CSNZ smacks of a typical music industry attempt to capitalize on the premature death of the charismatic Chico Science by throwing together a two-CD hodgepodge of leftover studio tracks, remixes, and live performances. But these aren't bottom-of-the-barrel scrapings -- CSNZ is a valid testament to Chico Science's trailblazing muse. The five studio tracks break new ground, as Lino Maia's guitar brings Hendrix-tinged melodies to "Malungo" and "Nos Quintais do Mundo," flavored by the fresh touch of a savvy horn section. "Dubismo" spaces out into a Brazilian On-U Sound zone before a great atmospheric segue leads into the savage guitar and thundering drums of "Quilombo Groove," the first of five live tracks featuring Chico Science's vocals and the raw power of Nacao Zumbi's relentless rhythm assault. The remix disc, with contributions from David Byrne and Arto Lindsay, among others, shows how the group's music offered numerous jumping off points for mix masters outside Brazil. Mad Professor uses the circular guitar riff of "Afrociberdelia" as a launching pad while Fila Brazilia cools out "Maco" with soothing electric piano and flute. Apollo 9 slaps sampled Meters snippets through "Corpo De Lama" and Goldie samples "Maracatu Atomico" to jungle out on "Chico-Death of a Rockstar." The high import price means CSNZ isn't the best introduction to Chico Science and Nacao Zumbi, but it offers a wealth of vital, varied music for devotees of the trailblazing Brazilian group. ~ Don Snowden

Rovi