Fabrizio De André
In direzione ostinata e contraria

THE REVIEW

The Wonderful Box Set of Our Fragile Friend

It's a great feeling to know that for a few weeks now, a box set of three CDs by the great and inimitable Fabrizio De André has been on sale; three CDs that trace the salient phases of his career between music and poetry, that merge that made him the greatest singer-songwriter in Italian music. It's a wonderful sensation because nearly seven years after his untimely death, seeing his name among the month's "new releases" is like Fabrizio is still alive; and he is, thanks to his beautiful songs.

It is not a commercial operation as it might seem, but a way to reintroduce his songs in a certain order and divided over time, and perhaps bring younger generations closer to his music. These are sincere songs, committed songs, and love songs; De André is no longer with us, unfortunately, and if his first complete collection has finally been released, there must be a reason. The reason is that music in general, without Faber's beautiful songs, wouldn't have the same depth, considering that year after year, there are always fewer quality songs compared to commercial songs, perhaps sung by people who only pursue success, which usually doesn't last long. De André was never commercial, and he never will be; all this is thanks to the De André foundation that protects the image of the singer-songwriter, doing charity work and trying to spread as much as possible what the great Fabrizio has given us during his career. The quality of the three CDs is excellent, thanks to the "de-mastering" process which restores the songs to their original sound, without any loss.

The selection of songs is impeccable, because it touches all the phases of his artistic life, and inside the box set, there are also the lyrics of all the songs. In short, a box set worth buying, and maybe giving to someone who has never known his music, because within his songs there's everything to learn; there's the allegorical De André, the one against war and oppression in general, against marginalization, against power, there's also the apocryphal De André, the Genoese one, and the one who talks about death. Finally, there are also three songs never published on CD: "Una storia sbagliata," "Titti," and "Cose che dimentico" (sung in duet with Cristiano De André). Fabrizio De André is always alive in our hearts, and his songs are the soundtrack of our lives, a great legacy left with sincerity and a lot of affection. Thank you, Faber!

"... For those who travel in a stubborn and contrary direction with their special brand of special despair, who among the vomit of the rejected takes the last steps, to deliver to death a drop of splendor, of humanity, of truth..."