Claudio Bisio
Patè D'Animo

The year of our Lord 1991: from Florida and England come the cornerstones of Death Metal; in Seattle, the Grunge phenomenon explodes thanks to albums like Ten and Nevermind; with the release of their self-titled album, the last of an excellent series, Metallica become commercial rock stars within MTV's reach, and, not least, I am born on a rainy October morning.
Perhaps we forgot someone.

Few remember, but in the summer of '91, Italian radios were playing a hit song known as “Rapput.” I see now timid smiles forming on your faces... you get it! Yes, my brothers, it is indeed Claudio Bisio, who, beyond a great career as an actor/comedian, has also devoted himself to the art of music (and what music). The work I am about to review is that "Patè d’animo," which was quite successful seventeen years ago. The result of collaboration between Claudio and Sergio Conforti (known as Rocco Tanica, keyboardist of EELST), the album comes across as an entertaining space for a satirical rock/rap, as is easily understood. For the occasion, Bisio enlists illustrious collaborations, including friend Angela Finocchiaro, Cesareo, the late Feiez, and Elio (whom we hear in “Germano, i sellini e sua madre”).

Certainly, the record is not a masterpiece, but it surely makes its mark: it ranges from the electronic sounds of “Alfonso 2000” to the more spirited rock of “La droga fa male,” where a Cesareo solo stands out. Other memorable tracks are the unforgettable “Rapput,” the parody of Aretha Franklin's “Think,” and the concluding “L’urlo,” a wicked piece laden with schizoid rage, a perfect ending for this vinyl. Of course, there are also short satirical pieces clearly derived from “tanichesca,” notably the rocking “Essa, Gace; Eddi, Vertente,” with a very Yankee flavor.

A well-played and entertaining record: highly recommended for those looking for a valid alternative to Elio e le Storie Tese, for those in need of a breath of fresh air, and, of course, for those who had forgotten it.