Customer Reviews

As Far As I Can See

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

OK, so it's not Odyssey and Oracle, their '60s masterpiece which came in at #82 in Rolling Stone's top 500 albums of all time. And, yes, the string-heavy production sounds more schmaltzy than baroque. At times it's sabotaged by a production that's more generic '80s than 1960s or 21st century. But this new one's still worth it. Rod Argent writes well developed and evocative melodies. The lyrics are grown up. And Colin Blunstone owns a spectacularly unique voice. If anything, he sounds stronger than ever, though sadly less breathless. Hey, it's a man singing - he can't be 25 forever (neither can we). So listen to him soar on Don't Believe in Miracles (the only non-Argent song here). And here's a pleasant suprise - this album builds in strength so that by the end, you're glad you bought it. Take it for what it is and enjoy.

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.

'As Far As I Can See' is the first Zombies album in many, many years, and for fans of the group (or of Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent), it's a must have. Colin and Rod have been playing together again for some 3 years, and during that time Rod has written a number of new songs with Colin's voice in mind. They have also gathered together an outstanding group of musicians including Jim Rodford (bass), who is Rod's cousin and the person who introduced him to rock and roll (as well as a founder member of Argent). Keith Airie is the ace guitarist featured on the CD, and Steve Rodford (Jim's son) is absolutely stunning on drums. This is the same group that has been touring the US and UK during late 2003/early 2004, and Rod believes that it is the quality of the musicians and their compatibility that made it possible to call this a 'Zombies' album, rather than simply a Blunstone/Argent collaboration.

The CD is a mix of ballads and more uptempo numbers, and without a doubt, the highlight is 'I Want to Fly,' a haunting ballad that makes the most of Colin's poignant interpretation and Rod's beautiful piano solo. The first single from the CD, 'In My Mind a Miracle,' is a piece of well-crafted white soul music, with the fantastic harmonies you'd expect from a Zombies tune. 'Time to Move' is also a great tune, reminiscent of the 60s, with a Beatles-y feeling. 'With You Not Here' is another winner - a lovely tune with a classic Zombies sound. The only song on the CD that has been previously recorded is Russ Ballard's "I Don't Believe in Miracles,' and this has to be the definitive version. If I have to be critical, I'd say that 'Southside of the Street' is the weakest song on an otherwise very strong album.

This CD presents the Zombies at their best: Colin is in fine voice, Rod plays his heart out in his classic style and there's even a 21-piece string section! Buy it and tell your friends about it.

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?

This album took some time to grow on me, but once the songs were familiar I could appreciate them so much more. Instant favorites were the upbeat tunes of In My Mind a Miracle and Time to Move. I Want to Fly and Wings Against the Sun are perfectly suited to Blunstone's hauntingly ethereal voice. With You Not Here and Together feature layered harmonies that are wonderfully satisfying. This version of I Don't Believe in Miracles is proof that Blunstone has only improved with age and Argent's backing vocals add an extra dimension.
Although most people I know rank Memphis among their favorites, I'm not so fond of the string arrangement (it sounds a little Disney) and although it's still a great song, compared to the other incredible songs on this album it falls towards the bottom. The titletrack is slowly growing on me 9 months later (it's jazzy, but slow). The only two songs that I can't say are "great" are Southside of the Street, which sounds predictable and cliche (but perfect for Rod's voice), and Look for a Better Way which is slow and draggy.

This album features a wide variety of sounds, all of them wonderful. Highly recommended!

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.

All I can say is I'm impressed. In the 60's I thought they were "average" and, to be honest, didn't buy a single album.....but just saw them live....and was blown away. Colin Blunstone has the voice of an angel...and the talent to throw it out just right....Rod Argent on keyboards is magical. Colin's voice compares to "the picture of Dorion Grey" in it's strength....thought for a minute a 20 yr. old was on stage. Amazing. Detractors beware....insecurity of the "pop" scene won't discourage real fans...Colin and Rod deserve Pop royalty, the only reason they didn't get it before ( "in the 60's ) was because of their gentlemanly lyrics......which is ( and was ) not popular in wartime ( which is all the time ). Peaceful people will like this.

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.

Saw the two British Invasion veterans play live a year before this CD was released. To be honest, I wasn't all that impressed with this effort. I mean - it's okay. Sone of the tracks I was good with were "In My Mind A Miracle", their closest tune to a Zombies classic "Time To Move" and fellow Argent member, the Russ Ballard penned "I Don't Believe In Miracles". Pretty much aimed toward the die-hard fans and completists.

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.