Portrait of Aldo Nova

Aldo Nova | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 13, 1991)
• Original Release Date: August 13, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• Copy Protected
• ASIN: B00000281T
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #308,947 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Portrait, May 29, 2000

By 

J. Wright "Rok Owt" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Portrait of Aldo Nova (Audio CD)

For those of you who are Aldo Nova fans, this is a great collection. For those of you who are not familiar with Aldo, this is the CD to get. It covers all of his biggest tracks and only a handful of great ones are missing in action.

While Fantasy put Aldo on the map back in the early 80's, this unbelievably talented songwriter/singer/guitarist/bassist/keyboard player/drummer kept on pumping out great tunes like Monkey On Your Back, All Night Long, Lay Your Love on Me and Rumours of You (all included). While none of his Blood on the Bricks material or recent release, Nova's Dream, is on this album, it is well worth picking up.

If you like this one, round out your Aldo Nova collection with his debut, Aldo Nova, then Subject, followed by his third effort, Twitch. Also, Blood on the Bricks is a great one to get (if you can find it).

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good, generous sampling of Aldo Nova, May 9, 2001

By 

sauerkraut - See all my reviews

This review is from: Portrait of Aldo Nova (Audio CD)

A Portrait of Aldo Nova, released in 1991, was the first album that I listened to from this Canadian musician. Beforehand, I think that the only song I had heard from Aldo Nova was "Fantasy." I find his music to be worthy, pleasing, and catchy. This hits compilation is taken from Nova's first three releases: his self-titled debut Aldo Nova (1982), Subject (1983), and Twitch (1985). A total of 18 tracks is included--eight from the first disc, seven from the second one, and three from the third. Everything from his first album is represented on this disc except for "You're My Love" and Can't Stop Lovin' You." All of the material is in a pop rock musical direction. I think that every song is worthwhile; all of them sport tight musicianship and gratifying sound quality. According to the CD packaging, this collection of songs has been digitally remastered, but I don't hear any improvement in sound quality. I like Nova's skilled guitar playing, too--his guitar solos are taut and energetic. When it comes to his good, distinctive vocals, I can't think of any other singer that I've heard that sounds like him. I also like how keyboards are used in combination with the guitar playing. Examples of songs that I enjoy are "Fantasy," "Ball and Chain," "Under the Gun," "Monkey on Your Back," and "Victim of a Broken Heart." The memorable and catchy "Fantasy" displays a frenetic, fast-fingered guitar solo; additionally, Nova plays all of the instruments on this cut except for the drums. The nice ballad "Ball and Chain" has an attractive chorus and a smooth guitar solo. "Under the Gun" features a well-constructed, appealing keyboard intro and a pleasurable chorus--another one where he performs every instrument besides the drums. The energy-filled "Monkey on Your Back" is a solid piece with tight, emphatic-sounding singing--also, this is a selection that features him solely playing everything but the drums. The keyboard playing from Nova on "Always Be Mine" is encompassing and pretty. "Victim of a Broken Heart" is another warm and engaging ballad that contains a good guitar solo. There's also a cover tune called "Hey Operator" that's respectable and originally performed by a Canadian band by the name of Coney Hatch. A Portrait of Aldo Nova is just over 74 minutes in duration. The CD insert contains an informative essay and a black and white photo of him. Anybody that's interested in sampling an overview of Aldo Nova's music shouldn't be disappointed with this consistent collection of songs. A Portrait of Aldo Nova is enjoyable from start to finish.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Music this good is rare., November 28, 2000

By 

"sghost1" (Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Portrait of Aldo Nova (Audio CD)

Despite his low profile, Aldo Nova is one of THE most talented musicians out there. He is truly a guitar hero for those of us who ARE familier with his work. But Aldo is not just a guitarist. He writes/sings, plays bass, plays synth, and is capable of creating some of the most trance inducing sound effects one could ever ask for. I'm quite happy with all of Aldo Nova's albums, but if I only wanted one it would be this one. Another must-have is NOVA'S DREAM. Some of it is a bit off the wall, but it is a wonderous soundscape, no, DREAMscape in it's own right. -- Scott S. <[e-mail]>