Paola & Chiara
Giornata storica (Columbia)
by Michael McCarthy
Alas, I have saved the best for last and they are a singer/songwriter duo – two sisters, in fact – called Paola & Chiara. Much to my own personal amazement, they released their debut and sophomore albums both last year. The first, Ci chiamano bambine (Call us Children), has the upbeat youthful enthusiasm of any impressive debut and then some. With songs that would sound equally at home on pop or rock radio, they probably would’ve been the most successful duo in decades (not that there’ve been many successful duos) if their music were in English. While the melodies on that disc are highly infectious, it’s on the follow up, Giornata storica (Historical Day), that they truly break new ground. While the two singing simultaneously works just fine on Ci chiamano bambine, their voices don’t always blend into one, occasionally making the listener wonder if one is picking up the other’s slack. On Giornata storica, however, their voices blend into one unforgettable, albeit wonderful, siren. It’s tempting to say that Giornata is more of a rock album with the guitars more pronounced this time around, but the melodies are even catchier. When I’d heard they were releasing their second album only a few months after I’d purchased their first, I couldn’t imagine that it would be half as colorful. What no doubt helps make it even more so is the addition of the following instruments: violino, violoncello, Hammond, uillean pipe, bodhran, tin whistles, bouzouki and fisarmonica. Admittedly, I’m not sure what half of them are, but it’s quite obvious that they’re breaking the typical pop rock mold with them when you hear their music. People complain that nobody has been able to master melody while simultaneously experimenting with their songwriting since The Beatles split, but those people have obviously not heard Paola & Chiara.
It should not surprise you when I suggest that you add Giornata storica to your collection before Ci chiamano bambine. Chances are, however, that you’ll want their debut after you’ve heard Giornata. For this reason, I must point out that there are two different versions of the album, one with 10 songs and one with 14. Both are from Italy and run for the same price, but the 14-song version sports two extra songs in addition to an acoustic version of “Bella” (even sweeter than the album version) and a remix of the title track. So be sure you buy that one.