Al di la - Emilio Pericoli

I still haven't been able to locate a copy of Betty Curtis' version of 'Al di la', from the Eurovision Song Contest 1961, but the cover version in Dutch by Sandra Reemer, 'Al di la (Net als wij)' was a recent purchase. And now, here's Emilio Pericoli's version.

This Japanese single presents two songs from the motion picture 'Lovers must learn' (1962), in which a librarian (Suzanne Pleshette) goes to Italy "to learn about love," meets two men (Troy Donahue, Rossano Brazzi) and sees much lovely scenery. The score of the movie included 'Al di la', and this single presents the song in beautiful Japanese style.

My collection: 7" single no. 6727
Found: Discogs.com, received 11 June 2022
Cost: £4
Tracks: 'Al di la' / 'Rome adventure'

Uno per tutte - Emilio Pericoli

I already bought versions of 'Uno per tutte' by Marino Marini, Louis Neefs, Tony Renis and Robertino, but the version at the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 was performed by Emilio Pericoli. His version was considerably more difficult to get hold of. In the end I got this copy directly from Italy.

Pericoli managed to win the San Remo festival with his version, and then went on to the Eurovision Song Contest, where he ended up in third place. I guess a song like this would be less successful in this day and age, simply because the statement 'Uno [male] per tutte [female]' goes against the current #MeToo climate.

My collection: 7" single no. 6540
Found: Discogs.com, received 3 February 2022
Cost: €5
Tracks: 'Uno per tutte' / 'Sull'acqua'