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Anaon
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Posted: June 20 2011 at 14:38 |
You're right because I absolutely love these albums! Museo Rosenbach, Alphataurus and Il Balletto Di Bronzo are probably my favourite. I'm waiting to receive these titles :
"Darwin!" Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso "L Isola di Niente" P.F.M. "Palepoli" Osanna "Sulle Corde di Aries" Franco Battiato "Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso" Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso "Quella Vecchia Locanda" Quella Vecchia Locanda
And I'm looking for Inferno by Metamorfosi at a good price
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Nightfly
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Posted: June 20 2011 at 13:54 |
Anaon wrote:
Hi!
It's bee, a while since I came here I listen to a lot of RPI these days so I came here to read the last posts of the topic... Here are the albums I listen to the most :
I ordered some other classics some days ago, I can't wait to receive them!! |
You can't go wrong with that excellent selection Anaon!
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Posted: June 20 2011 at 13:49 |
Todd wrote:
^ Enjoy those, Chris! I think you're in for a sumptuous feast. And a great review of a great album--thanks!!
Speaking of feasts, I've been enjoying watching the DVDs from the Prog Exhibition. Banco (they couldn't include the parts with John Wetton because of copyright issues ), the other half of Le Orme (Aldo and Tony, accompanied by David Cross on a couple numbers), PFM with Ian Anderson, Osanna (with VDGG's David Jackson and Balletto's Gianni Leone), RRR (with Thijs van Leer of Focus), The Trip, La Maschera di Cera, Periferia del Mondo, Abash, and Sinestesia (not really my kind of thing, frankly) . . . 4 DVDs and 7 CDs full of great music!!! If you have wondered if these are any good, they certainly have my endorsement! |
Sounds great Todd but a hefty price no doubt?
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Anaon
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Posted: June 20 2011 at 08:02 |
Hi!
It's bee, a while since I came here I listen to a lot of RPI these days so I came here to read the last posts of the topic... Here are the albums I listen to the most :
I ordered some other classics some days ago, I can't wait to receive them!!
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presdoug
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Posted: June 19 2011 at 20:21 |
A Person wrote:
Bumping this for the occasion.
Finnforest wrote:
Studio Album, 1972
Passio Secundum Mattheum
Latte e Miele Rock Progressivo Italiano
Review by
Lizzy
The Soundtrack of the Passions
In the enticing sphere of Italian Progressive Rock, almost every single subject sees its chance
to shine, but like in all realistic establishments, some manage to shine brighter than the others.
Latte e Miele saw serendipity strike in prog year of glory - 1972, when they produced a Bach and New
Testament inspired Passio Secundum Mattheum. This Genova based band's debut album's magnetism
lies primarily in its concept which, as the title suggests, is pertaining to Christ's dramatic last
days but only according to a singular source ' the gospel of Saint Matthew, often referred to as the
Passions. The beauty behind this concept is that it tells a story in a simple yet heart rending
manner, without it being homiletic.
Musically speaking the record explores symphonic dimensions reached not only by ELP, but also by
Genesis in tracks like Ultima Cena (the intriguing supper coincidence) or Getzemani which oozes an
abundance of influences in terms of keys treatment not only from the above mentioned giants, but
also from Deep Purple, Yes and even Eloy for that twist of spaceyness. The jazz influence is
another chief constituent of the whole, although at first they may seem slightly disconnected from
the main theme. Present in both parts of I Testimoni (the witnesses) via piano and drums, it raises
a fairly compelling question regarding its presence: why are there emotionless straight-forward jazz
sections in a crucial moment of the plot, where the false witnesses accuse Jesus of having declared
that he would destroy the temple and then rebuild it in three days? The answer is that the
senselessness of the jazz bits overlaps the duplicate attitude of nonchalance and lack of emotion
emitted by the witnesses.
As seen above, the soundscape manages to intertwine effortlessly with the visual thread, emerging
into a burst of sentiments. Thus the emotions grow more and more till they reach an overwhelming
apex: from the uplifting choir on Introduzione and the rather mellow acoustic guitar and harpsichord
driven Il Giorno Degli Azzimi accompanied by the elegant narration of the Passover preparations, to
the dynamic operatic choir from The Trial; from the witnesses false statements rendered in a
counter-tenor vox, in a very similar vein to some of Annas' bits from Jesus Christ Superstar
to the yet again mellow and sweet but at the same time excruciating Il Pianto which displays an
absolutely beautiful blend of keys, acoustic guitar and flute; from the surprising Giuda where harsh
guitars and drums alternate with a jazz section denoting insolence to Il Calvario featuring dramatic
operatic choir, morbid church organ keys, and drums reminiscent of ancient ships where they would
set the rowing rhythm of the slaves; all this only to paint one of history's most tragic paintings.
But because the Providence had other plans, the end fulminates in a reiterated theme of the heavenly
choir present at the very beginning of the record accompanied by the now regulars ' guitar, piano
and drums.
All told, Latte e Miele's first effort is a gorgeous journey whether it is on a musical, visual,
religious for some, educational for others, or merely a rudimentary emotional level, in which every
music lover should engage at least once in a lifetime.
4.5 stars |
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I love the band, and one of the most endearing Italian groups i have ever heard. My fave is Papillon, especially it's second side, where the band gets a bit jazzy, and quite classical as well, and is so good at this. I have mixed feelings about Aquile e Scoiattoli, the first three tracks are nonsense, but then the rest is up to the Latte e Miele quality standard (from where i live, Canada, they are unfortunately an obscurity)
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presdoug
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Posted: June 19 2011 at 20:06 |
Nightfly wrote:
Finnforest wrote:
Let's recommend some classic 70s lesser-knowns than the big 3, there's so many to get to....
De De Lind Rocky's Filj Officina Meccanica Festa Mobile Alphataurus Luciano Basso Campo di Marte Cervello Corte dei Miracoli Jumbo Latte Miele Metamorfosi Paese dei Balocchi Mario Panseri Pholas Dactylus Procession QVL Semiramis Rustichelli Bordini Stefano Testa Nuova Idea Panna Fredda Alusa Fallax Delirium Apoteosi J.E.T. Edgar Allen Poe Odissea Nascita della Sfera RDM Giganti Gian Pieretti
Wow, that was just off the cuff. I really need to pull out some classics and lose myself for a few days
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Excellent stuff Jim and but I'll have to add Biglietto Per L'Inferno, Area, Museo Rosenbach, Maxophone and Raccomandata Con Ricevuta Di Ritorno. |
thought i'd add-Triade, The Trip, Il Baricentro, Dedalus
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Posted: June 19 2011 at 19:59 |
dreadpirateroberts wrote:
Finnforest wrote:
Nightfly wrote:
Finnforest wrote:
Thanks Guldbam. I hope more people write about that one.
Todd, I think its a 5 for me too. I wish the sound were better though. It's OK but sounds muffled to me. If there's a Japan mini on that one, I might have to splurge.
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Actually Jim, the sounds great on the Esoteric remaster. Only problem is you'll have to put up with the English version. |
Ha! Not a chance. English vocals totally kill the RPI experience for me. While Italian vocals are not required for the sub genre definition, they are required for me to enjoy myself
Nothing worse than a hearing a good vocalist, with fluid access to the world's most beautiful language, using English. Call me a purist!
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Yeah, I found the same thing with say, Osanna's L'uomo and really wished it didn't have the English vocals. I still like the album, but I can't help feeling it would have been ace without.
It's a shame the European bands felt that pressure to use English in order gain more exposure (if that's what it was). I want to take a step back from blaming the closed-mind mentality of the general western music listening populace, but it seems like poor form from a listener who cannot accept a band singing in their native tongue. Now, I don't mean lyrics are unimportant, but language is and if anyone knows anything about the differences between languages re: syllables/sound units and thus rhythm and the vocal line etc, then native tongue is vital.
Ok, sorry about the rant. Calming down. Actually, speaking of Osanna - anyone here heard their 'Prog Family' release from a few years back? I'm interested but haven't shelled out yet. Any thoughts?
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In some cases, when Italian bands revert to singing in English, the results are better. I can think of two examples off the bat, the first Libra album, whose English language version is so great, it is almost in a class by itself, and Il Rovescio Della Medaglia's Contamination album, whose English version is so "right" There are, of course, groups like Le Orme where it is not possible to beat the Italian so beautifully done
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presdoug
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Posted: June 19 2011 at 19:54 |
dreadpirateroberts wrote:
Todd wrote:
^ Well, for me the original Osanna albums are the real deal. The first three, even to a lesser extent the next two, are all just absolute killers. Whenever I spin "Prog Family" it just makes me want to play the originals. So I would say get the first three, then the next two, then if you're still hungry go for "Prog Family." |
Awesome, thanks Todd! I'm only waiting on the soundtrack from Osanna to complete my collection of their first 3 albums, but it's good to hear that you reckon the 'Prog Family' is good too. I wondered how Gianni Leone would fit into the new line up (think I'd work really well) for instance. And the two albums after their masterwork, I've seen a lot of mixed reviews, think I should buy 'em any way? I kind of want to anyway, partly due to the obsessive/completionist side of me!
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the soundtrack (Milano Calibro 9) is a fantastic album, and one of the group's very best (it also happens to be the first Osanna i ever heard)
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Posted: June 18 2011 at 15:12 |
^ Enjoy those, Chris! I think you're in for a sumptuous feast. And a great review of a great album--thanks!!
Speaking of feasts, I've been enjoying watching the DVDs from the Prog Exhibition. Banco (they couldn't include the parts with John Wetton because of copyright issues ), the other half of Le Orme (Aldo and Tony, accompanied by David Cross on a couple numbers), PFM with Ian Anderson, Osanna (with VDGG's David Jackson and Balletto's Gianni Leone), RRR (with Thijs van Leer of Focus), The Trip, La Maschera di Cera, Periferia del Mondo, Abash, and Sinestesia (not really my kind of thing, frankly) . . . 4 DVDs and 7 CDs full of great music!!! If you have wondered if these are any good, they certainly have my endorsement!
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Posted: June 16 2011 at 17:18 |
Cheers Paul!
Okay, I've ordered Come in un Ultima Cena after reading everyone's comments on the previous page. Another album I've finally gotten around to buying is Festa Mobile's Diario. Shameful that it's taken me so long! Hopefully they should drop through my letterbox by the weekend.
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Nightfly
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Posted: June 16 2011 at 13:53 |
Nice one Chris - One of the better post seventies RPI and well worth checking out.
Studio Album, 2000
Come il Seguitare Delle StagioniIl Castello Di Atlante Rock Progressivo Italiano
Review by seventhsojourn Special Collaborator RPI Team
One of the drawbacks with album reviews is that while we can share our opinions about music we can never share the actual experience of listening to it; the music simply exists and will have unique meaning to each and every individual. Anyone that knows anything about my taste will understand that melodic symphonic prog is my jam and, for me, listening to Il Castello di Atlante is a bit like overdosing on the music of my youth. These guys are clearly less than strangers with Genesis and Il Castello share the same flair for melody, but at the same time they're not hindered by any kind of musical conformism.
'Come il Seguitare delle Stagione' isn't my favourite album by the band but it does exemplify the character of Il Castello as it features their usual intricate interplay of guitar, keys and violin. This is very much an album for daydreaming, for withdrawing from hard reality and immersing yourself in extravagant fantasy. It features a collection of contradictory yet complementary pieces, with four grand-manner epics interspersed with three short instrumentals that are like poignant little elegies. As such it is alternately 'out there' and 'in here'; or it could be successively gregarious and solitary if we equate the music with our prevailing spirits.
Those who prefer to crack the hard shell of the wild and experimental RPI may be indifferent to this album. However if you're looking for the security of sumptuous textures and romantic melodies you'll surely relish this album's timeless beauty.
Edited by Nightfly - June 16 2011 at 13:54
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Posted: June 13 2011 at 05:12 |
Great to hear you enjoyed Three Monks Lizzy.
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dreadpirateroberts
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Posted: June 12 2011 at 22:03 |
Todd wrote:
^ Well, for me the original Osanna albums are the real deal. The first three, even to a lesser extent the next two, are all just absolute killers. Whenever I spin "Prog Family" it just makes me want to play the originals. So I would say get the first three, then the next two, then if you're still hungry go for "Prog Family." |
Awesome, thanks Todd! I'm only waiting on the soundtrack from Osanna to complete my collection of their first 3 albums, but it's good to hear that you reckon the 'Prog Family' is good too. I wondered how Gianni Leone would fit into the new line up (think I'd work really well) for instance. And the two albums after their masterwork, I've seen a lot of mixed reviews, think I should buy 'em any way? I kind of want to anyway, partly due to the obsessive/completionist side of me!
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Posted: June 12 2011 at 16:41 |
seventhsojourn wrote:
@Lizzy - have you heard L'Oblio by Amanita? I think you'd enjoy that one, lots of great flute. |
I have not. Thanks for the recommendation. :D Flute is always a big plus in my book (so is harpsichord ). Three Monks was excellent. Unfortunately I only got to listen to Neogothic Progressive Toccatas once and couldn't focus on it as much as I would've wanted to, but I really do have to hear again.
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Property of Queen Productions...
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Posted: June 12 2011 at 16:07 |
Nightfly wrote:
Guldbamsen wrote:
seventhsojourn wrote:
Guldbamsen wrote:
^^Iīve been looking for that particular album myself
Just got into Arti e Mestieri through The Trip. I thought the drummer was excellent, and I am such a sucker for meaty drummers, - and sure thing found out he had gone on to play for a fusion group. Got the one with the ballet shoes, and was totally blown away! Many fusion groups lack melody, but got loads of chops IMO - these guys got both. A jazzy version of PFM?
BTW - Chris, I canīt believe you rated my favorite Battiato album 3*. Might have to fix up a doctorīs appointment for you... |
Sorry, there's no known cure for my bad taste! Just kidding, I know you're only pulling my chain. I don't put too much emphasis on ratings these days (I guess you don't either) and I'd actually be happy to post reviews without ratings. I only gave the Cervello album 3* as well, and the L'Uovo di Colombo a mere 2*. |
Iīm with you regarding the whole rating system. How could one ever put a price tag/value/currency on something you love so dearly? Iīve got a truckload of albums Iīd probably rate 2*, but each of them contains one or two pieces of music that I would trade my life in for.
Melos is actually one of the few RPI albums, where I totally agree with Jim |
I hear what you guys are saying on the ratings issue. Must admit I'm glad of them just for an at a glance idea on albums. All albums seem to get a few reviews that are less than complimentary, even the biggies but I think they kind of level themselves out generally speaking if you catch my drift and most seem to have a rating that's probably fairly consistent with the general consensus. |
I guess itīs my studies that soaks through in my way thinking. I also find ratings to be informative - well at least if the given record has been reviewed by a vast amount of people - including ones I really respect, - but what I mean to say is more, that when we try to cram something as vital and inexplicable as music into boxes - we might in the long run be spoiling some of the magic, because we all the time are trying to put something as finit as a number on what essentially is metaphysics - well the experience of listening that is... Actually reading Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben at the moment, who strongly urges people to let go of biometrics and all the boxes attached to it. Itīs not that we donīt need different names for things to differentiate, but sometimes we make up stuff where they arenīt needed at all. Itīs ok to use ratings - but maybe sometimes people get too caught up in the process of having to judge something - and totally and utterly forgets to listen to the music.
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Posted: June 12 2011 at 00:53 |
^ Well, for me the original Osanna albums are the real deal. The first three, even to a lesser extent the next two, are all just absolute killers. Whenever I spin "Prog Family" it just makes me want to play the originals. So I would say get the first three, then the next two, then if you're still hungry go for "Prog Family."
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Posted: June 11 2011 at 23:00 |
Finnforest wrote:
Nightfly wrote:
Finnforest wrote:
Thanks Guldbam. I hope more people write about that one.
Todd, I think its a 5 for me too. I wish the sound were better though. It's OK but sounds muffled to me. If there's a Japan mini on that one, I might have to splurge.
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Actually Jim, the sounds great on the Esoteric remaster. Only problem is you'll have to put up with the English version. |
Ha! Not a chance. English vocals totally kill the RPI experience for me. While Italian vocals are not required for the sub genre definition, they are required for me to enjoy myself
Nothing worse than a hearing a good vocalist, with fluid access to the world's most beautiful language, using English. Call me a purist!
|
Yeah, I found the same thing with say, Osanna's L'uomo and really wished it didn't have the English vocals. I still like the album, but I can't help feeling it would have been ace without. It's a shame the European bands felt that pressure to use English in order gain more exposure (if that's what it was). I want to take a step back from blaming the closed-mind mentality of the general western music listening populace, but it seems like poor form from a listener who cannot accept a band singing in their native tongue. Now, I don't mean lyrics are unimportant, but language is and if anyone knows anything about the differences between languages re: syllables/sound units and thus rhythm and the vocal line etc, then native tongue is vital. Ok, sorry about the rant. Calming down. Actually, speaking of Osanna - anyone here heard their 'Prog Family' release from a few years back? I'm interested but haven't shelled out yet. Any thoughts?
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Posted: June 11 2011 at 17:25 |
Nightfly wrote:
Finnforest wrote:
Thanks Guldbam. I hope more people write about that one.
Todd, I think its a 5 for me too. I wish the sound were better though. It's OK but sounds muffled to me. If there's a Japan mini on that one, I might have to splurge.
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Actually Jim, the sounds great on the Esoteric remaster. Only problem is you'll have to put up with the English version. |
Ha! Not a chance. English vocals totally kill the RPI experience for me. While Italian vocals are not required for the sub genre definition, they are required for me to enjoy myself Nothing worse than a hearing a good vocalist, with fluid access to the world's most beautiful language, using English. Call me a purist!
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Nightfly
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Posted: June 11 2011 at 16:35 |
Guldbamsen wrote:
seventhsojourn wrote:
Guldbamsen wrote:
^^Iīve been looking for that particular album myself
Just got into Arti e Mestieri through The Trip. I thought the drummer was excellent, and I am such a sucker for meaty drummers, - and sure thing found out he had gone on to play for a fusion group. Got the one with the ballet shoes, and was totally blown away! Many fusion groups lack melody, but got loads of chops IMO - these guys got both. A jazzy version of PFM?
BTW - Chris, I canīt believe you rated my favorite Battiato album 3*. Might have to fix up a doctorīs appointment for you... |
Sorry, there's no known cure for my bad taste! Just kidding, I know you're only pulling my chain. I don't put too much emphasis on ratings these days (I guess you don't either) and I'd actually be happy to post reviews without ratings. I only gave the Cervello album 3* as well, and the L'Uovo di Colombo a mere 2*. |
Iīm with you regarding the whole rating system. How could one ever put a price tag/value/currency on something you love so dearly? Iīve got a truckload of albums Iīd probably rate 2*, but each of them contains one or two pieces of music that I would trade my life in for.
Melos is actually one of the few RPI albums, where I totally agree with Jim |
I hear what you guys are saying on the ratings issue. Must admit I'm glad of them just for an at a glance idea on albums. All albums seem to get a few reviews that are less than complimentary, even the biggies but I think they kind of level themselves out generally speaking if you catch my drift and most seem to have a rating that's probably fairly consistent with the general consensus.
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Posted: June 11 2011 at 16:23 |
Finnforest wrote:
Thanks Guldbam. I hope more people write about that one.
Todd, I think its a 5 for me too. I wish the sound were better though. It's OK but sounds muffled to me. If there's a Japan mini on that one, I might have to splurge.
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Actually Jim, the sounds great on the Esoteric remaster. Only problem is you'll have to put up with the English version.
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