Decibel
Vivo Da Re

This is a great album every Italian in their forties should own. Given that Punk never really existed in Italy, I attempt this "De-review."

The Decibel in 1980 go to Sanremo, a clever move since no one paid attention to them before, except for the usual bunch of idiots. A little less guitar and more keyboard. I remember my sister from the bathroom saying: "Davide, the Decibel are going to Sanremo!" Damn impossible, the Decibel who go: "How great, brainwashing" damn but they are punk, they can't.
I couldn’t believe it and yet there they were on stage, white shirt, black tie, Enrico so bleached, two, I say two, keyboards. A bit Mods-like. They sang about a certain "Contessa" who is never satisfied. Catchy tune, then Ruggeri will do better, especially in this album.

The album composed of twelve little songs is really beautiful starting with "Il mio Show" where the usual abandonment between man and woman is told but not in the Baglioni manner. "I smile at your escape/ Find in the mirror a few wrinkles/ Surely you’re the one winning".

Or of loves searched for at the "Supermarket", and on to improbable suicides: "Pernod" "I've already finished the bottle of Pernod remain here staring into space for a while".
"Sepolto Vivo" the most speed-driven track in all Ruggeri and Decibel’s repertoire is at times hilarious. "I scratch the wood with my nails/ but I’m powerless/ I seem to see a sign/ but I’m powerless."

The sublime "Vivo da re" closes the first side that includes the cover of "Ho In Mente Te".

"Contessa" opens the second side, a bit less interesting.

"A disagio" says it all in the title.

"Teenager" dedicated to all the girls who drive us crazy.

"Tanti Auguri" the birthday of the usual misfit. "I've lived for twenty years and I'm waiting for a shock".

"Peggio Per Te" a story of abandonments and disappointments aimed at a woman already dead inside because: "my shiver is worth more... What can you offer me that I haven't already taken... I’m too decadent for you".

And it ends gloriously with: "Decibel" an anthem. Grand in the final part with stadium choir.

It was 1980 The year of "Una Giornata Uggiosa", "Tregua", "Sono Solo Canzonette", "Uffa Uffa", "Dalla"

For me, it was the year of Decibel and J'Accuse... Amore Mio.