FORSE LE LUCCIOLE NON SI AMANO PIÙ

In the ever more saturated crevices of my musical hippocampus, I was sure I had long since reviewed this memorable Italian one off, perhaps in fact the quintessential representative of that all too common phenomenon in the 1970s. I had it pretty much mapped out - a sparkling instrumental followed by an equally effervescent title followed by largely interchangeable and unmemorable albeit pleasant pieces culminating in an unabashed crooner anthem bonus that perhaps highlighted their strengths best. After years shelved, I have returned to it while listing it for sale, and, while my impression hasn't changed much, I do need to fill in a few blanks.

If albums be judged as sequences of robust and oh so romantic - the title translates to "Maybe the fireflies don't love each other anymore" - vocals and eminently pleasurable arrangements of keyboards, guitars and flutes, "Forse de Lucciole..." is top drawer, no question. I am not saying this is an invalid way to assess an offering of substance such as this, just that in and of itself it is not enough for me. Given the emphasis on melody here, it's shame how few are more than ephemeral, here now gone in 10 seconds. Is this fair? After all, music is meant to be savoured in the here and now, isn't it? Who cares if you can't hum 2 bars after it's over when you are buoyed for 40 minutes? I get this argument too, but part of my enjoyment is in scaling the lattices and gaining a 30,000 foot view of the production, and unfortunately with LOCANDA little is gained from the exercise beyond the exercise itself.

While others have offered GENESIS comparisons to which I cannot vehemently dissent, I am inclined to think of another one off, "SENSITIVA IMMAGINE', but I do prefer the latter because they are equally charming while offering more indelible compositions. In case I have been no more succinct LOCANDA themselves, I want to clarify that I have the utmost respect for this passionate exercise as well as for the overwhelming appreciation it garners in the prog world. 3.5 stars rounded down.