RAIN AND TEARS

Aphrodite's Child were a Paris-based trio of Greek musicians (two of them, singer Demis Roussos and synth maestro Vangelis, later had success as solo artists). In the prog circles they're best remembered for the conceptual double album 666 (released belatedly in 1972), but in the late sixties they made a couple of albums and had some international psych pop hits. Without a doubt the best known is 'Rain and Tears', which still can be heard occasionally from radio. I don't think it's their best 60's song, instead it's very sweet, sentimental and accessible to a big audience. Vangelis' selection of vintage keyboard sounds however makes it pretty listenable to anyone interested in proto prog, and the harpsichord sound gives the song a Baroque pop flavour.

Also the B side song 'Don't Try to Catch a River' was included on the album End of the World (1968). This one's an energetic and rocking psych-era pop song in a fast tempo. Demis Roussos' raspy vocals are backed by high vocal harmonies reminiscent of the early Moody Blues. The song hurries ahead in a very straightforward way without much new details, and for that reason it is quickly worn out. But 'Rain and Tears' has proved to be an evergreen classic, hence three friendly stars for this pop single.