os mutantes's everything is possible

Os Mutantes entered the studio in 1968 armed with only a few guitars, some odds and ends, and a viciously creative spirit. From then on, Brazilian music would never be the same. Their unholy alliance of psychedelic rock and traditional Latin instrumentation (think Gilberto Gil jamming with Sergeant Pepper's-era Beatles) earned them many enemies in the conservative Brazilian music world and even more fans as the years went on. Now, a few years after Kurt Cobain tried and failed to gain them widespread recognition in the U.S., David Byrne has managed to release Everything is Possible, a 14-track compilation of songs from the first five Mutantes albums.

Fortunately, Everything is Possible focuses on the band's earlier material. Six of its tracks come from their self-titled debut album, and these are by far the freshest and most inventive songs. "Adeus Maria Fulô" is a rollicking trip through the jungle that combines rock vocals, vibraphones, and wildlife sound effects. The song is a parody of a traditional rhythm called baião, and it typifies Os Mutantes' approach to music. By not taking their influences too seriously, the band is able to blend diverse styles into a cohesive and irreverent sound. "Le Premier Bonheur du Jour" mixes a slowed-down mambo beat with intricate, melancholy harmonies and the thrift-store sounds of an aerosol spray can, which is used as a substitute for a hi-hat. Os Mutantes' studio trickery extends beyond creative uses of household products. The effects in "Dia 36" and "Bat Macumba" alternately transform the guitar into a melodic vacuum cleaner and a sputtering robotic bird.

However, the songs from Os Mutantes' later albums aren't quite up to par with the rest of their work. Everything is Possible emphasizes the arc of Mutantes' career by including two versions of the song "Baby," one from 1968 and one from 1971. The 1968 version is a witty, emotionally charged piece of garage rock, whereas the later version sounds like a mediocre Astrud Gilberto outtake. Novelty tracks like "El Justiciero" and "Cantor De Mambo" are even more disposable. Although Everything is Possible contains some gems that aren't on the first album, it's a mixed bag that doesn't always do justice to a magical bag of tricks. (Luaka Bop)

—Eliot Rose

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