The Italian Prog Appreciation den

AEProgman wrote: On a side note, I made a last minute edit to my list and inserted Blocco Mentale's POA in place of one of the PFMs and it blew me away as I must have not given it a good quality, undisturbed listen...it is great!

I do exactly that, too, Jim....something either doesn't grab you right away and remains unappreciated for quite a long time, then you dig it out and listening to it again is like an awakening!

Just recently I've also started endlessly replaying both the Festa Mobile and Gianni D'Errico albums that have always been some of my personal favourites, but I'd put them away on the shelf and hadn't listened to them for a couple of years! I was like `I can't believe I forgot about you guys....let's never fight again!'

Heh, I love being immortalised in that Larson/RPI `reboot', good to see it again!

A few years ago I purchased a GOAD album - 'In The House Of Dark Shining Dreams', lavishly presented as a triple-fold dbl LP - it is hideous.  The production is murky, the singing (if it could be called that) is shocking, the playing is average.  I'm surprised these Italians scored a record deal at all...........I think they are listed under 'Eclectic', that may be so, but I am missing something here ??  Every attempt I've tried to get through the album has failed.  Not even the versions of Crimso's Schizoid Man or VDGG's Killer have been done justice.  I'm not sure if this is the band's intentions.....??

Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: Haven't looked into Goad yet, Tom. I usually find most of the Black Widow label stuff is at least interesting, if probably inconsistent. I have a feeling Jim/Finnforest has mentioned them before, so not sure if he knows a bit more about them?

Definately qualifies as my worst purchase from Syn Phonic.  I just can't find anything good to say about the music on that album.........

Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: That's a good idea, Jim! You know I'm always happy to pimp, er, `endorse' Goblin's `Roller' album at every opportunity! Dr Wu, see what you think: I think it might be missing one track, I don't recall the album being quite so short at 28 minutes!

Try this one too,doctor. It's my all time favorite !

I understand. Maybe because Goblin sounds less "Italian" than much of its compatriots.

Yes. Maybe. Try Luciano Basso or Persimfans. Maybe you'll like it ! 

Blocco Mentale is 5 star material for sure. Essential!

Good instrumental RPI? Etna springs to mind if you like fusion...

^ L'Angelo Rinchiuso should be coming out in not too long. There is a preview of one of the tracks floating around the internet. It sounds pretty good! 

Oh, thank you, John, really lifted my day!

Honestly, I'm just as lucky to share great review space next to the people who inspire me to keep at it like Todd, Chris and Jim/Finnforest, etc, who help keep the Italian faith!

I get just as much of a kick out of the new younger bands that need some encouragement and support as I do the older classics and comeback works!

PLenty more good newies on the way too, John!