The story

In 1988, the Italian artist Al Aprile and his band, The National Geographix, recorded their first and last album. Al lived in Milan, Italy, he was a well known musician, a music journalist and DJ,  a music producer, and a bluesman.

The band had just completed the recording sessions, when the music label went bankrupt. After three years, guitarist and drummer found the money to buy the tapes. But Al Aprile had died in 1991, at the age of 31. His musicians released a limited and abridged version of the album, to remember him. This vinyl is very hard to find, today.

The album

This album by an obscure and forgotten Italian band can be considered the closing act of the Eighties. It's  a blend of dark, rock, wave, pop and blues music, with powerful lyrics describing a rich and enthusiastic world that is going to lose its compass. But in these songs, all the Eighties' darkest sides - money as the ultimate goal in life, heroin, AIDS, loss of hope... - are transfigured by the beauty of music: the farewell to the decade becomes a moving hymn to life.

What I Need & What You Get

• To digitize the three tapes recorded at 30ips (76 cm/s) I need about 500 EUR. Tapes will be digitized in Italy by Fonoprint, Bologna. I will personally pay for all subsequent costs (mastering, rights management, etc.), if not covered by the crowdfunding.
• Today, CD's are a no-go: they can't handle HD Audio, and it's more convenient downloading mp3 and FLAC files than ripping them.
• The album will be digitally released in audiophile quality: mp3 (320kb), FLAC, HD Audio (192/24) and DSD. RIghts and distribution will be handled by CdBaby (Portland, USA). Regular price will be 11.90 EUR for the mp3 + FLAC edition and 19.90 EUR for the mp3 + FLAC + HD Audio edition.

The booklet and extras

Together with the Al Aprile album you will receive a pdf booklet containing many extras (in Italian), and some extra rare tracks from other Al Aprile's projects (if the rights owners will authorize us).

Other Ways You Can Help

I am a quite solitary man, and don't have much experience with social networks. But I would be very grateful if you could spread info about this campaign on Facebook and other platforms.

more info, videos and music tracks here: www.alaprile.com

* We reserve the right to review our supporters and, if applicable, withdraw from the contract with a supporter.