EXERCISE CAUTION; THIS IS NOT THE ORIGINAL ALBUM.
VINCENT P TARSITANO | PORT ORANGE, FL USA | 04/15/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"While this collection is named PAZZA IDEA, it should not be confused or mistaken for the original album of the same name.
This disc is a random collection from her years with the RCA label, and, while it does contain 4 tunes from the original album (see below to compare track listing), it covers from her earliest hits [from the mid-late 60's] through significant successes to '75, or thereabouts. There is no cohesion or unity. As far as collections go, there are much better and complete choices [see especially, the 2 disc '70s collection, from 1998, GLI ANNI SETTANTA, which is sometimes unavailable (why???)].
Overall, this is a skimpy set that seems to have been thrown together with little rhyme or reason. If you are interested in the original album PAZZA IDEA, it is sometimes unavailable (why???), but VERY much worth having [see my review of that set].
For the record, the ORIGINAL album's lineup is as follows:
Pazza Idea
Morire tra le viole
Poesia
Per gioco per amore
Sono cosa tua
Per simpatia
I giardini di Kensington
Limpidi Pensieri
The ORIGINAL album PAZZA IDEA is one of the high points [if not THE high point] of this great artist's career, and was a huge seller. The original album has a white cover, and features a drawing of half of MS. Pravo's face covering most of the left-hand side of the cover. DON'T BE FOOLED."
HER BREAKOUT ALBUM
VINCENT P TARSITANO | PORT ORANGE, FL USA | 07/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The title song is one of Ms. Pravo's biggest hits----this was a monster hit, actually. Lyrically ambiguous and exciting.
No question that this is an excellent album of rock ballads. Backed by a full band, which includes spare, but effective keyboard work and innovation, but is underscored by a doubling of acoustic guitar for an organic, yet modern sound. Topically and texturally, this was a breakout album for Ms. Pravo, both critically and sales-wise.
To begin with, she had a great amount of creative input. She is supported here by great writers and players. Almost entirely filled with originals, which was rare at this time for Ms. Pravo, who, on albums, was used to covering everyone from the Beatles to Bacharach to Brel. Good taste for sure, but not original.
Here we have a collection of new material that cemented this unique vocalist/performance artist as a musical innovator. A point from which she has not since departed.
"Poesia" is one of the most lilting songs you are ever likely to hear, sweetly, but not sentimentally performed, with elegant acoustic backing---an arrangement, that while not exactly minimalist, is extremely effective.
Her Italian rendition of Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side," becomes an ode to lost youth, with it's central character being Peter Pan---truly original and executed perfectly.
One of my personal favorites, a simple, almost Brazilian, original ditty, "Per Simpatia," is great fun, and a way for Italophiles to pick up a few Italian words which can come in handy for flirting!
Consistently strong from start to finish. Has held up extremely well. A testament to a considerable talent and unique vocalist/artist."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1