Filippo Malatesta
Giramondo

The fact that Italian record companies couldn't care less about the quality of music is something sadly well-known and not worth further words, but allowing an artist of Filippo Malatesta's caliber to fall into oblivion after the splendid albums he produced in the '90s was a situation crying for justice, especially in light of certain absolutely anonymous and lackluster characters who have risen to success in recent years.
Fortunately, the determination and tenacity of this talented Romagnolo have prevailed, and now we can listen to this new album that was initially sold only online and in some newsstands around Forlì and Rimini, but is now regularly distributed thanks to the foresight of a small label, Self.

"Giramondo" is also the title of the piece that opens the album, with a street accordionist recorded live. Then he starts with a nice simple and direct rock piece, where he demonstrates that since the glories of "La figlia del re," nothing has changed, and things are still in their rightful place.
Still riding the rock wave is "Boh," with lyrics highlighting uncertainty in the future and encouraging escape to Mexico for fun.
Then a beautiful melodic ballad, "Cento giorni," followed by an accordion opening "Con un filo di gas," a piece with a progression quite similar to "Alla grande" from 1997.
Back to rock'n'roll with some nice guitar riffs with "Il gatto," where the artist compares himself to a cat, said to have seven lives.
Back to the soft ballad style with "Solo," a piece that somehow recalls Edoardo Bennato's "La fata," a very acoustic and engaging song.
Even in previous albums, Filippo hinted at a certain passion for country-like pieces, and "Luna Park" confirms this.
Another melodic ballad with "Fantastico," then again electric guitars for "Dieci teste (Testa di jeans)."
"Meteo" is a text reflecting on meteorologists' skill in always getting forecasts right, "Trenta gradi all'ombra," another piece with a country-rock rhythm.
"Una vita selvatica," another of those direct and simple rock pieces mentioned at the beginning, then the studio part closes with "A volte il Paradiso".

There is also a series of bonus tracks recorded live with acoustic versions of five of his best tracks from the '90s albums, "Non Voglio sentire niente" and "Con o senza me" from "Malatesta" of '94, "Alla grande" and "Domani" from "Il re delle tre" of '97, and what perhaps remains his most successful piece, namely that "La figlia del re," which in '92 brought him to the attention of the more attentive audience.
Let's hope now someone will finally notice him and Filippo can afford a grand launch, he deserves it.