Customer Reviews

Portrait of Aldo Nova

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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).

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.

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. <sghost1@cool.com>

Aldo's first three cds, ALDO NOVA (4 stars), SUBJECT, ALDO NOVA (3), and TWITCH (2), are represented here. Most of the cd's music comes from his first release, ALDO NOVA, with 8 of the 10 songs on the cd from that album. The songs are also grouped by the cds, that they were on. Upon listening to this cd, you can tell were on cd ends, and the songs from the next one begins. ALDO is more middle of the road hard rock. SUBJECT is more toward the heavy metal side, and TWITCH is lite pop.
All the good songs, Fantasy, Hot Love, Ball and Chain, Heart to Heart, Monkey on Your Back, Hold Back the Night, Victim of a Broken Heart, & Tonight, are on this cd.
Only complaint, is the edited version of Armageddon. The best part of the song is the beginning, and it's not their.
This disk is a must buy, and if your not a Aldo fan, pick it up and crank it up.

A household name in the eighties,Aldo Nova is a multi-talented musician,playing a number of instruments,wicked guitar,and singing with the best of them.The songs featured here are an appropriate tribute and a faithful portrait to a musician who always espoused taste,inspiration,and a good control of his instruments and voice.

I think this was the first release I bought from Aldo Nova before I bought his other material. What can I say besides it's a great collection of songs from a very underrated musician from the eighties. Recommended.

I was one of the lucky ones who got to see Aldo Nova before he got to the airwaves. I was at a Y&T concert when Aldo Nova opened up for them. I've been to many concerts where the opening act was nothing special but when I saw Aldo Nova I thought to myself that this guy knows how to rock out in a good way. I bought his debut when it first hit the store and really enjoyed his melodic rock sound. This cd has the perfect song selection for people who don't know a lot of his music. Most know him for "Fantasy" which was on the radio in the early 80's. I also remember MTV would often air his video of "Monkey on your back". Although these were his most popular tunes, there are many more that are much better in my opinion such as; "It's too Late", "All Night Long", and "Always be Mine" which are all here. These songs really make this cd totally worth the money! If you like good rock and roll with great harmonies and catchy choruses this is a must have! If I had to name bands that are similar then I would have to mention; Loverboy, Arc Angel, April Wine and New England. Buy and be happy!

Montreal's Aldo Nova has to be one of the most underrated artists of all time, especially internationally. The layered vocals, multitude of instrumentation and song presentation is as strong as you'll ever hear. I'd like to add a bit of trivia to all of the glowing reviews already posted for this compilation. The cut "Hey Operator" from the 1983 album Subject was penned by Carl Dixon of Coney Hatch and included on their self titled 1982 album and mixed by Kim Mitchell. One of the few tracks that Aldo didn't have a hand in writing. But Aldo Nova is a song writer, singer and a true musician in his own right. This album verifies that fact. Enjoy.

Aldo Nova is a very talented musician. Many of his songs are very melodic. He can write different style of songs, like ballads, AOR/Hard rockers and even heavy metal. I really appreciate his skills in using different instruments.

AFTER JIMI HENDRIX AND RAY VAUGHAN I HAD NEVER SEEN ANYONE ELSE PLAYING THE GUITTAR LIKE ALDO NOVA EVEN IN THE LATE 90'S HIS MUSIC IS STILL LEGENDARY GOD BLESS ALDO NOVA TRULY YOURS TAINO1492.