Episode 9 – Panic Button at the Asylum: Semiramis, Corte dei Miracoli, Alphataurus

Rock Progressivo Italiano (RPI) was a remarkably fertile, prolific progressive rock movement of the 1970s. Italy’s compositional and performance acumen rivaled England’s more popular scene, and its output exceeded it. Your Radical Research hosts are mad for the stuff, and with our ninth episode, we pluck three of our favorite specimens from the ether and put them under the microscope. These albums by Semiramis, Corte dei Miracoli and Alphataurus also count among the many one-offs from Italy’s vast number of representatives – one and done, but hardly forgotten in these parts.

Note I: We couldn’t help but mention other Italian prog greats in our discussion of these three. Since our skills in that language do not pay the bills, we thought it helpful to list some of the other bands/albums noted in the episode, all highly recommended: Il Balletto di Bronzo – Ys; Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso – Darwin; Biglietto per L’inferno – self-titled; Blocco Mentale – POA; Cherry Five – Cherry Five; New Trolls – Ut; Le Orme – Felona Y Serona; Metamorfosi – Inferno; PFM – Chocolate Kings; Osanna – Palepoli. And there are so many others.

Music cited, in order of appearance: Semiramis, “Luna Park” (Dedicato a Frazz, 1973) Semiramis, “Uno Zoo Di Vetro” (Dedicato a Frazz, 1973) Semiramis, “Frazz” (Dedicato a Frazz, 1973) Semiramis, “Clown” (Dedicato a Frazz, 1973) Corte Dei Miracoli, “…E Verra L’Uomo” (Corte Dei Miracoli, 1976) Corte Dei Miracoli, “Verso Il Sole” (Corte Dei Miracoli, 1976) Corte Dei Miracoli, “Una Storia Fiabesca” (Corte Dei Miracoli, 1976) Corte Dei Miracoli, “I Due Amanti” (Corte Dei Miracoli, 1976) Alphataurus, “Peccato D’Orgoglio” (Alphataurus, 1973) Alphataurus, “Dopo L’Uragano” (Alphataurus, 1973) Alphataurus, “La Mente Vola” (Alphataurus, 1973) Alphataurus, “Ombra Muta” (Alphataurus, 1973) Episode 10 preview: The Mars Volta, “Viscera Eyes” (Amputechture, 2006)

Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

From Seven Impale to Cherry Five, 3 to Mind Over Four, Radical Research dissects the work of rock and metal’s most daring artists and albums.

This is Radical Research Podcast episode 9