Though rarely heard outside their Brazilian homeland (especially during the first phase of their career), Os Mutantes were one of the most dynamic, talented, radical bands of the psychedelic era — quite an accomplishment during a period in which most rock bands spent quality time exploring the outer limits of pop music. A trio of brash musical experimentalists, the group fiddled with distortion, feedback, musique concrète, and studio tricks of all kinds to create a lighthearted, playful version of extreme Brazilian pop.
Three Brazilian teenagers start a garage band. They know nothing of music theory, have no equipment (they built their own guitar pedals and used tin cans as cymbals), but lots and lots of cannabis.
Though the existence of Os Mutantes is in itself unremarkable, what is mind-blowing is the top-notch quality of the music. These three teens, Rita Lee (vocals), Sergio Baptista (guitar), and Arnaldo Baptista (drums), while attempting to mimic their heroes in the states, were able to surpass them.
This was due to their inability to adequately imitate (due to their geographic isolation), and the band's unfettered creativity. For these reasons, their meld of otherworldly guitar noise, crisp harmonies, and propulsive drumming found no equal among American counterparts like the 13th Floor Elevators and the Electric Prunes. While these bands just picked up where Sgt. Pepper's left off, Os Mutantes made music that had no point of reference until almost 30 years later.
This album is one of their best, and it showcases the band's ability to morph genres into their own warped originality. The opener "Ando Meio Desligado" beats American psychedelic rock at its own game, combining a great hook with untamed guitar theatrics and sound effects. On "Meu Refrigerador Neo Funciona," Rita Lee does Janis Joplin while Sergio overdubs his patented weirdness. "Desculpe, Baby" is a deceptively simple but intricate ballad, while "Hey Boy" turns doo wop on its head, contorting it into a whole new form.
With each listen, "A Divina Comedia on Ando Meio Desligado" unveils new secrets, making it well worth the price of admission.
Os Mutantes - A Divina Comedia Ou Ando Meio Desligado (1970)
(320 kbps, cover art included)
Three Brazilian teenagers start a garage band. They know nothing of music theory, have no equipment (they built their own guitar pedals and used tin cans as cymbals), but lots and lots of cannabis.
Though the existence of Os Mutantes is in itself unremarkable, what is mind-blowing is the top-notch quality of the music. These three teens, Rita Lee (vocals), Sergio Baptista (guitar), and Arnaldo Baptista (drums), while attempting to mimic their heroes in the states, were able to surpass them.
This was due to their inability to adequately imitate (due to their geographic isolation), and the band's unfettered creativity. For these reasons, their meld of otherworldly guitar noise, crisp harmonies, and propulsive drumming found no equal among American counterparts like the 13th Floor Elevators and the Electric Prunes. While these bands just picked up where Sgt. Pepper's left off, Os Mutantes made music that had no point of reference until almost 30 years later.
This album is one of their best, and it showcases the band's ability to morph genres into their own warped originality. The opener "Ando Meio Desligado" beats American psychedelic rock at its own game, combining a great hook with untamed guitar theatrics and sound effects. On "Meu Refrigerador Neo Funciona," Rita Lee does Janis Joplin while Sergio overdubs his patented weirdness. "Desculpe, Baby" is a deceptively simple but intricate ballad, while "Hey Boy" turns doo wop on its head, contorting it into a whole new form.
With each listen, "A Divina Comedia on Ando Meio Desligado" unveils new secrets, making it well worth the price of admission.
Os Mutantes - A Divina Comedia Ou Ando Meio Desligado (1970)
(320 kbps, cover art included)
15 Kommentare:
Great Blog!
Can you reupload this great lp?
Thanks!
JRAC
Great Blog!
Can you reupload this great lp?
Thanks!
JRAC
Thanks, now there´s a fresh link. All the best!
Thanks. Arnaldo Baptista never played drums. He was the bass and keyboard player and the heart of the band. In "Meu refrigerador não funciona", it's not Sergio who sings with Rita. It's Arnaldo on vocals. Sean Lennon and Kurt Cobain
are two Mutantes's fans.
Thanks. Arnaldo Baptista never played drums. He was the bass and keyboard player and the heart of the band. In "Meu refrigerador não funciona", it's not Sergio who sings with Rita. It's Arnaldo on vocals. Sean Lennon and Kurt Cobain
are two Mutantes's fans.
Once I visited as a foreign tourist Diamantina, a small town in Brazil. By chance I had a talk with a music and political interested young man who told me, that he is a fan from The Doors and Bob Marley, but he had never heard from Os Mutantes. It was the time, Dilma Rousseff was president, a partisan during the military dictatorship. The young man was also interested in the discussion of the military dictatorship. During this time, Os Mutantes were popular. Does anybody know, how Os Mutantes work behave to this area of brazilian history? And is it like this, that Os Mutantes are today not very well known in Brazil?
Thanks to Joao for the detailed informations. And thanks to Jenny BJ for sharing these memories with us. Hope somebody provides us with answers to these very interesting questions. All the best to you & stay safe!
Oh this is awesome!
Loving this hedonistic mix of psychedelia and experiment. Tonic for the ears this strange morning.
That´s a good description for their music. All the best!
Jenny BG: Mutantes were a big thing in São Paulo, the biggest city in Brazil. But, even in this city, they survive in the media for two or three years. They have a new rebourn in the 90's and 2000's. Sorry for my poor english.They are not very well known in Brazil today. It's a cult thing and it's a pity.
Thanks a lot for the background information. Stay safe!
Thank you Joao for the explanation! And, as you say, it's a pity, that Os Mutantes are not better known...such a great music to enjoy.
Os Mutantes, muito bom!!!
Well said. Hope i find more of their recordings to post it on the blog. Best wishes!
I have come across their name before but never knew anything about them. Your words convince me to listen to them. Many thanks!
Brian
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