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Cosmiclawnmower View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cosmiclawnmower Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 10 2010 at 08:13
Thank you!! Big smile  for your kind welcome!!
Dohh.. How could i forget the fantstic Campo di Marte!!! and Maxophone!! (what planet was i on last night??- i have been sorting through my vinyl room & doing a bit of re-jigging; obviously 're-jigged' my brain-cells) Yes, youre absolutely right, i couldnt choose one favorite (or 3 or 5 for that matter..) I have the Banco 1st lp which is fantastic.. Biglietto per l'inferno is definately top of my 'to get list' as are Museo Rosenbach, Jumbo and definately Area.. I bought an Lp (for 99p!!) by an Italian outfit called Edith (i didnt have very good reviews) but i like it; its fairly lightweight but has a melancholy tinge to it which reminds me of Utopian Fields..
Thank you once againClap; i will try and start doing some reviews myself!Wink
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nightfly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 10 2010 at 12:54

I can't believe I didn't even mention Museo Rosenbach! Deffinitely a fav of mine so I'm glad to see you have it already on your list.Smile

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nightfly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 11 2010 at 16:36
Vault Pick: Not a classic but well worth checking out for keyboard lovers. Nice one Jim. Thumbs Up
 
 Corte Dei Miracoli by CORTE DEI MIRACOLI album cover Studio Album, 1976
3.65 | 48 ratings

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Corte Dei Miracoli
Corte Dei Miracoli Rock Progressivo Italiano

Review by Finnforest
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / RPI Specialist

3 stars Lush keyboard ruled Italian album

Corte dei Miracoli is a popular Italian prog powerhouse in the style of the more traditionally respected giants like Banco but with some jazzy influence as well. They are heavy on the keyboards with just a bit of guitar provided by a guest performer. While this album was released after the Italian peak it is one of those albums that had staying power, like Celeste or Locande delle Fate, because of the level of quality and good buzz from fans. The dual keyboards provide a wide range of different sounds and textures that will thrill keyboard fanatics, the arrangements are very solid. The drummer is also very good and particularly adept at playing fills that really add to the drama and atmospheres that the keys are putting out there. Occasionally he sounds like a lead musician here. Vocals are quite good in my opinion, certainly not the best I've ever heard but also not deserving of the scorn you will see written in some quarters. Production and sound quality are really great-often I must admit that while I love Italian music the sound can be less stellar than bigger English groups who had more studio time and assistance. But Corte clearly had a decent producer and engineer because this one sounds fine.

There are many highpoints for me: the beginning of "E Verra L'uomo" is one of the most memorable in Italprog history. Another great moment is half way through "Verso il Sole" when the piano comes in all bright and crisp, offering some great counterpoint to the synths and some very lively playing. I really enjoy the sense of melody and brightness that this album possesses but it has a couple flaws. There is a cheesy moment here and there. And the lack of guitar is like taking a color away from a painter, they manage to do very well without and yet occasionally the sound can have some sameness to it. I still like this album a lot and recommend it to keyboard prog fans without hesitation, and consider it nearly essential to Italian fans. 3 ½ stars.



Edited by Nightfly - August 11 2010 at 16:37
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote zappadaddy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 11 2010 at 16:51
So many obvious choices mentioned here in this thread but no one mentioned OFFICINA MECCANICA!!!!iIncredible sounding band,so much power in their music,excellent review by Sinkadotentree here(I love his reviews) :
I have plenty of recordings that are very far from being in the mainstream or commercial side of things.I really appreciate bands who have an adventerous spirit,who want to do things their own way and not follow what may be popoular at the time.OFFICINA MECCANICA are truly one of those bands.Of course there are many bands who have forged their own path yet lacked the talent to pull it off successfully.This Italian band has hit one out of the park with this album.This is unique,original and entertaining.I would suggest you read Finnforest's review which really capture's what the band was about and their history.I'll focus on the music even though that won't be easy. "Suite Bambini Innocenti" opens with vocal melodies before an almost dreamy and jazzy soundscape takes over.It settles when the reserved vocals come in.The song continues to shift gears as passionate vocals and horns come in then it calms down again quickly.Flute after 4 minutes as it builds.There is some guest moog and mellotron on this one too.Some nice horn work follows as bass throbs.Great section.The guitar starts to make some noise 6 minutes in to end it.Nice. "Primo Turno" opens with vocals that are followed by an ear piercing horn and some nice drum fills.It settles with reserved vocals.He yells 2 minutes in and an aggressive soundscape follows.Ok he's yelling again as the tempo and mood continue to shift.Here come the horns 5 minutes in. "Via Non Esiste" is such a blast! This is humerous and oh so good.It kicks in before 3 1/2 minutes.I love his vocals.The guitar is raw before 5 1/2 minutes.Horns before 7 minutes and it settles a minute later.I like the rhythm before 9 minutes. "Insieme Al Sole" is led by drums,vocals and horns.This is such a feel good song for me. "Nel Grattacielo Delle Idee Il Pensiero Piu Alto E La Pazzia" is led by horns and drums early.He's beating the hell out of his drumkit 2 minutes in.Horns return a minute later.Spoken vocals then a laugh 4 minutes in.A calm a minute later then it builds with higher pitched vocals.Great section 6 minutes in.He screams then that SABBATH-like guitar comes in.Horns join in and eventually the vocals return. "Amanti Di Ieri" opens with percussion and what sounds like harmonica.Reserved vocals and acoustic guitar take over.One of the best parts of this whole album is when his vocals soar after 1 1/2 minutes and later before 3 minutes and after 4 minutes.Nice atmosphere to end it. "Il Viaggio Di Un Uomo Non Uomo Nella Valle Del Tempo" opens with faint horns and drums.I love when it kicks in after 2 minutes.Horns follow as the tempo picks up.The tempo and mood continues to change. "Angelo" is an acoustic beauty. What i like best about this album is that it entertains me.I really like the vocals and instrumental work too but this is just a lot of fun.
My heroes are Frank Zappa,Ozzy Osbourne,The Plastic People of the Universe,Sun Ra and Mirek Wanek from Uz jsme doma
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Finnforest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 11 2010 at 17:42
Hi Michael, nice to meet you, do stick around.  Yes, you'll find many fans of Officina Meccanica here.  I love them.  And I'm a big Sinkdadotentree fan tooBig smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote seventhsojourn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 11 2010 at 18:14
Michael, great to have you here and I hope you stick around. OFFICINA is one of the titles at the top of my shopping list Thumbs Up
 
Sinkadotentree... 164 RPI reviews so far! Enough said Clap 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nightfly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 12 2010 at 08:55
Hi Michael, I know OFFICINA MECCANICA very well and have their album in my collection. A shame they never managed to release one back in the seventies, LA FOLLIA DEL MIMO DI FUOCO being a collection of singles and various recordings as I'm sure you'll know. I think a full album from them could have been very interesting.
 
And so for today's vault pick Thumbs Up......
 
 
 
 
 
 La Follia Del Mimo Di Fuoco by OFFICINA MECCANICA album cover Boxset/Compilation, 2007
3.63 | 11 ratings

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La Follia Del Mimo Di Fuoco
Officina Meccanica Rock Progressivo Italiano

Review by Todd
Special Collaborator Rock Progressivo Italiano!

4 stars A fabulous adventure! This album definitely falls in the category of adventurous RPI -- Semiramis, Balletto di Bronzo, Osanna, Cervello, and most particularly for OM Rocky's Filj. Officina Mecchanica is a varied, wild experience, one that takes you from pastoral scenes to the harder edge of RPI, often in a very short time and within the same song. There is a definite theatric emphasis, particulary in the vocals, as discussed in the wonderful bio written by Jim Russell. The music relies on a very tight, excellent rhythm section to propel the pieces along, particular during the standard mid section which picks up the tempo, often introducing a memorable hook carried and repeated by the bass or often guitar. The musical atmosphere is rounded out by brass, with a variety of saxophones and trumpets, and sometimes a flute--also very tight! The guitar shifts from rhythm to solo, sometimes helping to create a mood with wonderful, somewhat jazzy chords, other times leading out with excellent solos. Like Rocky's Filj, keyboards don't really play a role in OM. (Yes, there are some, but when they appear they are brief and only serve to play a short melody, one that could easily have been covered by brass or guitar--this is definitely not keyboard-driven rock!)

The overall tone of the album shifts from the more mellow studio pieces to the wilder, less restrained live numbers. There are three studio and five songs. The live numbers serve to demonstrate their excellent musicianship--it's clear that this was a very talented band. The more adventurous vocals are also reserved for the live pieces. The one live song that falls in the mellow camp is the bonus track, a beautiful ballad entitled Angelo. All of the songs feature memorable melodies (archetypical RPI), but the studio pieces really emphasize this aspect of their music. The songs tend to be fairly schizophrenic, alternating between more subdued passages and wild, often catchy sections.

Overall, as stated elsewhere by Jim Russell, this band is every bit as important as some of those mentioned above. I can only imagine what they could have become with a studio album or two under their belt--or especially with a whole live album! This overdue, posthumous compilation is not to be missed. Definitely not for the faint of heart or those who fatigue with repeated listening, for that's what it takes to uncover all the facets of this wonderful RPI gem. Bravo!



Edited by Nightfly - August 12 2010 at 09:15
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote zappadaddy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 12 2010 at 10:47
Yes,I do have that mini lp cd and it was one of my biggest discoveries of the year.I am hoping i will find some botleg with live recordings in the future,there must be some since they were pretty big in Italy around 1974 or so.
My heroes are Frank Zappa,Ozzy Osbourne,The Plastic People of the Universe,Sun Ra and Mirek Wanek from Uz jsme doma
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Andrea Cortese Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 12 2010 at 16:29
Hi guys, how are you?
 
I would like to add an album I have fallen in love to, years ago... the debut album of Riccardo Cocciante, titled "MU".
 
Cocciante is a well known solo artist not only in homeland and his music has almost nothing to do with prog... except for the debut that features the collaboration of many artists; of the many: Brainticket's leader Joel Vandroogenbroeck and a certain Paolo Rustichelli as keyboardist.
 
Listen to "Corpi di Creta" track (from 1:30 minute in particular) and then tell me.
 
It's easy to find the album (on CD) in stores... generally at very cheap price (5 euro...). 
 
 
 
 


Edited by Andrea Cortese - August 12 2010 at 16:34
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nightfly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 12 2010 at 17:45
^ Thanks for bringing this to our attention Andrea, I really enjoyed that. I see where you're coming from with the song Corpi Di Creta. I seem to recognise the album cover but have not heard it before (I don't think).
 
We'll have a chat amongst the team about it.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Todd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 12 2010 at 18:45
Andrea, that is a great album!  I think because Cocciante has such a prominent non-prog career, we'll have to look carefully at adding him and maybe even get approval from the admins.  As Paul said, we'll look into it--this album definitely deserves wider exposure!
"I have seen the broken sky turn blue."



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Finnforest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 12 2010 at 19:15
Ciao Andrea!!  Good to see you!! Big smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Finnforest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 12 2010 at 21:49
Can't believe this wasn't on the site yet, not sure how it got missed.  Wonderful, a must for Procession fans.

 Esplorare by PROCESSION album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.00 | 1 ratings

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Esplorare
Procession Rock Progressivo Italiano

Review by Finnforest
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / RPI Specialist

— First review of this album —
3 stars Solid comeback album, of sorts

Procession were one of those 2nd tier bands from the classic RPI period, not as well known these days as the PFMs and Ballettos, but who managed to release two well liked albums from 1972 and 1974. Their first was a blistering album of hard and heavy rock with dual guitars while the second was a bit more diverse and mature, together they make a nice pair. The band broke up in 1975 and emerged again three decades later with guitarist Roby Munciguerra from the old days and new mates Samuele Alletto, Stefano Carrara, Enzo Martin, Herman, and Danilo Pala. The new line-up entered Overtone Studio in Torino in the late summer of 2006 and delivered this gem.

"Esplorare" is a most unusual comeback album in that it is not new material. Instead, the band chose to re-record both of their 1970s albums pretty much in their entirety, juggle the order, and make something new of them. They also include one previously unreleased track written back then but recorded now, plus one newly written track. An unusual approach to say the least! Does it work? Yep. The material on those old Procession albums was pretty good stuff, and here with the new band it comes alive in a new way. It is harder edged with some young guys joining the fold and it features a flawless new production that allows you to hear everything and blow the roof off your house if you choose. This album is loud! The new arrangements as mentioned seem heavier and clearer as they were based on the reunited band's 2006 live performance versions. The new musicians are superb players as is the vocalist. (Original vocalist Gianfranco Gaza died in the 1980s). The material itself ranges from hard rock to jazzy prog with a guitar/bass dominated sound (as opposed to keyboards). Flute and saxophone parts come and go throughout and acoustic guitar gives many sections extra flavor. What one takes away from this disc is the love they have for the old material, mixed with a dynamic new energy and forcefulness that updates this material successfully. It must be very challenging to attempt to re-do your classic material decades later and bring something new to it without messing with the original magic. Procession have succeeded as well as I could imagine. This is an album that will blow away the fans of both of their original albums. If you like either of them, get this, it's a sure thing for you!

The booklet is brief, but contains some liner notes, photos, and lyrics for the title track (all in Italian.) Oh, and SinkaJohn, you'll want this, trust me. 3 1/2 affectionate stars.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Andrea Cortese Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 13 2010 at 01:40

Ciao to all. Smile

 
Thank you for welcoming me. Good work, James.
 
My last pick from modern RPI was a big disappointment... I think I will write a review... Petali di Fuoco of La Maschera di Cera... I read some positive reviews here and there; but, honestly, I disagree... it's average... it's a collection of "songs", not at the same level of "Orpheus" though (the 4 mns track from their masterwork LuxAde).
 
On about Cocciante: it is not a new question if he deserves a place on this site. Probably not, for his career has nothing to do with prog... but that album "MU", that debut... how could we ignore it?
 
On the other hand, I think that adding all his discography would be really out of place... what to do, then?


Edited by Andrea Cortese - August 13 2010 at 01:46
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Finnforest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 13 2010 at 05:40
Thanks Andrea!Smile  I think I've heard some buzz that eventually the site may allow one-album additions which would solve issues like C's.....in the meantime we can always honor those albums by reviewing them here in the Appreciation, or, in the non-site artist review thread which has been started.  Not a perfect solution but perhaps easier than those difficult PR additions. 

I haven't ordered that Petali album yet and will be curious to see your review before I do, maybe you will save me a buckTongue
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GY!BE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 14 2010 at 13:15
I' a huge fan of Banco (I had to say it)Tongue
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote seventhsojourn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 14 2010 at 15:02
Originally posted by GY!BE GY!BE wrote:

I' a huge fan of Banco (I had to say it)Tongue
 
Hi, you'll find many like-minded new friends here! Smile 
 
I guess you'll have already checked out some of the reviews and MP3/streams on the RPI page, but just in case you haven't here's the link:
 
 
Hope to see you around the site.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nightfly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 14 2010 at 17:14
Vault Pick: This one keeps getting better and better...... Nice one Jim Thumbs Up
 
 Altare Thotemico by ALTARE THOTEMICO album cover Studio Album, 2009
3.60 | 3 ratings

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Altare Thotemico
Altare Thotemico Rock Progressivo Italiano

Review by Finnforest
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / RPI Specialist

4 stars Saucy, lively, tenacious! This band has heart

Altare Thotemico based in Ancona are the latest band attempting to provide new material in the spirit of the classic RPI sound and they succeed better than many recent efforts-which means they will thrill fans of the real spicy stuff while perhaps being too hot for the casual fan who expects all RPI to sound like a gentle Le Orme passage. The member's different ages and backgrounds have allowed a true amalgam of musical diversity to unfold. Altare's new release is from Maracash Records, another of the fine labels handling Italian prog. The music draws on a variety of styles and influences from psych, blues, avant, and jazz flavored rock, while the generous keyboards and bold vocals get the RPI juices flowing. Most important is the sense of playfulness and passion that was a hallmark of the classic period bands. Often newer bands are very technically gifted but lack that sense of musical mischief and soul-Altare Thotemico have not forgotten. Oh yes, we have a feast here! This is the kind of album which I find thrilling and rare these days. First, it rocks without any noticeable metal influence. Remember when rock could be damn heavy without metal influence or obligatory shredding? Second, it sounds warm and homey on the production side rather than overly slick and coldly mechanical. Third, surprises! Yes, we have songs here that will try anything and everything, even injecting pure weirdness like they used to do in the old days. Thankfully there are almost no English vocals; most singing is fantastic dramatic Italian.

The nine medium length tracks total an hour of interesting prog-rock, and I mean that quite literally: interesting! Not for a second is this album boring. A variety of fantastic keyboards permeate every track, even organ to open the appropriately darker "Demon" which reminded me of Antonius Rex. Gianni Venturi is the bold and outrageous vocalist in the grand RPI tradition, big and dramatic, capable of sounding off-his-rocker sometimes, untamed, imagine a bit of Decamps, Stratos, and Fella (Jumbo)! There are lovely flute sections to give the mellower segments that '70s touch. And the guitars....oh yeah! Some very cool off-color acoustic moments as well as scorching solos, without resorting to unnecessary shredding. I'm impressed very much by the mountains of interesting ideas which are strong and complex while remaining fun. The musicians seem to be enjoying an improvisational approach towards one another, taking plenty of time to develop some really nice jams, while being equally adept at supporting the vocals or experimenting with quieter moments.

The album is instantly enjoyable and moving despite the fact that it pushes away anything obvious or easy. It opens with a gorgeous pastoral swirl of flute and clean guitar, one of the few moments that actually conjure the serene and excellent cover art of Maracash's own Domizia Parri. (Most of the album is heavier and wilder than the peaceful album cover portends). Slowly soft keyboards usher in the passionate vocals of "Il Canto che Sprofonda." Things veer toward vintage heavy psych in "Lo Sciamano" with some great drum playing and guitar that eventually just completely grooves! The groovin' continues into "L'interessante vita del topo" with the vocals going over-the-top wild as the memories of harder-bluesy RPI come to mind: JET, Biglietto, perhaps De De Lind. You'll hear some obnoxious, almost absurdist vocals on "Computer Organico" that will scare your family....I loved every second as the song moves into avant-garde territory. "L'addormato" starts getting jazzy but closes with this cool guitar thing that reminds me of a Steve Howe earth-lava moment from Yessongs. "La mente mia" is maybe the heaviest full band jam but eventually it breaks into a superb guitar solo over keys. "Suite per Marianna" gives us a lovely acoustic intro and outro with flute and gentle bass guitar. Closer "Oltre" again just gets nuts with moments that sound like experimental space jazz channeling the Pholas Dactylus album. They are "out there" on this song! Wow-this album just makes me smile start to finish, that's really all I need to say. I need a cigarette after playing this CD.

Be aware that Altare Thotemico is not especially entry-level RPI. While much of the music is I think universally approachable, the delivery and style of vocalist Venturi demands listeners willing to go to the edge with him. He is a true poet who I sense lives to get beyond the conventional, and while I don't understand the Italian lyrics, goes into a recitation style at times perhaps even channeling characters and such. It gets wild in that Ange theatrical sense so do not expect to chill out to a serene Le Orme vocal. I was told Venturi is a fan of the beat poets and writers ala "Kerouac, Ginsberg, Corso, Cassady, Burroughs, Hemingway and Raymond Carver" and the listener must be willing to embrace some adventure, stop shaving, pick up some hitchhikers and go "on the road" with a lot of wine and dreams. As they say on their website: "....this is where Poetry meets Music and this blend turns into something incredibly powerful, pure ENERGY! Whatever happens, this is our key word, our motto, and we believe ourselves to be carriers of an unrestrainable virus called "Soul!"

The booklet features lyrics in Italian and a series of photos that suggest the band truly enjoys their collaborative experience. Altare Thotemico have made my kind of RPI album: little inhibition, lots of ideas, a joyful approach, and a willingness to offend the mainstream prog fan. Each song is a mini album of its own independent of the others. In another great year for RPI this one is pretty much essential for lovers of the genre. God I hope they make another album someday.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Finnforest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 14 2010 at 17:17
Yeah, that's a good one...the only thing that didn't gel is that the album cover doesn't match the music.  It looks all peaceful and mellow, like the Gotic album cover.....

Can't always judge the book by the cover!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nightfly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 14 2010 at 17:26
^ Yeah I know what you mean.
 
Would love to hear those new versions of the Procession songs but with so many albums fighting for my hard earned cash I'd probably go for something else when I already have the original 2 albums.
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