Best of ~ Vangelis
Bjorn Viberg | European Union | 04/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an amazing 2002 compilation. I found it in the bargin bin in Loddekopinge at the local Maxi Ica. I was a bit suspicious since the prize was rediculousy low but I wanted to give it a try since Vangelis is a true master of electronic music. This compilation covers mainly his works from the 70's with one exception that being track number 9 which was released 1991. Vangelis work from the 70's is heavily influenced by the soft keyboard sound of the time and it sounds a bit like Jarré's work at the same time and a bit of a touch from Kraftwerk. Anyone that thinks that electronic is played by muisicans that could not handle "real" music will be in for a surprise as this kind of music is not for the novice but requires the same skills as for a classical piano player. Vangelis is truly an amazing artist, musician and composer. The book-let features a very nice photo of Vangelis playing and inside it has very to the point and well written story covering the artist and his music. This is a grand compilation for a very reasonable price."
Nostalgia is a dangerous thing
Dogboy | Detroit, Michigan | 11/13/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I had several Vangelis LPs in the 1970s and 1980s, and I recall enjoying them. I had a hankering to hear some of that music again, so I purchased this album because I recognized the names of most of the tunes. While I managed to satisfy my cravings for revisiting Vangelis, I was sorely disappointed to learn that this music wasn't nearly as good as I remembered. With a couple of exceptions, Vangelis's formula is simple: Write a catchy riff (a skill at which he excels) and then repeat it over and over again until the listener becomes bored and, eventually, annoyed. Maybe he adds some additional layers or embellishments in subsequent retellings, but there's rarely enough variation to hold my attention. I've realized, in retropect, that what attracted me most to Vangelis was his mastery with creating and layering mostly synthetic sounds, a fairly novel occupation in those days. Nowadays, artificial sound sources are nothing new, so it's hard to have much appreciation for this music without forcing oneself to constantly refocus on how "new" it was at the time. This music survives almost entirely on its electronic novelty. The compositions are mostly dull, the arrangements are limited in imagination, and I can't imagine wanting to listen to this CD a second time. It's just too boring, repetitive, and predictable. I still have admiration and respect for Vangelis and his accomplishments. Unfortunately, I don't have the same admiration for his music anymore."
A "GEM" of a collection!
Charles S. Holzheimer | Centennial, CO | 05/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While summarizing a career spanning over 40 years on one disc is a little pretentious, this is truly a gathering of quality pieces from Vangelis.
I own very few Vangelis recordings and wasn't going to go back and buy the whole library. I did give this disc a chance and was very pleasantly surprised. Each song stands on its own as a great composition. Some are highly energetic and others are soothing and relaxing. Either way, every one of the songs is great.
I highly recommend this as either an introduction to Vangelis' work or as a well-chosen select few from a great composer."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1