Time of the Season

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the psychedelic classic "Time of the Season" by The Zombies from their 1968 album Odessey and Oracle. This track, written by keyboardist Rod Argent, was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in September 1967, right after The Beatles wrapped up Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. In a 2015 NPR interview, Argent shared that he played John Lennon’s Mellotron, left behind in the studio, which added that dreamy, swirling vibe to the song. The band even used some of The Beatles’ seven-track recording techniques, allowing for richer overdubs that give the track its lush sound.

Here’s a wild tidbit: "Time of the Season" was a sleeper hit. Released as a single in 1968, it didn’t catch fire until early 1969, over a year after The Zombies had already broken up. Thanks to Al Kooper, a musician and Columbia Records A&R rep, the song got a second chance. Kooper pushed for its release after earlier singles like "Butcher’s Tale" flopped. A DJ in Boise, Idaho, started spinning it relentlessly, and it snowballed into a U.S. chart-topper, hitting #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Cashbox chart. Sadly, as Rod Argent told Sound on Sound, the band was already done by the time it blew up, with members moving on to new projects.

Another quirky fact comes from a 1998 reissue of Odessey and Oracle by Big Beat Records. It included an alternate mix of "Time of the Season" with instrumental backing under the chorus vocals, which were originally a cappella. This gave fans a fresh take on the song’s iconic “ahh” harmonies. The Zombies’ X account celebrated the song’s legacy, noting on March 29, 2019, that it hit #1 on Cashbox exactly 50 years before their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Fans still rave about its influence, with covers by artists like Jake Shimabukuro in 2018 and its #349 spot on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The Zombies kicked off in 1961 in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England, when Rod Argent, Paul Atkinson, and Hugh Grundy started jamming together. Argent, the keyboardist and vocalist, wanted to form a band and initially asked his cousin Jim Rodford to play bass, but Rodford was tied up with another group, the Bluetones. Instead, Rodford helped Argent recruit Chris White as bassist and Colin Blunstone as lead vocalist, rounding out the classic lineup. According to their bio on their Facebook page, the band’s name came from a playful suggestion, fitting their quirky, youthful energy.

By 1962, The Zombies were gigging locally and signed with Decca Records. Their 1964 single "She’s Not There" became their first hit, cracking the charts in both the UK and U.S. Their blend of melodic pop, jazz influences, and Argent’s classical training set them apart. Despite early success, they struggled financially, leading to their 1967 split after recording Odessey and Oracle. Post-breakup, Argent and White formed the prog-rock band Argent, while Blunstone briefly left music for an insurance job before returning as a solo artist. The band’s story didn’t end there—revivals in the 1990s and 2000s, driven by Odessey’s cult status, brought them back together for tours and new music.

Stay connected with The Zombies’ official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts. Fans can join the vibrant The Zombies Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and memorabilia. For deeper dives, check out fan sites like AllMusic or Discogs, where collectors share rare vinyl details and album credits.