This is a very different compilation of songs by the legendary psychedelic cult band os Mutantes. The focus lies on rare tracks and os Mutantes' collaborations with other artists and composers, such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Jorge Ben. It is a bit hard to see the connecting thought in the track selection here, but of course, for the quality of the songs, the album is highly enjoyable. The first track is the famous "Panis et Cirsenses," that brilliantly composed song by Gil and Veloso that has become something of a theme song for os Mutantes. "Marcianita" and "A Voz do Morto" are three rather rare but splendidly vibrant collaborations with Veloso (who does the singing). "Glória ao Rei dos Confins do Além" is a seldom heard but beautiful gem that brings out the best of Os Mutantes' late-'60s psychedelics. The equally rare "Canção Para Inglês Ver/Chiquita Bacana," on the other hand, is a rather lackluster affair. "Hey Boy," "Rua Augusta," and "Não Vai Ser Perder por Aí" are three excellent but quirky rock songs that more often than not are overlooked because of more famous tracks on the same albums. There are some excellent and newly re-released rare tracks that could have been included here but were not, which is a shame. Apart from that, this is a fine effort to release an "alternative" compilation of os Mutantes' work.
© Philip Jandovský /TiVo