antoniodeste

@Pibroch: If that's the case, "Carnival nine" hurts even when it's not "in fits"......

The union between Blegvad and Hodgkinson is well documented in a bibliography rich in details. Even in the reissue of the double live "Concerts," the CD notes speak of it. It was bizarre but compensatory. Slapp Happy, after all, did not just make "pop songs," and indeed "western Culture," for example, is much less digestible than "In Praise"; this work marks a turning point in the language of the (more) Germanic Canterbury ensemble. The mere presence of Dagmar's commanding and distinctive voice makes it different. Fusillo has well argued in his examination of the compositions; I would only personally emphasize the happy success of the spaces and dynamic explosions in "Beautiful as the Moon"; back then, Wyatt often dueled with Dagmar on this gem. I must also say that in the last 2 or 3 years, I believe I saw Chris Cutler and John Greaves in a lineup with Peter Blegvad, but the emotions were truly lacking. It went better with a recital by Fred Frith, who "smashed" his guitar in a memorable happening focused on free and experimentation.

@ajeje: "but appreciating a fun band like Area is, in my opinion, not a matter of degrees." I'd say I can agree... but go explain that to "Voglio Capire" or whatever the hell he renamed himself... "I think I understand." Ah, ajeje, if you're interested in a "little tip": a nice live album by YellowJackets just came out (I think); grab it: it comes with a nice DVD of the live group (in Forlì!!) :)

@Daniele: I played Fender, I think, for 3 or 4 years when I was starting out; then, due to the excessive curvature, arching, and narrowness of the neck, I happily switched... to the other side. For several years now, I've been using a beautiful, lightweight custom Ibanez "Frank Gambale," fast and with very low action; it has gorgeous sounds and great sustain. I have even happily interfaced it with a Roland GR9 synth module for effects that are nothing short of bizarre. About the 1275 double neck @ Miki: I found it practically by chance, (bringing back a DVD: the store across is a music instrument shop): I saw it, and despite the high price, I couldn't resist. At that time (3 years ago), it was over 2000 euros. It's not too difficult to find. From what I understand, both Gibson and its subsidiary Epiphone label it as "discontinued" (but regular): it's a model that periodically (every 2, 3, or 5 years) is brought back into production. Interestingly, it features 2 PAFs and 2 Humbuckers. It wasn't just for Jimmy Page: John McLaughlin (of whom I am a "devout" fan) also used it, and since I was a kid, I was enchanted (both by McLaughlin and the guitar). Next step: Linda Manzer's Pikasso guitar; Daniele and Miki: do a photo search online for this model by this incredible luthier and let me know (also about the other models, of course). :)

In my opinion, comparing one group or musician to another is never a particularly intelligent or sensible activity; however, I will point out that the mere act of comparing the Police and XTC (and even discussing skill and technique) is even more foolish and pointless, if possible. It's already quite silly to claim that olives are better than anchovies, let alone comparisons in contexts like these.

oops, The Votes....

Nice review. It fully does justice to the ongoing wonder of the Gentle Giant. I believe you know, PierPaolo, that a second live DVD from the Giant during the "Missing Piece" period has just been released; needless to say, for guys like you, it’s absolutely unmissable. @Puntini CAZ: it’s true, the three little pigs have been "out of the business" for 26 years, and it’s quite strange that none of them have "recycled" themselves in some way, with any other band. Perhaps part of the GG myth lies precisely in this. Regarding PierPaolo's evaluation of the individual albums, I will say that I agree with slight modifications: one extra star for "Octopus" (Knots! Advent Of Panurge! and especially Boys in the Band are definitely exceptional): for "Power & The Glory," half a star more should be attributed to one of their most extraordinary songs (especially LIVE): "So Sincere," and regarding the last two works, mercilessly just one star each. :)

Undoubtedly a fitting conclusion for one of the great rock (of cross-pollination) bands of the late 70s and early 80s. I also believe it's necessary to pair "Reggatta de blanc" to have a more complete picture of the trio's (trio or threesome?) stylistic evolution. Very gritty, indeed, "Outlandos D'amour", as transitional as "Ghost in The Machine". However, I would say that "Synchronicity" is almost a cornerstone by now.

Mythical Malgioglioooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooo !!!! I wantttttttttttttttt him alltttttttttttt for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Just to torture him a little. And then maybe he’ll even like it. :)

@ajeje: my brother has never gone beyond Aphrodite's Child and Demis. Yet he has a degree in ancient literature. He is the one who is ancient. The Area would be too modern.