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Rating:
Oh... I see with horror that "Storia di un minuto" by PFM is missing on Debaser... well, I said to myself, let's take care of that immediately!
The first CD of this band's official discography should not be missing from any enthusiast's collection: needless to say, this work paved the way for what would soon become one of the most famous and beloved progressive groups in the world. The sweet poetry of "Impressioni di settembre" (written by Mogol) opens the dance, accompanied by such a beautiful arrangement that it's indescribable. I would compare it without hesitation to "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin: in short, a "must".
The more progressive side of the group emerges immediately with the following "È Festa", barely comparable to the magic of "La carrozza di Hans", perhaps the best track on the album.
But this, of course, does not overshadow the rest of the album: the acoustic "Dove quando" still showcases the musical and compositional skills of the group. The first part of the piece, accompanied only by acoustic guitar, is so to speak "contemplative": in the second, the band's more prog/jazz vein comes out, complete with a Jethro Tull-style flute solo.
The progressive style (assuming it can be codified in "closed form") should be well known: changes in meter, odd times, highly elaborate sonorities. The most significant difference I find in PFM compared to many other "colleagues" is a greater "catchiness", which does not undermine the beauty of their sound. An important feature of this album is also the fact that it is played "live in studio", meaning without overdubs: this gives the work a unique emotional impact. After all, after 30 years, they still play fantastic concerts!
The album closes on the notes of "Grazie davvero", another gem of symphonic rock that I won't dwell on. Although I have never particularly appreciated the group's subsequent shift (from "Dolcissima Maria" onwards, to be clear), I am certain that this is indeed an absolute masterpiece. A must-have, listen, and relisten. And listen again...! "Strade e strade correrai, senza contare..."
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
03 È festa (04:51)
Come sempre é la festa
d'un leggero uccello che va
come sempre è la festa
di chi è.
06 La carrozza di Hans (06:45)
Guarda, cerca
corri lontano,
vola…
Hans il mercante
aspetta lontano,
vola…
Piccolo uomo
signore del mondo
vai…
La carrozza attende già
no ti fermare,
a cassette sali e va
non ti voltare,
suona un corno da cocchiere,
lustra l'abito de Re;
è la carrozza di Hans.
Strade e strade correrai,
senza contare,
cieli e cieli finirai,
tu sai volare,
suona un corno da cocchiere,
lustra l'abito de Re;
è la carrozza di Hans.
Cieli infiniti, vento in faccia
voglia di correre e non fermarsi mai
scrivere suonare e bailare
e non fermarsi mai
bruciare il proprio teatro
vestira il proprio teatro
ascoltara, lavorare a dormire
e nor fermarsi mai;
guardarsi in giro
sentirsi il mondo negli occhi
sentirsi piccino e adorare
e non fermarsi mai.
…i silenzi,
e foglie cadute e cadute
a nubi bige a rimpiattino...
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Other reviews
By Viva Lì
'Storia di un minuto' (a minute that lasted thirty years) is the first album of Premiata Forneria Marconi, and it is their masterpiece.
Premiata Forneria Marconi undoubtedly are very good, play very well, sing so-so but are not perfect.
By jimi
All of Italy should be proud of PFM; in a country where rock bands have always been overshadowed by British giants, having a band that has been praised even by bands like Led Zeppelin should make us happy.
'Impressioni di Settembre'... A masterpiece, in short. One of those songs that directly enters your veins while you’re listening.
By lobotomy
"Storia Di Un Minuto is an album that made history and contains memorable songs for the worldwide progressive scene (no, I am not mistaken!!!)."
"A must-have record for all ’70s progressive enthusiasts."
By Fiumani
The album clearly draws on English progressive rock, especially King Crimson and Jethro Tull.
'Impressioni di settembre' is extraordinary and very innovative: indeed, the chorus is instrumental, moreover dominated by the Moog.
By Bloody Francy
"Storia di un minuto is a musical fairy tale, a collection of moments of such intensity that it seems eternal."
"Impressioni di Settembre is the moment before dawn, the moment when the night is darkest—the moment before getting up and starting over."
