Aphrodite's Child 666 (Deluxe Edition with Dolby Atmos & 5.1 surround upmixes)

[rtbluray]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DF1G8TPK/

666 is one of the most original progressive rock albums of all time. Composed by the late maestro Vangelis, with lyrics written by Costas Ferris, it is a conceptual double album that was hailed upon its release as “a work of stunning complexity and originality” and is the crowning moment in the career of Aphrodite’s Child.

Featuring material such as ‘The Four Horsemen’, ‘Aegian Sea’, ‘Babylon’, ‘Do It’, ‘The Beast’ and ‘All the Seats Were Occupied’, the album’s renown has grown steadily over the decades, influencing successive generations of musicians. Unique and relevant over 50 years after its original release, it is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and important records ever released on the legendary Vertigo imprint, the jewel in the crown from the so-called ‘swirl’ period that refers to the famous label design used between 1969 and 1973.

This box set contains audio remastered versions of the original album mix and the rare 1974 Greek LP version (which featured considerably different mixes to the original LP release), along with a Blu ray disc featuring 96 kHz / 24-bit Atmos & 5.1 up mixes & stereo mix, all of which were overseen by Vangelis. The disc also features the bonus video content of a 28-minute episode of the French television show Discorama from June 1972 featuring Vangelis talking about the album (with English subtitles added).

The boxed set includes a lavishly illustrated book featuring a new essay and original interviews with the band plus many previously unseen photographs that Vangelis sourced from his various archives around Europe not long before his sad passing in May 2022.

 

[SomethingAnything]

I was very interested until I read 'Atmos & 5.1 up mixes'. Still interested, though less excited. I've heard a number of 5.1 upmixes over the years -- some have been better than others. I don't think I've heard an Atmos upmix. I'm just not sure, unfortunately.

How I'd love this to be Albedo 0.39. (But not an upmix of it!)

 

[quadrifonico]

Upmixed?! Less exciting, and by a wide margin.

 

[DuncanS]

Really like the album, but I think I'll wait a bit, as its currently around £88 - and up-mixes, but they were overseen by Vangelis.

 

[izgoblin]

One of my favorite albums of all time.

Unfortunately not a lot for me to get excited about here. I already have the Greek LP, and it's interesting to hear the alternate mixes which extend many tracks and avoid the segues, but the segues were a part of the magic of the original. The Greek remix is definitely no substitute.

As others have said, surround upmixes? Yuck.

The only content here that excites me is the booklet and video. I'll have to think hard whether I really care to plunk down $100 or so just for those. BTW, does anyone know what label is putting this out? Other than the Amazon UK listing, I can't find anything about this.

 

[GOS]

When I follow the link, I get a page not found. Hmmm

 

[DuncanS]

When I follow the link, I get a page not found. Hmmm

Yep its disappeared!

One of my favorite albums of all time.

Unfortunately not a lot for me to get excited about here. I already have the Greek LP, and it's interesting to hear the alternate mixes which extend many tracks and avoid the segues, but the segues were a part of the magic of the original. The Greek remix is definitely no substitute.

As others have said, surround upmixes? Yuck.

The only content here that excites me is the booklet and video. I'll have to think hard whether I really care to plunk down $100 or so just for those. BTW, does anyone know what label is putting this out? Other than the Amazon UK listing, I can't find anything about this.

Before it vanished it said it was UMC

 

[edisonbaggins]

Pass

 

[Sthunderrocker]

Day one haters!

 

[PurpleMoustache]

Hmmm… despite an upmix, overseen by Vangelis… will wait for impressions.

 

[Sthunderrocker]

As I recall the SHM sacd had issues. This is worth it for the high res stereo if nothing else.

 

[H.A.L.]

I looked for it but couldn't find it!

 

[jsulzinger]

Link is back

 

[bgf1973]

Good Price in Amazon.fr. Ordered

 

[Armidge]

The Good:
It's nice to see the Greek Version getting a more wide release, and on CD. It's interesting to compare the different versions of the album, and I spent many years tracking down a decent copy on vinyl. It will be at the very least "interesting" to hear a surround upmix of the album, but not sure that could ever be my "go-to" version.

The Bad:
Most of the tracklistings I've seen so far omit "infinity," which of course is one of the most controversial tracks on the album. While this may make the album generally more listenable, especially in front of the kids, I do not like any reissue that forces me to keep older versions because of a) missing content, or b) poor quality sound when compared to earlier versions (yeah, Duran Duran - I'm looking at you).

The Ugly:
Any remaster "overseen by Vangelis" gives me great pause, unfortunately. I have nothing but respect for the man and his music, and am a MASSIVE fan. But when it comes to revisiting his work in a modern setting, his remastering choices have left me sorely disappointed time and time again. The worst offense is his adding more reverb to everything, which leaves some passages with staccato notes or drums very muddy, with a decay of several additional seconds. That alone has changed the whole sound of the albums for the worse, IMO. Sure, there is still a good amount of dynamic range, certainly more so than some of the recent Japanese reissues of the RCA albums, but I'd much rather hear the music than the echo of the music. Then there have been edits to the tracks and a HUGE lack of bonus material. The best reissue/expansion of Vangelis' work was BR25, and even that doesn't include everything. But original album, bonus tracks, and unreleased from the vault? More of that style of reissue, please!

UMC/Vangelis' Estate: If you want someone who knows what fans want to craft upcoming Vangelis reissues, while maintaining the excellent integrity of his work - please contact me. Or maybe talk with the Prince Estate. (But seriously; contact me.)

As I recall the SHM sacd had issues.

Which issues were those? I have the SHM SACD, and mostly my gripe is that there isn't enough low end to give it some punch. Would love to hear your take.

 

[H.A.L.]

Just announced on Burning Shed, so I pre-ordered. I'm a sucker for Greek music!

 

[svengaleekie]

Just announced on Burning Shed, so I pre-ordered. I'm a sucker for Greek music!

https://burningshed.com/aphrodites-...-john_4cd_blu-ray?filter_tag=Aphrodites_Child

 

[mandrix]

Ordered off the Shed, like hours ago. If there's even a marginal improvement, I'm if not gratified, then a little appeased.
There was a Tampa AM rock radio station (remember those??) who had to sign off at sundown every day. The final song played every day was from 666, though now I don't recall which one as that has been...what? 50 years ago?
Take that, you darned young whippersnappers!

 

[mandrix]

I'm guessing it was maybe Aegian Sea. Or maybe just cause I like it...of course I'm probably wrong. The SACD I have is soooo messed up...

 

[Sthunderrocker]

The Good:
It's nice to see the Greek Version getting a more wide release, and on CD. It's interesting to compare the different versions of the album, and I spent many years tracking down a decent copy on vinyl. It will be at the very least "interesting" to hear a surround upmix of the album, but not sure that could ever be my "go-to" version.

The Bad:
Most of the tracklistings I've seen so far omit "infinity," which of course is one of the most controversial tracks on the album. While this may make the album generally more listenable, especially in front of the kids, I do not like any reissue that forces me to keep older versions because of a) missing content, or b) poor quality sound when compared to earlier versions (yeah, Duran Duran - I'm looking at you).

The Ugly:
Any remaster "overseen by Vangelis" gives me great pause, unfortunately. I have nothing but respect for the man and his music, and am a MASSIVE fan. But when it comes to revisiting his work in a modern setting, his remastering choices have left me sorely disappointed time and time again. The worst offense is his adding more reverb to everything, which leaves some passages with staccato notes or drums very muddy, with a decay of several additional seconds. That alone has changed the whole sound of the albums for the worse, IMO. Sure, there is still a good amount of dynamic range, certainly more so than some of the recent Japanese reissues of the RCA albums, but I'd much rather hear the music than the echo of the music. Then there have been edits to the tracks and a HUGE lack of bonus material. The best reissue/expansion of Vangelis' work was BR25, and even that doesn't include everything. But original album, bonus tracks, and unreleased from the vault? More of that style of reissue, please!

UMC/Vangelis' Estate: If you want someone who knows what fans want to craft upcoming Vangelis reissues, while maintaining the excellent integrity of his work - please contact me. Or maybe talk with the Prince Estate. (But seriously; contact me.)



Which issues were those? I have the SHM SACD, and mostly my gripe is that there isn't enough low end to give it some punch. Would love to hear your take.

Yes it's not a very good master in my opinion. Also some were claiming that there was some really high-end noise on that disc. It didn't personally affect me. But that's what some have said.