P.F.M.?P.F.M.!

 Whether lots of the southern europeans like it or not this band shows/has shown such an enormous transformation of style/s since 1972 when they approached to the italian prog.rock scene,check this out and tell me what you think 

http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAN D.asp?band_id=289

Certif1ed wrote: I think it's rubbish and I don't like it.

Compared to?

I think of PFM as precursors of not only well crafted symphonic prog rock, but of elegant and determinat musical instrumentation. Some of their releases may be disregarded if you wish, but the early works and years of the band where a definitive point of departure for most of the bands to come. PFM is an underrated band, like most of what it's done surrounding the Italian Symphonic Prog (e.g. Museo Rosenbach, Quella Vecchia Locanda, Consorzio Acqua Potabile, etc) where the only remains of proper recognition set off in names like BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO and Le ORME.

Peace!

PFM isn't my favorite italian prog band, but they're still pretty darn good. As far as importance goes, they're probably second only to Banco...and they give us a pretty wide range in their career, when a lot of my favorite italian bands could only stay together for an album or two.

Marcelo wrote: Since Passpartu, unfortunately, just a poor commercial band (specially, last two studio albums are terrible)

I agree Marcelo... maybe they turned commercial due the exigencies of modern life or... they just growing older  

landberkdoten wrote: Certif1ed wrote: I think it's rubbish and I don't like it. Compared to? I think of PFM as precursors of not only well crafted symphonic prog rock, but of elegant and determinat musical instrumentation. Some of their releases may be disregarded if you wish, but the early works and years of the band where a definitive point of departure for most of the bands to come. PFM is an underrated band, like most of what it's done surrounding the Italian Symphonic Prog (e.g. Museo Rosenbach, Quella Vecchia Locanda, Consorzio Acqua Potabile, etc) where the only remains of proper recognition set off in names like BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO and Le ORME. Peace!

Heh! Sorry, Land - I guess you weren't following the Marillion thread in the "Currently Listening to" section.

Actually, if you read my post, I do not refer to PFM - and neither does the original question. I just felt the need to be a bit controversial to underline the point I was making in that other discussion.

For the record, I have yet to form an opinion on PFM, as I have only heard the 3 sample tracks. However, as an avid consumer of all things musical, I will get around to it.

Everyone:

The first three Italian albums "Storia Di Un Minuto", "Per Un Amico" and "L'Isola Di Niente" are superb in my opinion, and good examples of very melodious symphonic Progressive Rock.

Having said that, I also like some of their later stuff too, even if it is much less progressive and more pop music. I like the track Suonare Suonare (from the album of the same title) very much. But I judge albums based on whether I like the music, not on whether they are 'progressive' (no gibe intended).

From what I've heard--an excellent band. However, my personal knowledge of PFM is limited to a few random songs which is still enough, neverthelss, to make a conclusion about their superb musicmanship. Are there any other (free) resources on the net, which allow to get acquainted with this band closer? 

Oh, and by the way, I'm a huge, devoted MARILLION fan!!! (preferably just the Fish era like I've mentioned before )

Regards!

Actually I agree that, well actually I'm not sure, how I feel about Pete Sinfield's english lyrics for PFM.  It was somewhat easier to enjoy them when the words were in English, just because I enjoy a good lyric. 

But I don't agree that he changed their sound to be more ELP like.  Photo of Ghosts (1973) was their first album on Manticore.. and it doesn't sound unlike Per Un Amico... I think maybe their move to England and their touring in the States might be more responsible for a change in their sound.  As I recall, they spent a lot of time partying in the beginning and listening to other bands... even hanging around ELP's time in the Cinema.  I think the change in environment was a big factor.

To me, the first noticeable change in their style I believe was on "The World Became the World" from 1974.  I didn't find it ELP sounding tho.. maybe more King Crimson...afterall I think Mel Collins played with them awhile also.  In 1974, they toured with Ten Years After... they're lucky they had a sound after that...