Zombies Album: “As Far As I Can See...”

With the possible exception of Colin Blunstone's sublime solo album "One Year," this is the best and most consistent recording he or Rod Argent have released since "Odessey and Oracle" (which is name-checked in the superb opener "In My Mind a Miracle") -- and a convincing Zombies album. If you don't care for baroque rock, you probably shouldn't be listening, but "As Far As I Can See" also delves into the bluesier side of The Zombies, where Argent and Blunstone are perhaps most musically in accord now.

For me, the problem tracks are "Southside of the Street" -- a little too sunny and strutting to feel in character for these specialists in sultry bittersweetness -- and what seems the umpteenth redo of "I Don't Believe in Miracles," a fine song which Colin has been trying to make a hit for many years, without success (without commercial success, anyway); your mileage may differ, of course. All in all, this is a classy, uplifting and sometimes moving album which finds these rock veterans palpably rediscovering their passion for the unique musical personality they form together.

"As Far As I Can See" deserves and rewards the support of everyone devoted to The Zombies and their still remarkably contemporary-sounding music.

I used to run to the record store to buy their new 45s. I saw Bunnie Lake is Missing 10 times to hear them sing "Just Out of Reach." I was and still am the biggest fan of these guys! Blunstones voice is from somewhere else and As Far As I Can See both inspires and haunts me.I always loved Argent's keyboard work too! Everyone I have had listen to this absolutely loves it! What do we have to do to get these guys the recognition they deserve?

As far as I can see, this CD is lacking a center of purpose! As a huge fan of the Zombies, this CD has little or no relationship to the simple, yet amazing band from the 60's. Although we expect musicians and their music to evolve, this isn't the evolution I had hoped for. This CD gives off an overproduced impression with some of the songs sounding like out-takes from a Broadway show, while others are reminiscent of forgettable 80's pop. Unfortunately, I expected much more from these two musical icons, but this CD isn't it. Colin Blunstone's voice is still one of the best to ever grace a pop record and Rod Argent's talent requires no explanation, but that isn't enough. Maybe one day they can make a CD that's simple, leave the overbearing strings behind and get back to their brilliant rock roots. Maybe they could just re-record some of their best stuff from the 60's, but if it means they'll sound like this CD, forget it.

This CD is no gimmick put together to cash in on the bands name and nostalgia. It was crafted with great pride, thought and care.

It also represents a true group effort. The distinct vocals of Colin Blunstone are supplemented by wonderful background vocals and arrangements. The songwriting is accomplished and complex. I agree with the reviewer that the collection gets progressively stronger after the first few songs.

"Time To Move" is an excellent rocker and easily could have been a nice follow-up to "Just Out Of Reach" or "Time of the Season". Most of the other selections are more sophisicated but have the Zombies trademark. The diverse musical and vocal arrangements hold and captivate your interest after repeated listening.

This CD illustrates these performers remain energetic and creative with a real passion for their craft. I hope and suspect this music will not represent a closing footnote on this group.

They obvious have a lot left in them and this work compares very favorably with any of the new "singer songwriters" being hyped today.

I would give this a strong 4.5 stars if possible.

Interestingly I recieved Odyssy & Oracle in the mail the same day as this album. I played Odyssy & Oracle first and then this second. To my surprise I liked this album better. Sure there is no Time of Season masterpiece on this album, but if you compare all the other songs from odyssy & Oracle with this album, then I believe this album edges out a victory. The Zombies don't sound like their name might imply. They are a very layed back group on all their albums. This album has the 3 main players from the original Zombies- Bluntstone, Argent and White. White is only used as a backup singer. Bluntsone and Argent have reignited their songwriting collaborations and are really in tune with each other. In My Mind A Miracle is great song, I Want To Fly is super beautiful, Time to Move is more uptempo and works, I Don't Believe in Miracles is a great story and enchanting, Look For A Better Way is a great ballad with political overtones. Of the rest of the songs I like them all except for Southside of the Street which comes across to me as too scrambled musically. Overall this album is slightly more energetic than the extremely laid back Odyssy album. Both are good, but I play this one more often than the supposed classic everyone raves about. For me that means Odyssy is slightly over-rated and this album is definately under-rated. I definately would recommend buying this one if you like the Zombies at all. It's a shame comebacks are so often overlooked by the commercial interests.