New Music: The Zombies, Peter Case, The New Pornographers

The long-awaited return from The Zombies as well as new releases from acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Case and indie rock heroes The New Pornographers make for an especially strong field of essential new albums released on March 31, 2023.  

Artist: The Zombies

Title: Different Game (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent

Tell me more: The Zombies have returned with the magnificent Different Game, the groundbreaking British band's first new studio album since 2015's Still Got That Hunger. Delayed by the arrival of the global pandemic — the band members had decided from the beginning of the process in 2019 after their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that they would record the songs together to capture the energy of their legendary live performances — Different Game continues to find the quintet conjuring up the magic of their past performances while embracing the future. The 10-track album's stellar track listing spans from the opening title track (a gorgeous Baroque pop gem that includes a lush instrumental finale), jazzy "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" (the latter bolstered by a particularly sophisticated organ solo from Rod Argent that segues into a marvelous turn showcasing guitarist Tom Toomey), the lovely ballad "You Could Be My Love" featuring Colin Blunstone's amazing tenor vocals and sumptuous rocker "Merry-Go-Round." Other standouts include the shimmering "Love You," the rousing blues-rocker "Got To Move On" and tender closer "The Sun Will Rise Again." The work of the Q Strings quartet (Laura Stanford, Ellie Stanford, Amy Stanford and Jess Cox) adds magic across the marvelous disc, notably on the aforementioned title track and "I Want To Fly," the latter where they provide the full accompaniment for Blunstone. Information: thezombiesmusic.com.

Artist: Peter Case

Title: Doctor Moan (Sunset Blvd. Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Warren Zevon, The Waterboys, Dr. John

Tell me more: Peter Case is back. The legendary singer-songwriter's 16th solo album Doctor Moan finds the top-tier artist tackling original material anchored by his piano playing — this is a departure from Case fronting modern rock favorites The Plimsouls in the late 1970s and '80s and subsequent solo career marked by more guitar-focused material. To be sure the 11-track Doctor Moan is a rich tapestry that serves the New York native's literate and compelling songcraft fully at every turn. Standouts abound on the 11-track disc; the uptempo jazz-tinged "Downtown Nowhere's Blues," absolutely beautiful "Eyes of Love," Dr. John-flavored "The Flying Crow" and reflective "Girl In Love With A Shadow"; "Wandering Days" is the lone guitar-anchored track and the breezy cut is another highlight on the album. In addition to his outstanding piano and acoustic guitar work, Case utilizes harmonica (in spades on the bluesy "Give Me Five Minutes More") and mellotron; the album also features the talents of Jonny Flaugher on electric and acoustic base, and Chris Joyner on B-3 organ. Information: PeterCase.com.

Artist: The New Pornographers

Title: Continue as a Guest (Merge Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Beck, Gorillaz

Tell me more: The New Pornographers have returned with another batch of far-flung and stellar songs, proving ambition and evolution works wonders for the Canadian collective. Bandleader A.C. Newman along with Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancy, John Collins and Joe Seiders are exploring new sonic territory across their ninth studio album, having added a bit of rawness to their well-known melodic pop sheen (just listen to the urgent "Pontius Pilate's Home Movies"). The challenges of recording during the pandemic may have elevated the magic here; just listen to the soaring "Bottle Episodes," probing experimental-tinged title track, sweeping "Really Really Light," opulent "Marie And The Undersea" and genre-defying "Cat And Mouse With The Light." Information: TheNewPornographers.com.

Robert Kinsler

Colin Blunstone celebrates The Zombies' enduring power ahead of Pappy and Harriet's concert

Who: The Zombies, Rooney

Where: Pappy and Harriet's, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown, CA

When: July 21, 2022 (doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 8 p.m.)

Information: pappyandharriets.com

Colin Blunstone performing with The Zombies at Abbey Road
Studios in London on Sept. 18, 2021.
Photo: Jules Annan

Ahead of The Zombies' forthcoming headlining performance at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown on July 21, lead singer Colin Blunstone discussed the enduring power of the pioneering English rock troupe. Blunstone — who celebrated his 77th birthday on June 24 — remains one of rock music's greatest vocalists and is as passionate about making music today as he was when the Zombies were formed more than 60 years ago.

When the Zombies perform in the California high desert on July 21, they will perform their beloved 1960s material as well as top-tier songs from recent albums and their not-yet-titled ninth studio album.

"It’s finished, actually – it was finished about 8-10 weeks ago," Blunstone said of the group's forthcoming album in a recent interview. 

"We’ve already been to America once this year – mostly on the East Coast. Just before we landed for that first tour (of 2022) — we flew on the 26^th of March and the album was finished in that week before we left. So it’s completely finished. I don’t have a release date and I don’t even have a title. I do know the album is finished and it’s interesting because we realized that we like to record with everyone in the studio at the same time... It just gives you that extra energy that we’re playing off one another’s performances." 

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

In addition to Blunstone and original keyboardist-vocalist Rod Argent, the Zombies lineup includes drummer Steve Rodford, guitarist Tom Toomey and bassist Søren Koch. Because the Zombies record in the studio together, the pandemic impacted the process of completing their latest album.

"Because of the pandemic it wasn’t really that easy," Blunstone said of the effort to complete a follow-up to the acclaimed 2015 album Still Got That Hunger. "None of us live close to one another in the U.K. And our bass player Søren Koch actually lives in Denmark. There were only specific times we could get together because a lot of the times in those first two years it was very difficult. You weren’t really allowed to mix (together) in a studio situation. So one way or another, we managed to get an album done. We’re really excited about it."

The Zombies previewed several of the new songs in their only appearance of 2021, a global livestream of their concert live from Abbey Road Studios. That concert event was filmed and is now available as a CD+DVD release titled "The Zombies Live From Studio Two"; the title is available for sale exclusively at the band's concert dates.

The upcoming date in Pioneertown will mark the Zombies' first-ever appearance at legendary Pappy and Harriet's.

"I have heard of the reputation of this place and how unusual it is. I’m very much looking forward to going there," Blunstone said.

Colin Blunstone, seen second from right in this 1960s photo, is
with (from left) bassist Chris White, keyboardist Rod Argent, the late guitarist Paul Atkinson and drummer Hugh Grundy. Photo courtesy of The Zombies

The Zombies' original run lasted from their formation in 1961 until they completed the recording of their 1968 masterwork Odessey and Oracle (the album was ranked number 100 on Rolling Stones' 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time). Incredibly, the group returned in 1999 and has now soared to new heights that included their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Blunstone admits he is amazed at the band's celebrated second act.

"I’ve learned in the music business that you never know what’s gonna happen. And literally, anything can happen anytime. You’re quite right. The Zombies first got together in ’61 and we finished in ’67. So I think it was about (another) year before ‘Time Of The Season’ was a hit in the States. Kind of strange that it was a hit a year after the band ceased to exist. 

"With this band what happened really was I had a solo band and my keyboard player – a lovely bloke, a great player – he had an Achilles Heel in that if anybody asked him to play a concert of his songs he would just go off and just forget about all these other obligations. So I kept showing up to concerts and not having a keyboard player. I had six dates left on a tour and I thought, I’ll just take a chance and see if Rod (Argent) would do these six dates. He was very much involved as a producer at that time. He was having a lot of success and I had no idea if the thought of playing live again would appeal to him and I think he had mixed feelings but he said to me ‘I’ll do those six dates but I think that will probably be enough for me.’ And he really enjoyed it. Who would know from a chance phone call that we would be touring again for the next twentysomething years – 23 years."

Colin Blunstone at the Greek
Theatre in September 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Zombies continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans with their luxurious and signature style of psychedelic rock that is fused with jazz and baroque pop elements. Indeed, the band was invited to open for Arcade Fire at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in September 2018 (read a review of that concert HERE).

"One of the things that really excites us is the new songs get the same sort of reaction as the classic hits, and – also – we can see the people are singing the words to the new songs and that really lifts us when we realize that," Blunstone noted. 

"I think from my point of view the most exciting time for me in the Zombies has been seeing this band grow just through touring and playing live – because we haven’t been particularly active in the charts – just word of mouth through our live performances seeing this band grow from a band playing in rooms in the back of pubs to playing really big venues. It has been definitely the most exciting and fulfilling part of my life to see this band – the second incarnation of The Zombies – to see them grow in the way they have." 

For more information on The Zombies, visit the band's official website at TheZombiesMusic.com.

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.

 * * *

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

Concert review: Brian Wilson and The Zombies bring classics to Fantasy Springs Resort

"Something Great From '68" Tour
Who: Brian Wilson, The Zombies
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, CA
When: Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019


Less than a week after catching The Rolling Stones thrill a packed State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, I was able to catch a decidedly more intimate bill celebrating '60s-spawned rock courtesy of a promising bill featuring Brian Wilson and The Zombies at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio on Sept. 1.

The Zombies performing in Indio on Sept. 1, 2019.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Fresh off the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, England's Zombies have continued to enjoy a well-deserved resurgence because of a number of fortuitous factors including burgeoning interest in the band's 1968 masterwork Odessey and Oracle and a slew of high-profile performances showcasing the fully-intact talents of singer Colin Blunstone and keyboardist-composer Rod Argent. In fact, prior to catching The Zombies in Indio on Sunday night, this writer last caught the band earn a standing ovation opening for Arcade Fire at the Greek Theater in Hollywood in September 2018.

The crowd at Fantasy Springs was rewarded with a special set that covered the band's stellar range of intoxicating material. Opening with the blues rock nugget "Roadrunner" (the Bo Diddley cover was the first song on the band's 1965 debut Begin Here), the Zombies covered plenty of sonic territory over 65 minutes. With a style that seamlessly blends rock, pop, jazz, classical and R&B, the Zombies (also featuring drummer Steve Rodford, guitarist Tom Toomey and bassist Søren Koch) showcased beloved classic material highlighted by a mini-set from Odessey and Oracle including an extended "Time of the Season." However, concertgoers seemed to really appreciate the group's newer tracks (including "Moving On" and "Edge of the Rainbow" off 2015's Still Got That Hunger); a definite highlight was when the Zombies debuted a newly-written song titled "Merry Go Round," a stellar and infectious rock track complete with some shining harmony vocals. Every time Blunstone's amazing tenor would fly or Argent would take off on a virtuoso keyboards solo, crowd members would cheer.

The Zombies' closed out their magical set with a terrific version of their first hit "She's Not There," which featured Argent and Toomey trading flashy solos before Koch and Rodford got into the act showcasing their artful chops too. 

Brian Wilson, lower left, joined by Al Jardine, lower right, in Indio.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Wilson's headlining performance was more complex for the audience — as well as yours truly — to process. Wilson, 77, had postponed a two-week tour in June 2019 focused on "Pet Sounds," noting his long-running bout with mental illness was behind the decision.

Brian Wilson behind the piano. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Watching Wilson wheeled on stage and positioned behind a piano (often motionless during parts of the 95-minute performance) was surprising and unsettling for many in the crowd, but the good news is that the celebrated singer-songwriter brought a terrific ensemble with him to recreate a parade of timeless classics from the 1960s and early '70s.

Al Jardine performing at Fantasy Springs Resort.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Chief among the contributors who brought the classics to life were his Beach Boys bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. Jardine, 76, was particularly strong throughout the show with his excellent work on rhythm guitar and vocals adding to the effectiveness of the set. Indeed, Jardine conjured up magic when nailing the lead vocals on "Help Me, Rhonda," a 1965 hit that first showcased his vocals in the group. Chaplin's vocals and fiery guitar work was put in the spotlight during a rousing take on "Sail On Sailor."

A total of 29 songs were performed, with the biggest hits coming at the beginning of the set and later to close things out. In the middle of the set were 17 mostly-unknown gems pulled primarily from under-the-radar LPs Wild Honey (1967), Friends (1968) and Surf's Up (1971). Particularly stirring of these lesser-known songs was the melodic "Darlin' " (featuring fantastic vocals from keyboardist Darian Sahanaja) psychedelic surf rocker "Meant For You," probing "Til I Die," and vocally-dense "Heroes and Villains."

The night ended on a high note with Wilson and company unleashing many of the Beach Boys' best known top hits including a faithful rendition of "Good Vibrations," the aforementioned "Help Me, Rhonda," "Barbara Ann," "Surfin' U.S.A.," and night-ending "Fun, Fun, Fun."

Review by Robert Kinsler

Arcade Fire and The Zombies thrill capacity crowd at the Greek Theatre

Arcade Fire singer-guitarist Win Butler reaching out during the
band's headlining performance at the Greek Theatre on Sept. 20.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Two special things occurred to me while I was at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles last night (Sept. 20, 2018); I had just witnessed the Zombies performing in the largest venue I had ever seen the English band while at the same time I was equally lucky to see Arcade Fire perform in a decidedly more intimate setting than the previous two times I caught the Canadian troupe at Coachella.

This was not a night to arrive late. The Zombies kicked things off promptly at 7:15 p.m. The band was performing before a mix of fans who were obviously well acquainted with the outfit as well as those who were just being introduced to the group. It's safe to say everyone was a fan of the Zombies' by the end of the band's impressive and inspired 45-minute set.

Zombies singer Colin Blunstone at
Greek Theatre. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Opening with "I Love You," a song originally recorded by the group in summer 1965, singer Colin Blunstone immediately impressed with his soulful and high-reaching vocals. The song itself also provided a great introduction to the quintet's artful mix of rock, pop, jazz and blues that are all essential elements of its groundbreaking sound.

The setlist continued to provide one highlight after another, with the jazz-styled "I Want You Back Again" featuring Rod Argent delve into a delightful and extended piano solo displaying his virtuoso skills on the instrument. "Edge of the Rainbow" blended those jazz stylings with blues.

The Argent-penned hit "Tell Her No" came next, showcasing the musical might of the group's lineup (including the aforementioned Argent, Blunstone along with drummer Steve Rodford, lead guitarist Tom Toomey and new bassist-backing vocalist Søren Koch) and the group's timeless sound.

The Zombies performing at the Greek Theatre.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The end of the Zombies' appearance provided the most magical moments, courtesy of a mini-set featuring songs from the Zombies' 1968 masterwork Odessey and Oracle, which received cheers when Argent noted via a short introduction that a mini-set from the album would be featured. Several faithful and affecting tracks from the classic album were featured, including the baroque-flavored "Care of Cell 44," haunting and sparse "A Rose for Emily" (with only Argent, Blunstone and Koch on stage), the majestic and uptempo "This Will Be Our Year" and riveting "Time of the Season." 

The Zombies ended their fast-moving turn with a potent and rocking take on their 1964 hit "She's Not There," highlighted by

The Zombies acknowledging the love on Sept. 20.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Blunstone's signature vocals and a great instrumental duel between Argent's keyboard playing and Toomey's deft fret work before Koch and Rodford were featured in a dynamic bass-drum instrumental jam section together. 

It was great to see the Zombies' receive a well-deserved big time ovation from the Greek Theatre crowd (Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler would later note "We're so honored to be playing with The Zombies" during his band's set).




Arcade Fire is one of the most original and successful alternative rock artists to emerge since the turn of the century. So it's no wonder the concert on Thursday night was an absolute sold-out affair. The energetic Montreal-spawned collective fully delivered on its talents during an intoxicating two-hour set. Divided into two parts, the concert offered up standout material from throughout the band's career.

Arcade Fire at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 20,
2018. Photo: Robert Kinsler

A band whose live concerts draws comparisons with the golden age of Bruce Springsteen and U2 live outings, Arcade Fire is one of those rare live acts whose fusion of song craft and performance art makes concerts a spiritual experience. I had wondered if that palpable feeling I had experienced with the band at Coachella would translate here in Los Angeles; it did. From the time the six-member group (assisted by three additional touring musicians) took the stage there was the organized and glorious chaos that is Arcade Fire - a strong stream of musicians exchanging instruments, joining in big sing-alongs and enticing the audience to have the time of their life all while lost in the power of music.

Arcade Fire launched the night performing their 2004 debut album Funeral in its entirety, with Butler later saying "We wanted to play our first record while we fit in the clothes." The performance of the album was epic, mostly filling the first half of the set.

Shared lead vocals from Butler and his wife Régine Alexandra Chassagne have always given the band a more interesting dynamic and that proved true this night. And the mix of band members playing everything from xylophone, piano, percussion, woodwinds and strings meant the sonic tapestry here far outdistanced the more conventional approach of so many of Arcade Fire's contemporary rock acts. 

Highlights? Everywhere. Beyond the potent full-length 50-minute performance of Funeral, there was a second act that included the disco delights of "Reflektor" and "Afterlife."

Butler's voice soared into falsetto during the inviting "Put Your Money On Me," one of several compelling cuts from Arcade Fire's latest album (2017's Everything Now). The catchy "Creature Comfort" and brash "Electric Blue" also came off more powerfully in concert then on the original studio recording.

The crowd was on its feet for much of the night and that made moving with the music much easier. A good idea since bona fide classics like the wistful "The Suburbs," explosive "Ready to Start," shimmering "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" and triumphant "Everything Now" were offered up with joyous fanfare.

A magical night to be sure.




Review by Robert Kinsler

Rod Argent performing at the Greek Theatre.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The Zombies Setlist
1. I Love You
2. I Want You Back Again
3. Moving On
4. Edge of the Rainbow
5. Tell Her No
(Odyssey and Oracle mini-set) 
6. Care of Cell 44
7. A Rose for Emily
8. This Will Be Our Year
9. Time of the Season
10. She's Not There


Arcade Fire Setlist
1. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
2. Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
3. Une Année Sans Lumiere

Arcade Fire performing at the legendary Greek Theatre on
Sept. 20, 2018. Photo: Robert Kinsler

4.  Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
5. Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)
6. Crown of Love
7. Wake Up
8. Haiti
9. Rebellion (Lies)
10. In the Backseat (Tour debut performance)
2nd Set
11. Reflektor
12. Afterlife (with New Order's "Temptation" snippet as outdo)
13. Creature Comfort
14. Electric Blue
15. Put Your Money on Me
16. Intervention
17. My Body is a Cage
18. The Suburbs
19. Ready to Start
20. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
21. Everything Now

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