DARWIN (1991 VERSION)

I'm not ashamed (much) to say the reworking of this legendary piece was the only issue I could get my hands on, so this much-chagrined version will have to do for awhile. And let me say, this grand rock opus is breathtaking, 'remake' or not. My only complaint is the hideous purple cover that replaced the clever original design. Pitty, that, but the music makes up for it... oh, does it ever. I'll just ignore the angry villagers of Progtown that may come calling for me with their torches ready to set ablaze copies of this ugly little purple jewel, this 'new and improved' bastard child of a beloved record. No matter...

The 17-minute opening track, 'L`Evoluzione', has to be one of the finest statements in the prog firmament-- ornate, carefully constructed, each moment significant, fresh and of musical import, and a level of musicianship rarely seen in the world of popular music. The jarring 'La Conquista della Posizione Eretta' moves things into slightly darker waters with great keyboard sounds from Vittorio Nocenzi and his array of Moogs, digital pianos, organs and various synth instruments, and with typically marvelous, heartfelt and wounded vocals from everyone's favorite bigman in Prog, Francesco Di Giacomo. 'Cento Mani, Cento Occhi' expands the perimeters of what rock music is (or could be) showcasing pumping, inspired rock rhythms conjoined with Bach structures and Italian passion. The eight-minute 'Anni Fa...' romances and reminisces like tragic opera meets a barroom piano, and 'Miserere Alla Storia' & 'Ed Ora Io Domando Tempo al Tempo' feature great counterpoint and calliope flurrys of organ, mandolin, synth bass and the tight batteria of Pierluigi Calderoni.

Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso weaved progressive rock dreams into a reality that few if any other prog outfits were able to equal, demonstrating immaculate expertise, smart arrangements, a disciplined work ethic and a studio sound unmatched by any known entities. If this Darwin is substandard to the original, one can only hope all prog artists aspire to such incredible heights of "mediocrity".