Fresh Brains

The Zombies' recording pinnacle, Odessey and Oracle, was released 40 years ago this summer. A psychedelic sprawl through strawberried fields and good vibrations, it was initially a commercial failure. By the time it became popular here in the U.S., its creators had disbanded and were selling insurance to more stable members of society. Colin Blunstone's breathy vocals, aided by Rod Argent's supple keyboard skills-some of the best organ solos of the '60s exploded from those 10 digits!-helped the Zombies rise with the British Invasion, only to vanish when things started getting heavy. Following the breakup, both men chased successful solo careers, but the Zombies have only recently returned to touring. Check them out, and make them really earn those surging royalty checks.
Thu., July 17, 8 p.m., 2008