UOMO DI PEZZA

This famous album by Le Orme, rapidly became a Classic in Italy and in the world prog scenario itself. Seven strong organ and keyboard oriented songs, with always delicate touch of acoustic guitar and warm vocals provided by Aldo Tagliapietra (Cutstone, I repeat it). But, what about the lyrics? After listening with attention to the album I've realized it is a quasi-concept album, if not a concept completely! The main theme has been always under my eyes.just look to the cover, what do you see? Surrealistic and oneiric images, a distorted vision of the reality! The feelings represented in it seem to be solitude, sadness, alienation etc. I think it is a further proof of the main theme: PSYCHOLOGICAL DISEASES, MENTAL DISTURBS, EMOTIONAL FRAGILITIES, IMAGINERY FEARS, PEOPLE THAT ARE OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY.

The opener (Una Dolcezza Nuova- A New Sweetness) is a great duet between organ and classic piano. The lyrics are revealer: ".there's in your eyes an ancient fear, ashes' dreams now burn in you. When the fears fade away, believe in me.the storm is in your heart, you take refuge in me. In the space shouts the thunder, your voice is now a sigh and you trembles beside me.". Is this a romantic interlude? Or is it the narrator the second of a double personality which tries to replace the first one, not able to bear all the crude reality anymore?

Gioco di Bimba (Baby's Game) was the hit single that helped Le Orme to established theirselves as one of the major band in Italy: ". she wakes up in the night, walks silently with closed eyes, like she follows a magical singing. And on the swing she restarts to dreams.with dressing gown, white face, moonlight rays on her hair. swinging swinging.in the baby's game a woman loses herself.". A sleepwalker's story. It could be also the representation of that emotive state in which a person don't manage to exit from his (or her) childhood.

La Porta Chiusa (The Locked Door) is a stunning 7,30 mns piece with really captivating keyboards, great bass guitar and drums' work. ".As every evening you're alone in the dark, only your whiteness keeps you company. You hear a rustle at the doorstep and you don't know who is it.you listen in silence. who's knocking at your door at this late hour?".

Breve Immagine (Brief Image) is a wonderful short track with dreaming atmosphere and lyrics:".it's a sweetest image, it's a fleeting image.".

Figure di Cartone (Cartboard Figures) is a great synth played song about the losing touch with reality: ".in your own strange world, made of cartboard's figures and lots of cloth's dolls.you live there between those four walls, you don't remember who've leaded there, you only know who's playing with you. You don't have anxiety for the future, time for you has no value.you talk with the Angels. In that closed circle of madness you've lost your youth.".

Aspettando l'Alba (Waiting for the Dawn) is a romantic track with a nice soft acoustic guitar. ".guitar's sound, a singing in the night, a fire on the beach.many footprints on the sand.there was an empty and dull face.a silent thought.".

Alienazione (Alienation), using the words of Erik this is the ".most bombastic tribute to ELP with dynamic drums and spectacular keyboard play"! Alienation could be the result of all the disturbed mental states mentioned above!

The theme is somehow complex and fascinating, what a pity the non-italian people cannot understand it! Le Orme's lyrics are great, always being a perfect marriage with their fantastic music! The five stars are a must (as well as a pleasure after listening to such an opus!).