Premiata Forneria Marconi Pfm Discography 39 Cd Losslessl — Best
The Ultimate Guide to PFM’s 39-CD Lossless Discography: Capturing the Best of Italian Progressive Rock
- Photos of Ghosts (1973) & The World Became the World (1974): These albums are not merely translations; they are re-recordings. For a collector, comparing the Italian versions to the English versions is a study in cultural adaptation. Songs like "River of Life" (a reworking of "Impressioni di Settembre") feature Sinfield's surrealist lyrics. The 39-CD sets usually include both versions, allowing listeners to compare the original Italian poetic intent with the English commercial polish.
- Chocolate Kings (1975): This is a pivotal album. With new bassist Patrick Djivas, the sound became punchier and more aggressive. The title track is a rock anthem, while "Out of the Roundabout" features some of Franco Mussida’s finest guitar work. This album signaled a shift away from purely symphonic sounds toward jazz-fusion.
- Jet Lag (1977): This album is the peak of their fusion era. Heavily influenced by Weather Report, Jet Lag is a complex, rhythmic masterpiece. The track "Cerco la Lingua" showcases incredible percussive interplay. Audiophiles prize this album for its pristine production and spatial separation.
- Storia di un Minuto (1972): Their debut is arguably the most important Italian prog album ever made. It opens with "Generale," a flute-driven piece that showcases Mauro Pagani’s multi-instrumental genius. The standout track, "E' Festa," remains a concert staple. In lossless quality, the sudden dynamic shifts in "Dove... Quando..." are breathtaking, revealing the band's classical influences (Chopin, Debussy).
- Per un Amico (1972): Released just months later, this album refined their sound. It is darker and more complex. Tracks like "Il Banco" and "Geranio" demonstrate a sophisticated maturity that rivaled their British counterparts.
- L'Isola di Niente (1974): This album marks the bridge between their Italian roots and international ambitions. The musicianship here is virtuosic, particularly on the opening title track and the epic "La Carrozza di Hans."
"The Forest" (2005)
The 2000s and 2010s saw the release of several albums, including , "Welcome Back My Friends" (2009) , and "Il nome della rosa" (2016) , a concept album.
A standard "best of" misses the point. PFM was not a singles band; they were architects of the album . The 39-CD lossless collection (spanning studio LPs, live rituals, RAI broadcast masters, and 5.1 surround mixes) is the only way to appreciate their evolution from aggressive, violin-driven psychedelia (see: Storia di un minuto ) to lush, Emersonian bombast ( Per un amico ), and later into jazz-fusion and acoustic experimentation. The Ultimate Guide to PFM’s 39-CD Lossless Discography:
- The RAI Sessions (CDs #022–024): Radio broadcasts from 1971-1973. Rough, unmastered, breathtaking. The alternate take of "Generale!" with a different flute solo is worth the price alone.
- The Fusion Era (1977-1980): Jet Lag and Passpartù. Critics hated them. In lossless, the Patrick Djivas-era bass work is funk-fusion gold. Track "Maestro della voce" (CD #029) predicts 1980s King Crimson.
- The Acoustic Return (2000s): Dracula Opera Rock (CD #035) and A.D. 2010 - La buona novella (CD #038). Later PFM re-embraces their symphonic heart. Lossless makes the string quartets on "Il cielo" sound like they’re in your listening chair.
- The 5.1 Surround Mixes (DVD-Audio rips included as CD #039): Strictly for those with multi-channel setups. "La luna nuova" from Per un amico—the drums come from behind you. It’s disorienting. It’s glorious.
"Chorus" (1976)
The band's next album, , was recorded in English and featured a more polished production. "Jet Black and Together" (1976) , a live album, captured the band's energetic performances. Photos of Ghosts (1973) & The World Became
Pro Tip:
💡 When managing a library this large, use a dedicated high-res player like Foobar2000 or a hardware DAP to fully appreciate the symphonic layers of PFM's work. Storia di un Minuto (1972): Their debut is