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John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album.

John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album, and a live audience also puts questions. Featuring exclusive live performances.

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Mastertapes: Series 1: The Zombies (the A-Side)

The Zombies

The Zombies (the A-Side)

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 - Mastertapes, Series 1, The Zombies (the A-Side)

Rod Argent, Chris White and Colin Blunstone on the Zombies' album Odessey and Oracle.

Rod Argent, Chris White and Colin Blunstone talk to John Wilson about their 1968 album, 'Odessey and Oracle'. From December 2012.

Rod Argent, Chris White and Colin Blunstone, embers of The Zombies, talk about their 1968 album 'Odessey and Oracle'. 

Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.

Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.

Both editions feature exclusive live performances of songs from the album.

In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Rod, Chris and Colin to recall how they made the  album. 

When it was released in 1968, after the band had split up, it was indifferently received. But since it has been described as: "one of the great undiscovered works of the psychedelic era" - Pitchfork; "an album that should grace any record collection... essential" - BBC; and "combining the adventure of Sgt. Pepper with the concision of British Invasion Pop" - Rolling Stone.

Those who have cited the Zombies as influences include everyone from Courtney Love to the Magic Numbers and from the Arctic Monkeys to Paul Weller. 'Odessey And Oracle' (the title was mis-spelt by the designer of the cover) contained only one stereotypically summer-of-love hit ('Time Of The Season') - the darker tones and dramatic third-person feel of much of the album (including the likes of 'Care of Cell 44', 'The Butcher's Tale' and 'A Rose For Emily') makes it sound ahead of its time. 

In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.

Producer: Paul Kobrak.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

Mastertapes: Series 1

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John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album

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The Zombies (the A-Side)

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