Socrates - From Persons To Socrates Drank The Conium/The Singles (1968-1982 greece, classic rock with progressive flashes - MP3 320k and FLAC)

The Socrates is the best and most historic Rock group in Greece. The band was formed in the late 60's, by two classmates John Spathas and Anthony Tourkogiorgis.

The Socrates played a mix between Rock - Hard Rock - Blues Rock - Progressive Rock and Heavy Psychedelic Rock. Prior to Socrates, was a short-lived band, The Persons with Ilias Asvestopoulos, (later 2002 GR), they were forerunner of Socrates: Spathas - Tourkogiorgis - Boukouvalas, they released 3 rarely singles.

In 1970 Socrates released their first single "Kleise ta matia sou kai akou/Ela konta mou" for the first and last time in their music career they used Greek verses. Their first gig was in 1970 at club "Bunny", and the "Flisvos.'s famous concert at stadium" Sporting " Christmas 1970, proclaim them the best Greek Rock band of the era and thus gave them courage to continue. This event paved the way for a great career in Greece and abroad.

In 1971, playing in the club "Cell" with a new composition, George Trandalidis - Drums and Johnny Lambizi - Guitar, later the same year Lambizi and Trandalidis left (went to Anadelta) and returns Boukouvalas again the Socrates are as trio. Their participate in the most famous Greek live album "Live In Kytaro" with one and only instrumental song "Electric Socrates", lasting 10 minutes, this piece does not exist in any of their albums.

Their first full length album released in 1972 and has just named the "Socrates Drank The Conium" (PolyGram), produced by Philip Papatheodorou, the album was recorded in only 3 hours, unfortunately it was a bad production, but yet could not hide anything with the virtues of the shape. Songs like: "Live In The Country", "Starvasion" (original performance), "Something In The Air" is unique.

Their second album "Taste Of Conium" released in late '72, again with PolyGram to manufacture Philip Papatheodorou, songs: "Wild Satisfaction" (adapted by the famous song of Rolling Stones "Satisfaction"), "See See Rider" , "Waiting For The Sun", "Born To See Be Free" make sense. Soon after this release they go for an European tour, first stop the Netherlands, seeking their debut effort for international recognition, played at various clubs for 8 months, also at the famous Rock club "Paradiso" where they earn the title of the best group of the month. The club "Paradiso" in Amsterdam had more people than they were in the club next door where Pink Floyd made their appearance!

Immediately fled the Netherlands, when the authorities catch 'em illegally without a work permit. In 1973 Boukouvalas went on to serve his country and Trandalidis came back to join the group with Costas Dukakis - Guitar (Exadaktylos). With this composition they recorded their third album "On The Wings" (in only 8 hours with producer Bob Bean, again PolyGram), considered by many to be the best until then, a harder album with titles such as the "Who Is To Be Blame "," Death Is Gonna Die "," On The Wings Of Death " gives the indication, while their sound is getting much better.

"On The Wings" remains No. 1 in the play-list, in all collegiate radio stations in Georgia USA, for a whole month!!!. This great event for Greek band, referred to praise from the prestigious music magazine Billboard in June 1974. Also posting great reviews from the American press and radio. Shortly after the Socrates try again for an international career, this time went to Paris where they met Vangelis, to prepare for the upcoming European tour. The Socrates accept the proposal and so begun an experience of countless live in Europe, culminating in a live appearance on "Radio Luxemburg", and a lasting personal friendship with the great Greek musician Vangelis.

In 1974 Socrates had several transformations in the membership, and made limited live appearances due to friction with the record label.. Currently the band had visited the following musicians: Anthony Pistolantis - Bass, Costas Karamitros / Fotodimos Tasos - Drums, Nick Politis - Bass and Dimitris Precious - Keys (the latter two find themselves in the group 1978).

In 1975, following another proposal by Vangelis, they went to London (members that time were, Spathas, Tourkogiorgis and Trandalidis) at Orange Studio to record their fourth album "Phos", which was released in the U.S. with different cover from the Greek version. The Socrates no longer resemble to any other band, they have now acquired a unique personal sound.

The "Phos" (Light) is their premier Rock album in the '70s, and is the most commercial album by any other Greek band of all time with over 200,000 sales. This album has been a great commercial success in Europe and America, at a time were many great Musicians released their albums, Billboard magazine more concerned about a great Greek band called Socrates.

The singles Collection is a long travel from their early days as "Persons" through their most creative days up their efforts to international success, many of these single are valuable collectibles.

Tracks
Persons
1. Drive My Mustang
2. All The World Is Mine
3. Young Girl
4. John's Flight
Socrates Drank The Conium
1. Kleise ta matia sou kai akou (Close your eyes and listen)
2. Ela konta mou (Come near me)
3. Take A Ride In The Sky
4. Flying And Dreaming
5. My Only Fellow
6. Friend's Blues
7. Live In The Country
8. Starvation
9. Highway Triper
10. Don't Be Long
11. Queen Of The Universe
Plaza
1. Baby I'm Leaving [John Spathas, Antonis Tourkogiorgis, Nick Antypas, Gary Osbome]
2. Backroom Boy [John Spathas, Antonis Tourkogiorgis, Nick Antypas, Gary Osbome]

Musicians
*Antonis Tourkogiorgis - Vocals, Bass
*Yiannis Spathas - Guitars
*Giorgos Trantalides - Drums
*Ilias Asvsetopoulos - Vocals
*Ilias Boukouvalas - Drums
*Johnny Lambizi - Guitar
*Costas Doukakis - Guitar
*Antonis Pistolantis - Bass
*Nikos Politis - Bass
*Costas Karamitros - Drums
*Tasos Fotodimos - Drums
*Dimitris Polytimos - keyboards
*Pavlos Alexiou - Keyboards
*Costas Ganosellis - Keyboards
*Nikos Antypas - Drums
*Giorgos Zikoyannis - Bass

[ Rip and Scans by MARIOS ]
CODE: 49395