The “b side” songs that became legend

What do some great international rock classics, such as Hound Dog, Rock Around the Clock, Unchained Melody, and many famous Italian songs, including Marina, Piccola Katy and Balla Linda, have in common? The fact that these unforgettable songs were originally all b-sides, that is, songs published on the second side of 45 rpm vinyl records, the famous format that for many years characterized the music industry. The transformation of these songs into great successes, initially little considered by their own authors and producers, is the focus of the story of a new book, entitled Il Lato B – From extras to superstars: the story of B-Side, discards and outtakes that became legend (in the opening image a detail of the cover). Written by Paolo Gresta, journalist and music expert, and published by Arcana Edizioni, the volume offers a roundup of thirty songs that, against all expectations, have managed to become immortal classics of contemporary music. THE BOOK DEDICATED TO THE REVENGE OF THE B-SIDES The transformation of B-sides into legendary hits has often followed mysterious and unpredictable paths: Gresta explores the dynamics behind the unexpected rise of these songs from rejects to hits, investigating how the choices of producers, authors and record companies have often ended up underestimating their incredible potential. In some cases, the revaluation of B-sides was the work of other artists, as happened for example with La canzone di Marinella: Fabrizio de André’s masterpiece was musically neglected for over 3 years, relegated to a simple B-side of the single Valzer per un amore. It was the cover recorded in 1967 by Mina that decreed its immense success, making it one of the most iconic and recognizable songs in De André’s entire discography. Many other examples cited in the book highlight the fundamental role played by the public in establishing the success of songs initially considered secondary: this is the case of Alla fiera dell’Est, one of Angelo Branduardi’s most beloved songs, a song that took more than seven months from its publication in 1976 as a B-side of Il dono del cervo to establish itself as an epochal success, thanks to repeated listening and word of mouth. THE “UNEXPECTED” HITS OF ELVIS, DE ANDRÉ AND COLDPLAY By reconstructing the tortuous paths of these songs towards the Olympus of music, the author also analyses the cultural impact of successful B-sides, songs that have become the soundtrack of historical and personal moments. They are stories that celebrate the ability of music to surprise and exceed expectations: through a streamlined, compelling and well-documented narrative, Il Lato B offers readers a new perspective on the value and importance of songs that were originally less considered, yet capable of leaving an indelible mark on the history of music.