hits ("Magic Carpet Ride" and "Born to be Wild") are among the highlights. In addition to all the terrific music, the booklet provides details on each of the tracks and liner notes penned by John Kay. Information: www.rainmanrecords.com.

Artist: NRBQ
Title: NRBQ (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Frank Zappa
Tell me more: It's hard to imagine a more eclectic debut album than the 1969 effort from Louisville, Kentucky-spawned New Rhythm and Blues Quintet – better known as NRBQ. The newly-issued and remastered reissue of the 49-year-old album also marks the first ever reissue of the title; NRBQ is available for the first time on audio CD, as well as via Digital and as a gatefold vinyl LP. An album that was essentially recorded live, all of the versions on NRBQ are first takes emblazoned on 12-track at The Record Plant by producer Eddie Kramer in December 1968. The range of the material is dizzying; the driving opener "C'mon Everybody" twists Eddie Cochran's approach in all the right places, including the shouting vocals and freewheeling rock 'n' roll attack. Later, the art damage take on Sun Ra's "Rocket #9," an alt-country "Fergie's Prayer," the racing New Orleans rocker "Mama Get Down Those Rock and Roll Shoes," and a countrified harmonica-adorned reworking of the 1962 Bruce Channel hit "Hey! Baby" highlight the group's eclectic approach and virtuoso chops. NRBQ continues to thrive and is set to tour the U.S. and overseas in 2018. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Justin Hinds and the Dominoes
Title: Travel With Love (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, Justin Hinds and the Dominoes
Tell me more: Originally released in 1984, Omnivore Recordings' new reissue of Justin Hinds and the Dominoes' Travel With Love features the original eight-track LP and 10 bonus tracks. The voices of Hinds and the Dominoes (backing vocalists Dennis Sinclair and Junior Dixon) blend in polished perfection on a collection of laid-back and positive-minded reggae songs. The melodic "Get Ready Rock Steady," wistful "Miss Wendell" and musically dynamic-and-lyrically insightful "In The Jungle" are among the strong original songs penned by Hinds featured on "Travel With Love." Particularly powerful is "The Rainbow," a beautiful track enhanced by the work of a nuanced horn section. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Justin Hinds
Title: Know Jah Better (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Justin Hinds, reggae music
Tell me more: Released in 1992, Know Jah Better finds Hinds bringing newer sounds into the blend of ska and reggae styles he helped pioneer and explore earlier in his career, now tapping into the Jamaican dancehall scene for what would be his final full-length studio album. The standouts on this disc include the intoxicating "Want More," the spirited title track, catchy "No Place Like Home" and "Picking Up Chips." Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: 6 String Drag
Title: High Hat (Schoolkids Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Son Volt, the Jayhawks
Tell me more: Alt-country rockers 6 String Drag emerged from Raleigh, North Carolina in 1993, helping create a new sound and style along with Texas' Old 97's, Minnesota's Jayhawks and Georgia's Drive-By Truckers that is essentially the blueprint for a slew of modern-day Americana groups. In January 2018, Schoolkids Records (formerly Second Motion) issued a 20th Anniversary Reissue of the band's 1997 disc High Hat. Produced by Steve Earle, the LP's songs sound as great as ever and retain the bite of a contemporary release. Singer Kenny Roby's emotive delivery of the songs is the icing on the sonic cake; the arrangements across the 15 tracks impress at every turn. The anthemic "Bottle of Blues," pretty "Elaine" and freewheeling  "Gasoline Maybelline" are early nuggets on the LP. "Cold Steel Brace" is mostly sparse and evocative, but has an explosive section that adds just the right amount of powder.  The jangly rocker "Ghost," Dixieland-flavored "Over & Over" and bonus track "Lorene" (the latter a cover of the Louvin Brothers classic) are among the other essentials on a fantastic release. In addition to being re-released on audio CD and on most digital formats, High Hat is also available for the first time on vinyl. Information: www.SchoolKidsRecords.com.



Robert Kinsler

The Zombies celebrate 'Odessey & Oracle' at The Theatre at Ace Hotel

The Zombies 2017 touring lineup as seen on April 28 includes (from left) keyboardist-singer Rod Argent, drummer Hugh Grundy, bassist-singer Chris White, drummer Steve Rodford, singer Colin Blunstone, singer Vivienne M. Boucherat, singer-bassist Jim Rodford and guitarist Tom Toomey.

Every time I catch The Zombies in concert, I come away even more firmly convinced the British band is one of rock music's greatest treasures.

On Saturday, April 29, The Zombies' Odessey and Oracle 50th Anniversary Finale Tour came to The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles for a high profile stop that displayed yet again the power of The Zombies as singers, songwriters and musicians able to convey the power of their groundbreaking sound and sterling songs in a live setting. This marked my fifth time being captivated by The Zombies since I first caught them at The Coach House on October 2, 2011, and I continue to be blown away by the group's concerts. 

This was a particularly moving event, with all four surviving members of the original group (lead singer Colin Blunstone, keyboardist-singer Rod Argent, bassist-singer Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy) on hand to perform Odessey and Oracle in celebration of the beloved album's 50th anniversary. Those four legendary artists (sadly, original guitarist Paul Atkinson died in April 2004) have previously announced this will be the final tour featuring the surviving members of the group performing Odessey and Oracle. 

From left, keyboardist Rod Argent, bassist Jim Rodford, guitarist
Tom Toomey and drummer Steve Rodford. Photo: Robert Kinsler

The concert was broken into two parts, with things kicking off with Blunstone and Argent joined by bassist-backing vocalist Jim Rodford (a long-time member of The Kinks and founding member of Argent), drummer Steve Rodford and lead guitarist Tom Toomey for a tour of the group's songbook outside of Odessey and Oracle. Opening with "I Love You," the crowd cheered when Blunstone's tenor soared to the same high mark that helped define the band's sound when the track was first recorded in 1965. The next song, "I Want You Back Again," was a single the band also recorded in 1965 - and as Argent recalled in his introduction - was promptly ignored at the time. However, it ultimately benefited from renewed interest thanks to Tom Petty being a huge fan of The Zombies and frequently covering that song at select concerts. The Zombies' version of the song played in Los Angeles was jazzy with Argent performing a virtuoso keyboard solo that was pure magic. 

While many bands forged in the early 1960s would have simply followed the nostalgia route and stick with playing older material, The Zombies moved against the grain by moving forward 50 years to feature several songs from their outstanding 2015 release Still Got That Hunger. "Edge of the Rainbow" was a song that combined a magical brew of harmonies-rich rock and jazz that is the troupe's own; Argent and Toomey traded solos - all the more special because Argent's jazzy stylings and Toomey's rock-flavored work flowed so wonderfully together. "Edge of the Rainbow" transported the group into blues territory, Blunstone's amazing voice thrilling the crowd.

The first half of the concert flew by, with The Zombies going on to perform rousing and flawless versions of their own 1965 breakout hit "Tell Her No," a joyful R&B version of Smokey Robinson's "You've Really Got a Hold On Me" complete with buoyant harmonies, and a fiery take on Bo Diddley's "Road Runner" where Toomey cut loose with some of his most flashy lead guitar work of the night. The tuneful "Just Out of Reach" and baroque rocker "Chasing the Past" provided other highlights during that first half. That set ended with an extended and rousing take of the 1972 Argent hit "Hold Your Head Up," followed by a propulsive take on the timeless rocker "She's Not There" and tender version of "The Way I Feel Inside" with Blunstone and Argent sharing the stage together sans the rest of the group. 

Chris White performing on April 29, 2017.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

After a short intermission, the entire cast of musicians joined forces to deliver a potent and enchanted performance of Odessey & Oracle, the band's masterwork recorded during a three-month period from June to August 1967 and subsequently released in April 1968. Opening with the melodic chamber pop of "Care of Cell 44," that and every song that followed was performed with precision and depth. Blunstone's voice remains an obvious wonder, but songs featuring Argent and White on lead vocals were equally breathtaking, with those performances supported by masterful musicianship, shimmering harmonies and an obvious love and profound connection with the adoring audience.

Every Zombies fan and lover of Odessey & Oracle likely had favorite moments during Saturday's fast-moving performance. I consider myself blessed that I believe that every moment on the album indispensable; I will admit to having been swept away during "Beechwood Park" (love those a Capella harmonies at the end), the tender piano pop ballad "Brief Candles" with Argent, Blunstone and White taking turns with lead vocals, the wistful "Hung Up on a Dream" and unsettling Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)." The disc's final epic offering, the psychedelia rock epic "Time of the Season," was performed with dreamlike grace.

The night didn't come to an end until the full ensemble performed an extended take on "She's Not There," this longer version providing room for Argent and Toomey, as well as both drummers to delve into their playbooks for some inspiring solos. 

The Zombies setlist at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
1. I Love You
2. I Want You Back Again
3. Moving On
4. Edge of the Rainbow
5. Tell Her No
6. You've Really Got a Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson cover)
7. Road Runner (Bo Diddley)
8. Just Out of Reach
9. Chasing the Past
10. Hold Your Head Up (Argent track)
11. She's Not There
12. The Way I Feel Inside

Odessey & Oracle / Encore
13. Care of Cell 44
14. A Rose For Emily
15. Maybe After He's Gone
16. Beechwood Park
17. Brief Candles
18. Hung Up on a Dream
19. Changes
20. I Want Her, She Wants Me
21. This Will Be Our Year
22. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
23. Friends of Mine
24. Time of the Season
25. She's Not There (alternative, extended version)


Review and photos by Robert Kinsler

The Zombies thrill and inspire at the Coach House

The Zombies in the closing moments of their amazing concert in front of a capacity crowd at The Coach House on Saturday night, September 3, 2016 Photo: Robert Kinsler

It may have been the Who that released "Long Live Rock" back in the early 1970s, but leave it to a band dubbed the Zombies to best personify the song's mantra "Be It Dead or Alive!" Because of all the British bands formed at the dawn of the 1960s, the Zombies remain the most "alive" in terms of artistry, exceptional music making and the supernatural ability to create new songs that rival the groundbreaking material recorded during their infancy.

The English quintet (which features founding keyboardist/vocalist Rod Argent and lead singer Colin Blunstone, as well as long-time bassist Jim Rodford, drummer Steve Rodford and guitarist Tom Toomey) performed a set lasting just under 100 minutes at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016. Had that fast-moving set been twice as long, it would likely have felt just as brief.

From left, Jim Rodford, Colin Blunstone and
Steve Rodford. Photo: Kim Kinsler

On the second night of their brief West Coast Tour, the Zombies were able to effortlessly blend top-tier material from their 1965 album Begin Here and their 1968 masterwork Odessey and Oracle, as well as their outstanding 2015 disc Still Got That Hunger with spoken introductions providing the enthusiastic audience with behind-the-scenes glimpses of the the group's lengthy career. When Argent or Blunstone sprinkled in the names of Tom Petty, Paul Weller , Dave Grohl or Paul McCartney, it was to enhance understanding the creation of specific songs or the growing influence of the Zombies.

Whether performing their own songs, or reworking classics by greats such as Solomon Burke or Smokey Robinson, the Zombies effortlessly fused rock, soul, pop and jazz together into a sound that thrilled; heck, at times blues and psychedelia were key ingredients of the songs. The icing on the cake were the group's incredible harmonies and Blunstone's time-defying tenor that remains the dazzling wonder it was 50 years ago.

While the crowd packed into the legendary Coach House cheered in delight when the Zombies unleashed their best-known songs (including "Time of the Season" and "Tell Her No"), the performances were so uniformly strong that ultimately this was a night that was not just about any single song, but really about the Zombies overall artistic stamp and enduring legacy.

Here are just a few of the things that stood out for me during the incredible concert:

• The group opened with "I Love You," with Blunstone having to reach incredibly high notes acapella, bringing cheers from the crowd and palpable power to the concert's earliest moments. 
• When the Zombies performed a cover of Solomon Burke's "Can't Nobody Love You," the track retained its soulful roots, but was layered with the Zombies' distinctive vocal harmonies.
• "I Want You Back Again" really showcased how musical drummer Steve Rodford's approach is behind the kit, extending from the way he exacts rhythm and drum fills with a master's touch. And then, there was Argent's incredible jazzy solo on the keyboards.
• The four-song run of songs from the band's Odessey and Oracle added up to an obvious highlight, and the songs were each delivered with perfection. The baroque pop of "Care of Cell 44" was buoyant and enchanting. "Time of the Season" retained its magical psychedelia sweep known from the iconic 1968 recording, but was bolstered by live dynamics that added to the concert version.
• "Sticks and Stones," a Ray Charles song covered by the Zombies on their 1965 debut, featured an extended keyboard solo where Toomey put aside his guitar and added some interesting percussion to help propel Argent's work on the keys.
• "She's Not There" is one of the Zombies' most beloved gems, and the song's performance at the Coach House retained the luster of the studio version with an prolonged keyboard solo and blazing guitar solo showcasing the power of a timeless classic.
• The Zombies closed the night with an inspired take on the Argent classic "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," which had the grandeur of a Queen classic, with the audience on their feet and singing along on a night this writer will long cherish. Forget about the overwrought early '90s KISS remake of the song and check out the Zombie's anthemic live track somewhere on YouTube.

Opening the concert was singer-songwriter Bruce Sudano, who impressed with his acoustic-flavored blend of blues, folk and lyrical realism, all of it strengthened by the work of lead guitarist Randy Mitchell. Standouts included the gritty realism of his opener "These Shoes," a folk blues reworking of "Bad Girls" (a hit for his wife Donna Summer that the couple co-wrote), aptly-dubbed "Common Sense" and the beautiful "With Angels on a Carousel."


The Zombies' setlist at the Coach House (Saturday, September 3, 2016)
1. I Love you
2. Can't Nobody Love You (Solomon Burke cover)
3. I Want You Back Again
4. Goin' Out of My Head (a cover of Little Anthony & the Imperials' 1964 hit)
5. Moving On
6. Edge of the Rainbow
7. I Don't Believe in Miracles (Colin Blunstone song)
8. Care of Cell 44
9. This Will Be Our Year
10. I Want Her She Wants Me
11. Time of the Season
12. Sticks and Stones (Ray Charles cover)
13. Tell Her No
14. You've Really Got a Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson cover) / Bring It On Home to Me (Sam Cooke cover) - medley of the two songs
15. Caroline Goodbye (a hit off Colin Blunstone's 1971 Chris White-produced debut album)
16. Chasing the Past
17. Hold Your Head Up (Argent cover)
18. She's Not There
19. God Gave Rock and Roll to You (Argent cover)


Review by Robert Kinsler