THE ART OF DÉMIS ROUSSOS AND APHRODITE'S CHILD

There are a thousand ways to read a band. In the case of the Greek Aphrodites Child it becomes very complicated in its simplicity to read his story in such a way as to enter into why this compilation is not a split compilation. The problem is that Aphrodites Child was a band that produced a vaguely progressive POP that had Vangelis as the lead songwriter and a great singer like Démis Roussos. Except "666" which, however, for me, is a Vangelis album, the style of Aphrodites Child is similar to that of Procol Harum, I Dik Dik, The Moody Blues and other similar bands. "666" is full Progressive. But, as mentioned, I don't read "666" as a band album. The dissolution of Aphrodite's Child opens up a small problem. On the one hand Vangelis was a source of wealth for the Phonogram. But she thought it would be better to focus on Aphrodites Child's singer and bassist, Démis Roussos. The problem was that without the compositions of Vangelis Démis he could have been shipwrecked. Instead he didn't happen. The split of Aphrodite's Child opens up a small problem. On the one hand Vangelis was a source of wealth for the Phonogram. But at Phonogram they thought it would be better to focus on Aphrodites Child's singer and bassist, Démis Roussos. The problem was that without the compositions of Vangelis Démis he could have been shipwrecked. Instead he didn't happen. Therefore it was natural for Phonogram to extend the band's contract to Démis Roussos alone, at least to take advantage of the moment. Incredibly Démis was successful. Even as an author. The compositions lost the Progressive elements gaining those Folk elements of the Greek tradition which, however, were never really exhibited at the forefront. In general, although the style is still that of Aphrodites Child pre "666" we can, in the singer-songwriter Dèmis (because this became), insert it in the Schlager genre, without scandalizing anyone. Listening well to Démis roussos, however, I am surprised at how much he has managed to compose extraordinary songs, full of epicity (linked to light arrangements yet steeped in epicity), building a repertoire that is not at all trivial (and, for me, superior to the Aphrodites Child repertoire ). In the case of Démis Roussos, a more unique than rare case in history, we can say that the operation of transferring Aphrodites Child fans to Démis Roussos was successful. And (mystery of musical history?) I have not yet found anyone who mentions "666" among his acquaintances when we discuss Aphrodites Child and Démis Roussos as one entity.

"The Art of Démis Roussos and Aphrodites Child" is a compilation, in conclusion, that I recommend to all fans of Aphrodites Child and Démis Roussos (and to those who love the music of the groups mentioned in the review and do not know Aphrodites Child or Démis Roussos). It is really well built and not at all obvious.