ajejebrazorf

I haven't heard it in a while, but 5 balls seems really exaggerated to me (it's not even what I liked the most, I preferred light as feather), even though I remember I didn't mind it, especially some parts of Corea at Rhodes.

Come on, let's not exaggerate, "serious and competent": you know De Gregori, right? Anyway, I'm not debating purism here; I like the sheep a lot too, but I prefer Alice because it's more varied: for instance, 1940, aside from being awesome musically, has an incredible drum part, Marianna al bivio has a truly interesting tempo. It's recorded in a somewhat rudimentary way, but in terms of music, I think it's De Gregori's best. Then yes, Buonanotte fratello is very punk, with a battered guitar and nothing else, but it's a magnificent song. And by the way, a little detail: I believe one of the biggest misconceptions about Italian music is "De Gregori as a Dylan emulator", especially regarding the early albums. It makes sense on paper too, see Rimmel which takes quite a bit from Soon or Later from Blonde on Blonde, or Buonanotte fiorellino that is Winterlude. But in terms of vibes, the early albums have nothing in common with Dylan’s atmosphere—at that point, I would rather bring up Nick Drake (especially for the sheep). Santa Lucia I like a lot too, but it's starting to get somewhat tear-jerking; I will always prefer the dark and dreamlike De Gregori (though I absolutely love Atlantide from that album, and especially Bufalo Bill which is beautifully sunny).

Yes Duane, but at least Mario Brega got paid to talk nonsense, you do it for free. Oh, just so you know: the vote is counted only once.

I don't understand why those who say that "Rimmel" is the only decent album by De Gregori don't understand anything about him<<< Simple, if you don't get it, it means you don't know De Gregori well.

Jargon wasn't the only one to say that "Rimmel" is the only album worthy of the Prince<<< yes, but I mean, so what? For anyone who knows De Gregori, that's nonsense. For me, Bufalo Bill is very nice, the next De Gregori is already lesser, not at the level of the first four (and here I know that Enea doesn't agree, but at least he knows what he's talking about, unlike Jargon or Duanethereturn), already a bit more on the love song side. Mr. Hood is one of my favorite songs by De Gregori.

But why do it, it's clear that Italian records are not listened to, people just throw shit at them regardless, right?

Well come on Enea, you know very well that those who talk about "the only worthy album" (jargon above) know nothing about De Gregori, it’s obvious. By the way, for me, Rimmel among the first four is the worst (the most beautiful for me remains Alice, which is phenomenal). And I also think that the level has dropped after that, but he has done many other valid things even in underrated albums, like Terra di Nessuno or Miramare.

Trell, have I ever thanked you for introducing me to this awesome band? Well, thanks (I also prefer Sackloth, but here's the cover of Dylan, Nbody cept you which is really cool).

Everything is true, and I also agree that in the animation that comes out of the United States, at least at the mainstream level (I imagine there are valid products in the underground, but I’m quite ignorant), it’s all very standardized and made to be easily digestible, unlike in Japan where even products known to the general public tend to be more mature, like Otomo, Oshii, or Miyazaki. I was just saying in this specific case, I preferred two very light things like Ratatouille and Shrek, which are still very enjoyable, to this Paprika.

probably Kon's most ambitious film (perhaps except for Paranoia Agent), but when I watched it, it felt a bit pretentious and somewhat boring. I mean, it's fine that Disney and Pixar create pure entertainment, but if I have to choose, I prefer Ratatouille and Shrek over this. Here, I remember excellent moments, but I don’t know, maybe a bit confusing... anyway, I should rewatch it, it's not a definitive opinion. I don’t know, I really liked his simpler films, like Tokyo Godfathers above all and Perfect Blue. The two where he raised the bar (Millennium Actress and this Paprika) I liked less; it seems like there’s a tendency to lose the plot (and I definitely enjoy more experimental animation). Paranoia Agent is an exception that, as Occulto says, is awesome, but maybe it’s because there’s more time available to develop everything.