MTV Unplugged

This acoustic album from Os Paralamas do Sucesso delivers a strong grip on pop/rock songs, in which the trio is helped by competent brass/percussion professionals. Recorded live for a MTV special, the album goes through some Olodum-type and general Bahian percussion grooves melted in the usual ska, funk, rock ballad and other contemporary grooves. The repertory is not representative of their biggest hits, but some of them are present nevertheless: "Meu erro," "Lourinha Bombril," "Vamo bate lata" and others. Helped by Legiao Urbana' Dado Villa-Lobos and Zizi Possi in a couple of tracks, they also cover here hits by other composers, such as "Que pais e esse?" (Renato Russo), "Sossego" (Tim Maia) and others. Os Paralalmas do Sucesso is one of the first successful bands from the period called "new Brazilian rock" (early 80's). Highly regarded by Brazilian rock/pop fans, they are competent performers/composers in the genre. It must be noted, though, that they, along with most pop/rock proponents in Brazil, are failing to find a proper language where Brazilian music can stand in equal terms with American contemporary rhythms. So, for a regular rock album, this one fits the bill. But for more exciting Brazilian rhythms, one may have to search elsewhere. ~ Alvaro Neder