Formula 3 - Sognando e Risognando. 1972 Italy

Formula 3 were a band from Milan, and who were actually the most popular rock band in Italy prior to PFM landing on the scene. Primarily they served as a vehicle for famous pop singer Lucio Battisti, and as such, their music was embraced by various generations of Italians at the time. Sognando e Risognando is their 3rd effort, and is a radical departure from what came before it. Mostly the music on this album is a mix of progressive hard rock (with some wonderful guitar breaks) and space rock, with some of that feel-of-Italy singer-songwriter sprinkled throughout. It's a unique blend, more about the atmosphere than pyrotechnics. As such the album tends to be dismissed by scan-through-listeners wowed by the razzle-dazzle of classic Italian prog. Given that it's an early effort, prior to the Italian progressive rock machine really taking off, deep divers will recognize the sounds of early Il Rovescio della Medaglia, Panna Fredda, Planetarium, and even Garybaldi. History hasn't been kind to Formula 3 however.  Whereas fellow popular artists of their era such as Premiata Forneria Marconi and Banco del Mutuo Succorso continue to be lauded as eternal classics, Formula 3 has largely been cast aside and forgotten. While it's true they were no match for the other two listed, they certainly are in league with more obscure artists that today are held in high esteem. Don't ignore this one - and give it a fair listen, without expecting the next Semiramis or Museo Rosenbach.

Ownership: LP: 1972 Numero Uno. Gatefold with top opening. Purchased at Recycled in Denton all the way in 1988.

1988; 1989; 11/10/16 (new entry)