Kato’s Gems #8

The Roots

“Undun” by The Roots, released in 2011. The work is structured as a concept album, built on the life of a boy (Redford Stephens) who grew up in the US ghettos. According to many we are in the presence of the best band of the last twenty years, able to transcend genres like few others and to bring together in their sound Coltrane, electronics, the most classic soul and Led Zeppelin. With a shot that, let’s face it, openly, most rock bands can only dream of. Here in my opinion this is the latest masterpiece of a group, which in the end is authentically Hip Hop, thanks to one of the first 5 rappers in history like Black Thought – who shows off an exceptional writing test – and the genius of Questlove, drummer and producer with incredible talent. Coherent yet different songs for a great musical journey.

Donovan

“Open Road” of Donovan. We are in 1970, glam rock begins to take hold and Donovan, who has been one of the main inspirers of this subgenre, adapts and amalgamates it with his style with excellent results. Just think of the initial “Changes”, easy and enthralling rock, beautiful guitar riff and the unmistakable vocality of Donovan, which is also found in songs such as “People Used To”, “Song For John”, “Riki Tiki Tavi” , vaguely hysterical and irresistible, a pressing and sardonic “Poke At The Pope” and the indolent languor of “Clara Clairvoyant”, marked by blues phrasing and a powerful and psychedelic refrain.

Bachi da Pietra

Today’s latest gem is Bachi Da Pietra’s “Necroid”, released in 2015 for La Tempesta / Tannen. The evolutionary process gives birth to unexpected titles such as “Tarli mai” and even fun and brilliant like “Slayer & amp; The Family Stone “. Succi is amazing in moving from one vocal register to another, moving smoothly between a falsetto and a scream, the guitars grind great, the drumming is nothing short of granite. The new look works, maybe the sound choices are more “already heard” than the malaise that oozed from the first records, decidedly more personal and particular, but it is a necessary transmutation, to avoid repeating itself, and to confirm itself as musically singular protagonists in the panorama independent Italian.