Stunning debut
Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 04/14/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the cornerstones of the Tropicalia movement, Gilberto Gil continues to be a major player worldwide, which, after hearing his debut lp, could be somewhat surprising save for his absolute brilliance.From 1969, Gil's debut lp is simply one of the most stunning pieces of frenzied psychedelia this side of Tangerine Dream's blitzkrieg of "Electronic Meditation." His guitar work on this lp stands unsurpassed, in my view, in both its virtuosity and aggressiveness. It's out and out psychedelia, Brazilian style. Add to the mix the unabashed enthusiasm and equal brilliance of cult favorites Os Mutantes and the lesser known Beat Boys, and the cup of craziness runneth over.This lp will be an eye-opener to both fans of Gil's recent offerings (which are glorious in their own right- his maturity as a songwriter and musician is staggering), those who are dipping their toe for the first time into the waters of Tropicalia to see if it is to their liking, and those who love psychedelia. Along with the 1st few lps by Os Mutantes and those of Tom Ze, Gil's debut offering is by far the most heady and experimental that the Tropicalia movement offers. A glorious album."
A difficult album to obtain!
B.A.S. | watford, herts United Kingdom | 04/24/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although Gil is supported by Os Mutantes on this album, he leans much more closely towards Brazilian Samba rhythms - than even on the first Mutantes album - and cosequently it sounds slightly more like traditional World Music faire. There are some great songs here though, particularly the slower moody acoustics Coragem Pra Suportar and Pega a Voga, although the more up-tempo numbers are propelled along vigorously by Roger Duprat's superb brassy orchestration. It's not Tropicalia as most people have come to know it through Mutantes and Veloso, but it's still great and unique music, if more typically Brazilian. If you see it knocking around a record shop - which you probably won't - I'd definitely recommend a purchase."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1