Read Life

This collection of 8 discs may be the most comprehensive collection of its type. There are a total of 120 songs from almost as many artists. There are a few artists represented more than once, with The Kingston Trio represented by 9 songs, every one memorable. The era represented by these songs spans about ten years. The earliest songs in this collection date back to the late 1950's. The latest songs date to about 1968.

Before forming Living Life, Johnny Betti was a drummer on the first line-up of psychedelic Italian band Circus 2000. After leaving the band, Betti spent a few years touring Europe with jazz musicians until his trip in Aghanistan for a year. In 1975 he formed Living Life in Turin and created his own record label Shirak which released his albums and on the debut he was joined by a former Circus 2000 guitarist Marcello Quartarone. The two albums by Living Life were released six years apart, ranging from jazz rock influenced by folk music to more symphonic influenced on the second release which involded four keyboard players. Living Life disbanded like many unnoticed bands on Betti's record label.

Two guys, half American and half German plus two guys from Munich recorded this album 1971 for CBS, produced by Julius Schittenhelm (famous of OHR-productions). Not unlike Sitting Bull they played an American stylish music with a West Coast feel combined with typical Krautrock influences. Occasional flute and trippy guitar playing and great vocals gave their songs a high standard rather above the average. This more unknown album is a real discovery. From the mastertape with informative booklet.