Vangelis - Spiral (1977) [Japan (mini LP) CD 2006] Re-up

Produced at a time when Greek keyboard wizard Vangelis was at the height of his success during the late 1970s, SPIRAL leaves behind the overtly classical pomp of 'Heaven and Hell', whilst also avoiding the obscure sonic experimentation of later albums. The result is not only one of Vangelis' most accessible recordings, it remains essential listening for fans of electronic music in general. Vangelis is one of the pioneers of instrumental rock, and the title track of SPIRAL highlights the keyboard sequencing technology which was then just being developed. The breathtaking flurries of notes twist and turn with mechanical precision, while the spiralling arpeggios are brought together by a series of percussive impacts. Vangelis is generally associated with dazzling keyboard virtuosity, but this album also emphasises his stunning talent as a percussionist. The most celebrated track on the album is 'To The Unknown Man', a title which now lends itself to the recently published Vangelis biography also available from Amazon. For many, this piece personifies the majestic, romantic sound which typified the composer's work during this period, and its popularity as a soundtrack to television programmes helped to send him into the soundtrack stratosphere of 'Blade Runner' and his Oscar-winning score for 'Chariots Of Fire'. Elsewhere, SPIRAL offers a commercial mix of electronic rock, jazz and fusion elements. This combination is especially effective on the track 'Ballad', with its strange vocal overlay making it one of Vangelis' most appealing musical experiments.





Track Listing

01. Spiral (06:58)
02. Ballad (08:31)
03. Dervish D (05:18)
04. To The Unknown Man (09:06)
05. 3+3 (09:37)

Produced by Vangelis

Notes

K2 24-bit Remastered
RCA Years Papersleeve Collection
Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Gatefold, Cardboard Sleeve

Released in Mini LP designed gatefold packaging with credits including OBI strip and French fold-out b&w Japanese insert w/essay [解説] by 片山　伸 [Shin Katayama]



Many thanks to the original uploader: italia57

SEE also:
Jon Anderson 1985 3 Ships [Japan 1st Press, 1987]

Vangelis 1975 Heaven And Hell [Japan (mini LP) CD 2006]
Vangelis 1978 Beaubourg [Japan (mini LP) CD 2006]