Just when you thought you’d bought your final, definitive copy of The Zombies’ farewell statement – surely 14 bonus tracks can never be trumped? – along comes yet another new format for completists and purists. In the case of this reissue of Odessey & Oracle, the minimal ‘new’ CD repackaging formula is oddly rewarding. It comprises the original album in all its symmetrical, perfectly balanced 12-track glory, with original front and back sleeve art, original vinyl labels as the only inner-sleeve adornment, and original sleevenotes where they’re meant to be – on the sleeve.
USP-wise, the slenderness of the CD package is identical to that of an LP, leaving your authentic 1968 record-playing experience lacking only a half-time trip to the Dansette, artwork six times this size, and 40 years’ worth of innocence and optimism.
Luckily, that’s just where The Zombies come in with their beautifully staged glimpses of loneliness, love and war, all completely overlooked on initial release. The powerful melodies and personality of the self-written/ performed/produced set remain undiminished, arguably even enhanced just a fraction.
