Charlie & The Cats
Vakaputanga

THE REVIEW

Right from the first notes, the album shows a willingness to innovate combined with a return to the sound of "Greatest Tits": the album's opener, a cover of Prince's "Sign o' the Times", is emblematic of this, followed closely by "Alla radio", which originally appeared on "Greatest Tits". The rock and audacious sounds of "Fighétt" and "Vakaputanga" are surprisingly interrupted by "Alito di bue", a Christmas gem centered on none other than the family of Nazareth. "Felicità" raises fears of the worst (do you remember the songs from Orzinuovi?), yet it turns out to be just an analgesic positioned before the album's core proper, a core in which various styles find space, from the rock of "Lard-Rock", "Shining Star" and "Abbatteria" (the latter with Cesare Valbusa in a state of grace) to the jazz of "Il giez del chez", from the funky rhythm of "AYAYAYAYAYAY" to the ballad "Fratelli" (What a world we live in.....). The irreverent path continues between brilliant new tracks (Vigilessa, Torero) and old classics (La pappatoia, Porcona mia, El gat de Paol), but the real gems of the album are found at the end: "Aggettivi 2", a refinement of the episode from "Orzinuovi," and "Figa mia caso", where ambiguity and double entendres reign.

"Vakaputanga" is, in all probability, the most democratic album by the Cats: Charlie, although always in the foreground, grants ample space to his counterpart Alan Farrington: not only is his character consolidated, but his musical skills are also highlighted by a more balanced mix in which his bass provides quality accompaniment.

Talent, humility, and genuine passion: the Cats find the right path with "Vakaputanga," the only album capable of competing with the legendary "Greatest Tits."