666 by Aphrodite’s Child
Released: 1972 (Vertigo Records)
______________________________________
As a soundscape guy, I’ve been a fan of Vangelis for a long time. His soundtracks are a staple in my collection and several (Blade Runner, 1492, etc) are all time favorites.
However, I had never really done much background research. Hence, when I was turned on to his progressive rock past (thx BJ), I was intrigued. That this was a double concept album that was an interpretation of the Book of Revelations only made it more interesting.
666 is a creative double record that takes a vision to extreme. Although it has several great driving rock pieces, that’s just the beginning of the story. It’s also ambient, experimental, funky, eccentric, and wonderful including everything from choral chanting to a performance art mantra orgasm.
Here’s “Four Horseman” (if you don’t see the video, refresh the page!)
Aphrodite’s Child is/was:
- Evengelos Odysseas Papathanassiou (Vangelis)
- Artemiros Ventouris Roussos
- Anargyros Koulouris, and
- Lucas Sideras
- and a host of guests
As with Sky, while this was Vangelis’ concept album, for me, it is the grouped collection of talent and performance that takes this record over the top.
While perhaps not the best video ever made, the track ‘Babylon’ is one of my favorites from 666.
AllMusic.com gives it 4½ stars, however, their review notes that “the entire set eventually becomes too overwhelming to sit through”. I actually agree. When I have my iPod on random shuffle and one of these tracks comes up, I always think “wow, super cool” – but my one time through start to finish left me a bit exhausted by the end.
Nonetheless, it’s a record you certainly should hear – and even one worth actually ‘listening’ to. Great texture, great variety, super fun and just plain oddness. I love to hear a vision taken to the extreme and this certainly qualifies!
I’ll leave you with the dreamy sounds of the Aegian Sea. “They’d been told to wait.”
