AlphaBetaFrontIntroduction

This odd one-time ensemble by the name “Alpha Beta” actually consists of a couple of familiar artists. First of all Vangelis, who is credited for co-writing both songs ‘Astral Abuse’ and ‘Who Killed ?’. Also involved were Greek singer Vilma Ladopoulou, Vangelis' girlfriend at the time, and guitarist Argyris 'Silver' Koulouris, who also worked with Vangelis on Aphrodite’s Child's final album "666" (1972). Both are credited for co-writing ‘Astral Abuse’. Last but not least is Giorgio Gomelsky, credited for co-writing ‘Who Killed ?’, who is also known for his production of the BYG recording sessions later known by the titles "Hypothesis" and "The Dragon" (1971).

Both songs with obscure vocals by Vilma are rather psychedelic, and more than anything are an illustration of the experimental phase that Vangelis was going through. Vangelis not only worked on the songs, but also (uncredited) designed the pen-drawing printed on record sleeve!

 

Tracklist and credits

  • ‘Astral Abuse’
     Written by Vilma Ladopoulou, Vangelis Papathanassiou and Argyris Koulouris.
  • ‘Who Killed ?’
     Written by Vangelis Papathanassiou and Giorgio Gomelsky.

 

AlphaBetaLabelFrontAlphaBetaLabelBackDiscography

7” single

12” maxi single

  • 2009 Who Killed The Dragon? (The BYG Sessions) Finders Keepers FKRMAXI01 UK includes both 'Astral Abuse’ and ‘Who Killed ?'

CD

  • 2009 “The BYG Deal” Finders Keepers FKR025CD UK (includes ‘Astral Abuse’)

LP

  • 2009 “The BYG Deal” Finders Keepers FKR025LP UK (includes ‘Astral Abuse’)

 

AlphaBetaBackRecording studio

Although not confirmed, considering the period and participating artists it is most likely that this record was recorded in Europa Sonor Studio in Paris, where also Aphrodite's Child album "666" was recorded.

 

More

  • Giorgio Gomelsky produced the recordings of both “Hypothesis” and “The Dragon” but was not involved in their release. Vangelis and Giorgio worked together on several occasions, first on Aphrodite’s Child “666” (1972) and later on this single.
  • Argyris Koulouris is mostly known as the "fourth" member of Aphrodite's Child, who re-grouped in France with the band just in time to work on their final album "666". After that he als contributed to Vangelis' albums "The Dragon" (1971), "Earth" (1973) and "See You Later" (1980), as well as Demis Roussos' album "Reflection" in 1984.

 

Links