MR. E. JONES

I must admit my expectations weren't too high for this one considering it doesn't seem to get a lot of love from Prog fans. Well NUOVA IDEA's second release from 1972 not only impressed me but i'd have to say I like it even better than their "Clowns" record. This album just seems to get better as it plays out and the instrumental work is incredible, especially the bass and drums. It is a concept album about an office worker's mundane life.

"Sveglati Edgar" opens with an alarm going off bringing PINK FLOYD to mind but then the music kicks in with vocals. Nastly bass in this one. It picks up with guitar out front. Samples of street noise comes in after 3 1/2 minutes. Yes our subject has gotten up and is headed for the office. "Mr. E. Jones" is led by vocals and vocal melodies then synths as the drums continue to pound. Catchy stuff. Organ rips it up after 2 minutes. I like the tone of the guitar. "Viaggio Nel Mondo Dei Sogni" opens with atmosphere and floating organ as fragile vocals join in. It gets fuller as the contrasts continue. "Un'ora Del Tuo Tempo" features some nasty sounding synths with guitar and drums as gritty vocals join in. Nice. I like the Page-like guitar 2 minutes in. Some good organ runs follow and it's jazzy before 3 minutes.

"Fumo Di Una Sigaretta" opens with gentle guitar and vocals. Percussion follows as the sound gets fuller. It's still laid back though. "Illusione Da Poco" is over 9 minutes of bliss. Sparse acoustic guitar to start then strummed guitar and drums kick in around a minute followed by passionate vocals. Great sound. Guitar 2 1/2 minutes in and the keyboards sound amazing too. Ripping guitar after 3 1/2 minutes. Killer track ! This is like a religious experience (haha). "Premio Di Una Vita" is heavy to start but it turns light when the reserved vocals come in. The guitar lights it up after 2 minutes. My God ! The organ is rampaging. A calm with piano before 3 1/2 minutes then it kicks in at 5 minutes. So good. The organ is at it again. Guitar before 6 minutes then a big finish. "Un Altro Giorno" ends it with piano and reserved vocals. Organ before 1 1/2 minutes and drums a minute later.

Yeah i'm impressed and will give this plenty of spins in the future. Easily 4 stars.