Sunday, December 16, 2007

This Will Be Our Year

With my recent acquisition of a time machine (See previous post) I've been capitalizing on any and all trans-generational travel opportunities. Let the zeitgeist be damned I say. My model T.M. is no Millennium Falcon (she can't do the Kessel Run in under twelve parsecs), but she will get you there more efficiently than a De Lorean DMC-12. Tough luck Michael J Fox, technology has grown since 1985.

Back the the Future II - Main Title

Anyway this week I can't get enough of The Zombies. Kind of like sex for some people - you can forget how good it is if you stay away for too long. The Zombie's 1968 release, Odessey and Oracle is infamous for its title misspelling of "Odyssey" - a mistake by the cover-designer and roommate of bass player Chris White. The album is hailed as the only genuine Zombies release because unlike their previous recording, it contains only original material, written by Chris and Rod Argent. The first, undeniably catchy single "Care of Cell 44" made a splash in the UK as well as abroad. Odessey is consistently regarded as one of the 100 best albums ever produced, cited on several top lists by many reputable music sources including Rolling Stone and MOJO.

Elliot Smith, and most recently OK GO are among the contemporary artists to have covered Zombie's tracks. So heres to another crusader of the British Invasion. Tis the Time of the Season to be thankful for all of England's musical exports; Pink Floyd, The Cure, Massive Attack, Gang of Four anyone? I can even manage the strength to be thankful for the shitshow that is Pete Doherty these days. Give him some more drugs and watch him work his magic.

The Zombies - Care of Cell 44

The Zombies - Time of the Season

The Zombies - This Will Be Our Year

OK Go - This Will Be Our Year

Sidenote: I think I dropped LSD just by looking at this album cover.