Customer Reviews

Achados E Perdidos

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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It is no new thing to hear artists blending hip-hop with other musical influences, but why did it take so damn long to throw in some samba, and bossa nova? Well Curumin has taken the lead in this department, creating an album of such electic variety, it somehow blends into one seamless goulash of flamenco guitars, obscure samples, reggae bass lines, synth loops, soulful vocals, and some bad-ass grooves to boot. This album's got everything, but it never seems disorienting or forced. Some tracks are for vibin' out, others for getting derty on the dance floor, but all if it is neccessary and enjoyable. Spread the word about this guy. He's gonna be huge. And he deserves it.

And oh yes, buy the album NOW.

Achados e Perdidos (roughly translated to Found and Lost) is Curumin's debut album which I should have reviewed years ago but was too lazy. Anyway, the title certainly fits because he's really found a way to convey the urban feel of a city the size and blend of Sao Paulo while managing to get lost (on occassion) in some of his choices of instrumentation and/or effects. This criticism, however, is trivial because overall the album is truly a rich piece of turtle sugar--especially if you're the laidback drummer or dancer type (like yours truly). In fact, when I listen to Achados e Perdidos I feel compelled to jump on a plane and get lost among all the casual Paulistas in Brazil's largest city. If you've spent any kind of time there you'll know what I mean. (Say it to yourself real slow "CAAAZZZZSSSSHHHUUUUUALLLL")

This brings me to a good point for the uninitiated: this is not a RIO album. Sure, you will find hints of bossa and samba rhythms but this is not a purist album of the ilk of a Jobin and Gil. If that's what your fishing for then start at the beginning and go to the source. And this is not a knock on anyone...it's just to tell you that this album is as much about reinterpretation as it is moving forward. It's a modern expression--in retro fashion--of soulfunk, jazz, Brazroots, and other cultural picadillies. Besides, Job and Gil don't need my help they're certified Hall of Famers of the very genre they invented. Enough Said.

On a final note, I don't know this guy's background but he "picks" from a lot of different fruit trees, and luckily for him (and me and you) his harvest tastes sweet.

This is one of the best albums ever. Althoough we don't get alot of Brasilian music in the sates, Currumin has become very popular with Joga Bonito. After I found out who that was in the background I had to here more. I'm standing by Samba Japa as the best international song I've ever heard!