STORIA DI UN MINUTO

Just like those people in class who always got As without having to pay attention or even kiss up, PFM just make creating solid--sometimes incredible--progressive rock seem so easy. And just like these geniuses in school, not everything they did turned to gold, but they were always capable of making unique creative contributions.

Enough of the analogies--PFM is a very talented band that made some great music, starting right here in their debut. In Storia, I hear a group of musicians who are quite comfortable playing with each other, as well as playing off each other, but still left a bit on the table in the songwriting department.

Highlights for me include Impressione, E Festa and Dove. Impressione is one of those quintessential tunes, just like the opener on the following album, that set PFM apart from any other progressive band, alternating between dreamy verses and powerfully beautiful choruses, and with expertly placed flute and tympani. Simply wonderful, and the high point of the album for me.

E Festa shows a different side of the band from the rest of the album by rocking out a bit. I probably would prefer this as the album closer, but that's a minor quibble. The Dove series shows the variety of the band, with a very mellow and pastoral opening, followed by some uptempo, quasi-improvisational instrumental work. Here it's hard not to be impressed by their collective musical ability.

Due to somewhat uneven flow and quality of songs, I see this as an overly qualified 4-star album--particularly considering that this is a debut in 1972--but just short of a masterpiece. However, it's hard to imagine any progger not finding this a meaningful addition to their collection.