Modena City Ramblers
Riportando tutto a casa

THE REVIEW

Released in March 1994, "Riportando tutto a casa" is the first true album by the Modena City Ramblers, preceded by their demo "Combat folk." Initially produced by the independent Roman label Helter Skelter, it was then reproduced by Mescal.
In this CD, you can find the true Modena, those who sing of a love for their land, for their strong native and historic origins, with a significant Irish component, a very important feature for the group. The rhythms are very engaging, drums and guitars with the full flavor of Ireland, the hard and rhythmic sounds of the drums reminiscent of the cliffs of the Irish seas, flowing gently with the keys of that accordion, the strong wind from Emilia. Giovanni Rubbiani's participation is noteworthy; a character located on vocals and guitar, he would follow them until the album "Grande Famiglia" before choosing to leave the group for various reasons.

The album begins with a salute to Ireland, "In un giorno di pioggia," a song of love for the beloved land of leprechauns, and “Tant par tachèr/The Atholl Highlanders,” a perfect blend of Modenese folk and a splendid Irish jig. The rhythm picks up, higher and more frenetic, in the style of the best Modena ballads such as “Delinqueint ed Modna,” “Morte di un Poeta,” and “Ahmed l’ambulante,” a free interpretation of a poem by a great writer and friend of the group, Luis Sepulvèda.

Among the other ballads, two need to be highlighted for a necessary, though brief, description: “I funerali di Berlinguer,” the final song for a great political figure, and “Il bicchiere dell’addio,” the true story of a joyful evening spent with Bob Geldof. Political texts are not missing with “Quarant'anni,” “Contessa,” and the grand partisan anthem “Bella Ciao.” As committed texts are inevitable, the Modena couldn't refrain from showcasing their poetry, sweetly caressing every side of the heart with “Canto di Natale” and the very sweet conclusion of the CD, “Ninnananna.”

Poetry mixed with popular roots, songs of struggle and anger, the cheerfulness of Romagna, and the bitterness of Guinness in Irish pubs; a long journey of places and emotions, a very successful first stop of this pivotal group in Italian folk.

Tracklist:

1. Un giorno di pioggia
2. Tant par tachèr/The Atholl Highlanders
3. Quarant'anni
4. Delinqueint ed Modna
5. Morte di un poeta
6. Funerali di Berlinguer
7. Il bicchiere dell'addio
8. Canto di Natale
9. Ahmed l'ambulante
10. Contessa
11. Bella ciao
12. The great song of indifference
13. Ninnananna