Collage
Due Ragazzi Nel Sole

The Collage is an Italian musical group that enjoyed moderate success in the late 70s and early 80s. Those of a certain age know them or have surely heard them on the radio back in the day. They were part of the Italian melodic music movement, which, among well-known and underground names, offered emotions and memorable songs, but also photocopies of photocopies and triumphs of banality. In this historical context, this band from Olbia carved out their space, with Piero Fazzi on guitar and his brother Tore Fazzi as the lead vocalist. Much of the band's success can be attributed to their participation in Sanremo 77 with the song 'Tu mi rubi l'anima.'

But let's get to us. Their recording debut dates back to 1976, an album that alternates songs which have remained in the annals of the genre with easily forgettable tracks. The album is 'Due ragazzi nel sole', which also gives its name to the first track, the one many will also remember as the most famous. No need to beat around the bush, a simple and at times banal lyric, but endowed with a harmonic energy and melodic beauty rarely equaled in Italian music of the time. It is impossible to remain impassive in the face of the sweetness released by the dreamy notes of the song. A song that to some may also bring nostalgia for times gone by and lost loves. The second track, much less famous but in my opinion equally beautiful, is 'A piedi nudi'. The lyrics improve; it is about a love described through comparisons with nature, the strong point remains the almost shy voice of the singer and the dreamy atmosphere of the notes. The album continues with ups and downs, among unknown and catchy, beautiful but forgettable songs ('E te ne vai', 'Saprei darti un' anima') and completely negligible tracks ('Cento guerrieri', 'Ma che faccia da schiaffi'). A special mention goes to the seventh track, and one of the group's most famous songs, 'Lei non sapeva far l'amore'. Yet again a beautiful atmosphere describing shyness and nostalgia regarding first love experiences and first sexual gestures, in an era when sex was hard to transcribe into music.

The Collage still tours, bringing along their old fans, without too many pretensions, with several lineup changes. They certainly do not reach the compositional and musical level of other groups of the time like La Bottega dell' Arte or the Alunni Del Sole, but it is always nice not to forget such bands. Worth rediscovering.