PARSIFAL

Riccardo Fogli out and Red Canzian in (former member of Capsicum Red): the classic line up started off.

First of all, I have to warn you: this is not a true prog rock work since the Pooh are not a prog rock band. They simply were child of their time and used some of the prog elements then in vogue to build up more "serious" songs.

Their canons still remain soft pop music but this time we have more: at least, an excellent opener and a superb closer. We have symphonic pop not far from what Barclay James Harvest were doing at the time.

L'ANNO, IL POSTO, L'ORA (6:47) is about the moment when a plane pilot realizes an upcoming crashing to the ground. Full orchestration, delicate vocals, shady symphonic atmosphere and mid-paced time.

PARSIFAL (the closer) is probably (indeed certainly) the most proggy track of the band and is divided in two parts: the first one sung and the second completely instrumental and fully symphonic arranged (the total leght is about 10 minutes).

There is wonderful electric guitar's playing (and vocals) by Dodi, moog by Roby, low choruses, harp, violins, flutes, cellos, brass... the second part is so rich that every time I listen to it I always think of Verdi's Aida as the proper comparison! A must! For me a 5 stars rating song.

Of the remaining tracks, none reaches these levels. Many listeners tell the other songs are pure pop songs based on melody and nothing memorable.

I think they're wrong 'cause there's still another classic: INFINITI NOI, a symphonic crescendo based on piano and strings that starts off as languid romantic song. The main problem is that many of you don't understand italian lyrics but I really ... I feel shivers on my spine...

To be mentioned also LA LOCANDA and LEI E LEI which is about sapphic love (very good melody). All in all, each song became a classic in Italy but there's a low prog quotient.

Probably the album won't be everybody's cup of tea; probably it would appeal only to fans of softer side of prog; probably it is not Pooh's best and more proggy effort (UN PO' DEL NOSTRO TEMPO MIGLIORE should be the choice then - ask the Mick...).

Sure that the closer deserves its own special place on this site. It's a monument for any good RPI lover.

3.5 stars as a final rating (but the album contains some memorable stuff).

I hope to read more comments and reviews.

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