STEREOEQUIPE

This album is usually only being referred to as the Italian version of Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club. In short, it is a reference to the album most magazines regard as the best ever rock/pop album. That is something to live up to by this Italian band and this album !!

Stereoequipe is by no means a masterpiece. Not in year 2011 anyway. But back in year 1968, maybe it was. This album has a semi-classic status in the scene, I have been reliable informed.

The music relies heavily on The Beatles. But Equipe 84 is by no means a The Beatles clone and they have not stolen a single thing from Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club either. They could had done it and done a safe deal with this album. But they choose not to do that. Instead, this album also relies heavily on albums like Revolver too with some sitar playing and Indian references. That with a nod & a wink to George Harrisson.

The Beatles is mentioned here. But the album really comes across as a mix of them and Italian pop. That is the core of this album. The music here is adventerous and is exploring what must have been new avenues and sounds back in 1968. This album too must have been a pioneering album when it was released. Credit where credit is due, in my view.

Yes, some of the melodies here are very light hearted Italian pop and I am sure the lyrics refers to love, love and love. It is the mix of The Beatles and Italian pop what makes this album such a good album. And it does help when the bonus track is a song which surely must have been a huge hit back then. I guess this song was released as a single, went to the top of the charts and then hurridly added to the subsequent pressings of the albums as the thirteenth track. The name of the track is Tutta Mia La Citta and it is a superb song. Re-release it now and you will probably have a top ten hit. I have played it to many people and we all agree it is a sure hit.

In short; this is a good album which I am sure deserve a classic status. It is not a Rock Progressivo Italiano album by any imagination. But it is still an enjoyable listen for the open minded listener who know how to spell the word cheese and does like a bit of cheese too now and then. This album makes me smile.

3 stars