Hey there, this is Johnny Finch! This is my first post on Old Time Review, one of many, I hope! I aim to shine a light on many 1960s hits, with a view to focusing on tracks that hit the UK number one position. First up from the gate, a starter track that has stuck with me for many years. Let’s talk about a huge act from the 1960s!
Today, I want to highlight one of the huge hits by the British band The Zombies. Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone led the founding of the Zombies in 1961. Their debut song “She’s Not There” was a hit in 1964, reaching No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, as well as No. 2 in Canada. It was featured on the album Begin Here.
My History and Analysis of She’s Not There
I first heard this song on a 1960s compilation at a time when I was just learning about the trends of the decade. The front cover featured a black and white photograph of 2 people sitting on the hood of a car dressed in hippy-style clothes. One of them was playing a guitar. If nothing else, the cover helped to establish that these songs were from a different time.
Ever since then, I have always had an appreciation for “She’s Not There”. The organ, paired with the eerie vocal, is sheer 60s perfection. A catchy number that would’ve appealed to the Pop masses but has an edge that keeps the deeper crowd enthused, possibly thanks to the minor key composition. Those high vocal notes, enhanced by the reverb, leave an impression long after they’ve left.
The keyboard, played by Rod Argent (who also wrote the song) leads with a series of riffs, a key highlight being the funky solo in the centre. This is backed by harmonies, lacking the grandeur of later efforts but working for the song. They certainly help to give extra colour during the chorus.
The B Side
The B-side to the UK single, released by Decca, was “You Make Me Feel Good”. The song was written by The Zombies member Chris White. In this reviewer’s opinion, this is a song that shares a lot in common with what bands like The Beatles and The Hollies were doing in this period. The keyboard is still there, but is less prominent. The vocals, which share some DNA with Mick Jagger, lead the way with loud harmonies backing them. It’s a catchy number, but possibly lacks the band’s uniqueness demonstrated on the A side.
In conclusion, I would rate “She’s Not There” very highly. It is a quintessential track of the 1960s, yet it still has relevance today. The song possesses an air of theatricality combined with a touch of youthful naivety, all topped off with a funky keyboard. It’s groovy! “She’s Not There” is available to stream on all streaming platforms.