: A track showcasing the band’s rock influence. "Perdera o costera" : A poignant, melodic highlight. "Ischidados" : Reflecting a faster, modern rhythm.
The impact of "Tazenda Ottantotto" extends far beyond its commercial success. The song has inspired a new generation of Italian musicians, who cite Tazenda as a primary influence. Moreover, "Ottantotto" has become an integral part of Italian popular culture, with references to the song appearing in films, television shows, and literature.
The album was primarily recorded on the island of Sant'Antioco in Sardinia between 2011 and 2012. The lead single, "Mielacrime" (a blend of "miele" - honey, and "lacrime" - tears), was released on April 4, 2012, setting the stage for the album. The music video for "Mielacrime" is available on YouTube and is an excellent starting point to explore the album's rich sound.
Ottantotto remains a crucial chapter in Tazenda's decades-long career. It proved that the band could survive immense personal loss and shifting industry landscapes without sacrificing the soul of their music. The album demonstrated that heritage music does not belong in a museum; rather, it belongs in the headphones of modern listeners, compressed into a digital file but expanding with centuries of cultural history.
It’s impossible to discuss Ottantotto without acknowledging the shadow of Andrea Parodi, who passed away in 2013—just one year after the “new” MP3 release. This timing adds a layer of poignancy to the 2012 remaster. For many fans, the 2012 version is the last “modern” production of Parodi’s voice with Tazenda before his death.
Have you found the 2012 version of Ottantotto? Share your experience in the comments below. And if you’re new to Tazenda, after listening to Ottantotto, be sure to explore Carrasecare, Spunta la Luna, and Disamparados.
The 2012 release mastered the balance between high-fidelity studio production and the compression requirements of the then-dominant MP3 file format. In the early 2010s, ensuring that traditional acoustic instruments—like the launeddas (a triple-pipe single-reed instrument) and the acoustic guitar—translated well into a 320kbps MP3 format was a technical challenge. Tazenda succeeded by leaning into a polished, punchy ethno-pop sound. 1. "Mio Padre" (My Father)
Tazenda's "Ottantotto" is more than just an album; it's a musical journey that encapsulates the band's spirit and their contribution to Italian music. For fans of Tazenda, it serves as a reminder of their favorite band's enduring talent. For new listeners, it offers an introduction to a genre and a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Tazenda, "Ottantotto" is a timeless piece of Italian music history that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
According to the primary songwriter Gino Marielli, the title track "88" was named directly after its specific musical tempo and speed.
A call to consciousness, heavily driven by folk-rock percussion. Sa Luna Noa
The title Ottantotto (Italian for "Eighty-Eight") holds multiple layers of meaning for the band:
In 2012, the digital landscape was shifting, and the demand for high-quality MP3 downloads was at its peak. Tazenda embraced this change, making Ottantotto widely available on digital storefronts, allowing the sounds of Sardinia to travel far beyond the Mediterranean. Production and Legacy
The closing track, wrapping up the album's themes of interior growth. The Central Single: "Mielacrime"
Produced during a time of creative rebirth, Ottantotto was praised for its polished production and the seamless integration of traditional instruments like the launeddas with electric guitars and synthesizers. It wasn't just a "new" album; it was a statement of persistence.
—the year the band was founded by Andrea Parodi, Gigi Camedda, and Gino Marielli—the title track and album name actually refer to (beats per minute), the specific tempo of the song "88". An Informative History Artistic Shift
Some sources suggest that around 2012, Tazenda included a re-recorded or live version of Ottantotto as a bonus track on a limited-edition compilation. This version featured slightly different instrumentation (more modern synth pads and a tighter rhythm section) which gave the classic song a “new” coat of paint.