Customer Reviews

Great Noise

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As anyone will quickly see from scanning the amazon reviews of her albums, Marisa has a fanatical following, and deservedly so. She is one of the all-time great Brazilian artists, in the pantheon with Jobim and Gal Costa. This album is important for a couple of reasons. The live songs are distinct from their studio versions and in some cases better. "Xote das Meninas" is the best case in point. On her debut album, still unsure of her artistic identity, Marisa gave this song an odd, jazz-inflected treatment that simply doesn't work. Here, it gets a straight ahead "roots" treatment and the result is fantastic. Indeed, what this record does is illustrate Marisa's singular contribution to Brazian populair music (MPB); the sublime marriage of traditional north-eastern folk music to a pop sensibility. Danca da solidao is another example , a beautiful, modern rendition of a Paulinho de Viola standard. This album also benefits from a high end stereo system -- the production on both the studio and live discs is impecable. The concert recording is the best live production I have ever heard. For those wanting an introduction to Marisa, start here, though you'll buy all the other albums in the end.

I cannot praise enough this album. Marisa is my favourite contemporary singer and this album shows it. But on that you can trust the other reviews. I'd like to explain about the cover and artwork (I don't know the north-american version, but the brazilian booklet and cd covers are completely illustrated - in the same way the cover is). Marisa has chosen to portray the work of an undergound "artist", Carlos Zéfiro, who used to write and draw many pornographic comics during the 50's, that were all, obviously, illegal. So he preffered to stay anonymous (C. Zéfiro is a nick he created) until some 5 years ago when he revealed himself only to die a few months later. The joke is, although he had to hide his identity and his work, as the years passed, his porn material became almost light and many people admitted having read them during teenage, so he attained cult status. Now go buy Marisa Monte cd's! They're all worth it.

You'd think that it wouldn't be - half studio/half live albums tend to be products of tired-out artists forced by their contracts to release an album they aren't inspired to make. Well, whatever brought "A Great Noise" to us, let's just be thankfull for it. Both the studio and live work are excellent, though I should comment that having seen Marisa twice live, she can put on quite a show and this is reflected in the recordings heard here. Something no one has mentioned so far is the Vinicius/Toquinho song "Chuva no Brejo" which for me is a real stand-out on this album. I'm a big fan of theirs too, and have not come across their version of it (if there even is a recorded one!) but it's a great song. MM gives special attention to the Tropicalia movement on this album, with a funky version of "Cerebro Eletronico" and then this fantastic live version of Mutantes' "Panis et Circenses" both of which are every bit as good as the original masterpieces. These are the highlights for me, but really I like the whole album, except for "Give Me Love" which I find to be uninspired and, frankly, boring. I do not like it when MM sings in English - don't know why because other Brazilians like Elis Regina do it very well. So, while this album is arranged kind of awkwardly, it's definitely a must-buy.

Oh, and as to the "pornographic" booklet accompanying the album - get over it, it's called art. It isn't like it's Hustler or anything.... I'm more offended that someone would get upset and consider it as a strike against the album.

P.S. (5/28/02)
After having listened to this album again and again, I have decided that I really like "Give Me Love/It Ain't Over Til It's Over" - so I take back my earlier criticism of a rendition that is fresh and innovative! It's amazing that the more I listen to MM, the more appreciation I have for her work. Currently my favorite song from her is "Magalamabares" which I didn't think deserved a mention in my earlier review of this album!

This is a cd that has recordings from Marisa Monte's shows, and before the live performance, has some "original" cuts. I remember when this came out, some people were disappointed because it wasn't an entirely new album (this one came after Rose & Charcoal). But in 2000 Monte released I "Memories Chronicles and Declarations of Love" which had mixed reviews.

I love this release, the live performance is very spirited and very fresh. "De Noite Na Cama", "Panis et Circenses ", "Beija Eu", "Menina Danca" and "O Xote das Meninas" are definitely my favorite tracks from the live portion. Her voice is soft, percise and has that distinct sound that makes it... her! Not all of the original studio tracks got me, but the first two songs were pretty cool. I still listen to this album today. What's interesting... the import of this release doesn't have the cartoon sketches "censored" on the cover like this one.

I'd definitely recommend this to the Marisa Monte fan. You have to hear some of the live interpretations of songs from "Mais" and "Rose & Charcoal". Also, if you like this maybe you should check out Daniela Mercury's "Eletrica", a live performance of some of that Bahia singer's music.

This cd was the start of my obsession! I had to buy all four of her cd's and the video for this album. She is absolutely MARVELOUS! If you don't understand portuguese, don't worry it's still good. Chances are you'll be inspired to learn her beautiful language after you hear it. te adoro Marisa! for addicts like myself write: gatapreta@yahoo.com :o)

I am from Brazil and l don't know anybody down there who doesn't like her. Her concerts are always a big event. If you like Jewel, Natalie Merchant and others in this style, you are going to love Marisa Monte. She does not sound exactly like those singers mentioned, but her music is suave, relaxing, and her voice is remarkable!

This is a compilation of Marisa Monte's greatest songs, live, and, omigod, it's so good listening to her sweet voice, singing "O Xote das Meninas"... this is one of the best CD's I ever bought.

I will never forget the night I introduced my brother to Marisa's music. I left him babysitting my children and gave him "Rose and Charcoal" to keep him occupied ... came home several hours later to find him weeping tears of ecstasy (I am not kidding) and a total Marisa convert. That was years ago and he and I are still die-hard Marisa fans. This album here is one of my favourite all time albums, along with Rose and Charcoal. Marisa is even more stunning live than studio, believe it or not. The variety of music on this album is amazing, and every track delights and intrigues. All are absolute works of art, but some just blow your mind, they are so beautiful, and reach somewhere deep into your soul. Always read the translations of her lyrics because they are delightful. Well ... sometimes a bit morbid, like "Bem Leve" which is about coffins, if I remember correctly, but er, delightfully morbid! Read them and you will see! To anyone who samples Marisa and loves what they hear, just buy all her albums and be done with it ... you will never regret it.

marisa monte es una de mis cantantes brasileras preferidas, y suelo escuchar mucha musica de brasil. Este cd sin llegar a las cuspides de lo brasilero, y tampoco de monte, me parece una muy buena performance y una buena combinacion entre las grabaciones en vivo con las de estudio, con varios temas muy destacables. Yo lo escucho muy a menudo desde hace varios años y no me he cansado nunca (creo dificil cansarse de una cantante como esta)Para mi modo de ver es altamente recomendable para los que gustan de una musica brasilera de alto nivel

This album is one of my favourite albums ever. The songs are cleverly written and the melodies are inspiring. Danca da Solidao is my favourite track but there isn't a single track I find less than perfect. I just regret that the american version of this album has a censored cover for it somewhat perverts the beautiful booklet.