M.I.A. (Músicos Independientes Asociados) ~ Argentina

Magicos Juegos del Tiempo (1977)

M.I.A.'s second album is quite a departure from the albums it's sandwiched between. The debut is a progressive classical romp in the ELP tradition. And Cornonstipicum is one of the all-time great progressive rock albums, perhaps the best ever from Argentina. But Magicos Juegos del Tiempo is much different - a progressive folk album for the most part with a few diversions into the world of prog and even a bit of loose psych jamming. There's nothing to call out as extraordinary but it's a pleasant listen throughout. But they left no indication where they were to go next.

Ownership: 1977 Ciclo 3 (LP). Single sleeve with booklet attached to the front. As you see in the Discogs photo attached. if done properly, there are two pieces of specially designed tape to slip the booklet in and out. Fortunately my copy was assembled correctly. 

6//93 (first acquired); 2/12/12; 10/7/24 (review)

Transparencias (1976)

Classically trained pianist Lito Vitale leads the Músicos Independientes Asociados bunch through one of Argentina's first true symphonic rock albums, when everyone else in the country were still mired in the blues. He mixes complex progressive rock with classical interpretations to create his own brain salad surgery. So yes, of course, Keith Emerson rises to the front of the influence line, as he had for many a budding keyboardist in the rock world. Side 2 brings forth a bit more jamming and hard rock to the mix, and probably could have been tightened a bit. So the album certainly has its flaws - it's painful to sit through Pomp and Circumstance at graduations much less for my own enjoyment. But let's give the kid a break, eh? I mean, he was 15 years old when he showed up on the world stage. What were you doing when you were 15? I most certainly wasn't putting out fully realized progressive rock albums with sick piano chops, that's for sure. It usually took me a few minutes just to take the shrink wrap off the LP. Still does actually...

Anyway, MIA were to improve from here, and then lay down one of the all time greats in Cornonstipicum two short years later. When he was an old man at 17.

Ownership: 1994 Belle Antique (CD)

1992 (first acquired); 1995; 4/17/10; 12/24/16 (review)

I still need to review my copy of Cornonstipicum.

12/24/16 (new entry)