BMG has published its first book – a lavish celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Zombies’ seminal album, Odessey and Oracle. It is the first in a series of music-related hardcovers, softcovers, e-books, photo books, audio books and associated projects from BMG, which will explore the intersection of music and culture.
With a foreword from Tom Petty, The “Odessey”: The Zombies in Words and Images was assembled by the four surviving original members of the legendary British Invasion band.
The book is an eclectic collection of photos, original artwork, oral history, and handwritten lyrics for 22 songs, including classics such as ‘She’s Not There,’ ‘Tell Her No,’ and ‘Time of the Season.’ Every song from The Zombies’ cult classic Odessey and Oracle album is included, as well as rare studio snapshots from the 1967 recording sessions.
The “Odessey” is rich with reflections from music journalists and friends, including Brian Wilson, Carlos Santana, Susanna Hoffs, Paul Weller, Graham Nash, Patti LaBelle, Al Kooper, Clive Davis, Cage the Elephant, Beach House, and Nate Ruess of FUN.
BMG U.S. President Repertoire & Marketing Zach Katz, said, “This latest extension of BMG’s service to artists is about seeking out every opportunity to serve our clients’ needs, as well as open new conversations within the BMG framework. It’s about putting our clients at the center, deepening our relationship and working together with them to figure out the best strategy for realizing their creative ideas. It’s also about publishing great books.”
Coordinating BMG’s new books list is LA-based Scott B. Bomar, an award-winning author who penned Southbound, a definitive history of Southern rock, and earned a 2015 Grammy nomination for Best Album Notes.
Said Bomar, “Most artists and songwriters have a story to tell, whether in words or pictures. We aim to give them the opportunity to do just that.”
Further titles due this year include:
- For the Sake of Heaviness, a memoir by Metal Blade Records founder and CEO Brian Slagel in celebration of the label’s 35th anniversary (foreword by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich).
- Wanda Jackson’s autobiography Every Night is Saturday Night: A Country Girl’s Journey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (foreword by Elvis Costello).
- Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout, a memoir by Billy Edd Wheeler best known for writing Johnny Cash and June Carter’s ‘Jackson.’
- Out-of-print titles including British music journalist Barney Hoskyns’ first book Say It One Time For The Brokenhearted: Country Soul In The American South (30th Anniversary edition and first U.S. publication).
