The Italian Prog Appreciation den

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 Guldbamsen wrote:

 Heh funny how that goes. I think the 1970s Italian scene is every bit as brilliant as the British - I may even prefer it to be honest.
But I tend to look past Banco, Orme and PFM these days. I much prefer Battiato, Battisti, Delirium, Osanna, Cervello, Aktuala, Area, Semiramis, Rocky's Filj and the like. Italy had such a vast and deeply eclectic scene going from the swampy almost Krautrocking avantguarde of Battiato's early work to the deep earthy colours of Delirium. The shift in style is immense yet there is still a warmblooded Italian handshake going on there - even if the artists never knew of each other. 
I find the same sort of thing happening in Germany at the same time with bands from either end of the country somehow conjuring up a similar feel and sensation in the music. Often without knowing of the other methinks.

You are right. We Italians are famous for self-denial and always think that abroad are better than us. Anyway, I agree with you, Italian progressive rock is of a high standard and very varied. I dont particularly love PFM, Banco and Orme (but not even EL&P, Genesis and Yes). I prefer, like you, Area, the first Battiato (but I also like the last Battiato), Osanna, Delirium (I also really like Ivano Fossati solo) ... and Balletto di Bronzo, Museo Rosenbach etc.

But I love most Family, King Crimson, Van der Graaf and Hammill solo, Robert Wyatt, Roxy Music...

Edited by jamesbaldwin - January 28 2019 at 08:13