Customer Reviews

Lado B Lado a

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

About ten years ago, I first heard "Da Lama Ao Caos" by Chico Science and Nacao Zumbi, it was like something subtle had shifted in the world. Unfortunately, Chico Science died after the band's next album, and even though the remaining members carried on, the band was never quite the same after that.

For a while, I wondered if I'd find something similar--something equally adventuresome, fearless, or ground-breaking. These guys are it. Everything goes into the blender, from metal to hip-hop to samba; but this isn't a fusion that calls attention to itself. It's a seamless blend that's passionate, fierce, and utterly danceable. This is one of the few acts from Brazil that could put a candle to CSNZ.

"Lado B Lado A" is where the elements that're only hinted at on the band's previous two albums finally come together. Don't worry if, like me, you don't speak a word of Portuguese... if this disc doesn't give you goosebumps, seek a cardiologist posthaste. There's not a single dud on this set. And the whole sounds like "Remain In Light," if Talking Heads had detoured via Brazil on their way to Africa. There's echoes of other things in here, too, from Material (in part thanks to Bill Laswell's mixing of two tracks) to Jorge Ben, circa "Africa Brasil."

There's a lot more that can be said about this album, and probably said better than I've managed here; but when all's said and done, it's about the music, and not the review. Buy the disc, and see if it leaves your CD player for a week. It's just that good.

What an album! A cross between 4 or 5 major influences. African beats, heavy electric guitar, pop vocals, electric overtones, it goes on and on, and can't be described.

From when I first put this into the CD tray, I hadn't felt this strongly about a new album since first hearing Traveling Without Moving by Jamiroquai. Don't get me wrong, this is very different from Jay Kay, but it grooves like you can't believe.

These guys are the coolest act in Brazil, they have carved their own style and no one else has it. I liked this so much, I memorized lyrics when I lived in Sao Paulo. To top it off, they happen not to be spoiled Brazilian rock stars, but rather do everything they can to raise awareness for social issues and support the favelas.

Forgetting their politics, I just wish they would leave Brazil one day and visit NYC. I rate this as one of the best ten albums I have ever heard.

It's too bad that most Americans can only get the old-line Brazilian pop artists (Gil, Veloso, Nascimento, etc.) in their music store and occaisionally on the radio. I've been listening to Brazilian pop and rock for 18 years, and O Rappa might be the best thing to come along since Paralamas do Sucesso. The single "O Que Sobrou do Ceu" is stuck in my head from listening to Brazilian radio on the 'net. The other tracks show a surprising versitility and an independent sound. Bands like this aren't imitating American rock, they're doing their own, original thing.

With this 3rd album(actually called LADO B LADO A)the brazilian band O Rappa shows how much they have grown since their 1st release. With consistent lyrics talking mostly about the social matters of Rio de Janeiro, they have reached an unique music style with creative drum lines and also a very good hip hop dj, as well as the great voice of the lead singer Falcão. Not anymore influenced by american and european sounds only, O Rappa has reached their own identity with this new cd, a guarantee of originality and variety - a little of techno (Homem Amarelo), pop and swing (Me Deixa, O Que Sobrou do Céu), a brazilian funk(Todas as Comunidades), and a precious and emotional ballad (Minha Alma). You must check it out.

Lado b lado a is one of the best albuns from the brazilian rock music. They also mix reggae and hip hop in their sound, making a very cool music. I really recomend ALL the stuff from O RAPPA to anyone who likes reggae and rock.

I have been listening to this CD for a few years, and it happens to be the type of recording that enjoys prolonged stays in the player. It is a wonderful mixture of afro-brazilian percussion, reggae, pop, and avant-garde stylings.
The musicianship is excellent throughout and the eclectic range of influences creates music that is fresh with a depth not often heard in "pop" bands. Do yourself a favor, and add this record to your collection. You will not be disapointed.

I don't know how to put it. It's nice, but not outstanding. I'm happy with their music but there is something missing. There is material, and I would suggest it if you are in search of something different all in one CD. In fact, I find familiar patterns in each song and at the same time original but nothing outbreaking. THere are 3 songs that I would save. But that it's personal.

I have few words to describe this record, the best record I have found in years - it is like the Sargeant Pepper's of the nineties so rich is the mixture of ideas.

May I say "best pop band in the world"?

There's no words to explain this CD. It's a mix of Reggae, Rock, Hip-Hop and brazilian sound in a perfetc harmony. It's sounds like a protector of the band, but i'm just a "Good Sound lover". The lyrics are completely direct to social problems and Rio de Janeiro day-by-day.

If you're looking for classic Brazilian samba-style music, you've come to the wrong place but the roots are still there. This CD is basically rock, reggae, hip-hop, electronic... The lyrics (if you understand Portuguese) are laced with social consciousness. The tunes themselves, are mostly Brazilian rock with a groovy/worldbeat edge. Great driving music or just for hanging.