Lucio Battisti

A 50-song retrospective of the great Italian arranger and singer, Le Avventure di Lucio Battisti e Mogol celebrates some of Lucio Battisti's most famous pieces (Vol. 2 deals with fewer of the big singles, and more B-sides). Beginning with three previously unreleased tracks, all of which had been performed by other artists ("Vendo Casa" by Dik Dik, "La Spada Nel Cuore" by Patty Pravo and Little Tony -- though with this one there is some controversy regarding its authorship, as it's signed Mogol/Labati Donida, though it is generally credited to Mogol/Battisti, hence its appearance on here -- and "Le Formiche," by Wilma Goich) the compilation moves through 11 of 12 of Battisti's early albums, from the 1969 self-titled one to 1980's Una Giornata Uggiosa (only 1970's Anima Latina is skipped over completely). The first song he presented at San Remo, in 1969, "Un'Avventura," is included, as are other hits like "Mi Ritorni in Mente," "Il Mio Canto Libero," "Ancora Tu," "Emozioni," and "Il Nostro Caro Angelo." Una Donna Per Amico, the duo's best-selling record, is featured heavily, with seven tracks from it included. For the most part, the compilation is arranged chronologically, which helps contextualize Battisti and Mogol in terms of album as well as time period, and to understand their development. Le Avventure is more than a greatest-hits collection, it's a comprehensive overview of all that the duo accomplished. ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide