I just saw them in concert in NYC. They make music fun. If you don't know them, they are from Brazil, have performed with and performed the music of Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and Tom Ze. They've been around since the 60's and have influenced, among others, David Byrne and Kurt Cobain. I've had one of their CDs, Technicolor, for years and still love it.

I've listened to Os Mutantes for awhile, honestly didn't know they were still touring! Another musician that was obviously heavily influenced by this group was Beck, and I've heard rumours that the Beatles may have borrowed a few licks as well!

Great music, gotta go see what their new stuff is like now!

They actually disbanded for many years and recently got together to tour. Their female singer, Rita Lee I think, was replaced.

I have a nice copy of Os Mutantes' debut album, the self-titled Os Mutantes. This album is, IMO, an astonishing work of art that's far more experimental than much of the material issued by the "top" UK & US psychedelic bands of the period.


Here is a pic of the album's cover, with the ever-sexy Rita Lee in the middle.

As part of a CD trade, a friend of mine gave me a DVD of nine of their albums in mp3 format, 192 kbps. Not bad quality, and all pretty enjoyable. My favorite hands down is A Divina Comedia Ou Ando Neio Desligado. I'd much rather have the albums, but when you're a beggar...

If you like that mix of Brazilian and western pop, you might like a similar artist but in a much jazzier vein- Airto Moriera. In particular I recommend Identity. I've got that on vinyl and it has some melody lines that would remind you of Mutantes in their Brazilian mode. Then he blows your mind with scat singing and a hailstorm of percussion. Awesome.

...If you like that mix of Brazilian and western pop, you might like a similar artist...some melody lines that would remind you of Mutantes in their Brazilian mode...


Yes, and another one to try is Ronnie Von, still an active touring & performing musician in S. America. Things to try:

Ronnie Von - Self-titled, 1968

Ronnie Von - A Misteriosa Luta do Reino de Parassempre contra o Imperio de Nuncamais, 1969

Ronnie Von - A Maquina Voadora, 1970

Another cd in the same vein that I enjoy is Marisa Monte - Tribalistas. There is a male singer in this group that has an incredibly deep voice.