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Chinese Restaurant by Chrisma/Krisma - 362

Author
Bleav + Unsung Podcast
Published
Mon 19 May 2025
Episode Link
https://bleav.com/shows/unsung-podcast/episodes/chinese-restaurant-by-chrisma-krisma-362/

On this episode we dive deep into the musical history of one of Italy's most fascinating and forward-thinking bands - Krisma (or Chrisma as they were originally known). This husband and wife duo from Milan created music that was light years ahead of its time, with their 1977 album "Chinese Restaurant" laying the groundwork for sounds that wouldn't become mainstream until decades later.


We explore how this band went from Italian pop stardom to experimental post-punk pioneers, working with the likes of Hans Zimmer and Vangelis along the way. We chat about their various musical reinventions, that time Maurizio allegedly cut his finger off on stage (or did he?), and how their track "Miami" sounds remarkably like Radiohead's Kid A... except it was released 23 years earlier!


From performing with The Beatles to mingling in Andy Warhol's circle, Krisma's story is as fascinating as their music is innovative. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let us introduce you to your new favourite obscure band.


If you enjoy this episode, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/unsungpod


00:00 Introduction to the Unsung Podcast

00:37 Meet the Hosts and Album Introduction

04:55 Band Background: Chrisma's Origins

12:45 Album Analysis: Chinese Restaurant

13:02 Listener's Insight: Fario Tte's Perspective

15:18 Maurizio's Punk Rock Commitment

17:51 Album Analysis: Hibernation

23:02 Album Analysis: Cathode Mamma

29:20 Technological Innovations and Clandestine Anticipation

36:06 Discovering a Hidden Gem

37:44 The Band's Move to New York

38:26 Exploring the Back Catalog

45:44 The Controversial 2008 Tour

49:52 Why Chinese Restaurant is an Unsung Classic

01:01:02 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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