Search - Franco Battiato :: Battiato Studio Collection

Solid Greatest Hits Collection

J. GENIO | Earth | 07/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is truly a "greatest hits" collection. Without doubt, this 2 CD set contains 31 songs, representing the very best that Franco Battiato has to offer. And at 20 bucks; it is a real steal. Five of the 31 tracks are off his highly successful "Voce del Padrone" Album. You'll be amzed how Battiato weaves electro sound together to create beautiful music; like he does with "Gli Uccelli ("The Birds"). Battiato uses his limited, but highly effective voice, to absolute perfection. Battiato is a student of the humanities -- history, poetics, philosophy, art, polemics, rhetoric, etc. You hear all this in every one of his songs. Battiato does not make bubble-gum music; you really have to listen carefully to get his message. Its hard to put a label on Franco Battiato. Yes, he is electro pop. Yes, he made experimental music. And, yes, he has recorded classical 60's tunes. Suffice it to say, Battiato is a master at what he does. Nobody comes close to him. If you like Italian pop music with a message, then this CD is just what you need. Its hard to put together the very best from the very best. But, this CD comes very close to doing it. The only bone I have to pick: Some of his earlier works from his experimental days should have been included. Hell, one of his earlier works was included in his live CD. I think the studio package should have done the same to capture the true genius that is Franco Battiato. This is a great CD to own."