Os Mutantes - "O 'A' e o 'Z' "

Os Mutantes
"O 'A' e o 'Z '"
Polydor
Originally recorded in 1973, released in 1992
Currently out of print

Os Mutantes were one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the psychedelic era, blending left-wing politics, garage rock, Zappa-esque experimentation and Brazilian samba and tropicalia. Unfortunately their music wasn't well known outside of their native Brazil.

Led by the Baptista brothers Arnaldo and Sergio and featuring the sweet vocals of Rita Lee, the group worked with such Brazilian legends as Caetano Valoso and Gilberto Gil before scoring a hit with the infectious "Bat Macumba."

Unfortunately, that innovative band isn't really represented on "O A e o Z," which was recorded after Lee had left. Gone are the restless experimentation and the playful melodies and, with the exception of the light acoustic "Voce Sabe," the "Brazilian-ness" is missing. Probably part of the reason the album was shelved for 20 years.

But the album is exciting in its own ways. While it is lacking in psychedelic Brazilian weirdness, "O A e o Z" is an impressive example of early '70s prog rock. The result lands close to the vintage Italian band PFM, lengthy tunes with nonsensical English lyrics and intricate instrumental breaks. Arnaldo's keyboards sparkle and trill like Rick Wakeman on the title track and new bassist Limnha has the requisite fat Rickenbacker bass sound on "Rolling Stone".

Arnaldo would leave shortly after recording this album, leaving guitarist Sergio as the sole original member. The group would continue for several more years in this prog vein, but the innovation of the band's late '60s work was gone.

If you are looking for good prog rock, check out "O A e o Z," the 12-minute "Hey Joe" (not the Hendrix tune) stands up strongly with anything from the era. But if you want to hear Os Mutantes' truly groundbreaking work, pick up the compilation "Everything Is Possible," (the bulk of the band's output was never released in the States and is out of print overseas).

And get ready - Sergio has resurrected the Mutantes and a new studio album (the first in over 30 years) is due next month. How good it will be, we'll have to see.