The English band The Zombies was formed in 1962 in St Albans by Rod Argent (organ, piano, Mellotron, vocals) and Colin Blunstone (vocals), together with Paul Atkinson (guitar, vocals), Chris White (bass, vocals) and Hugh Grundy (drums, vocals). With their bizarre name, the group perfectly captured the spirit of the British Invasion era. After winning a competition for beat groups, the quintet were signed to a record deal by the major label Decca and recorded their first single. She’s Not There became their first big hit in 1964. The song reached number 12 in the UK charts and even climbed to number 2 in the US.

They subsequently released their debut album Begin Here in April 1965, which features this timeless hit, which sold over a million copies as a single! In addition to several excellent original compositions, their first LP includes a selection of imaginatively interpreted R&B cover versions, which are primarily based on elements of blues, pop and rhythm & blues. A magnificent early LP from the British Invasion, which anticipated the future trend towards psychedelic pop rock earlier than almost any other release and which the band would go on to help shape significantly years later with their second, magnificent album Odessey and Oracle. Today, the original UK mono pressing of this cult LP is quite rare and highly sought-after!