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Prog rock is a genre that in the last 10 years has experienced a strong resurgence thanks to bands like Dream Theater and others. Yet I don't think it's right to talk about prog as music completely composed to satisfy the musical follies of artists, who are certainly valid technically (see Portnoy & co.), but of a unique and disarming coldness. No offense to the fans of the "theater of dreams," but it's absolutely not possible to talk about strong emotions and unique sensations to be found in albums like "Systematic Chaos" or others by the Boston group. Sorry if Petrucci's group is now my sole target, but it's the most striking example of what I want to talk about. It's not just by making 10-minute tracks, perhaps divided into 2 or 3 parts, that you've created a masterpiece.
In the 70s (when the true masterpieces of the genre in question were being released), "Per Un Amico," the second studio work by PFM, was launched on the market. Analyzing such an eclectic and multifaceted work is absolutely not a simple task: indeed, in just 35 minutes of music, you find everything you can ask for from prog; keyboard solos, guitars, odd times, violins, keyboards, choirs, and more. Yes, there are 10-minute songs, but they flow smoothly, harmoniously, without disturbing elements or fillers; just music. And it's difficult to listen to half an hour of technical music (not hyper-technical), delicate and rough at the same time, in a modern prog record. How can you not be carried away by the magical melodies of "Per Un Amico," or by the snare-driven marches of Di Cioccio in "Generale"? And what about the almost videogame-like atmospheres of "Il Banchetto"?
So here there is everything you can also find in a Dream Theater album: Solos, technicalities, instrumental parts that scream... but there is one thing that cannot be learned in any music school, and that technique cannot give; it's not imagination... But it's the magic.
One of the greatest proofs of one of the greatest bands on the world prog scene.
Tracklist Lyrics and Samples
03 Per un amico (05:23)
Non domandarmi se un giorno cambier�, comincia a fare qualcosa e cambier� con te cambier�. Tu scappi e poi ti nascondi e non si pu�, tu vivi i tuoi compromessi e non si pu�... non � pi� tempo di sogni devi lottare di pi�, di pi�, di pi�...
04 Il banchetto (08:39)
Sire, Maesta
Riverenti come sempre siam tutti qua
Sire, Siamo Noi
Il poeta, L'assassino E Sua santita
Tutti, Fedeli Amici Tuoi.
Prego, Amici Miei,
Lo Sapete Non So Stare Senza Di Voi
Presto, Sedetevi,
Al Banchetto Attendevamo soltanto voi
Sempre Ogni Giorno Che verra
Finche Amore E pace regnera.
Tutti Sorridono
Solo Il popolo Non ride, ma lo si sa
Sempre Piagnucola
Non Gli va mai bene niente chissa perche,
Chissa perche perche ecc. ecc. ...
05 Geranio (08:04)
Balla piano nella via
balla il vento della notte
balla un sogno che non c' e' piu'.
Balla l' ombra della luna
sfiora il tempo la fortuna
balla piano, balla laggiu'.
Balla solo nella via
balla un sogno gia' lontano
balla piano, balla laggiu'.
Balla, balla l' allegria
solo un bimbo, meno grano
balla, piange nella via
balla, neve, gelo e fame
balla, dolce poesia
balla e cuoce le campane
balla il suono della via
fuochi intorno ... (parola incomprensibile) ...
balla il suono della via
balla un suono andato via
balla piano, balla laggiu'.
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Other reviews
By nick81
The album reveals less flashy qualities compared to the debut record, but not any less solid for that.
The overall level is undoubtedly high, blending Mediterranean timbres with folk and medieval dance hints.
By the clash
"Appena Un Po’ is an absolute masterpiece of world prog, nothing is wrong in this track, nothing out of place."
"The album concludes around 34 minutes, offering a more experimental side, forcing repeated listens to appreciate every slightest contribution."
