I Giganti

Walker wrote: I recently acquired the "Terra In Bocca" CD and enjoy it quite a bit. I also learned that the version I have is considered possibly a "demo" version and is not the original release  !! It's 44 min long not 46! What I want to know is, "Is there any significant difference in these 2 versions, either musically or sound quality-wise?" The one I have definitely sounds better than any demos from that era that I have heard. Should I be tracking down the longer version? Thanks!

looking into that..... I LOVE that album...

^ cool!, thanks!

Edited by Walker - July 26 2007 at 21:19

I got the info right here in the Archives... go to the album page and you will see.

Walker wrote: I got the info right here in the Archives... go to the album page and you will see.

sh*t....  serves me right for not reading our own site hahhaha.. 

looking now...

I see where the info came from.....www.italianprog.com

Walker wrote: Thanks. It will be interesting to see what he has to say. If it was wasn't for the disc length, I'd be sure I had the original version. Did you notice the timings on the album page? Each part is 23min unlike the version we have. I suspect that the timings are wong and maybe the demo version is acually 46min and the album is 44min. That would explain all.

I actually thought that as well... not to mention vinyl magic is a reputable company... I couldn't see them putting out a demo copy... as the latest (2000) CD release of the album


it would explain all I do love a good mystery hahha

actually.... I know who to ask....  someone who has ..the original vinyl album. I'll get back to you on this.

Walker wrote: You know someone who has an original vinyl!

I think I do..... he's got a bunch hahhaha. Should have that one.

Walker wrote: I will enjoy my CD while I wait. Along with Alphataurus S/T, which is my newest purchase.

awesome ...

but I am confused as HELL ... hahhah read this from GEPR.... we HAVE the version that has Largo Iniziale according to our liner notes...

looks like I am keeping this one...and getting another hahahha

The most intriguing aspect of Terra in Bocca is the fact that it exists in two distinct versions. The 1989 CD version by Vinyl Magic (VM 013) is taken from a demo mix that apparently even saw a cassette-only release before the actual LP came out. About two minutes shorter than the LP version, this version lacks a couple of sections (e.g. the instrumental overture "Largo iniziale") and has sparser arrangements, with less Mellotron and studio effects (e.g. none of the weird English rant on "Plim plim" or the whispering interlude on "Allegro per niente"). The lighter sound reveals the pop roots of many sections clearer, yet in a way is also more lyrical at places, with naked melodies shining more brightly without layers of roaring guitars or electronic treatments trying to prop them to quasi-Wagnerian heights. Some of the solos are different as well, as is the order in which the themes are presented, and there even seems to be a few verses and bits of music that are not present on the latter version. So while I prefer the Akarma version, this is not without value, as a curiosity if nothing else. Note that all other CD versions, including Vinyl Magic's identically-numbered 1993 edition, are based on the LP version, though unlike Akarma's version, they have no bonus track and do not subdivide the original LP sides into shorter tracks.

I wrote a long review of the album... I hope it could be useful for you...

Walker wrote: ^ Yes, it was very useful, thanks! Only, my initial question remains. Are the differences between the 2 versions enough to justify seeking out a copy of the longer version? From the quote posted by Micky above, it seems like their would be many differences. (more 'tron!) Where can I buy this other version and be sure that I'm not getting something that I already have?