Search - Gruppo Sportivo :: Back to 19 Mistakes

The very best of Gruppo Sportivo

Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 08/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This excellent compliation combines the best of the "10 Mistakes" (tracks 2 through 9) and "Back to 78" (tracks 11 through 18) albums, supplemented by 3 singles (tracks 1, 10 and 19). All but Track 1 are from 1977 through 1979.Considering that Gruppo Sportivo hit their heyday in the Benelux during the late seventies, it is amazing how enduring their music remains after all these years. For those not familiar with Gruppos Sportivo, think of them as a "cross of Abba, Dury and Blondie" (as they sarcastically describe themselves in the song "Blah Blah Magazine"). Others have referred to them as "Rock for Nerds" (think Weezer in the 70s.) "I Shot My Manager" spoofs Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff". "One Way Love" spoofs a bunch of Beatles song titles and sounds. "I Said No" spoofs early rock'n'roll. "Mission a Paris" is a fast-moving song about a non-French speaking detective's trip to (and misadventures in) Paris, just hilarious. Most of the songs are under 3 min., delivering their musical hooks, and then leaving you in the dust and moving on.After their first 2 albums, Gruppos Sportivo lost direction and really never recovered, although still occasionally bringing good singles (for their later work, see the "Married with Singles" compliation CD). Completely by coincidence, I happen to see them in concert while in Europe earlier this summer. What a fun trip down memory lane!"

Incredibly fun! Every party must have Gruppo Sportivo!

Leslie MacDill | Tallahassee, FL USA | 09/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have the original Warner/Sire LP "Mistakes," and have been waiting (okay, NOT patiently!) for someone to get around to releasing a CD of this superbly talented group's music! There is not a bad cut to be heard! The music and the lyrics are timeless. Everyone who has ever heard Gruppo Sportivo LOVES them! The only reason they never got airplay on American radio stations is because they were too far ahead of their time and Music Directors and Program Directors were too chicken. Like mine, I'm sure there are more than a few promotional copies that went home with DJ's with an ear for great talent. Do yourself a favor and grab up this "best of" collection."

Back to funny years

karl bernard | Liège, Belgium | 01/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ten mistakes(10 songs)& Back to 78(15 songs)= 25.but for some records company, it seems to be 19. The question is why,in anyway surely not because these songs 're no good; a real pity but well, better than nothing.The important thing is :You think humour is something important in music ? well this is your day !If Bonzo dog band were the funnyest freaks, Gruppo sportivo were surely the funnyest punks. Living in Belgian, I got the chance to see them on stage two times ...Oh! Boy, a real mess,one of my best memories about live performance."