Customer Reviews

Fool on the Hill (Dig)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 formula on "Fool on the Hill" was quite simple. Take pop hits like the title track by the Beatles and "Scarborough Fair" by Simon & Garfunkle, add a bossa nova rhythm and some lavish string accompaniment by Dave Grusin to Mendes on the piano and the vocals by Lani Hall (Mrs. Herb Alpert) and Karen Philipp, and you have some easy listening hits. "Fool on the Hill" followed "Look Around," giving Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 two solid albums in 1968 (please, do not revive the debate over why it was not Brasil '68), although I have a slight preference for this collection, which made was the group's highest charting album at #3 on the Billboard Pop Album chart (but #1 in Jazz and #10 for Black Albums).

The reason is that while this album hooks you with the covers, both of which charted in the Top 20 ("Fool on the Hill" was #6 and "Scarborough Fair" made it to #16), it is the original compositions that you end up loving. The two best on this album are "Casa Forte" and "Upa, Neguinho," both of which were written (or co-written) by Edu Lobo, which are as fine as any of the group's original songs as they ever recorded. The best vocals are actually by Gracinha Leporace, who would be part of Brasil '77, on "Lapinha." You have to appreciate this type of bait and switch, where unsuspecting music lovers pick up an album for the hits and are introduced to the seductive sounds of Brazilian jazz.

In the Sixties this was the sound of international music and the opening of the door for pretty much all of the Latin American recording artists who came afterwards. "Fool on the Hill" was the best selling album by Sergio Mendes, although a large measure of the credit might be due not to the music but rather the cover, which folded out to show the group at a gorgeous sunset...sitting on top of a nude woman. Ah, to be in Rio at Carnival time...

It's nice for Sergio Mendes to have all this attention again because of the revamped Mas Que Nada, but I think there will be little room for discussion when you compare it to the brilliant original, which isn't polluted by obnoxious rapping. His whole Brazil '66-discography is amazing: this is timeless, sweet, slightly exotic music that's upbeat with a hint of melancholy. So the same goes for this great record, which leans on two very good covers, but the originals are what's special here. The perfect blend between 60's pop and bossanova, sweet but not sappy, cheerful but not annoying, and always this sweet, glowing, after-summer vibe. He's the man.

I recently decided I have been buying too much new music on CDs, and not listening to my large collection of great music on LPs. One of the first LPs on my platter (for the first time in years) was this great outting by Brazil 66. I couldn't believe how exciting, timeless, and classy (and even sexy) this music is. The singing and the instrumentation blend perfectly. Some of the rhythms get complex, yet they come off as smooth as silk in the hands of these great musicians. If you still don't know this music, this would be a great starting place. It is definitely one of their best. Also, though tame by today's standards, the cover of the LP once unfolded (and I presume the CD) is interesting--to say the least. I might also add that the range of sound in the music of Brazil 66 really shows off a good stereo system.

"Fool on the Hill" is my favorite album by "Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66." If you like Brazilain-Latin music you will love this. Actually I think it's a better album than their "Greatest Hits." It is a real shame that the music industry doesn't promote music like this anymore. The music is full of soul, a very creative and innovative effort. It's just priceless.

I got this CD on a whim and when I played it was completely awe struck. I can't after hearing imagine going another day without it. It is truly a work of art that will last the proverbial "generations".

Besides being the first Sergio Mendes album in my collection, "Fool on the Hill" is probably the SECOND album that I ever bought with my hard-earned 1960's allowance.

That said, the release remains one of my favorite of both my childhood and adult years. With two hit covers (the title cut and "Scarborough Fair), along with scorchers like "Laia Ladaia (Reza"and "Upa, Neguinho," the album is just as exciting today as it was four decades ago. Though the latter tracks are sung in Spanish, that fact is not a deterrent to appreciating and enjoying them and others.

However, the best track is the ballad "When Summer Turns to Snow." This is an evocative tune and offers Mendes one of the few times he has taken the lead vocals...and he does a darn good job at it, too!

Fool on the Hill by Sergio Mendes/Brazil 66, is a delectable collection of the groups finest offerings. The arrangements, vocals and sheer artistry of the group define one of the top Brazilian artists of our time. Simply a pleasure !

I am from Denmark (aged 40). This was my mother's favourite record album. I must have heard it a 1000 times when I was very young. It was not until I reached my teens that I learned to appreciate the catching songs. I have now got it on CD. However, I would like you to help me. Which other Sergio Mendes and Brazill 66 should I buy next? Which is your favorite and why?

If you are looking for a great example of latin/fusion from the mid to late 1960s, I highly reccomend FOOL ON THE HILL, by Brasil 66. Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendes led this band, made up of both American and Brazilian singers. This included Lani Hall, one of the most well-loved singers of samba and pop music (made famous through the popularity of this group). The result of this fusion of Brazilian and 1960s style lounge music? It's beautifully balanced with East meets West sensiblity. If you haven't heard their take on The Beatles' "Fool on the Hill," then you don't know what you're missing. What's more, "Scarborough Fair" (a traditional song made famous by Simon & Garfunkel) is just beautiful here, with swaying rhythms (reminiscent of Rio De Janeiro on a hazy, lazy afternoon). There are some other songs, in Portuguese, but the group is really great in both languages!

"Fool On The Hill" was the 4th album released by Sergio Mendes with this red hot group Brasil '66, but the first album to feature the almost totally new group lineup. Some time after the release of "Look Around", Sebastaio Neto replaced Bob Matthews on bass, Rubens Bassini replaced Jose Soares on percussion, Dom Um Romao replaced Joao Palma on drums and Karen Philipp replaced Janis Hansen on vocals. Only vocalist Lani Hall remained of the original group. Even with all the changes, the great sound of Brasil '66 continued without so much as missing a beat. This album features two of their biggest hit singles, "Scarborough Fair" and, of course, the title song. "Festa" is a great uptempo number which higlights the talents of all the group members. "Casa Forte" will have you dreaming of warm Brazilian beaches, while Lani Hall's searing vocal solo on "Canto Triste" will give you chills. "Lapinha" gave us a preview of what was to come with an excellent vocal track by Gracinha Leporace, who later replaced Lani Hall when Lani left to pursue a solo career.

From the first note to the last, this album will take you on a musical trip to warm, sunny places. Put it on, sit back and let your mind take you to new places. You won't be disappointed.