vellutogrigio

@ArnoldLayne: would you have any hints about the upcoming albums? Thanks for the compliments.

@lemuro: Phenomena is indeed obscene, it has neither head nor tail.

@Bubi: in an interview I read years ago, Argento stated that he is a strong reader of thrillers (and I believe it...), favoring, in particular, Ellery Queen. Without going into details, I observe how at least two Argento twists are taken directly from the novels of Dannay and Lee: "Trauma," which I would like to review soon, draws direct inspiration from "The Egyptian Cross Mystery" (I won't get into details now to avoid spoiling the pleasure of reading or watching the book and film); "Non ho sonno" is inspired, if I'm not mistaken, by "The Tragedy of Y." There’s also an aspect that some underestimate: the typical twist found in the best Argento films (at least "The Bird" and "Deep Red") is also derived from Ellery Queen: in the latter's novels, the so-called "unexplainable detail" is often central. If you're fortunate enough to read "Ten Incredible Days," you'll understand what I mean: the vertigo that Ellery discovers when he uncovers the hidden detail reminded me of that of David Hemmings in "Deep Red," even though they are, of course, very different stories. I hope I've been clear, and anyway, thank you for giving me the opportunity to clarify my thoughts.

Oops

Ah... I've never quite understood the comparison with the Sabbath; BOC were great musicians, and also fairly cultured people, light-years away from the gritty, working-class blues of the excellent Sabbath. It's true that in '80 they did the infamous "Black and Blue Tour" together, and both bands flirt with arcane atmospheres, but the cultural approach has never seemed the same to me. Still, we could use more bands like that. I vote for you.

Beautiful page. But what did Lester Bangs think about cockroaches? For my part, I've never been able to stand them... better Who, Yardbirds, Kinks, Rolling Stones, and of course Beach Boys, just to stay in those years.

How can one not be the first to vote on your review of the great BOC? When I bought this album I did it almost as a challenge, and I didn't like it much. Years later, it must be said that it's not bad; sometimes, though, the BOC over-mimic Supertramp (Moon Crazy), but tracks like The Great Sun are truly excellent and make you forget the past. What can I say? Sufficient work, not essential for newcomers: only for enthusiasts (like I imagine you are). I don't quite share your negative judgment on Spectres, while I would love to hear your thoughts on albums like Cultosaurus and FOUO, which I modestly reviewed myself. Your style is great.

Beautiful page! I loved Area very much in the mid-'90s... and even today listening to them is exhilarating. This is probably their best work, alongside Crac!

Are you inspired by Paolo Ziliani's reviews? In any case, the album is nice, especially for "Welcome" and "Have a Cigar," more than for the sentimental Gilmour-like compositions.

@gmetti: thank you for the valuable information, and congratulations on your expertise. I will hardly be in TO... a city that I love nonetheless. If you go, enjoy the NMN. And review 0+2=1 on this site.