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eugene View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 27 2006 at 10:15

Spinning Like A Top

David Accaino - keyborads
Erico Rainis - bass
Enrico De Stalis - electric & acoustic guitars
Elvis Fior - drums
 
Guests:
Arianna Cormons- cello
Nevio Zaninotto - alto, tenot & baritone sax
Mirko Cisilino - trumpet
Maurizio Cepparo - trombone
U.T. Gandhi - percussion
 
 
 
 
Keyboards are richly presented on this album - plenty of synthesizers, electric organ and piano. Mellow and melodic jazz-rock / fusion with some symphonic touches, it bears many influences but does not copy anything. Highight of the album is the last track - classically influenced mini-suite of under 11 minutes length divided in three parts. There is nothing overly complex or challenging in this music, but rather very pleasant musical exprerience for a right mood. My rating is 8 out of ten, and probably a place in my top ten of the year. Recommended!
 
p.s. you can also read rather negative review of it on DPRP site.
 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 27 2006 at 15:52
Originally posted by eugene eugene wrote:

Spinning Like A Top

David Accaino - keyborads
Erico Rainis - bass
Enrico De Stalis - electric & acoustic guitars
Elvis Fior - drums
 
Guests:
Arianna Cormons- cello
Nevio Zaninotto - alto, tenot & baritone sax
Mirko Cisilino - trumpet
Maurizio Cepparo - trombone
U.T. Gandhi - percussion
 
 
 
 
Keyboards are richly presented on this album - plenty of synthesizers, electric organ and piano. Mellow and melodic jazz-rock / fusion with some symphonic touches, it bears many influences but does not copy anything. Highight of the album is the last track - classically influenced mini-suite of under 11 minutes length divided in three parts. There is nothing overly complex or challenging in this music, but rather very pleasant musical exprerience for a right mood. My rating is 8 out of ten, and probably a place in my top ten of the year. Recommended!
 
p.s. you can also read rather negative review of it on DPRP site.
 
 
 
Thanks for info, eugene.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 10:55
 
 
Interesting one-shot band from Mestre (Venezia) produced an Italian Rock+ firsts Asia AOR style (Prog Metal?) but very Italian. Track 7 is a Rock cover of "Impressioni Di Settembre" (PFM).
 
Line up:
Alessandro "Mek" Secchi: voice, chorus
Alessandro "Mike" Mantelli: keyboards and programming
Alessandro Crovato: guitars (classic and electric)
Flavio Miotto: bass, guitars (acoustic, electric)
Gianni Ghezzo: drums
 
Track list:
1) Credimi
2) Confini
3) Grido Indiano
4) Dove è Futuro
5) Stanze Vuote
6) Nello Specchio
7) Impressioni Di Settembre (PFM's cover)
8) Arabian Night (instrumental)
9) Senza Via
10) Anime Di Vetro
  
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 16:10
^^^
 
excellent reviews on Celestion and Sangiuliano, Andrea!Clap
 
Good to notice you saw Epica at Pickuprecords.
 
I've just posted a review on Finisterre's "In Ogni Luogo". A good album for sure. Not the best one from Zuffanti and co.
 
Another enthousiatic review on PFM's Stati di Immaginazione today!! This album is going to become a contemporary classic!!Tongue


Edited by Andrea Cortese - December 28 2006 at 16:12
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 16:30
And great Finisterre´s review Andrea!
 
Now, it´s my turn, go and see what i wrote in the front page Tongue

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 16:37
Just wanted to say that the new PFM album is excellent. A couple of more listens and I think it will appear in my top 5. Thumbs Up

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 16:51
Originally posted by memowakeman memowakeman wrote:

And great Finisterre´s review Andrea!
 
Now, it´s my turn, go and see what i wrote in the front page Tongue
 
WONDERFUL!!! WONDERFUL!!  I have no words, simply a wonderful review!!!ClapClap
 
...and Hearmea will probably delight you more!!!Wink
 
 
ZAPPA, RICCARDO Trasparenze progressive rock album and reviews Art Rock
(Studio Album, 1980)
Avg: 3.60/5
from 2 ratings
ZAPPA, RICCARDO — Trasparenze
Review by memowakeman (Guillermo Hdez. Urdapilleta)
Special Collaborator Discographies Editor

4 stars Pure beauty comes from his guitar!!

And it´s impossible not to say that because Riccardo Zappa offers an exquisite and beautiful guitar playing, whatever it is, i mean electric, acoustic or 12 string guitar, it´s absolutely brilliant because besides knowing and dominate the guitar sound, he gives his own style so honestly right now i could put a RZ´s song and i will recognize immediately that is him, that is great because it means that i have learned to identify his music and his style, not everyone can do this to me, i can recognize so much tones and people, but this time i think it took me less time to open my soul to the celestial sound of Riccardo Zappa.

This time i am reviewing his 3rd effort which was released in 1980, two years after "Chatka "and 3 years after his magnus opus "Celestion", and the name of this 3rd album is "Trasparenze", seems that he was kind of simple with the names of his albums, again only on word but within that word we can discover a journey to excellent music.

If you are not familiar with this guy, let me tell you that he has nothing to do with Frank, he is Italian and his music is full of beauty classic inspired guitars, with soft touches of symphonic prog, not being the classic rock progressivo italiano band, actually it´s quite different but anyway you can relation each other in some ways.

Trasparenze is again a short album, 35 minutes aprox with 7 songs with some highs and lows, but not so noticeable actually.

"Overture" is the first track which seems to be a bit obscure due to the introduction (few seconds before vocals) and then Antonio Venditti share his voice for less than a minute, there are no words, only the voice and then is when the guitar starts! So talking about prog rock this beginning was to progressive, so does the song itself, but in a catchy way, seems to be not complicated to play and undesrtand but actually all the arrangements are quite difficult and only a virtuoso like Zappa could have created them, besides that, we can hear a soft sound of percussion and the moog somewhere giving to it a "transparent" atmosphere with a clean sound.

"Synthesis" is a faster song which starts suddenly with the 12 string guitar and the song continues like this all the way around, it´s a good song, but not the best though, i have heard several better songs than this, there are also some claps through it.

"Datsun Blues" as Andrea mentioned in his review this is not a true blues, but nonetheless it has the sound of a bluesy song, not typical in Zappa´s playing maybe he wanted something a bit different i dont know, but anyway the song is not bad at all, after half of the song it stops being bluesy and becomes more personal i mean in the style of Zappa and also rockish! when drums appears, but at the end it returns to the blues aspect.

"Trasparenze" is a beautiful track!, besides being the longest it reminds me absolutely to some Celestion moments when there´s nothing but pure beauty in the music, and i could be listening to this and never get tired of, the sound of the guitars simply makes me feel perplexed and so calm when i listening to it, during the song we will notice some sudden changes and a kind of spacial sound done only by the guitars!, then the songs becomes faster and seems to have a happy feeling through it, great!

"56 Misure Inedite" is another beautiful song but this time based in the classic sound, i mean reminding me a bit of Joaquin Rodrigo and other earlier compositors, this not means at all that the song is weak, no way, but i have to point that is not prog at all it s only full of classic guitars so you may get bored with it.

"Archipielagos Aegeon" i think was composed as a mix of the proggier and non classical songs, it´s something between both but with more classical tendencies i think, the sound could be prertty similar to the past song, it sounds a bit like a movie theme of the 60´s i imagine some one walking happy in a white and black screen and with this song as a background.

Cosi Diversa... epure is the last and shortest song of the album, so it´s not a big deal, just a nice song to close a nice album, sometime i commented to Andrea that my feelings about Trasparenze are the same as Chatka, and this has not changed, so after this music plenty of beauty, i will grade it with 4 stars, and of course recommend it to all of you fans of guitar, classic and soft guitar because you wont find any Petrucci or Fripp over here.

Excellent addition to any prog lover, and many thanks to Andrea Cortese for the introduction!

Posted Thursday, December 28, 2006, 16:28 EST | Permanent link

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 16:52
Originally posted by chamberry chamberry wrote:

Just wanted to say that the new PFM album is excellent. A couple of more listens and I think it will appear in my top 5. Thumbs Up
 
Let's hope to see (and read) your (enthousiastic) comment on the main page, then...!WinkClap
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 19:56
Grazie Andrea Embarrassed
you are very kind, but remember that i could review it because of you, so thanks a lot!
 
And if you say those comments about Haermea, then, i cant wait for it!
It sounds to be excellent!


Edited by memowakeman - December 28 2006 at 19:59

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 21:30
Originally posted by Andrea Cortese Andrea Cortese wrote:

Originally posted by chamberry chamberry wrote:

Just wanted to say that the new PFM album is excellent. A couple of more listens and I think it will appear in my top 5. Thumbs Up
 
Let's hope to see (and read) your (enthousiastic) comment on the main page, then...!WinkClap


Saddly it'll take some time since I have other reviews on the waiting list.

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 28 2006 at 22:11
Yep it`s excellent, it`s also very probable that it appears in my edited Top 5 albums of the year, honestly so far i didn`t enjoy Wild Orchids but i have to listen to it more times, about PFM since the first time i listened to it, it put me a biggg smile

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 29 2006 at 04:51

ROCK PROGRESSIVO ITALIANO recensions special (part 6)

 
For different approach of review two reviews of "Celestion" by Riccardo Zappa:
Riccardo ZappaCelestion CD (album) cover

RICCARDO ZAPPA — Celestion

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

5 stars DREAMING PROG

This CD is such attractive than already during the first listening I was able to be in a position to review it. And I did not end the second! Nevertheless I should admit that a disc so is born one or two times in the mind of a big artist! It is not easy to find the words to describe "Celestion" and, nevertheless, is necessary to find them. The acoustic guitar speaks an universal language and the other musicians involved come kidnapped from its notes! Musically the album is a Baroque not baroque music album because Baroque but without everything the fed up and the tapestry! Although this is not difficult album. Already to the first listening the power, the beauty and its soul gain us and transport us in its world.

Summarized: Difficult to find the words to describe "Celestion" (and in fact did not find them!). It believe that between three months the review comes changed? It believe that between three months I say: "Attractive, ...But 5 stars...?!?..."? Nothing of everything this. In fact "Celestion" goes listened to, understood but done not describe.

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Thursday, December 28, 2006, 11:41 EST | Permanent link

RICCARDO ZAPPA — Celestion

Review by Andrea Cortese (Andrea Cortese)
COLLABORATOR Italian Prog Specialist

5 stars 1977: what a wonderful debut solo album. Locanda delle Fate were not alone at that time!

Zappa is one of the greatest acoustic guitarists in Italy. A musician interested in fusion between classic instruments and sounds with more electronic parts and instruments. His trade mark is his famous “Ovation” guitar of which you can listen its stunning and pleasant chant. Then, after some minutes the great skills of Zappa are well evident. His instrumental works are the best ever released in the whole italian prog scene. “Celestion” is the proof with its long (over 10 minutes) and memorable opener “Frammenti”.

Near the end of the opener a fantastic guitar's effect (it seems to be the bagpipes!).

Soon the album became very popular in Italy mainly due to the new role for the acoustic and classic guitars. The first time in prog: classic guitar in such a venerable work. The listener is completely bown away by all these five compositions. There are not many comparisons to be made. Many prog artists are famous for their instrumental-based works, as for example Mike Oldfield and Bo Hansson. None of them sounds like Zappa. None in particular in none of other sub-genre of prog sounds like him. He was an extraordinary discovery for me. I'm sure it'll be an incredible experience also for you all. His first solo work is a must have for any good prog lover. Also for the wonderful and delicate mix between classic and modern side of music.

Essential record.

Posted Thursday, June 22, 2006, 17:05 EST | Permanent link

 
SangiulianoTake Off CD (album) cover

SANGIULIANO — Take Off

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

5 stars ITALIAN TANGERINE DREAM

It is true: "Take Off" could do it well the Tangerine Dream. Nevertheless the Tangerine Dream would have maintained the same atmospheres but would not produced a masterpiece like this. antonio sangiuliano used the tuscany mentality and conveys us in a Medieval castle where a girl escapes from a man that she does not love. Ravens, swords, Magicians, dragons and black knights are the protagonists of this pepresentation. But in what castle it is developed this story? I would say that a castle from the high towers, darkness secrets, damp rooms and mice that eat the supplies of a tyrant is more than obviate. But the young one ponders to become nun and fir this the tortures are even more cruel. Nevertheless an beautiful knight, being able and just, in saddle to its white horse is running to save the child. and in night of storm, after a cruel battle he won.

Summarized: Wagner? Tchaicosky? no, Antonio Sangiuliano. For worn instrumentation is clear Electronic Prog. But for concept is, clear, symphonic Prog. And the advice deeply to the lovers of both genre.

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Thursday, December 28, 2006, 12:10 EST | Permanent link

 
And now one review by my friend Andrea Cortese:
FinisterreIn Ogni Luogo CD (album) cover

FINISTERRE — In Ogni Luogo

Review by Andrea Cortese (Andrea Cortese)
COLLABORATOR Italian Prog Specialist

3 stars In Ogni Luogo (In Everywhere) is dedicated to the spirit of Jeff Buckley.

I have to say that the album is good (sometimes very good) but it did not impress me as I presumed. Dont' get me wrong: not a disappointment, but the general progressiveness of the opus appears, clearly, in a lower profile.

Some pleasant melodic symphonic tracks are still present, though, and I enjoyed them very much! As for the warm and melancholic “Snàporaz” (6,41 mns) that deserves a special mention due to the addition of spoken words from the famous italian movie by Federico Fellini “La Dolce Vita” (“...Marcello, come here...” et cetera). A dreamy and ethereal electric guitar builds up a magical atmosphere that mixes perfectly with the keyboards' section. The instrumental “Ninive” (the ancient capital of the Assirian empire) is also very good but, unfortunately, too short (just below the four minutes). An excellent track for sure and the sax is the icing on the cake.

“In Ogni Luogo” features vocals from Francesca Lago, a melodic pop tune as many in the contemporary italian musical scene only enriched by sparse strings' addition in the final part. Similar weak sound in “Continuità dilara nel Tempo” and in the album's closer “Wittgenstein Mon Amour”.

“Coro Elettrico” is much more interesting. Strings duet with electric guitar and it's all very exciting. A more harder intrumental song that fades into a more serious and melodic mood. “Le Città Indicibili” opens with a soft duo between acoustic guitar and flute and then, keyboards and violin.

“Gli Amici Sinestetici” is probably the most favourite of mine. The general mood is melancholic as the whole album is. A sad (and hard) electric guitar opens and, soon, duets with mellow piano's touches. Then, again, guitar takes the scene and reminds me of Il Castello di Atlante. Another highlight is “Peter's House”, a very good track with the catching sound of electric guitar fighting with sax incursions.

All in all, a very good album, as I said before. Not brilliant as it could be. Lots of ideas not completely well matured. Zuffanti seems, sometimes, to be too much prolific!!

A pleasant listening, though.

3.50

Posted Thursday, December 28, 2006, 16:00 EST | Permanent link



Edited by MANDRAKEROOT - December 29 2006 at 04:52
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 29 2006 at 17:12
Tongue
 
Thanks Andrea!
 
I'm happy to notice you also think Celestion is a masterpiece! It is certainly one of the most original prog records ever released by an italian artist during the seventies!Clap
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 30 2006 at 15:27
Now that I utterly adore PFM - Per Un Amico, what other albums should I get?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 30 2006 at 15:32
Originally posted by progismylife progismylife wrote:

Now that I utterly adore PFM - Per Un Amico, what other albums should I get?


great album...

not sure what if anything else you have...

try some Banco if you havent gone there yet.  Try the debut...  Metamorfosi will knock your socks off.. I put that on everytime I work my frustrations out, while behind the wheel ahhahahhaha. Any of the first 3 will do to start with them.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 30 2006 at 18:49
Today I've received a private message from progger evenless, aka Martijn Martens from the Netherlands.
 
He asked me of an obscure contemporary italian prog band "Nosound" and added also the info below:
 

NOSOUND “Sol 29”

 

"Sol 29" is the debut album from Giancarlo Erra’s NOSOUND project. A collection of introspective songs and ambitious instrumentals positioned midway between organic early 1970s Progressive experiments and contemporary Post-Rock influences that occasionally recalls the work of SIGUR ROS, PINK FLOYD, PORCUPINE TREE and NO-MAN.

 

The reason NOSOUND should be added is clear. This is prog music to the bone from Italy which has great similarities to PINK FLOYD and Porcupine Tree (The Sky Moves Sideways era).

 

Official website: http://www.nosound.net

 

DISCOGRAPHY :

"Sol 29" is their debut album and therefore their best. They have also released a PROMO CD-R (2004) and a DVD-R “The World is Outside”.

 
 
 
He also told me he already asked for the inclusion. Does some other italian progger colleague knows them?
 
Thanks in advance.
 
 
 
 

1. In the white air (6:57)
2. Wearing lies on your lips (4:20)
3. The child's game (2:46)
4. The moment she knew (9:38)
5. Waves of time (2:07)
6. Overloaded (6:13)
7. The broken parts (6:24)
8. Idle End (9:43)
9. Hope for the future (5:57)
10. Sol29 (10:02)

 
 


Edited by Andrea Cortese - December 30 2006 at 19:03
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 30 2006 at 19:08
From the official website: 2007 Nosound new album:
 


L i g h t d a r k

the new album, February 2007

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 31 2006 at 12:38
good call Andrea there was an article about them in a recent issue of Wonderous Stories.  
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 01 2007 at 13:37
Dear Andrea,
 
I was very pleased to read the message about NOSOUND that I posted to you on the forum topic:  Rock Progressivo Italiano appreciation thread.
 
I was also very happy to read on www.nosound.net  that their forthcoming album "Lightdark" will bereleased in February 2007. I'll make sure I will order their 2nd album as soon as it is available on www.burningshed.co.uk
 
I just love SOL29 which is also higly recommended by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and also by Tim Bowness (No-Man).
 
Once again: highly recommended!
 
Let me know what you think about them?
 
Best regards,
 
Evenless (Martijn Martens)
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 02 2007 at 11:58

ROCK PROGRESSIVO ITALIANO recensions special (part 7)

 
What it follow it is a list of non Prog discs produced from Italian Prog Bands:
 
I Dik DikI Grandi Successi CD (album) cover

I DIK DIK — I Grandi Successi

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

3 stars 18 songs for this good compilation. Excellent music with some knocked to the door of the Prog ("Io Che Non Vivo", "Senza Luce", "29 Settembre"), Rock'n'Roll and Slow Rock ("L'Isola Di Wight", "Sapore Di Sale", and "Diana") and to the pure Rock ("Dieci Ragazze", "Io Mi Fermo Qui"). What it hits me of this compilation is the music, that is very present. I should say that the Dik Dik is still a group that could give a lot to the music (not only Italian) and this means that when there is a passion and do not the fashions follow themeselves dies not ever.

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Monday, March 06, 2006, 08:38 EST | Permanent link

Formula 3I Successi Di Lucio Battisti CD (album) cover

FORMULA 3 — I Successi Di Lucio Battisti

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

4 stars ONLY A SUCCESS

The Formula 3 after to be be reunited and to have given to produces the good album "King Kong" and partecipated in two Festival Di Sanremo has given to the revival of Lucio Battisti. The what it does not surprise given that in 70's were the group of Lucio Battisti.

Here they chose 15 more well-known songs of Lucio Battisti had carved to its name. Even though Radius do not hear itself and Di Bitonto have a fundamental role with the keyboards the pieces did not lose their office. In general the Symphonic POP/ Art Rock of Lucio Battisti is recognizable. Besides, although new arrangiaments, some songs (between the other: "Il Mio canto Libero", "Con Il Nastro Rosa", "Una Donna Per Amico", "Emozioni", "Mi Ritorni In Mente" "Fiori Rosa Fiori Di Pesco", "I Giardini Di Maggio", The Funky of "Si, Viaggiare" abd "Ancora Tu" and "Io Vorrei... Non Vorrei... Ma Se Vuoi") are absolutely better.

If do not know Lucio Battisti and the Formula 3 is a good beginning. Also because very economical. But you will not find the Psychedelic Hard Prog of the 70's.

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Wednesday, June 21, 2006, 18:23 EST | Permanent link

New TrollsI Nostri PIù Grandi Successi CD (album) cover

NEW TROLLS — I Nostri PIù Grandi Successi

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

3 stars JOKER!

The New Trolls in the 70's were an of supporting columns of the Italian music. Also in 89's you are succeeded to carve good songs (some absolutely best) even though not Prog. This compilation the confirmation.

Meanwhile, to make to understand what I want to say, I cite "Quella carezza Della Sera", excellent ballad, 0% Prog but quite built and very solid. Nevertheless the better one I seek it in songs like "Signore, Io Sono Irish", "Una Miniera", "Corro Da Te" /too Hard Rock), "Ho Veduto", "Lei Mi Diceva" or still in "C'è Troppa Guerra" (other pure Hard Rock), therefore in the classics.

The true problem of this compilation is the distribution, because being really economical (the cassette I paid alone 3€ and 90cent!). The advice to all those that do not know the New Trolls more Rock.

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 04:46 EST | Permanent link 

Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM)I QUELLI (pre PFM): Flashback: I Grandi Successi Originali CD (album) cover

PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI (PFM) — I QUELLI (pre PFM): Flashback: I Grandi Successi Originali

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

4 stars NOT ONLY FOR FANS OF THE PFM

Whoever know the PFM knows that before be it is called I Quelli and then for an only single Krel. Compelled to renounce the past, today it it is rediscovered and it is discovered that already I Quelli were in some points surprisingly Prog. Certainly they remain a Beat group, but in the cover showed to seek very technical songs and little conventional for the period (at the end I Quelli style is similar to the style of Aphrodite's Child pre "666").

Is not a novelty the cover of "Rain And Tears" (Aphrodite's Child, become "Lacrime E Pioggia"), "Hole In My Shoe" (Traffic, become "Tornare Bambino") or "Pensieri" (Italian version of "Though Of Emerlist Davjack" of the The Nice) or still "Hush" (Joe South/ Deep Purple) sung directly in English, but a large novelty is the original songs that even though be still Beat have arrangiaments complicated (for the period) and not conventional. Best in this sense the extraordinary one "Quattro Pazzi" that blends Hendrix, Led zeppelin ("Whole Lotta Love" and "Rock'n'Roll" presents very similar riff) and tribal parts.

Double fundamental CD to know the origins of the Myth PFM also because the individuals says I Quelli (One album with that name) are unobtainable. Besides you will discover like the birth of the Prog does not be an alone thing English. I repeat: double fundamental CD. For true Progsters

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Thursday, April 27, 2006, 04:19 EST | Permanent link

Banco Del Mutuo SoccorsoCapolinea CD (album) cover

BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO — Capolinea

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

2 stars FIRST LIVE ALBUM

It is the first live album of the Banco but of the Banco has little. It has not that magic that the studio album have, for example.

And the music here proposal is reduced to a Funky POP of to a POP very technical (like "Il Ragno"). "R.I.P." is here proposal in Funky and not convincing me (and besides left the second part) and so from dramatic becomes cheerful song... Only "Non Mi Rompete" it has a little one of magic. But it is too little.

In definitive "Capolinea" is an excellent album for 1979. Already... Only for the 1979... Erred.

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Saturday, August 12, 2006, 04:39 EST | Permanent link

Banco Del Mutuo SoccorsoBuone Notizie  CD (album) cover

BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO — Buone Notizie

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

2 stars GOOD (or bad) NEWS

I did not understood because the Banco it stop playing Prog and has put to do POP, anticipating the 80's Italian POP.

The music is not badly but lost a lot of that had. Honest "Taxi" that I did not understood. Best "Buonanotte, Sogni D'Oro", reasonable (in order not to say honest...) "Baciami Alfredo" and "Buone Notizie". Luck that Francesco Di Giacomo beyond the salvageable one.

Not ugly... But alone a large fan of the Banco can love this album.

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Saturday, July 29, 2006, 17:41 EST | Permanent link

I CaliffiIl Meglio CD (album) cover

I CALIFFI — Il Meglio

Review by MANDRAKEROOT (Andrea Salvador)

3 stars SO I LOVE YOU

I Califfi like Prog group? To judge from how come treated says not. I explain myself better. In Italy for the majority of the persons you are only the first band (Beat) from florence (forgetting than had been the first group of Paolo Tofani [Area]). In this album (just introduced in PA like compilation, although the songs are new version recorded in 1996) nevertheless I was able to understand some important things: 1) I Califfi were very interesting group; 2) A lot of their songs were Proto Prog (for example: "Così Ti Amo", "Al Mattino", "Acqua E Sapone", "Dedicato A Santana"...); 3) That their evolution (in the original formation) has had them conducts to their truer Prog. So this compilation results very interesting also for a Proghead.

Summarized: You will not find Prog (at least the true one) and also to talk about Proto Prog is improper. Nevertheless these new versions are very interesting and deserve more of a fleeting listening.

For always yours, Mandrakeroot.

Posted Wednesday, January 03, 2007, 09:15 EST | Permanent link



Edited by MANDRAKEROOT - January 03 2007 at 09:19
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