Patton released the self-titled Mondo Cane debut in May on his own Ipecac Recordings but unveiled the live incarnation years earlier through a series of European recitals. Videos from the overseas concerts have racked up hundreds of thousands of views with music fans outside of the EU eager to get a glimpse of Patton performing standards including “Scalinatella” and “Il Cielo In Una Stanza” as well as lesser known gems like the late ’60s Italian civil rights opus “Urlo Negro.”

Described as  “…flagrantly enjoyable from first gasp to final croon” (The Onion), “engaging” (Alternative Press) and a “rich and heartfelt celebration of Italian pop music” (Spin), Patton has said that Mondo Cane is one of his most beloved projects to date.

The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (strictlybluegrass.com) is a free three-day concert, Oct. 1 to 3,  in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.   This year’s line-up features a wide variety of musicians including Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes, Joan Baez, Bonnie Prince Billy & the Cairo Gang, Steve Earle and the Dukes, Patty Griffin and numerous others.

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Release Date: May 4, 2010
Record Label: Ipecac Recordings

Review:
As a kid, I used to peruse through my mother’s old record collection. In the process, I was exposed to decades-old sounds and styles of music that I remember finding so interesting because of how different it was compared to what was played on the radio at the time. Listening to Mike Patton’s Mondo Cane gives me the same feeling of listening to those old LPs.

Mondo Cane is collection of traditional Italian and pop songs, including a rendition of Ennio Morricone’s “Deep Down,” that were originally recorded in the 1950′s and 60′s. Patton’s vocal performance is supported by an orchestra, choir, and band to create the Mondo Cane sound. The recordings retain the original character of the music. Patton explains “My purpose in revisiting these pieces is not to relive the past, not for nostalgia, but more to illustrate through modern and adventurous interpretation exactly how vital and important this music still is.”

Recorded at a series of European performances, the production of the tracks was done in such a way that it’s not difficult to imagine that the music could have been recorded long ago. Patton’s dynamic range and vocal prowess are put to the test. I’m not fluent in Italian, so I can’t say with any certainty just how well he tackles the language on this album, but to my ear, the vocal expressiveness is terrific.

I’ve said before, just about any release by a Mike Patton project release is worth listening to, because he always offers something different, and never disappoints.  Not convinced?  Play “Urlo Negro” as loud as you can.

Track Listing:

1. Il Cielo In Una Stanza
2. Che Notte!
3. Ore D’Amore
4. Deep Down
5. Quello Che Conta
6. Urlo Negro
7. Scalinatella
8. L’Uomo Che Non Sapeva Amare
9. 20 KM Al Giorno
10. Ti Offro Da Bere
11. Senza Fine

Purchase:

Links:
Mondo Cane Facebook

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While Patton is known for a employing a wide variety of incarnations, Mondo Cane is unlike any of his previous projects. First, and most obviously, Mondo Cane is an Italian language release. The album also finds the singer paying homage to other songwriters, a first for the front man of bands as original and influential as Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk and Fantomas. Discussing the eleven-song album, Patton explains “My purpose in revisiting these pieces is not to relive the past, not for nostalgia, but more to illustrate through modern and adventurous interpretation exactly how vital and important this music still is.”

The collection includes The Blackmen’s “Urlo Negro,” a late 60’s song about the Civil Rights struggle, to Gino Paoli’s “Senza Fine,” made famous by Connie Francis, and on to Patton’s beloved Morricone who penned “Deep Down” for the film Danger: Diabolik in 1968.

The track listing for Mike Patton’s Mondo Cane:

1. Il Cielo In Una Stanza
2. Che Notte!
3. Ore D’Amore
4. Deep Down
5. Quello Che Conta
6. Urlo Negro
7. Scalinatella
8. L’Uomo Che Non Sapeva Amare
9. 20 KM Al Giorno
10. Ti Offro Da Bere
11. Senza Fine

Release date for the album is May 4 on Ipecac Recordings.

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Recorded at a series of European performances including an outdoor concert in a Northern Italian piazza, the self-titled album features traditional Italian pop songs as well as a rendition of Ennio Morricone’s “Deep Down.” Patton worked with a 30-piece orchestra and choir to create the uniquely new Mondo Cane sound.

Patton’s body of work continues to evolve and grow with a wide range of bands and solo projects including Mr. Bungle, Faith No More, Fantomas, Tomahawk, Peeping Tom and most recently as a film composer and voice actor.

The track listing for Mike Patton’s Mondo Cane:

1. Il Cielo In Una Stanza
2. Che Notte!
3. Ore D’Amore
4. Deep Down
5. Quello Che Conta
6. Urlo Negro
7. Scalinatella
8. L’Uomo Che Non Sapeva Amare
9. 20 KM Al Giorno
10. Ti Offro Da Bere
11. Senza Fine

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• Mike Patton’s Mondo Cane to Make U.S. Live Debut on Oct. 3rd
• Album Review: Mike Patton, Mondo Cane
• Mike Patton’s Mondo Cane Reveals Album Art
• Mike Patton Scoring “The Place Beyond The Pines”
• The Best of 2011
• Album Review: Mike Patton – “From The Film and Inspired by the Book The Solitude of Prime Numbers”
• Mike Patton’s ‘The Solitude of Prime Numbers’ Set For Prime Release Date of 11-1-11