The Italian Prog Appreciation den

OK, Sagi, just giving it a listen right now, the so called `comical' bit I mentioned that I dislike comes it about 3:15 into the first track `C'e Un Paese...' ! You seemed to know which bit I meant straight away lol! But it barely lasts 30 seconds, so it’s not enough for me to really get upset about!

I think the vocals that start at about 5:20 on the same track remind me a lot of the Collins/Gabriel interplay in those early Genesis albums. Also the first minute and a half of track 3 has that same whimsical fragile combination of Genesis-like voices too. Man, I freaking LOVE the heavier angry second half of that piece!!!!

I have to say this – that album is essentially a first-rate 100% 5 star RPI album!!! I mean, even just that amazing instrumental second track alone is a knockout, but everything else is truly superb!

Mate, I'm on such a high right now, I haven't listened to that Maxophone album in so long, even though it's on my Ipod that I take to and from work every day.

Total classic.

Yep, Sagi, I did get through the whole thing, and it's amazing beginning to end, even if (whisper it!) the last track is my least favourite on it, but it's all still so good!!

I always thought it was such a high-quality album, I just needed a little reminder! Thanks guys!

For me the pic of the Maxophone's album is the end the fifth song : Mercanti di piazze, from 30'14 to 31'40.

Yes : http://www.btf.it/from-cocoon-to-butterfly-cd-dvd-ntsc-ed.html

hellogoodbye wrote: For me the pic of the Maxophone's album is the end the fifth song : Mercanti di piazze, from 30'14 to 31'40.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExpvU4VbSBk

Simply gorgeous!

Thanks again for the recommendation, Jim - think it was ages ago - but I recently gave this another spin. Great album.

sagichim wrote: Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: AEP, that Maxophone is a wonderful album, glad you didn't hesitate to check it out! I've only ever heard the Italian version, but it's endlessly good, with a strong Genesis quality to both parts of the music and some of the vocals. The only bit I don't like is this slightly cheesy ligh-hearted spot a few minutes into the first track, though it's only brief, do you know the spot I mean? Let us know what you think of it after a few spins! I think I know what you mean and guess what?? I adore it!! love every second of those vocals, never thought any of it was cheesy, but I forgive you because I know you think highly of this album. What did you mean Gensis quality? does it remind you of Genesis or just the quality of the music?

I love the Maxophone album. One of the best albums I learned to know last year.

Thanks for everything, guys, I hope I won't let the team down.

AEP, that Balmung album was a slog to review, it's such a long album, and I think my review waffled on far too long, but oh well!

NotAProghead wrote: Finnforest wrote: NotAProghead wrote: hellogoodbye wrote: I knew that band but not this album. What do you think ?   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G35UNO3CQOc   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P2-JvDOC-w I think it's one of the best albums ever came from Italy. And the only album by I NOMADI which could be considered progressive. Songs of one of the greatest Italian singer-songwriters Francesco Guccini in beautiful arrangements by Vince Tempera (ex- IL VOLO, long time Guccini collaborator). In my opinion essential for everyone interested in Italian rock music. Gene!  I just scored a copy of this for $4.99!  I'm so happy, it was the last one at that price.  Otherwise the Amazon price is $28.  Now it was through a private vendor on Amazon, so until I have it in my hands.....I"m not counting my chickens.  But hopefully it shows up Good deal, Jim.  Please share your opinion here after listening to the album. It's always interesting to know what other people think about your favourite music - does it click for them or leaves them cold or whatever.

Gene, oh boy I WAY enjoyed this puppy.  It's an album that belongs on the site actually, unfortunately the totality of Nomadi's output makes that unlikely.  But this album is wonderful.  You can definitely tell they're a  rock/Italian pop band trying to "prog it up" here as some of the attempts to be clever are rather thin.  Yet for whatever it is, it is beautiful music.  Warm orchestral pop with great vox and lots of Italian vibe. 

Certainly one of the best $5 albums I've scored.