Yes—with one condition. If you only know "Celebration" or "Four Holes in the Ground," start with CDs #001, #002, and #017. But if you have already climbed that mountain, the full 39-disc lossless collection is not mere archival vanity. It is a biography of sound.
You will hear:
PFM taught the world that prog was not just English. With 39 CDs of lossless audio, you finally hear the full architecture: every beam, every vault, every intentional flaw. Yes—with one condition
Recommended listening order for the brave: Storia → Per un amico → Live in USA → L’isola → Chocolate Kings → Jet Lag → A.D. 2010 → then shuffle the RAI outtakes. By CD #39, you will agree: PFM is not a rediscovery. They are a permanent residence.
Enjoy the journey. Set bitrate to maximum. Let the Mellotron breathe. PFM taught the world that prog was not just English
The English-language gateway. Peter Sinfield (King Crimson) re-wrote lyrics for "River of Life" (from Celebration). Many Italians sneer at it. Don’t. The remaster reveals how PFM’s attack adapted to English vowels. Critical track: "Old Rain" – a completely different mix than the Italian L’isola di niente, with extra Mellotron.
If you want a ranked best-to-best list (top 10 of the 39) or need exact catalog numbers for lossless sources, let me know. Enjoy the journey
Their Magnum Opus. Often called the "Italian Close to the Edge." The 13-minute "Appena un po'" is a masterclass in irregular meters (7/8, 5/4) disguised as melody. Lossless revelation: The bass pedals under the piano solo—usually a rumble, now a distinct voice.
This collection typically refers to the meticulous digital reissue series (often associated with the Prog Italia or AMS vaults) that compiles PFM’s official studio albums, live recordings, and rare tracks across 39 compact discs. Unlike standard compressed formats, the lossless nature (FLAC, WAV, or original CD-DA) preserves every dynamic nuance, from the delicate flute passages to the thunderous Mellotron swells.