The Zombies Odessey and Oracle Vinyl LP 1998 30th Anniv Big Beat WIKD 181 NM/EX

$

55

#THE ZOMBIES - ODESSEY AND ORACLE (30th Anniversary Edition)
### UK Big Beat Records • Cat No: WIKD 181 • 180g Heavyweight Vinyl Mono/Stereo
### Mastered from Original Analog Tapes • Pressed at Record Industry (NL)
**Discogs Release ID:** r1317966
**Matrix / Runout (Side B Stamped):** 53314 2B WIKD 181 and Side A

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## ITEM CONDITION & SELLER NOTES

* **Vinyl Condition:** **Near Mint (NM / M-)**
The wax is absolutely gorgeous, maintaining its original brilliant, glossy factory sheen. It plays beautifully with clean, crisp audio. Features the iconic 1960s-style classic orange center labels with the distinct embossed/raised texture around the spindle hole.
* **Sleeve/Jacket Condition:** **Excellent (EX)**
The stunning, vibrant gatefold jacket is in phenomenal shape. There is **no ring wear, no seam splits, and no tears**. The colors remain incredibly sharp and clean. The only minor flaw keeping it from perfection is a **tiny, gentle bend on the left corner** that has not broken or torn the cardboard. It has been meticulously stored in a protective sleeve.

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## ABOUT THIS LEGENDARY PRESSING

For audiophiles and serious collectors, the **1998 30th Anniversary Big Beat pressing** is widely considered the absolute definitive vinyl edition of this masterpiece.

* **The Analog Master:** Cut directly from the original 1967 Abbey Road master tapes, this release is famous for its punch, clarity, and warm low-end.
* **The "This Will Be Our Year" Correction:** Standard stereo pressings of this album notoriously feature an artificial, muddy "fake stereo" mix of this track. This 30th Anniversary edition corrects that historical mistake by using the rare, definitive **true mono mix**—meaning you get to hear the song with its gorgeous, original horn section fully intact.
* **Premium Pressing Plant:** The matrix code **`53314 2B`** confirms this copy was manufactured at **Record Industry in Haarlem, Netherlands**, universally recognized as one of the finest precision vinyl pressing plants in the world.

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## THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF "ODESSEY AND ORACLE"

Recorded at the legendary **Abbey Road Studios in 1967** (right on the heels of The Beatles finishing *Sgt. Pepper's*), *Odessey and Oracle* is one of the pillars of 1960s psychedelic pop.

* **The Famous Spelling Error:** The distinct spelling of "**Odessey**" on the ornate, psychedelic cover art was actually a mistake made by the band's designer, Terry Quirk. By the time Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone noticed the misspelling, the jackets were already printed. Rather than cost the band money they didn't have, they kept it—immortalizing the typo in music history.
* **How Al Kooper Saved It:** The Zombies actually broke up shortly after recording the album, thinking it would be a commercial failure. It was only when legendary American producer Al Kooper bought a copy in London, fell in love with it, and practically forced Columbia Records to release it in the US that the album was saved from total obscurity.
* **The Masterpiece:** Propelled by the massive, late-blooming success of the psychedelic anthem **"Time of the Season,"** the album eventually took its rightful place in history. Today, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with The Beach Boys' *Pet Sounds* as an unmatched showcase of baroque instrumentation, Mellotron-driven arrangements, and breathtaking vocal harmonies.

**Tracklist Highlights:** *Care of Cell 44, A Rose for Emily, This Will Be Our Year, Time of the Season.*

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*Ships securely in a dedicated cardboard record mailer with the vinyl removed from the jacket to prevent seam splits during transit.*

Please reach out with any questions. Thank you so much for your interest! Pamela Sweet-Piece ☮️