Nuova Idea's sophomore release continues to show the evolution of a band caught twixt and between two distinct popular movements within Italy in 1972. On the one hand, they possess that post beat/psych pop sound you might find on an I Santoni or Capricorn College album. On the other, you'll hear the rough and ready complexities of Raccomandata Ricevuto Ritorno or Quella Vecchia Locanda's debut. Not only is the album a mix of both, but you can hear it happen within the album itself, as it starts with the former and moves towards the latter. It peaks on the middle tracks and finishes where it started. This is definitely one for those who possess a 1970s Italian prog graduate degree, as it will likely fail to impress those just getting their feet wet. But once you have the full picture, Nuova Idea is history in the making, and a pleasant listen along the way. I can accuse myself of this observation, having first heard the album via the Mellow CD in the early 90s, only to heave-ho it quickly. Not wise.
I have to say the cover art, on the other hand, is one of my favorites in a scene that has many such great covers. A striking early 60's modernist Twilight Zone vibe permeates. The album itself is apparently about the life of the dreary office clerk, better represented in the artwork than within the music I would conclude.
Ownership: LP: 1972 Ariston. Recent acquisition from a friend in Japan (2021). The superb gatefold LP also has the rare poster, which is the design of the debut album. This replaces the too-basic CD (2014 Sony) that was the source for the original posting.
2008; 3/6/17 (new entry); 4/18/21
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