THE CREATURES were an Italian 80s Synth Pop group that was influenced by ITALO DISCO formed back in 1981 which was lead by ANTONELLO DIFINO on vocals, SANGY on Guitar/Bass/ Synthesizer /Percussion, CRISTINA DORI and CRISTINA SARTORI both on backing vocals. Well, this band should not be mistaken with the former band of SIOUXSIE SUE of Siouxsie And The Banshees with the same name "The Creatures". This is "The Dr. Stirring Rhod Way" of remembering the ITALO band "THE CREATURES" since I haven't seen any in-depth feature of the band anywhere in the web. YUP!! Only here on "The Doctor Is In"!! I just tried my best to make a good blogpost about the band and I hope you guys will like it. THE CREATURES were introduced here in MANILA by DZBM POWER 105 back in 1986 by playing the Classic Extended Version of "JAPAN" which was considered as a POWER EXCLUSIVE back then. This song was the one and only MANILA hit from the band. Although in other parts of the globe THE CREATURES will be remembered with their song entitled "MAYBE ONE DAY", that's different here in MANILA because the song didn't made it to the radio airwaves back in the 80s. THANKS to POWER 105, the song "JAPAN" became an instant hit for PINOY NEW WAVERS back in the 80s and It's the trademark song of the band here in the MANILA. That's for the underground scene since the song did not make it into pop status. I thought of featuring THE CREATURES here on my little blog due to this song which is very much into the news because JAPAN (The Country) is still coping up with their tragedy on the Earthquake, Tsunami, and most especially the Nuclear Power Plant crisis which hit them recently. Like in the lyrics "Sending out an S.O.S. to you" makes you think the real score of JAPAN as a nation right now . Back in the 80s, we really don't consider this song as being an ITALO DISCO here in MANILA, but then again It's NEW WAVE the PINOY FLAVOR I may say. I really love this oriental flute sound on the song "JAPAN" which is very enchanting as if calling for werewolves.WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO OF "MAYBE ONE DAY" HERE:
THE CREATURES made albums from 1982-1988. Their First and Second album have the same titles "L'Altro Mondo Studio" released in 1982 and 1983. Even though both albums have the same titles, they have different tracklists and have new set of songs. The band's other albums were "Believe In Yourself" (1983), "Solar Eclipse" (1985),and Concerto No.1 (1988). They also released a 12 inch extended version of their song JAPAN (1986) which made the playlist here in MANILA Radio.
L'Altro Mondo Studios back 1985
This same club and The Creatures show appeared in 1983 film Jocks entitled ANGELI IN DISCOTECA.
THE CREATURES according to DJ Flemming performed very differently and hitech in their Live Shows on a Club called "L'Altro Mondo Studio" in Rimini which the band's first and second album titles came from wherein by the time of the album production they were still tied up with the club. DJ Flemming remembered their show back in 1983 as having the state-of-the-art laser show and robots on the dance floor oozing with positivity and uplifting energy. The band continued performing in the club up to 1986. Hmmmp? A sort of Space Odyssey I guess like the band's photo above. THE CREATURES definitely had dazzling audiovisual productions and performances and are known with their wonderful video concepts.
MY VERY OWN "THE CREATURES" MATERIALS:
1) JAPAN 12 inch Extended VINYL RECORD
2) THE BEST OF THE CREATURES CD
It's a must for PINOY NEW WAVERS to have both these materials from THE CREATURES especially if you are like me who still loves to collect the ORIGINAL and the REAL THING if you get my drift. Well, THE CREATURES' "JAPAN" 12 inch Vinyl is still one of the most expensive 12 inch record I ever bought and I guess It's worth the savings since It was the only song that made it big here in MANILA back in the 80s and having it in my collection just brings back those memories. If you'll notice, the front art cover of "JAPAN" is really great and a bit colorful which was done by Franco Storchi and was conceptualized by Gilli. It was recorded at Sandy's Recording Studio at Vicenza, Italy and was mixed with Sony Digital System. It was licensed and produced by L'Altro Mondo Studios in Rimini,Italy. I also bought "THE BEST OF THE CREATURES" CD made by ZYX Records which was released back in 1990. This is just to know the real kind of music of the band. It contains 9 great tracks but unfortunately, their song "JAPAN" is not included in the CD compilation. Wheeew!! I just can't believe it. Just the same I think having the CD can make you learn and listen to the real sound of THE CREATURES. The track entitled "MACHINE'S DRAMA" sounds like more of an instrumental of Human League's classic hit "Don't You Want Me". Since It's Graduation Fever here in the Metro then their song "AIDA" can make you feel marching on your graduation. YUP!! That's in the latter part of the track. The CD cover photo was by Stefano Ferroni. Personally, I find the CD contents very interesting and It's really ITALO.
LISTEN TO "MACHINE'S DRAMA" HERE:
WATCH THE VIDEO OF "JAPAN"
I included the Lyrics of "JAPAN" just in case you wanna sing along with it while listening to the PIANO VERSION which is like a Sing-Along version. Of course ,I uploaded the classic 12 inch Extended Version of "JAPAN" and I made it available for download if you are interested to have a copy of it. And come to think of it, the lyrics has a little relevance to what's going around JAPAN as a nation today. Hmmmp? Makes you wonder right?
LISTEN TO THE 12 inch EXTENDED VERSION OF "JAPAN" HERE:
DOWNLOAD THE SONG HERE:
LISTEN TO THE PIANO VERSION OF JAPAN and SING ALONG WITH IT HERE:
(courtesy of Kabayan Noisebox)
JAPAN- THE CREATURES
LYRICS
It?s a new kind of war, that?s the war of today
You can?t wait anymore but you can?t go far away
They will find you somewhere, Many places the same
They will be everywhere, this is no videogame
REFRAIN:
Sending out an SOS to you
Standing here, it could be just too late
Sending out an SOS to you
We are heading to a ruthless place
Now the danger?s inside you
The situation is brand new
Those who know it are too few
One more day could be too late so we can't wait anymore
CHORUS:
Japan, Japan
Japan, Japan
The future is today
I do hope you ENJOYED my exclusive blogpost on ANTONELLO DEFINO and the rest of his ITALO DISCO Band "THE CREATURES". THANKS for dropping by!!
JAPAN, JAPAN,
The future is today!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD
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