Celentano, the Minstrel
alenchik | NYC | 11/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like the infamous pink-eared hare, Celentano just keeps going, and going, and going. And may he do so for many more years to come!ESCO DI RADO is the latest release from Clan Celentano, the only fully Italian-owned recording company in Italy, according to some sources. It's an interesting, unusual compilation that's a sure fire treat for connoisseurs of Celentano's work. In fact, to fully appreciate this album one should have at least minimal familiarity with the man's existing canon.
As in all preceding years, on this CD he again explores the familiar subjects of love, dreams, passions as well as frustrations and disappointments resulting from the former. As usual, Celentano is openly sentimental and romantic but never mawkish. Basically, he speaks of the stuff that comprises legends. In this album in particular, he takes on the role of a minstrel, singing barely modified ballads to slightly modernized tunes. In a sense, this manner can be called 'urban (or cosmopolitan) folk'. Not sure whether I'm coining the term or not. The album also reflects an evolution of Celentano's character, artistically, and probably, in general. There is a feel of pensive maturity to the songs and to the way in which they are performed. Youthful exuberance is replaced by contemplative introspection. It seems that he has reached a comfortable plateau and is simply enjoying hanging loose. Fittingly, the back cover of the CD has a barefoot Adriano donning a relaxed outfit of all black (including round shades) and sporting a big happy grin.Some might say that with this review, I'm treading the dangerous territory as an ignorant passerby. True, I know no Italian whatsoever, and my assessment of the album is based purely on intuition and impalpable perception, aided by occasional referral to virtually useless electronic online translators. So, my interpretations might turn out to be completely ludicrous. Or, they might not. Here are my ruminations, for whatever they are worth.The first track "Per Averti" - is light and breezy, ideal of LiteFM listeners, only hipper, with more beat and originality. As a side note, American mainstream music of this category has never reached the effortless, carefree grace of European tunes. But, I suppose to acknowledge this one needs to be a European at heart "Apri il Cuore" is beautifully reflective of that yearning, reaching for, and wishing that pervades the entire CD. In 'Lago Rosso', Celentano continues the motif of longing with its elongated, swaying 'Donna, donna, donna. Bella, bella, bella'. Here, Celentano romances his muse, lovingly, tenderly, thoughtfully. The 4th track begins in his trademark, instantly recognizable, husky voice. "Ti Prendero' has an accusative feel to it. The 6th song 'Tir' is assertive in mood and has some unusual vocal variations. 'Se Tu Mi Tenti' is probably the lightest track on the CD; it's upbeat and has somewhat of a 'I will survive'ring to it, if that makes any sense. 'Africa' is somewhat of a puzzle to me; Altavista's Babelfish translator insists that there's talk of animals, paradise and children crying here. The next track, 'Io Sono Un Uomo Libero', translated as "I am a Free Man", is perhaps reflective of Celentano's comfort level with who and where he is. It's all tiptoeing and whispers. The arrangement is simple but at times surprising. "Le Stesse Cose" is fast-paced, almost rushed, scattered and maybe suggests annoyance with an ill-fated, short-lived love. "Il Figlio Del Dolore" is an oddity with its quirky percussion effects, an Eastern-European-sounding chorus, and a dialogue between a man and a woman, where, I believe, rape and motherhood are discussed. Oddly enough, this might be a dialogue between a mother and her son. But enough guesswork! The last item on the album is a sound index, consisting of 15-20 second samples of all the preceding songs.To sum up, "Esco Di Rado" is by no means monotonous or uninventive, despite the unifying contextual and musical motifs that run through the album. Rather, it is simply a thematically and musically stitched together modern folk quilt of sorts. Besides, Celentano's original rock-n-roll heart and spirit inevitably peek through on the CD as well.(Thanks to Beatrice for bringing the CD for me all the way from Italy, and to Alex for rewarding me so generously for my earlier review of Celentano and inspiring me to finally put this one together :) )"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
