ua

ua

Monday, July 07, 2025

Various: Return Of The Creeps (The Singles) 2000

 

One of the first and most influential independent record labels in Greece, Creep Records, which was founded in Athens in 1982, played a major role in the circulation of music, counterculture, and ideas. Its short but rich catalog featured some of the most important bands of the domestic new wave, post punk, and dark wave scenes. In just four years, Creep released a series of iconic albums, which to this day remain works of priceless emotional and historical value. On the other hand, it is impressive that the bands have their own material, promoting this and not any possible covers, quickly gaining a foothold, playing regularly in the clubs of the time (Aretousa, Sofita, Kyttaro, Pegasos, etc.) and creating a small, but fanatical audience, which would support, to the extent possible, the discography, despite wider suspicion.
                                   

Various – Return Of The Creeps - The Singles
Label: FM Records – FM 8226, Ήχος & Hi-Fi – 49/323, Creep Records – none
Format: CD, Compilation, Reissue
Country: Greece
Released: 2000
Genre: Rock, Pop
Style: Post-Punk, New Wave 

TRAXS

                     


01. Metro Decay – Κειμήλια = Treasures   4:26
Performer – Αντ. Μανιάτης, Γ. Μανιάτης, Κ. Μάστορης
02. Clown – Κλόουν = Clown   3:5
Performer – Γ. Αναστασόπουλος, Ευ. Τσιπούρας, Η. Αναστασόπουλος, Πην. Λάππα
03. Yell-O-Yell – Imitation Of The Real   1:30
Performer – Ευάγ. Καζιλιέρης, Φιλώτας Βασκαλής, Χαρ. Κυρκιλής
04. Villa 21 – Move   5:44
Performer – Άννα Ποθουλάκη, Ανδ. Παπαδόπουλος, Κ. Ποθουλάκης, Μπ. Δαλίδης
05. Headleaders – Voices   2:15
Performer – Σπ. Φάρος, Ιωσήφ Μπασελιέ, Λάκης Χαλκιόπουλος, Φρανκ Βακούλας
06. The Reporters – I Wanna Know   4:03
Performer – Γ. Ρουμάνης, Κ. Ποθουλάκης, Χρυσ.Μουράτογλου, Π. Καραμικές, Σ. Σταθόπουλος
07. Clown – Λευκά Κελλιά = White Cells   4:35
Performer – Γ. Αναστασόπουλος, Ευ.Τσιπούρας, Ηλ. Αναστασόπουλος, Πην. Λάππα
08. Metro Decay – Σκιές = Shadows   3:25
Performer – Αν. Μανιάτης, Γ. Μανιάτης, Κ. Μάστορης
09. Yell-O-Yell – Crow's Complaint   4:30
Performer – Ευάγ. Καζιλιέρης, Φιλ. Βασκαλής, Χαρ. Κυρκιλής
10. Villa 21 – My Last Chance   3:35
Performer – Άννα Ποθουλάκη, Ανδ. Παπαδόπουλος, Κ. Ποθουλάκης, Μπ. Δαλίδης
11. Art Of Parties – Central Room   3:55
Performer – Αθαν. Οικονόμου, Κ. Κυριακίδης, Παν. Βασιλάκης
Performer, Music By [Uncredited], Lyrics By [Uncredited] – Δημ. Βασιλάκης
12. Headleaders – Her Ways Are Cold   2:50
Performer – Σπ. Φάρος, Ιωσήφ Μπασελιέ, Λάκης Χαλκιόπουλος, Φρανκ Βακούλας
13. The Reporters – Computer World   3:40
Performer – Γ. Ρουμάνης, Κ. Ποθουλάκης, Χρυσ. Μουράτογλου, Παρ. Καραμικές, Σόλων Σταθόπουλος
14. Art Of Parties – Last Time   4:30
Performer – Δημ. Βασιλάκης, Κ. Κυριακίδης
Performer, Music By [Uncredited], Lyrics By [Uncredited] – Αθαν. Οικονόμου, Παν. Βασιλάκης
15. Headleaders – I'm Living Like A Fool   4:00
Performer – Σπ. Φάρος, Ιωσήφ Μπασελιέ, Λάκης Χαλκιόπουλος, Φρανκ Βακούλας
16. Villa 21 – I See No!   5:05
Performer – Άννα Ποθουλάκη, Ανδ. Παπαδόπουλος, Κ. Ποθουλάκης, Μπ. Δαλίδης
17. Yell-O-Yell – Shoot The Truth   6:30
Performer – Ευάγ. Καζιλιέρης, Φιλώτας Βασκαλής, Χαρ. Κυρκιλής

NOTES


Track 1 title is not actually translated, but loosly transliterated. The correct word could be 'heirlooms" or "relics".
Track 3 title is incorrectly listed as "Immitation Of The Real".

METRO DECAY


New Wave group formed in Athens, Greece, in 1981. The group was founded by Costas Mastoris


(Κώστας Μάστορης, keyboards) and Yannis Maniatis (Γιάννης Μανιάτης, drums), with Maniatis' younger brother Antonis (Αντώνης Μανιάτης, vocals, guitar), as well as Yannis Rodites (bass) soon joining in. Their first public appearance took place at the Kyttaro club in the spring of 1982 in Athens. Their major break-through came in September, in the legendary 3-Day festival at Sporting Stadium, supporting The Birthday Party, in front of a very hostile audience. After that Roditis left the band, joining Magic De Spell. The group vowed to continue as a trio, writing completely new songs. Around

that time, Babis Dallidis of Creep Records (2) heard about them, and suggested they do a single for his label. In March 1983, the single "Κimilia / Skies" was released.  In 1984, their first and only full-length album was released, again by Creep Records, which had been recorded in November 1983. The first album by the band Metro Decay was titled ''Transcendence''. This is a landmark album in the Greek rock scene. The album includes eight tracks, three of which are instrumental. 

CLOWN


In 1983, their first and only album was released. It


was a 7'' vinyl "Clown / White Cells", with two songs ("Clown" and "White Cells"), which was released by the historic "Creep Records". In the song "White Cells", the lyrics conveyed the meaning of the white cells of Stammheim, in the isolation of everyday life. The band Clown was one of the most

distinctive bands of the underground Greek music scene. With their intelligent compositions, combination of new wave, post-punk and more general alternative elements, as well as their unique lyrics, the group still exudes mystery and interest to this day.

YELL-O-YELL


They formed in 1982 in Athens, Greece. One of the darkest band of the greek post punk scene . Later


the bassist of Headleaders (and also member of Rehearsed Dreams) participated at the band. They made a lot of appearances along with Headleaders and Villa 21. They were the first group that signed at the legendary Creep Records. Between 1982 and 1983 they released the 7" "Shoot The Truth" with three tracks and a mini lp titled "Funtime". In 1984 they released the lp "Hello Hell" again on Creep Records,

and in ' 86 the lp ΧΙΙ-13 from Smash Records. (The other greek post punk label which released only 3 Lp's). The drummer of the band on lp ΧΙΙ-13 was Andreas Ferdianakis. Ex member of punk band "ex humans" and later member of "south of no north" and be bop jungle (The other greek post punk label which released only 3 Lp's). Unfortunately the singer / guitarist Fill Scars died in early 90's from drugs overdose. 

VILLA 21


This is one of the greatest bands made in Greece... Αt the end of 1981 Kostas Pothoulakis (former


member of " Parthenogenesis " ) and Adda Labara formed Villa 21. The punk and the new wave experience of pothoulakis in "Parthenogenesis" and "The Reporters " along with the music influences of the rest of band's members created the final sound of Villa 21. Villa 21, Their first appearrance was at "sofita" club in 1982. In 1984 supported Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and in 1987 "Membranes" and "Wipers". At Creep Records released their first single (1982) called "villa 21", also the single "move"

(1983) and on the same year the Lp "A Ghost On The Move". Also in October 1988, "Wipe Out Records" will release an EP, in 1000 copies, with four songs, by the group Villa 21, entitled ''House Of The Damned''. The recording of the album ''House Of The Damned'' took place at Blue Moon Studios on July 9, 10 and 11, 1988. The album moves on more rock paths than what we were accustomed to from the band ''Villa 21'' in their early years and was one of the independent albums that crossed the

Greek borders and sold satisfactorily abroad (America and Europe), garnering significant reviews from the Greek and international press. Also participated in "World Class Punk" tape compilation of "Roir records" They released some more records but they changed gradually their music style to garage punk. The band disbanted in 1991. In 1993 Kostas Pothoulakis was killed in a car accident.

HEADLEADERS


Post-punk group formed in Kypseli, Athens (Greece), in 1981 by teenagers Lakis Halkiopoulos


(guitar, vocals, songwriter), Josef Bachelier (drums, vocals) and Frank Vacula (vocals). After a few months of rehearsing, they recorded 3 songs, with Spyros Faros joining in on bass. The single "Voices" was released in 1982 by Creep Records (2). After that Vacula had to leave the band, for his (mandatory) army service. The group frequently played in Athens underground club 'Sofita' alongside

fellow Creep bands, Yell-O-Yell and Villa 21. After releasing their debut album "What It Means To Me", they disbanded in late 1983. Faros went on to form Rehearsed Dreams (and also played with Yell-O-Yell), Bachelier played with Next To Nothing (2), and Halkiopoulos played in Fade (14) (aka Secondhand Daylights). Halkiopoulos and Bachelier also formed the project Folder#9 in 1999 (playing in a different style than before). Josef Bachelier died in 2006. Spyros Faros passed away in 2022.

THE REPORTERS


A few gems made it amidst the anemic Greek new-wave scene, like this debut by the Reporters,


offering a neat compromise between angst and accessibility. formed in early 80s. Band member kostas Pothoulakis also participated in other bands like "Parthenogenesis" (the first new wave band in greece) and Villa 21. They released a 7" in 1982 and the lp "Bare hands" in 1983. In true new-wave fashion, "Fear" combines tight danceable grooves along with tense, In true new-wave fashion, "Fear" combines tight danceable grooves along with tense, claustrophobic synthesizers. Their sound becomes even more

effective with "You And I" - which alternates between slow and fast tempos and is garnished with tormented sound-effects. "Bare Hands" is the best yet, built around a progressive structure: at first a slow-motion cold-funk, which then gets really tormented with a synthesizer deviation, before it embarks in a cyclonic journey of frozen agony. 

ART OF PARTIES


A band somewhere between new wave and new romantics, they formed in the early 80s in Athens, Greece, and took their name from a track out of the "Tin Drum" album by the British band Japan. In


early 1980, schoolmates Θανάσης (classically trained guitarist) and Παντελής (self-taught multi-instrumentalist) started jam sessions in the Athens suburbs of Nea Smyrni and Palaio Faliro, trying to indoctrinate each other into their favorite artists (Van Der Graaf Generator, Peter Hammill, & Peter Gabriel VS The Beatles, Bowie, & The Jam). About a year in, schoolmate Γιώργος Ορφανουδάκης, who was working at an Athens record store at the time, joined in on drums. His broad exposure to all kinds of new music (Talking Heads, Medium Medium, Echo and the Bunnymen, Japan, Roxy Music, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Specials, and many more) and the addition of Δημήτρης on bass were a defining influence to the band's aesthetic, an influence that followed them for years to come. They performed ~a dozen of gigs, mainly at outdoor mini festivals and private houses, before they were

approached by Μπάμπης Δαλίδης of Creep Records in 1983. Γιώργος was replaced by Κώστας Κυριακίδης, another Nea Smyrni native and the most experienced performer in the band at the time, as the rehearsals for the upcoming recording sessions were getting under way. There are no Art Of Parties recordings available with Γιώργος Ορφανουδάκης on drums. Γιώργος has since owned and operated various restaurants, exhibition spaces, and nightlife spots in Athens, including the famous Stavlos in Θησείον. He continued drumming with The Brush, a garage band, from 1985 to 1992, and then again from 2005 to 2012. He currently runs at Aplika in Nea Smyrni.

Flac Size: 812 MB

Saturday, July 05, 2025

The Confederate Dead: Acetate 2013 + It Was Meant To Happen 2022 + Flamingo 2023

 

"The Confederate Dead" can refer to two things: the actual deceased soldiers of the Confederate States


of America from the American Civil War, and a band named The Confederate Dead. The band, active in the late 2000s and early 2010s, played psychedelic rock music. Their name is likely a reference to the historical concept of Confederate soldiers who perished in the war. 
                   

Formed in 2008 in Portsmouth by Butchy Davy, Tomas Clifford, Ashley Page, Tom Day and Vernon Grech, they made their mark on the London music scene. Their music, which draws influence from the

psychedelic movement of the 1960s, is a kaleidoscope of swirling guitars, eerie vocals and hypnotic rhythms. They have influences ranging from sixties psychedelia to Islamic prayer and back to neo/psych drone and you can hear hints of their eclectic influences such as Galaxie 500, The Asteroid No.4 and Joy Division.
                        

The listener is invited to explore this labyrinth of emotions, to follow the path from sadness to hope, despair to resilience. They read the environment, they are deeply aware of what is happening around

them and they try to convey it to the audience. Their lyrics want to shake, to provoke thought and reflection in an apathetic and indifferent world. They combine elements of rock with the sounds of psychedelia in a masterful way, which expands and awakens the mind.
They transcend the boundaries of the rock and psychedelia genres as well as the music industry and create exciting works by diving into uncharted musical waters. 
                     

Songs of color and death, with influences ranging from 60s psychedelia to Islamic prayer and Neo Psych/Drone as well as Galaxie 500, The Doors, Joy Division and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The

Confederate Dead are the epitome of psychedelic rock. The Confederate Dead's distinct fusion of rock and psychedelia produces a surreal aural experience that carries listeners into another planet. Their music is an auditory voyage that transports you to a surreal world of psychedelic sounds and alluring lyrics. The band distinguishes itself from its contemporaries by combining elements of rock with the mind-expanding sounds of psychedelia. 
                      

The Confederate Dead have made a name for themselves in the music business with their distinctive

brand of Psychedelic Rock and thought-provoking lyrics. Some of their best songs, such as "Where Flowers Grow," "You're So High (When You, Cry)," and "Acid Tongue," have won them praise from the critics and a devoted following. It is evident that The Confederate Dead's music had a lasting impact on listeners and will continue to do so for years to come.
                               

LINE - UP
                      


Butchy Davy 
Tomas Clifford 
Jessica Spencer 
Ashley Page 
Tom Day 
Vernon Grech

THE CONFEDERATE DEAD - ACETATE 2013

                          


Opening with "Tangerine Eye" they waste no time in asserting their intent for the record, with hazy

vocals that make you sit up and listen closer and an infectious guitar riff that hooks instantly, this will appeal to anyone with any kind of psychedelic inclinations. A haunting guitar comes into play and alongside the staccato accompaniment, they make a heady concoction. 
                       

The Confederate Dead – Acetate
Label: Not On Label (The Confederate Dead Self-released) – none
Format: CDr, Album
Country: UK
Released: 2017
Genre: Rock
Style: New Psychedelic, Alternative
    
TRACKS

                          


01. Tangerine Eye    3:37
02. Black Noise    3:47
03. She's Not Right    3:53
04. Say Goodbye    2:38
05. Take Your Time    3:44
06. Sartre    2:47
07. Get Out    2:49
08. Charun Pahul    2:26
09. Crimson Memory    4:38
10. No Need To Hide    6:25

Flac Size: 247 MB

THE CONFEDERATE DEAD - IT WAS MEANT TO HAPPEN 2022

                    


It Was Meant To happen  is aptly named, as the music it covers is far reaching. Anyone with any interest in psychedelia should listen to this LP, the way the genre is traversed could be messy, but The Confederate Dead do it with mastery. The Confederate Dead have enthralled audiences in the UK and

abroad with their contagious enthusiasm and untapped ability. The freedom and rebelliousness in their music invites listeners to embrace their inner hallucinogenic selves. Rock's potential to break down barriers and produce profoundly transcendent experiences is demonstrated by The Confederate Dead's music. This record goes from apocalyptic crunch on tracks like 'Man Ray' and '79,52…..' to cavernous swagger such as 'You're So High (When You Cry)' through to stoned afternoons amongst the flora on 'Where Flowers Grow'
                   

The Confederate Dead – It Was Meant To Happen (2022)
Label: Flower Power Records – FLOWER02D
Format: CD File
Country: UK
Released: Apr 29, 2022
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Indie Rock, Space Rock

TRACKS

                         


01. Already Dead    3:30
02. Lo-Fi    3:38
03. You're So High (When You Cry)    4:51
04. Need To Know    2:31
05. 79,52    4:33
06. Man Ray    3:07
07. Where Flowers Grow    4:22
08. How I Feel    5:08
09. Fascination    3:36
10. The Girl I Never Knew    2:48

BONUS TRACKS


11. Alteration    1:56
12. Have You Ever Thought    4:38
13. Someone Else Instead    3:04
14. Slip Inside    2:18
15. Daisy    2:33
16. She Low, She High    4:11
17. I know, It's Not Right    3:35
18. A Letter To You    2:34
19. The Lady Of Versaille    2:35
20. Fade    5:27

NOTES


The Confederate Dead debut album 'It Was Meant To Happen' contained only 10 tracks, originally released back in 2012
This is a new remastered version of the album released via Flower Power Records in April 2022, containing 10 new, never before released bonus tracks (20 tracks in total)

Flac Size: 422 MB

THE CONFEDERATE - FLAMINGO 2023

                    



Flamingo' is not just an album; it is a voyage through the labyrinth of heartache and healing. Each track resonates with the overarching theme of the album, yet each presents a unique interpretation of it. Every

song echoes the same meaning, the same core narrative, but from a different emotional lens. The listener is invited to explore this kaleidoscope of feelings, making their way from sorrow to hope, despair to resilience. The decision to name it 'Flamingo' was made long before the album cover was finalized. Fate, it seems, conspired to bring us to a picturesque Italian seaside town, Gatteo a Mare, where a hotel called 'Flamingo' stood as a beacon on the coastline. 
                      

As the azure waves lapped the golden sand, and the setting sun painted the sky with its warm hues, the

vibrant 'Flamingo' hotel became a spectacle to behold. Our dear friend and accomplished photographer Maximillian Hetherington was with us during this trip. Maximillian had also shot our debut album cover 'It Was Meant To Happen,' and once again, his lens captured the magic of the moment. 'Flamingo' is not just an album but a tes'mony of resilience, a testament to the human ability to stand tall amidst life's turbulence, embodying the graceful balance of the flamingo.


The Confederate Dead – Flamingo
Label: Up In Her Room – UIHR015, Little Cloud Records – LC-083
Format: Album, Limited Edition
Country: UK, Europe & US
Released: Jun 16, 2023
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Alternative

TRACKS

                  


01. Let Love Go
02. It's Too Late
03. Misery
04. It's Always You
05. Unhappy
06. Love Is What You Make Of It (When It Dies)
07. My Love, I Try
08. Something Neu
09. I Am Nothing (I Can Be)
10. See & Feel The Light

Flac Size: 236 MB

Thursday, July 03, 2025

Headstone Circus: Headstone Circus 1968

 

This project turned out to be a real beauty. Headstone Circus was formed in 1966 by Glenn Faria (who


also released some solo music on World In Sound). This beautiful album was recorded between 1968-1970, and on the first spin it is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – four-way street electric sides. Well-composed, well-performed, and in line with some of the better Neil Young albums, with an extra weird touch. "Around 1966, Nick Bonis, Mike Johnstone, Randy Pope, and I formed a psychedelic band. 
                         

Around 1966, Nick Bonis, Mike Johnstone, Randy Pope, and I (Glenn Farla) formed a psychedelic band. On a Halloween night we went to an old cemetery, dropped acid, and spent a very strange night

amongst the tombstones. The tombstones appeared to be melting and taking on animal shapes. Some of us saw spirits, and I'm not sure what I saw, but it was disturbing. Afterwards we referred to that night as the "HEADSTONE CIRCUS". It seemed appropriate to call ourselves HEADSTONE CIRCUS as a band so we did!!
                    

˝The band called Washington, D.C. home and the line-up featured Nick Bonis on bass, Faria on vocals and lead guitar, Mike Johnstone on rhythm guitar, and Randy Pope on drums. With Faria writing their

material, the band apparently recorded material over a two year period, but never scored a contract, or attracted much local attention. That's unfortunate since based on these twelve tracks, they were an immensely talented outfit who managed to soak up then-prevalent sounds (Allman Brothers, Buffalo Springfield, CSN&Y, Neil Young, etc.), without losing their own identity. 
                            

Faria had a wonderful voice that was flexible enough to cover the entire musical spectrum from blues ('Born In Georgia') to commercial pop ('Reach Out') and the rest of the band were never less than

impressive with guitarist Johnstone showing major talent whenever he stepped into the spotlight. The abundance of CSN&Y influences (check out 'Bear Down') meant this wasn't the most original album you've ever heard, but it was fun from start to finish and way better than a slew of better know million sellers. You had to wonder why it took decades for this one to see the light of day. Wonder if he band members ever saw any royalties off of this one...˝ 

LINE - UP


Nick Bonis: Bass 
Mike Johnstone: Rhythm guitar 
Randy Pope: Drums
Glenn Farla: Vocals and lead guitar

                           

Headstone Circus – Headstone Circus
Label: Shadoks Music – SHADOKS 061
Format: CD, Album, Remastered Jun 5, 2007
Country: Germany
Released: 1968 - 1970    
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Folk Rock

TRACKS

                      

                    

01. I'm Goin' Down    4:37
02. You Don't Know    6:51
03. Summers Gone    4:43
04. I'm Crazy    5:57
05. Healer    4:09
06. Arms Of God    3:31
07. Born In Georgia    3:55
08. Reason To Live    3:15
09. Reach Out    2:45
10. I Hear The Thunder    3:43
11. I Love The Wind    4:11
12. Bear Down    5:17

Flac Size: 274 MB