Storia D'Amore

I just can't say enough about how much I adore Mondo Cane.  In this project (also found on Ipecac Recordings), Patton takes a sharp left turn and jumps across the pond to Italy for his inspiration.  Marrying an Italian girl in the 90's and living in her home country for a time helped prepare him for this wonderful compilation of Italian pop song covers.  But don't think for a minute that he tones himself down; if anything, you'll find the bulk of his singing bravado here, backed by full orchestra.

Storia D'Amore, or simply "Love Story", is the work of great Italian singer Adriano Celentano.  Patton did a show in Amsterdam in 2008, supported by Italian trumpeter great Roy Paci and the Metropole Orchestra, the world's largest full-time ensemble of it's kind.  The result is nothing short of amazing.  While the entire show is absolutely worth a listen, Storia D'Amore makes me happy every time I hear it (even if the sentiments of the song might not be).

Australia, South America, and Europe have had the pleasure of catching an ultra-rare live Mondo Cane show in the past.  The United States, unfortunately, has not, and most likely won't.  Patton has said in the past that the expense to travel the entire Netherlands-based orchestra to the States would be outstanding, as it's much easier for him to go to where they are.  Another unfortunate fact is simply Mondo Cane's lack of interest here in the US, as the demand for Italian pop songs isn't exactly high.  Very sad news indeed for those of us hoping to catch Mondo Cane without boarding a plane.  Huge thanks to those kind enough to share these special moments on YouTube for those of us who can't be there in person. 


An extra bonus that Mondo Cane possesses is that it's one of the few Patton projects that my elderly, Italian-born-and-raised mother and I can enjoy together.  She likes to sing along while telling me stories of growing up listening to the pop singers in the "old country".  It's also a great opportunity to brush up on my Italian, as my mother likes to quiz me on what certain words mean.  How great it would be to see Mondo Cane live with her, but I don't think that day will ever come.  Car ride sing-alongs will have to do....and that's something I can live with.