EPISODE DESCRIPTION
In this episode of Leviathan & Behemoth, our hosts (Dr. Joey “Leviathan” and Bobby “Behemoth”) officially kick off their new format—a freewheeling deep dive into topics they’re eager to “geek out” on. This time, they focus on The Zombies’ cult-classic album, Odessey and Oracle (1968), recorded at Abbey Road and notable for its Mellotron-laced baroque pop. Although it initially flopped, the album went on to influence artists like Dave Grohl, inspire countless covers and samples, and steadily rise (and later fall) in Rolling Stone’s Top 500 lists.
Topics Covered & Highlights:
Why This Podcast Exists
Joe and Bobby reveal that the show is part “catharsis,” part endless curiosity.
They explain how each episode features a random topic from their ever-growing list of interests—everything from classic music to random pop-culture fascinations.
A Quick Zombies Primer
Initial impressions of The Zombies as part of the “British Invasion,” but with a more delicate, jazz/classical-tinged sound than many contemporaries.
Backstory: Odessey and Oracle was entirely self-produced on a shoestring budget. By the time “Time of the Season” became a hit in the U.S., the band had already broken up.
Track-by-Track Reactions
“Care of Cell 44”: The deceptively upbeat prison-release theme that instantly hooked Bobby (and his daughter), with those warm, Beach Boys–inspired vocal harmonies.
“Friends of Mine”: A celebratory (if slightly odd) roll-call of real-life couples, including the mysterious “two Jims.”
“A Rose for Emily”: Ties to a William Faulkner story and a melancholic, “Eleanor Rigby–esque” mood.
“This Will Be Our Year”: A hopeful, simple gem often featured in shows like Mad Men, underscoring the album’s uplifting side.
“Butcher’s Tale (Western Front 1914)”: A stark anti–World War I piece that contrasts sharply with the album’s otherwise dreamy vibe.
“Time of the Season”: The classic, late-blooming hit famous for its call-and-response vocals and iconic bass line—nostalgic for both hosts from old radio play.
Musical & Lyrical Quirks
Emphasis on Mellotron, baroque chord progressions, and modal shifts (Mixolydian, Dorian).
The airy vocal style of Colin Blunstone—at times reminiscent of Marc Bolan (T. Rex) or Nico (Velvet Underground).
Lyrics that are slightly off-center: from a cheery letter to a convict to a narrator obsessing over his friends’ relationships.
Nostalgia vs. Objective Quality
The hosts discuss how childhood memories (60s music on parents’ car radio, for example) shape our love of certain albums.
Whether “Time of the Season” is beloved for its undeniable catchiness or because it conjures family road-trip vibes.
Side Tangents & Humor
Comparisons to Pet Sounds, Bob Ross as a stress reliever, ephemeral “lost” recordings, and the “what if” scenario of Jim dating two women.
The swirling presence of big questions: “Do we love something because it’s truly great, or because it reminds us of simpler times?”
Final Thoughts & Sign-Off
Agreement that Odessey and Oracle is packed with gentle hope, breezy melodies, and a certain magical off-kilter charm.
A tease that next episode’s topic is decided by the same “random pick” format—so stay tuned.
