Italian Progressive Rock: 12 Essential Albums on Vinyl

In the early 70s, Italy saw a real explosion of progressive rock. Inspired by Genesis, King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, dozens of Italian bands blended rock, classical music, jazz and Italy's melodic tradition into a unique sound, often sung in Italian. At Freeson Rock, Italian prog has always been one of our specialties. Here are 12 albums to start with, all reissued on vinyl.

The essentials

1. Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) – Photos Of Ghosts (1973)

Where to start: the English version of their second album, released on Emerson, Lake & Palmer's label, which made PFM known outside Italy. View the vinyl

2. Premiata Forneria Marconi – L'Isola Di Niente (1974)

More ambitious and darker, one of the band's high points. View the vinyl

3. Le Orme – Collage (1971)

The keyboard trio that launched Italian prog. Organ, piano and catchy melodies. View the vinyl

4. Le Orme – Uomo Di Pezza (1972)

Softer and more melodic, one of the band's best-loved albums. View the vinyl

5. Il Balletto Di Bronzo – Ys (1972)

An intense, dark keyboard-driven concept album. An absolute cult classic among prog fans. View the vinyl

6. Osanna – L'Uomo (1971)

The Neapolitan band's debut: heavy rock, flute and Mediterranean influences. View the vinyl

Going further

7. New Trolls – UT (1972)

New Trolls at their most rock and progressive. View the vinyl

8. Latte E Miele – Papillon (1973)

A classically flavoured trio for keyboard lovers. View the vinyl

9. Biglietto Per L'Inferno – Biglietto Per L'Inferno (1974)

Harder-edged prog with committed lyrics and two keyboard players. View the vinyl

10. Raccomandata Ricevuta Ritorno – Per... Un Mondo Di Cristallo (1972)

A one-of-a-kind album sought after by Italian prog collectors. View the vinyl

11. Locanda Delle Fate – Forse Le Lucciole Non Si Amano Più (1977)

A late arrival in the wave, and one of the most refined and romantic albums of the genre. View the vinyl

12. Lucio Battisti – Anima Latina (1974)

A giant of Italian song on his most adventurous album. View the vinyl

Our full selection

These albums are just the beginning: our Italian progressive rock collection has over 200 titles on vinyl (Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso, Goblin, Area, Garybaldi, Alphataurus and many more), plus CDs and used records. Italian reissues are often pressed in limited quantities: if a title is sold out, we can often order it for you.

Looking for a specific album? Visit us at 1477 Mont-Royal Ave. East in Montreal, or place a special order.