Odessa (Deluxe Version)

This deluxe edition of the band's fourth album, the daring two-record set Odessa, makes a strong statement for the group's creative and innovative drive at this early peak in its career. It began as a concept album that fell apart amidst internal squabbling between Barry and Robin, but was issued as an elaborate felt-covered, gatefold collection that boldly announced its importance. The extended format allowed the group to indulge. Yet, the group's pop sense kept things under control. The title track explodes over seven minutes; however, the group delivered more modest and beautifully orchestrated pop songs for "Melody Fair," "First of May" and "Lamplight." This deluxe edition offers 22 unreleased tracks: primarily demos and alternate takes that students of the artistic process will find invaluable, as the alternate takes feature instrumental backing later erased from the finished product, as well as "With All Nations (International Anthem)" featuring vocals that were later removed for the official instrumental version. Fans of the Zombies' Odessey and Oracle, the folk stylings of Nick Drake, and ornate pop of the psychedelic era should be easily seduced by this often over-looked classic.