PFM - L'Isola Di Niente

**Werbinox** · 09-11-2013

Being such an Italian proghead as I am, I am almost ashamed to say I just recently picked this, their 3rd release, up.

My PFM adventure began with a cassette copy of "Cook" a friend gave me. This was also my first exposure to any of the Italian bands. My audiophile friends of the time had the two English language albums Photos of Ghosts and World Became the World. This is how I got to know PFM. Over time I discovered the Italian version of Photos - Per Un Amico - and fell in love with it. So recently, having assimilated so much Italian progressive into my psyche, I thought I had PFM down. So I pick this up and, surprise, it actually challenges me a bit! Beautiful stuff, but, at times, rather surprising in its changes. Very cool to still be challenged by a band I thought I knew so well!

It should be obvious that I favor the Italian versions over the English ones. I'm curious as to others thoughts and reactions on this album specifically, and their first 3 releases in general.

My opinion? The first 3 PFM albums are as seminal to Italian prog rock as Banco's first 3. What an opening run these bands had!

**Obscured** · 09-11-2013

The title track is one of my all-time favorite compositions by P.F.M. Such a powerful opening to this album.

**mozo-pg** · 09-11-2013

Yes, one of my favourites too (i.e., the first song) - what a bombastic start. I wish I was exploring this album for the first time too.

**mellotron storm** · 09-11-2013

This is my favourite PFM album, just gorgeous.

**MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER** · 09-12-2013

Originally Posted by Werbinox

My opinion? The first 3 PFM albums are as seminal to Italian prog rock as Banco's first 3. What an opening run these bands had!

heh... not just seminal to Symph style Prog from Italy, but seminal to *all* Symphonic style Prog. PFM and Banco are head and shoulders above Yes, Genesis, ELP, GG, Tull, VDGG and pretty much any other RPA bands!

Rock Progressive Anglican

**Werbinox** · 09-12-2013

Back in the day when I was first hearing the English-language albums, I tried "The World Became the World" and just wasn't ready for it. It didnt click for me. "Storia Di Un Minuto", "Per Un Amico" I got right off, as I did "Chocolate Kings" and "Jet Lag". So when I decided it was time to get to know this one, I went for the Italian version. Now its kickin' my butt pretty good. You can hear them trying for things they hadn't done yet. And the opening track? Epic and over-the-top bombastic as hell! I'm quite fascinated by its structure. And the way the production makes the sound change with the musical changes just underlines the drama of it.

**Progbear** · 09-12-2013

Originally Posted by Obscured

The title track is one of my all-time favorite compositions by P.F.M. Such a powerful opening to this album.

I’m not a big fan of choirs in general, but the opening of the album, especially leading into that guitar riff, just floors me every time. One of their greatest achievements as a band. Magical.

-------------
MIKE (a.k.a. "Progbear")

"You can take the war out of the soldier, but you can't raise that soldier from the dead."
--Shona Laing

N.P.:“Suche und Liebe”-Ash Ra Tempel/Schwingungen

**Scrotum Scissor** · 09-12-2013

My single fave PFM album. The only two things debarging it from the 15/15 calculus in my ears, are the English lyrics to "Is My Face On Straight?" (I REALLY wish they'd recorded an Italian take on that one) and, secondly, the fact that the record itself feels somewhat too short. But I absolutely love it nonethesame.

**Sputnik** · 09-12-2013

This was the first Italian language CD I bought, way back in the early 90s from a shop on Ellston Place in Nashville where I had recently purchased my first PFM disc, Chocolate Kings. CK had knocked me out, so I was eager for more.

I do like this album, but it wasn't the home run for me that CK was, and of PFM's first five, it remains my least favorite. I agree that Is My Face on Straight suffers from the English vocals. I also don't think it is musically all that good. I also think Via Lumiere is just a hodge-podge of ideas that while individually cool, don't really add up to much. Dolcissima Maria is nice, but not worth four minutes on an otherwise short album.

That leaves the title track, and La Luna Nuova, which are PFM classics. La Luna Nuova in particular is one of my favorite PFM tracks. So on balance, I find this album just so-so, with a couple of standout tracks. I agree that PFM and Banco, and I'd add Area are the standouts of the 70s Italian scene, but I don't agree that they are head and shoulders better than the big name English bands, or the standouts from many other countries.

Bill

**Progatron** · 09-12-2013

Absolutely love it. Not my favourite PFM album but fantastic.

**nosebone** · 09-12-2013

Originally Posted by Sputnik

That leaves the title track, and La Luna Nuova, which are PFM classics. La Luna Nuova in particular is one of my favorite PFM tracks. So on balance, I find this album just so-so, with a couple of standout tracks. I agree that PFM and Banco, and I'd add Area are the standouts of the 70s Italian scene, but I don't agree that they are head and shoulders better than the big name English bands, or the standouts from many other countries.

Bill

That is a classic track!

**simon moon** · 09-12-2013

Not their best, but still brilliant!

When I listen to albums like this, it shocks me that there are prog fans that don't like Italian prog.

**Romerovm** · 09-12-2013

A great album, but not their best. That's "Per un Amico" hands down!

**Obscured** · 09-12-2013

Their best for me are "Jet Lag" and "Chocolate Kings".

**Mister Triscuits** · 09-12-2013

Originally Posted by MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER

Yes, Genesis, ELP, GG, Tull, VDGG and pretty much any other RPA bands!

Rock Progressive Anglican

Not all of them...Hammill's a Catholic, the Shulman brothers are Jewish...

**Yanks2014** · 09-12-2013

What a crappy album, I don't know what's wrong with you people. Seriously, what a load of Italian garbage, an embarrassment to my grandfather's homeland...! Bunch of garlic eaters.....
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One of my favorite albums ever, especially the title track. I literally had goosebumps when they launched into this at Nearfest 2009, a mind blowing performance from opening note to the last. This is THE album that turned me on to Italian prog.

**Burble** · 09-13-2013

I've always been on the fence about this one, and I can't really explain why. Which means it's time to break it out for another listen. I had the English language version first, and sold it too soon in a collegiate fund-shortage period. It seems like I should really dig it, being that Per Un Amico and Chocolate Kings are two of my all-time favorites, and this one is smack in the middle. Especially since it's the opening track from this that got me into PFM in the first place. Okay, now I'm too curious. I'll try to listen and make another post in the next couple days.

**Sputnik** · 09-13-2013

Originally Posted by Obscured

Their best for me are "Jet Lag" and "Chocolate Kings".

These are my favorites as well, with Per Un Amico a bit behind.

Bill

**aith01** · 09-13-2013

One of their best, in my humble opinion. The title track, La Luna Nuova and Is My Face On Straight are among my favorite songs of all time. This album takes me back to some really good times whenever I hear it.

**MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER** · 09-13-2013

Originally Posted by Mister Triscuits

Not all of them...Hammill's a Catholic, the Shulman brothers are Jewish...

of course I meant RPA: Rock Progressive Anglo

**flowerking** · 09-13-2013

Originally Posted by Obscured

The title track is one of my all-time favorite compositions by P.F.M. Such a powerful opening to this album.

Although I love Per Un Amico, I agree with you, L'Isola Di Niente is my favorite by them. Just an amazing composition. Seeing them play it live at Nearfest was quite a treat.

**Joe F.** · 09-13-2013

Originally Posted by flowerking

L'Isola Di Niente is an amazing composition. Seeing them play it live at Nearfest was quite a treat.

Edited to summarize my feelings.

I was blown away when they launched in to this. Never thought that I'd hear it played live.

**Yanks2014** · 09-13-2013

Originally Posted by Yanks2009

What a crappy album, I don't know what's wrong with you people. Seriously, what a load of Italian garbage, an embarrassment to my grandfather's homeland...! Bunch of garlic eaters.....

Who is this Yanks loser? Sad day when I have to quote myself. I do have to count my blessings getting to see PFM twice. The first NF gig, I liked their show plenty, but wasn't overwhelmed. The 2nd time? I shook my head in disbelief when it was over, and couldn't wipe the smile off of my face.

**Watanabe** · 09-14-2013

One of the first things i noticed about this album when i got to it(having progressed through the catalogue chronologically) was the much bigger fusion influence.Especially on Franz Di Cioccio's drums.He really finds a distinct style here after being basically a very good Mike Giles copyist on the first two.The change in Bass player from a pretty nondescript rock player in a strictly background supporting role to Djivas was major as well.

It's a damn good album, but i prefer the first two.Never quite got La Luna Nuova, the main theme seems like the kind of thing Ekseption would have mocked for.Absolute cheese, though usually i end up caught up in the energy and musicianship anyway.