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Rating: Hello everyone. I have decided to review the album by Premiata Forneria Marconi which, in my opinion, is (after Storia di un Minuto) the absolute best: Chocolate King. I believe that in no album I have ever listened to, and I'm talking about artists of the caliber of E.L. and P.Jetro Thull, Genesis, Yes) can you hear music played at these levels. Mussida's guitar arpeggiates, especially in "Out of The Roundabout", fear-inducingly. Honestly, I believe that the compositional skill and musicianship have, in this album, reached their peak.
The album consists of five tracks, the first of which is "From Under". The attack of the track is chilling. The entire group starts with a phrase of incredible impact, with scales on various instruments, in unison. The finale is dizzying. The second track is Harlequin, where Professor Mussida once again proves both his state of compositional grace and his prowess as an instrumentalist. This track is perhaps the most beautiful because there are typically Mediterranean roots and high-level rock music inside it. The track that gives the album its title, namely "Chocolate King", plays along similar lines to "Celebration" but much more rock-influenced. Another track that reaches incredible heights of skill is certainly "Out Of The Roundabout". Here the entire group reaches staggering peaks and even the newcomer, Bernardo Lanzetti from the band Acqua Fragile, makes a significant contribution, also as a lyricist. I highlight the listening of the central part of the track where there is an arpeggio by Mussida with a solo by the wizard Premoli, true virtuosos of the instrument. The album closes with "Paper Charms", the most introspective track on the album, with wonderful lyrics in which, once again, the group demonstrates their splendid form of the moment.
What else to add? I think an album played so well is truly rare. Within the tracks, you can hear both jazz and rock, as well as typically Mediterranean music and progressive music. A truly heartfelt recommendation: LISTEN TO IT, it's really worth it.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Chocolate Kings (04:43)
when i was born they came to free us
to heal our battle wounds
with photographs of big fat mama
the chocolate kings arrived
to feed us full of good intentions
and fatten us with pride
stars and canybars!
shirly temple dipped her dimples
in favorite nurcery rhymes
big mamas love was pure and simple
and gentle dollar signs
sang out lullabies
so sorry
her superman is losing fans
and i am so sorry
so sorry
they've packed her bags
they've stacked her flags
and we are so sorry
her supermarket kingdom is falling
her war machines on sale
no one left to worship the heroes
her tv gods have failed
hope she takes a look in the mirror
while she is on her way home ...
her supermarket kingdom is falling
her war machines on sale
no one left to worship the heroes
her tv gods have failed
so sorry
her superman is losing fans
and i am so sorry
so sorry
they've packed her bags
they've stacked her flags
and we are so sorry
new you and i know big fat mama
she took us for a ride
but musclemen are out of business
the chocolate kings are dying
you don't wanna waste your life for chocolate heaven
you like to stay alive
like to stay alive
04 Out of the Roundabout (07:55)
1.
got a skin of sun
i'm breathing ceeophane
got a fadin' tan
to offer to the rain
who's the refere
when winter plays the ball?
runnin out of time
to celebrate the fall
out of the roundabout
out of the roundabout
got a cotton hat
to wear all year round
got a time disease
that keeps me upsidedown
and the willow trees
are spittin' out some green
i would give a look
but springtime looks a scream
out of the roundabout
out of the roundabout
now all the seasons run together
and the middle days are gone
without our weather repetitions
i can't shake my dice
can't skip a line no no no no no ...
2.
had my bicycle risin'
fast wheelin' and climbin'
the equinox hurdles
over gates of heat
even numbers to bring out
and courses to follow
in search of the days
before i missed their beat
I ran into a black cat
good taste for all timing
his ivory shaker
couldn't pour out rain
I've been truckin' and trackin'
still missin' the rhythm
of changes that used to
make me feel all right ...
I met birds on a cable
a dark feathered station
time flown for migration
but they wouldn't fly
askin' cherries and peaches
to work on their accents
a natural compass
but they fooled me good
I've been joggin' and jugglin'
still missin' the rhythm
of changes that used to
make me feel all right ...
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Other reviews
By antoniomimmo
'Chocolate King: the musical pinnacle of P.F.M.'
'The entire sextet...reaches solo and ensemble peaks that they will never reach again.'
By GiovanniNatoli
It is the best result of the Milanese group, the most ambitious and mature work.
"Chocolate Kings" is PFM’s masterpiece, the most ambitious and well-constructed album.
By mauro60
After 'Storia di un Minuto,' we were facing another masterpiece by Premiata Forneria Marconi.
Underestimated by critics and especially by fans, this album deserves the rightful artistic merit it holds.
