Celeste - "Celeste" (1976)

Tranquil and beautiful. I was very pleasently surprised when I first heard this album. Every track here is a winner and the atmosphere of the album will leave you begging for more. Its pretty hard to find some other bands to compare to. I thought a little of Quella Vecchia Locandas "Il Tempo della Goia" and the calmer and more symphonic parts on it. I also though of PFM:s "Storia di un Minuto" and the nice acoustic guitarpieces there.
Well, "Principe di Giorno" starts this album and its very representative for this album: mellotron, harmonies and the most gorgeous melodies you could ask for. The setting seems to be focused around the acoustic guitars, mellotrons and buidling up an atmosphere around the sweeping melodylines.

"Favole Anthice" is another of my favourite tracks here, so calm and gentle, this is music to fall asleep to. "Eftus" continues this great feeling. Acoustic guitar, flute and very passionate singing.
"Giochi nella notte" is an 8 minute long track in exactly the same vein as the previous tracks. Mellotron, piano, acoustic guitar. It evolves around the same theme, creating a larger and wonderful atmospheric peice of music. The last track, a shorter tune ("L'imbroglio") ends this album.

Overall this is ine of the best italian albums, it really stands out. Very romantic sounding, full of mellotrons and flutes. If you like the calmer parts of say P.F.M, then you will love this album. It feels like one continuating piece, full of a dreamy feeling, painting up beautiful landscapes.