Join Kurt Cobain, Of Montreal, and David Byrne as a fan of Brazilian psychedelic pop band Os Mutantes. Crafting a unique brand of rock that combines both psychedelic influences and elements of traditional Brazilian music, Os Mutantes has become a cult favorite decades after their prime.
Their album, Live at the Barbican Theatre, a recording of their reunion show in London, follows two albums of previously unreleased material in 2000. Since May 22, 2006, which marked Os Mutantes's first show in 33 years and kicked off a series of shows in the United States, including the annual Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago, Os Mutantes has been on the rise.
For those unfamiliar with Os Mutantes, this two-disc live album offers a comprehensive introduction to the band's catalogue, including tracks like "Baby" that span the band's entire career. On this live disc, indie rock, "freak-folk" darlings Devendra Banhart and Noah Georgeson lend backing vocals on the psychedelic freak-out "Bat Macumba," which takes the form of an extended jam session with just enough Latin flair to remind you of the band's Brazilian origins. For long-time fans, this release provides an enjoyable representation of the band's live show, -- signifigant since the group hasn't released an official live recording since 1976's Ao Vivo. While it brings very little new to the table, Live proves the band is tight and obviously having fun, and that their music is as relevant and innovative in 2007 as it was 30 years ago.
