"La Dura Legge Del GOL!"
883 does it again! Whenever I listen closely to Max Pezzali's lyrics I am struck by their simplicity in telling the truths of life, relationships and so much more. I often ask myself 'Why didn't I think of that?' It is a good, fun album that does not deviate from previous works. Reliable with good music in keeping with their style. Be sure to listen to Innamorare Tanto, La Regola dell'Amico (we have all been there with Max), Nessun Rimpianto(?), Non Ti Passa Piu' and Un Giorno Cosi to grasp the essence of the album.

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"Dimmi Cosa Succede Sulla Terra"
This album is worth adding to your collection. It is a Pino Daniele rich in experimentation--which succeeds on many levels. Pino has always been known for his neopolitan blues/jazz. However, his two most recent albums offer a side of Daniele that seems to be at home with rap, ballads, mediterranean and more. On this album he teams up with Giorgia, Noa and Raiss on the duets with good results. A solid piece of musical work that shows the many varied sides of today's italian music. Songs to enjoy include Continueremo a Navigare, Che Male C'e', Scirocco d'Africa, Amici Come Prima, Non Ho Paura Del Mostro, Questo Immenso and Stare Bene a Meta'. Whether
you area fan or not, try this album for musical enjoyment.

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"Su E Giu' Da Un Palco"
I have liked Ligabue's brand of Italian rock for many years. It does take a bit getting used to but worth it if you enjoy hearing the road, the nights singing in smoked filled clubs and songs lived, not simply written come through in a singer's voice. This double live concert albums includes old favorites and a smathering of new pieces. My favorites include Urlando contro il Cielo, Ballando Sul Mondo and Certe Notti. Again, you have to enjoy Italian rockers to enjoy Ligabue's rocky ballads enhanced as the audience fills in the refrains. Worth the price for italian rock fans or those
curious in listening to one of the highest grossing artists for 1996 in Italy.

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"Indivisibili"
Maybe it's just me but Spagna's album covers are all beginning to look the same. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in the new cd on the first go through. It sounds amazingly akin to the previous two italian releases. This may not be a bad thing though. Spagna has a wonderful voice that somehow manages to capture the mood of the lyrics each time. Indivisibili, Una Razione d'Amore, Dov'eri, Immaginarti Qui and Torniamo Insieme are among my favorites from this cd. If you are sampling for the first time, you may wish to try Spagna's first Italian language cd which has some very moving and beautiful songs.

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"Dammi 5 Minuti"
I was pleasantly surprised by this latest effort by Stadio. I keep hoping they will do another song like Ballando al Buio. But even when they don't, the results are very much worth a listen. I did not start out being a Stadio fan--listening to a song here and there but not really focusing on their works. Thank goodness I have been able to catch up! The new album is a good effort filled with several good songs. Il Temporale, Dammi 5 Minuti, Un Volo d'Amore and Ti Mando un Bacio are sold on the lyric and music content. If you are done listening to your summer hits, spend some time with Stadio; you may become a fan too.

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"Oltre le Nuvole"
Buy it!! Not the usual way to start a review but why not cut to the chase early? If you missed Una Sgommata e Via (the penultimate cd), do not let this one slip away. Paola takes some known american songs and some not so well known and make them into italian hits on this cd. Songs from Simple Minds, John Waite, the Pretenders, Jude Cole, Jim Capaldi and Howard Jones are given new life and a new sound on this album. It is a pity that many are not yet aware of Paola's range and capabilities. This is a must have for the collection. If it is your interest, there are several early albums that merit a listen.

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"Indivisibili"
Maybe it's just me but Spagna's album covers are all beginning to look the same. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in the new cd on the first go through. It sounds amazingly akin to the previous two italian releases. This may not be a bad thing though. Spagna has a wonderful voice that somehow manages to capture the mood of the lyrics each time. Indivisibili, Una Razione d'Amore, Dov'eri, Immaginarti Qui and Torniamo Insieme are among my favorites from this cd. If you are sampling for the first time, you may wish to try Spagna's first Italian language cd which has some very moving and beautiful songs.

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"Album Concerto"
If we ran a contest for albums of the century, this would be one of my picks (without reservations). The voices of Francesco Guccini and the late Augusto Daolio recorded live in concert back in 1979 are as valid today as they were almost twenty years ago. The songs on the CD are all hits written by Guccini and performed over the years by him and I Nomadi. Canzone per un'Amica, Atomica, Noi Non Ci Saremo, Per Fare un Uomo, Primavera di Praga, Dio e' Morto, Canzone del Bambino nel Vento, Noi and Statale 17 are the songs that make up the album. And while I have to admit that I have a weakness for the cantautori, this cd will be a welcome addition to any collection. The songs are from the 60s and 70s but the themes and ideas have lost none of their power.

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