IO SONO MURPLE
Murple
•Rock Progressivo Italiano
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Studio Album, released in 1974 Songs / Tracks Listing 1. Antartide - Mario Garbarino / bass, bongos, triangle
LP Basf Fare 21 23137 F (1974) and to andrea for the last updates Edit this entry |
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MURPLE IO SONO MURPLE 1974 LP 2012 REISSUE AMSLP44 RARE PROGRESSIVE ROCK |
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MURPLE Io Sono Murple ratings distribution
(140 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(26%)
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(53%)
Good, but non-essential (18%)
Collectors/fans only (3%)
Poor. Only for completionists (1%)
MURPLE Io Sono Murple reviews
Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings
Collaborators/Experts Reviews
PROG REVIEWER

SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Prog Folk

PROG REVIEWER

PROG REVIEWER

The band consisted of guitarist/vocalist Pino Santamaria, bassist Mario Garbarino, drummer Duilio Sorrenti, and keyboardist/vocalist Pier Carlo Zanco, who handled organ, piano, Eminent, and ARP Odyssey. This might not be the most mindblowing or original prog out there, but for those who enjoy such keyboard-driven prog acts as ELP or Le ORME would find much to enjoy here. The album is rather short, running at just under 35 minutes. It consists of a bunch of short songs that segue in to each other to make a continuous long play, but still remaning completely progressive. The music ranges from intense to more laid- back classically influenced, to jazzy and everything in between. Might not be up there with the best albums from PFM, BANCO, Le ORME, MUSEO ROSENBACH, OSANNA, etc., but this is still an album worth having.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator

I??m glad I??ve found this excellent and mythic album in the good 2002 Akarma release?
I think Murple deserves now (and deserved then) more attention by any good progrock lover. I don??t know why the german label Basf didn??t take care of them! It??s hard and sad to imagine!
The four band members are: Pino Santamaria (electric and acoustic guitars, lead vocals, choirs), Mario Garbarino (bass guitar, triangle and bongos), Duilio Sorrenti (drums, gong, tumbadoras and tympani), Pier Carlo Zanco (lead vocals, choirs, organ, pianos, eminent, synth, bowed contrabass).
Their unique and marvellous record is a great conceptual-based work about the story of the penguin ??Murple? who decides to go away from his own land, ??Antarctica?, and to explore the rest of world.
A long prog-suite, almost entirely instrumental: excellent keyboards, synths (special mention to ??Nessuna Scelta? i.e. ??No Choice?, excerpt from the first part) and classic pianos (special mention to the introduction of the second part titled ??Preludio e Scherzo? i.e. ??Prelude and Joke?), awesome electric guitars parts and elaborate soli, powerful drums and strong bass parts. Nice the dreamy vocals provided by Pier Carlo Zanco. Fantasy-like and delicate atmospheres for a joyful progrock adventure! P.S. very nice cover ;)
This is "prog-delicacy" at the purest state! Go out and buy this wonderful gem now!
PROG REVIEWER

PROG REVIEWER

Side A begins softly, but after two minutes there's an interesting drum solo leading to a short rock section with a good interaction between the instruments. "Antartide", "Metamorfosi" and "Pathos" are tightly bound together: there are many changes of rhythm and moods and no room for boredom in an album where classical inspired patterns are blended with rock influences in a personal way and with a great musicianship. Then, after seven minutes, on "Senza un perch" (Without a reason), over a delicate piano part, shy lead vocals appear . "Poor creature / In the wreckage inside you / The prayer rises / It's sincere but / After you'll be wanting / Promised lands / All the great dreams / Without a reason.". The melodic lines are good but lead vocals in my opinion are the weak point of this album (actually Murple didn't have a real singer and the vocal parts where shared between the guitarist Pino Santamaria and the keyboardist Pier Carlo Zanco). After 10:30 an amazing church-like choir introduces to the following "Nessuna scelta" (No choice) with remarkable keyboards patterns in the background: ".You will teach me the bows / Of a juggler who always says yes / If you want, if you like you'll change me / Without telling me what you're doing / I will be the clay without shape / I can't do any choice". The closing section is the instrumental "Murple Rock" that features a remarkable guitar work.
Side B begins with "Preludio e schrzo", an amazing classical inspired "solo-piano section". After 2:55 lead vocals appear on "Tra i fili" (Among the threads) that was chosen to be the single promoting the album (but in my opinion this is not the best moment of this work). After 5:26 the good instrumental "Variazioni in 6/8", with keyboards in the forefront, reminds me of BMS' tracks like "Garofano rosso" or "Fino alla mia porta". After 7:35 lead vocals come back for "Fratello" (Brother) and "Un mondo cos" (A world like that): in my opinion on this album lyrics are not particularly inspired and a little bit nave but luckily the vocal parts are short and almost all the sections of the suites feature also interesting instrumental interludes. The final instrumental "Antarplastic" is just a short reprise of the opener "Antartide".
In the whole "Io sono Murple" is a good album, though not a masterpiece. It could be an excellent addition to any Italian prog collection.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

This album, telling musically the adventures of a little penguin, was recorded in a highly progressive manner. It's all there: the concept, shown through a long suite which comprises the entirety of the album; the epic tracks, two songs in fact, each taking the full side of the old vinyl LP; the instrumentation, the harmonies, the atmosphere.
Tunes go from vibrant to poignant, all soaked in an aromatic eau-de-cologne of symphonic ingenuity - the several musical parts seem common but the set is sophisticated and unique. All in all, MURPLE does a study or essay of how to compose, arrange and play a cast of beautiful chords; although we might catch a weak point that damages slightly this opus: vocals; maybe unnecessary. Instrumental parts with the notorious duels between guitars and keys completed by powerful bass lines and sound drumming are the strongest parts here. Amid nice segments, the most obviously amusing is the final quarter with the three last songs that leaves a clear impression in the hearer's memories.
Several influences may be perceived along the album, but MURPLE seem to trail a route of their own, full of the required ingredients that make "Io Sono Murple" an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Recommended.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator

The next installment of the Italian lesser-know gems series would be Murple, a 4-piece one-shot band from Rome. They formed in 1973 at the peak of the early Italian scene and recorded their concept album about a penguin and his adventure. If it sounds too whimsical don't be put off-there is good music to be had here. The band premiered their live act at a festival in Naples and also played the Villa Pamphili Festival in Rome in September 1974. Their album is a nice mixture of symphonic and rock elements with just a touch of jazzy feel here and there. I would say keyboards are slightly more prevalent than guitar but not by much, both are used liberally. I can't speak to the lyrics, but the music is certainly not dark, but rather upbeat, positive, energetic prog perhaps sometimes comparable to the feel of Druid but only a bit. While the album has plenty of fans it was not appreciated by critics of the time, nor was it promoted by the German label that issued it. It and the band shared the same fate as so many other quality Italian groups. But now thankfully a new generation of critics is praising this lost album and word has it that three of the four original members have a new album in the works.
Part 1 begins with an extended quiet section where a distant synth backs some guitar pull-offs, bringing the song to life very slowly. It crescendos at 2 minutes with a drum solo. The band springs to life around 3 minutes in with organ and guitars off to the races. The bass and drumming are quite good although the bass is too low in the mix for my taste. Around 7 minutes the rocking stops for gorgeous piano leading to the first vocals. Murple vocals are not the best you'll ever hear but they are certainly good enough. What is great are the keyboards, nicely thought-parts well delivered via synths, organ, and piano, sometimes layered over each other to gorgeous effect. The classical piano sections are achingly beautiful to a piano nut like myself. The guitar player is also very good and lays down some nice, aggressive lead parts throughout. The Murple sound mixes well different thematic elements and volumes. The pieces move along with loud rock sections and softer melodic sections intertwined and always interesting. As others have mentioned the keyboards and guitars join together often creating a very rich sound tapestry. Towards the end of the side the lead guitar and bass engage in some feisty riffing punctuated by some rather shrill synth tricks that could have been left out. Part 2's beginning is my favorite part with its glorious 3 minute classical piano solo, just marvelous stuff with that Italian flair, some slow notes and other moments lightning fast on those ivories. The next section features great majestic tones with vocal harmonies, fluid bass and electric leads popping up in the back. The meat of the track, like side 1, shows good composition and a knack for interesting keyboard parts. The track builds to another energetic ending with all players kicking it into high gear..driving bass, soaring leads.then it suddenly stops for a surprise bit of violin.before our Penguin walks off into the sunset.
All is not perfect in Murple land however. Despite some good music the sound quality of the Mellow MMP-121 pressing I have leaves plenty to be desired. It lacks adequate punch on the low end and really needs a remastering job. I do not know if the Akarma version is better but I hope so. Another problem is that this CD appears to be taken from a Vinyl source as you can hear the snap/crackle/pop in a few places. It is not horrible sound by any means, just far from optimum. If you love classic Italian and are interested in this title I would not let the sound issue stop you unless you are only able to enjoy pristine quality. They do include a lyric sheet in Italian, no English translation. This title is certainly a must for classic Italian junkies and a decent consideration for others who might enjoy its energetic mix.
PROG REVIEWER

It consists of two epic songs which are very well written IMO. The first one is a fantastic journey into the best of the Italian repertoire. Lush keyboards are wonderful. At times really hard while subtle and almost classic during other moments.
The vocal parts, although scarce are very pleasant as well. The whole piece is extremely varied; it is changing mood every minute or two. The listener has really no time to breathe and install himself in some comfortable and tranquil musical experience. His senses are always in alert during the whole of this long track, or combination of short tracks (the whole clocking at just over seventeen minutes).
The closing section is an extraordinary fusion between guitars and frenetic organ. Such a beautiful way to end a great piece of music.
The second track, is not as strong (but was it possible?). It sounds less cohesive, more a collection of several parts put together to fit an epic costume (which is the case by the way). It sounds also less personal, more Genesis. But the experience is also worth.
The piano play from Preludio is majestic, vocal sections are still emotive (Tra I Fili), the frenzy of the keys during Variazoni completely breaks the soft mood (which was not too bad at this time). The Fratello part features weaker vocals although the instrumental section is quite good actually. Just like Un Mundo Cos.
This is a very good album which I rate with four stars. An Italian jewel (as there are so many.).
PROG REVIEWER

They sure don't stand in one place very long during the first track, perhaps like our penguin Murple. It opens with some spacey atmosphere for a minute then drums and organ take over. We get a calm before 3 minutes and then the song kicks into gear before 3 1/2 minutes. Nice organ ! This is great ! It settles quickly though before kicking back in at 5 1/2 minutes with guitar.This is quite moving. Organ comes ripping in a minute later as the tempo picks up. Vocals for the first time after 7 1/2 minutes and this is an emotional section too. The tempo picks up then settles after 9 1/2 minutes as piano comes in. A fuller sound with vocals 11 1/2 minutes in. I like the guitar here.Vocal melodies and a calm 14 minutes in but then here we go again to the end.
Side two opens with almost 3 minutes of impressive piano melodies and then vocals and guitar take over. Beautiful ! The tempo picks up 5 1/2 minutes in with keys and drums leading the way. It settles with guitar and vocals before 8 minutes and then organ and bass lead the way 9 1/2 minutes in. Vocals are back after 12 minutes and then it kicks back in after 14 minutes. It calms down before 16 minutes to the end. Our penguins escapade is over. Hope he's ok. Haha.
For me this is a solid 4 star record that is very well played and arranged.
PROG REVIEWER

SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Rock Progressivo Italiano Team

Unusually, the band decide to open the album in a very sedate, slowly unfolding manner instead of blasting the listener with energetic intent! After a slowly morphing ambient synth drone, the album kicks to life with rollicking guitars, leaping upfront bass, trickles of Hammond organ and take-charge drumming. After some spectral organ, spiralling synth and devilish Hammond attacks, the piece settles into a delicate piano and vocal melody. Synths raise the piece in victory, little moments taking off in a brisk regal organ fanfare prance. Transitioning into a reflective classical piano break with a mournful choir, punchy guitar blasts over wavering spacey keyboard bubbles and Le Orme-styled organ pomp, leading straight to a buoyant up-tempo Genesis-like call-to-arms, almost resembling the early Eloy albums like `The Power and the Passion' as well.
Mario Garbarino's thick bass is the absolute standout throughout the entire flip-side, and all of the instrumental interplay between the musicians and the different flowing compositions from here on are just as memorable as anything offered from many of the higher profile Italian progressive groups of the time. Calming but gently melancholic piano announces this second side and dazzles with classical sophistication, moving into a swooning and loving ballad with murmuring bass and a heroic guitar theme over soothing synth washes. Out of nowhere, the band rip into a loopy and frantic instrumental run over the top of a pulsing beat and aggressive thrashing drums. Mellow vocal moments and whimsical interludes with a manic soaring and energetic finale follow, before the band close on a stirring low-key violin outro.
Is this a classic of the vintage RPI works? Perhaps not, but while there may be plenty more important, challenging and daring albums in the sub-genre, this one is sure to be a personal favourite in many collections. The group seemed destined to fall to the `one and done' curse that befell many Italian acts from the vintage Seventies period, this album being their sole release until they returned in 2008 with `Quadri Di Un'Esposizione' and more recently with 2014's `Il Viaggio'. But this is the first highlight from the band listeners should explore, a very special and much loved little album, and `Io Sono Murple' ticks all the right boxes that you'd want to find on an Italian progressive work from the era. It's also perfectly enjoyable for both established Italian prog connoisseurs and newcomers investigating the genre for the first time.
Four stars.
Latest members reviews
Despite the lack of commersial sucsess, this 30 minute long italian masterpiece shows the exelence
of the progressive rock era. This album is one of the Greatest from italy. A variated collection of
themes which melts together in to a fantastic penguins tale. the story and music blends perfectly
... (read more)
Report this review (#1218499) | Posted by Tord Bremnes | Sunday, July 20, 2014 | Review Permanlink
Some penguins provides what is close to being Rock Progressivo Italiano heaven.
Murple was a one album wonder. But they reformed again and gave us another album. This is their
first album and it was released back in 1974.
It is obvious from the sound that the classical music focused bands fr
... (read more)
Report this review (#550569) | Posted by toroddfuglesteg | Saturday, October 15, 2011 | Review Permanlink
'Io Sono Murple' (eng: 'I'm Murple') is a conmcept album based on the journey of penguin
Murple. This is the story of the good lyrics.
But the music is the magical part of this concept album because the lyrics are incorporated in
the music, at the same style of Genesis. But the music, what le
... (read more)
Report this review (#238206) | Posted by 1967/ 1976 | Wednesday, September 9, 2009 | Review Permanlink
This album tells the tale of a penguin named Murple... and, not being able to understand Italian,
that's all i've been able to gather about the story. Usually i don't mind lyrics in languages i
can't comprehend, often i even prefer it... but on this album i can't help but feel i'm missing a
big p
... (read more)
Report this review (#205253) | Posted by AdamHearst | Tuesday, March 3, 2009 | Review Permanlink
Io Sono Murple really is an "undiscovered gem" as has been said by other reviewers. I
purchased this album just because of the other reviews that sang its praise, and also
because the cover seemed to call out to me, "buy me, buy me." The album cover reminds
me of the Beatle's movie "Yellow S
... (read more)
Report this review (#118217) | Posted by jfleischh | Thursday, April 12, 2007 | Review Permanlink
It's a shame that Io Sono Murple is the only release from this talented band. Io Sono
Murple is an epic (albeit short) concept album about a penguin leaving his home (to be
honest, I don't know much else about the story). As for the music, it's mostly keyboard
driven, with wonderful melodic pa
... (read more)
Report this review (#81785) | Posted by Arsillus | Thursday, June 22, 2006 | Review Permanlink
****1/2This album has been a real grower for me. I remember being slightly disappointed when
I first heard this and it was probably because I was exploring a lot of the biggest
Italian classics at the same time. This is not the greatest Italian album ever but
excellent nevertheless. The story of
... (read more)
Report this review (#40263) | Posted by geezer | Monday, July 25, 2005 | Review Permanlink
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