Libra ~ Italy

Musica e Parole (1975)

---Apr 2005

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.

---3/1/24

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. 

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

4//05 (acquired / review); 3/1/24 (update)

Winter Day's Nightmare (1976)

My stance has softened considerably on prog bands who were trying to stay relevant with more commercial material. And that's exactly what Winter Day's Nightmare is. However, in this case, the material is pretty weak. It's not very catchy. In fact, it's a bit irritating almost. Side 2 has some elements that raised the rating (nice guitar work for example), but not near enough to keep. How odd was it that this Italian prog band ended up on Motown anyway?

Source: 1976 Motown (LP)

3/21/23 (review)

3/2/24 (new entry)