Long time readers of these pages might recall that The Zombies "Odessey & Oracle" is a Top Ten of all time for me. The band, which includes original members Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent and amazingly, bassist Chris White, are performing the album in its entirety for the first time in the U.S.. Needless to say, I am coming out of my skin with excitement.
My friend Dan caught them in Boston last night and his positive review has erased some of my doubts about the upcoming event. But he did say one thing, having nothing to do with "Odessey & Oracle," that I found interesting.
"(The Zombies played) 2 sets - the first mostly new stuff with a few defining hits sprinkled in. I usually want to flee when 60s bands do new stuff, but I thought most of the stuff off the forthcoming album was nice and solid - that never happens."
I started thinking of other 60's bands who had released "nice and solid" new material long after the fact and came up with exactly none. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough or maybe I just want you to do it. I am interested in your suggestions.
23 comments:
How about the Yardbirds' 2003 album Birdland? Half made up of pointless retreads with unsuitable guest guitarists, but the other half consisting of solid new material brought to life by the excellent 21st-century line-up (plus a guest appearance from jeff Beck).
Moody Blues early 80's comeback? They reinvented themselves in a very nice, tasteful way, and a few of those songs have hung around over the years.
Bee Gees? Case to be made for their 70s reinvention after faltering and nearly dying out in the early 70s -- granted, not decades removed, but no one expected that.
Give me time on this one - I'm sure I'll turn up a least a band or two that falls into the "decades later" category.
I liked more than a couple songs off the Animals reunion album of about 1977 called Before We Were So Rudely Interrupted, especially their killer take on It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (which is the song I heard off it that made me buy the album back in the day). And the Sonics album that came out this year, This Is The Sonics, is freakin' great. Finally, When J. C. Fogerty made his mid-80s comeback, he came back running on all cylinders. So there are 3 off the top o' me 'ead.
C in California
Nothing major comes to mind. While I give it more thought, enjoy this Link Wray instrumental, "Switchblade" recorded in 1979, 25 years after "Rumble". The rest of the album, "Bullshot" doesn't disappoint, either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qcQ5yx9O_A
I didn't pose any rules to the suggestions, but a band like The Bee Gees never really went away, like say The Zombies or The Sonics. It doesn't matter really, just something I realized I should have pointed out.
Another random detail is that I can't count The Yardbirds. It's just the rhythm section, which is hardly the band from the 60s. My personal rule is, original singer and original songwriter must be in the band.
You'll be glad you went! I saw The Zombies at B.B. Kings in NYC about a year ago, and they were fantastic!
That Beach Boys reunion was a pretty good record.--Bill
The one that quickly jumps out at me is The Band's "Jericho" album.
Traffic's "Far Away Home" was a good record.
I agree with Sal - far removed reunions are generally meh. Of the ones I looked forward to most, both of the Stooges comeback albums have been one-note affairs, and the first Hot Tuna album with new material in a long time (Steady as She Goes) had a few keepers but was mostly just okay.
Sal reviewed the latest Black Sabbath some time ago - was it a mixed review?
The first song on the Sabbath reunion record put me in a bad head. It was basically the song "Black Sabbath" just slightly twisted and my first thought was "This is a joke." I went back to the record weeks later and just gave it a fair listen and now I really dig it...just not that first tune.
Not the Sonics? That reunion album is (so far) on my top-10 for 2015...
Do the Johnny Cash American Recordings count?
Yes he never really "went away" but ...
I saw the Zombies maybe 3 or 4 years ago and they were fantastic. Colin was in a great voice. Should be a good show.
I know this isn't a 60s band, but I'm really liking the Libertines' reunion album.
Bruce H
The two Gary U.S. Bonds albums from the early 80's, produced by Little Steven, practically written by Springsteen. Check, please!
Steely Dan's 'Two Against Nature'
Suede's 'Bloodsports'
I didn't realize the Libertines album had dropped until I saw Bruce H's comment. I'm about halfway through and really enjoying it.
I still say The Pretty Things even though you've obviously consigned my earlier comments to the waste bin. Oh well!
@Dogbreath
NO previous comments received. Would never ignore or trash your words.
The Sorrows released a fine new 45 this year.
just heard the new zombies. yes, nice and solid.
You say "NO previous comments received. Would never ignore or trash your words". I say I'm touched (although not as often as I'd like) and thanks for the kind thoughts. Luckily my piece in praise of The Pretties was hardly the most erudite or enlightening in the history of human literature!
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