Come un cammello in una grondaia
Franco Battiato · 1991
32 min · 8 tracks · new wave
A kaleidoscopic fusion of electronic textures and classical melodies creates a surreal soundscape that invites introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Povera patria Start here — This opening track establishes the album's central themes of loss and longing through haunting melodies and reflective lyrics that set the tone for the entire record.
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Come un cammello in una grondaia — The title track encapsulates Battiato's fusion of avant-garde sounds with accessible pop elements, showcasing both lyrical depth and musical experimentation.
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L’ombra della luce — With its rich orchestral arrangement, this song highlights Battiato's ability to intertwine classical influences with modern sensibilities, creating an evocative listening experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends electronic and classical elements effectively but has uneven pacing and emotional shifts.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate classical motifs, such as strings and piano, woven into the electronic soundscapes, creating a unique texture.
- The sequencing includes abrupt shifts in mood and tempo, particularly between the third and fourth tracks, which alters the listener's emotional journey.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- poignant lyrics for introspection
- short tracks for focused listening
- experimental textures and melodies
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Battiato's transition to mainstream appeal and wider recognition.
- Themes
- Italian cultural critique· light and darkness exploration· avant-garde storytelling
- Career context
- Released in 1991, Come un cammello in una grondaia marked a significant moment in Franco Battiato's career as he was transitioning from his earlier experimental works to a more mainstream appeal. This album followed the success of his previous record, Fisiognomica, which solidified his status in Italian pop culture. Battiato was exploring deeper philosophical themes through a blend of genres, showcasing his artistic evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· David Bowie· Roxy Music
Tracklist
- 1 Povera patria Start here 3:44
- 2 Le sacre sinfonie del tempo 3:45
- 3 Come un cammello in una grondaia 3:30
- 4 L’ombra della luce 4:54
- 5 Schmerzen 2:50
- 6 Plaisir d’amour 3:56
- 7 Gestillte Sehnsucht 5:48
- 8 Oh Sweet Were the Hours 3:37
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Low
David Bowie
Shares an experimental approach with rich textures and emotional depth, blending art rock and ambient influences.
Hounds of Love
Kate Bush
Combines theatrical elements with innovative production, exploring complex themes and emotional landscapes.
Duck Stab / Buster & Glen
The Residents
Offers a similar avant-garde spirit with eclectic sounds and surreal lyrics, pushing the boundaries of pop music.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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