Area ~ Italy

Crac! (1975)

Area's 3rd album and arguably their most crisp and together. It largely avoids the free noise components of their other albums. Because of that I enjoyed a +1 listen. I've never been that intimate with this album, and already the contents are disappearing in my memory. Arbeit Macht Frei is on the listening docket, not sure which of these two are my fave by Area (with special mention to 1978 gli dei se ne vanno, gli arrabbiati restano!). In comparison to my peers, I'm definitely not going be part of their cheerleading squad.

Ownership: 1976 Cramps (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2021.

First copy: 1995 Cramps (CD). Acquired in 1995.

1995; 2013; 1/5/23 (review)

1978 Gli Dei Se Ne Vanno, Gli Arrabbiati Restano! (1978)

An interesting close out to Demetrio Stratos' career before his untimely death. Starts off in strong fusion territory, but ultimately goes all over the place. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I've never been a huge Area fan - in fact of all the bands that I haven't embraced over the years, it would seem Area would be the one that I'm the most diametrically opposed. That's not to say I don't enjoy their albums, I most certainly do, but they have long spells of experimental noise that doesn't appeal to me. When reflecting on the band, the element I enjoy most are the vocals, which ironically might be the most experimental aspect to their sound. In the scheme of things, as strange as '1978 Gli Dei Se Ne Vanno, Gli Arrabbiati Restano!' is within the Area discography, I'd probably rank it 3rd behind 'Arbeit Macht Frei' and 'Crac!'. Wouldn't expect to receive much support for that position. 

Ownership: 1978 Ascolto (LP). Gatefold with full recording details and photos. Acquired in 2004.

First copy: 1999 CGD (CD), Acquired in 2000.

2000; 2004; 9/21/20 (review)

Arbeit Macht Frei (1973)

Very well known album that needs no introduction. For my tastes, this is my favorite Area album, closely followed by Crac!. I'm not a huge Area fanboy as many of my friends and peers are, as I tend to shiver at Area's more avant garde and free-jazz moments. Thankfully those are kept at a minimum on their debut album, where the tight unison ensemble work allows Stratos to showcase his unconventional vocal style, which I do enjoy when not done to excess.

Ownership: 1973 Cramps (LP). Gatefold. Doesn't have the paper gun insert. Acquired in 2000.

First copy: 1995 Cramps (CD). Acquired in 1995.

1995; 2000; 10/6/11 (review); 11/14/17; 1/6/23

Previously owned: Caution Radiation Area; Maledetti; Areazione

10/6/11 (new entry)