6 6 6

Being born in the early 70s it was pretty normal to find a Demis Roussos album festering in the vicinity of the old hi-fidelity gramophone device so beloved of my parent's generation. Little did I know back then that the Greek warbler and purveyor of clothing resembling the finest in psychedelic window drapes would had involvement in such a bizarre yet charismatic combo such as Aphrodite's Child. Fast forward to early 90s when I first got 666 on CD after hearing The Four Horsemen on a Vertigo compilation album. Intriguing to say the least, not something you would hear on daytime radio and certainly not something you would have on in the background at a shindig. Nevertheless it is worth visiting if only to hear two unique musical artists before they became famous for entirely different types of music. Perhaps it's fair to say that Vangelis didn't stray too far from his musical palette in future times but of course, Roussos became much more well known for his Greek flavoured MOR. Perhaps this is a little unfair as there weren't too many vocalists of the 1970s who had the pitch and range to match. It's easy to look back on this period with humour and sarcasm (much of which can be justified) but further exploration can often reveal lesser known gems that deserve rediscovery.Quite so here and what better excuse to indulge than a nice hefty vinyl reprint, faithful to the original with the famous Swirl labels ready to send you into a psychedelic frenzy should find yourself with nothing better to do than stare at them. Actually, I do quite like watching records revolve. It has a kind of calming feeling.Mastered from proper analogue sources at Abbey Road where they're pretty good at doing this type of thing well. Happy to say they succeed again here. The usual irritation at lack of poly lined sleeves applies again here but it's a minor point and I really can't get excited about it as they're easy enough to buy anyway.Major record labels get a rough time but as far as reissues and catalogue regeneration go, Universal are at the top of the game. Sure, they don't always get it totally right but a look at their recent releases shows they have a solid commitment to vinyl and the ability to do it well. I'm not convinced at their pricing levels, considering them to be on the high side but in defence, this is a premium product, aimed at a small market with a limited pressing meaning that the price per unit is likely to be considerably higher. Worth paying for? In this case, yes. Used original copies of this album are hard to come by in decent condition and do command a high price. Being on the Vertigo label makes the collectibility higher and prices are just plain ridiculous for those who prefer to PLAY our records as opposed to just having them to look at.I like it. It won't be a massive seller at the price but it is a perfect example of music from a time when artistic ambitions could be fulfilled without having to sell your soul to the corporate beanpushers. Long before Autotune, dynamic compression, Simon Cowell and rap destroyed real music we have something that is worthy of still being talked about over 40 years since it first came out.

I had quite grand expectations for this album. It is one that I would have preferred to have on vinyl, but I caved in and got the CD to enjoy during the Covid lock down.The first part of the album is nice symphonic prog. The second part becomes very psychedelic. If you like that sort of thing then I'd recommend the album.

I had been after this album for the last 25 years - and watching "High and Dry" comedy on BBC 2 - identified the Album and I was transported back to a time when I could listen to loud music without being told to turn that down. Simply wonderful

This is a limited edition red vinyl. It looks excellent. The music is of its time: extended musical athletics that stretch even the most loyal of progressive music appreciation. Two tracks hold up really well, The Horsemen and the Aegien Sea. I mostly think the albums best are found on the first of the two discs. Side three is way too off the wall and feels like vangelis was doing way too much mind altering experiements. Overall I love the theme and treatment of the subject. A cult classic.

Absolutely and totally nutty. The best known track "Four Horsemen" is brilliant and the most cohesive piece on the album. The rest is Alice in Wonderland meets Timothy Leary at the orgy after the black mass - chants, tinkling bells, strange moans. Like I say of its time and wonderfully nutty. You need a sense of humour but gotta say I think it's terrific.

This album was released in the early seventiesI was a 16 year old apprentice into hard rock like zep and sabsThe 10 years older engineer I was working with said that 666 and dark side were the best albums everI disagreed but now I can appreciate the musicianshipI have mellowed with age

cd arrived on time and plays very well

Take this album with a pinch of salt brilliant wacky experimental start of great things to come