The definition of a lost classic. Lula Cortes (of Satwa fame) and multi-instrumentalist Ze Ramalho recorded and released the fantastic Paebiru in 1974; in 1975, all known remaining copies were destroyed in a warehouse fire, essentially making it a one-off private pressing. (OG copies have gone for over $1,500 in recent years.) This wouldn't be such a big deal if the music on said record wasn't so damn jaw-dropping and magical sounding. While recording the album, Lula and Ze traveled to the mystic Stone of Inga in Paraiba, Brazil, where they found inspiration amid the archaeological ruins and emerged with this concept album about the four elements. Each element is represented by a different group of instruments or sounds: heavy African drums and animal hooves for Earth ("Trilha De Sume(1)"), woodwinds, breaths, birdcalls and floating acoustic guitar for Air ("Harpa Dos Ares(2)"), blazing electric guitar for Fire ("Nas Paredes Da Pedra Encantada(3)") and loose, free-flowing jams in the closing Water section ("Regato Da Montanha(4)"). On the personal tip, I was lucky enough to get a vinyl rip of this off a hardcore collector nerdus friend some years back, and it hasn't left rotation since. Get open and give this one a spin. An awesome, awesome album. 14 tracks; 56 minutes. Recommended.

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red