The debut album from this Brazilian psych-pop-tropicalia group, falling into the "if you own one Os Mutantes record, let it be this one" camp. They've achieved some sort of "legendary" status among record nerds, rockists and the like over the years, but don't let that dissuade you from checking and enjoying this album, cause it is rather phenomenal. From the opening cut "Panis Et Circenses(1)," these guys are clearly on some other shit (proof that imagining the blotter could be better than actually experiencing it). Fuck, I love music that's both pop and experimental; stuff you can't help but like and you never have to feel guilty about. Especially when it sounds like Velvet Underground + HGSOB + some funny dudes I would love to hang out with. This is challenging! (but I'm really into for the hooks – and artsy chicks absolutely love this cd). They just have a wicked sound going on that turns joke songs like "A Minha Menina(2)" into the joint. As well as dipping into the warm waters of American + Brit psychedelia, Os Mutantes also get all French baroque on "Le Premier Bonheur Du Jour(3)," soft and buttery cheese on "Baby(4)," and other styles that will be revealed when you have this on and you're necking in the backseat of the car. I leave you with "Bat Macumba(5)," and a high recommendation to pick this up.

reviewed by the mgmnt