Libra - Musica e Parole. 1975 Italy

19 years ago I wrote: 

Late entry to the Italian prog game. Related to Goblin and inexplicably signed to Motown in the US. A mix of classic complex prog (Lanzetti era PFM, Come In Un'Ultima Cena era Banco, and Cherry Five come to mind), singer songwriter, mid 70’s raw fusion, and yes, even a bit of funky business with clavinet (which would be the tie-in with the Motown crowd). 14 minute final piece 'Inquinamento' ties it all together nicely for the album’s winning cut. Not an album to change anyone’s opinion about a particular music scene, but an easy purchase for those into said scene.

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In hearing the album for the first time since (and I didn't even realize I penned any notes prior), I found Libra's debut a very pleasing set of tunes (+1). Classic Italian prog with a fusion edge. It was released at a time when prog was waning in Italy, but still had enough of an audience to allow this kind of creativity to exist. Motown signed them to a 10 album contract, which doesn't make any sense at all (also - didn't they know Italian bands rarely last more than two albums?). Seems like the chemical enhancements were flowing down nicely. The funk touch on this debut is very light. I have their second album in my sell bin (for a long time since no one wants it), and it's geared more towards AOR.

Ownership: CD: 2004 BMG (Japan). Gatefold papersleeve edition.

The above was my introduction to the music. This is the type of album I would normally replace with an original. But finding the Italian pressing isn't cheap, surprising perhaps. But then again I don't recall ever seeing it for sale - even in rare catalogs of the day. I like the album, but getting an original here isn't imperative. The American press on Motown is a $10 to $15 record. But it has English vocals, so I'll pass unless I find it thrifting, which is certainly possible. But that would be a supplement copy in that case.

4//05 (first listen/review); 3/1/24 (update/new entry)