'Barao Vermelho 1985'
'Pedra Flor E Espinho'
What The Critics Say
The second track of this album by Barão Vermelho is enough to outline the entire release: "Ela é Puro Êxtase/Ecstasy" (She Is Pure Ecstasy/Ecstasy). Except for the dance tracks, Puro Êxtase has the Barão (which wasn't convincing as a Rolling Stones impersonator band) playing it safe. Techno, electronics, drum'n'bass for the teen audience; rock ("Iceberg") and instrumental rock for older fans (the ten-minute "Estranho Exemplo," the best track); and pop music for everybody ("Presente Ordinário," "Vou Correndo Até Você"). The correct formula for not reaching anyone. ~ Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Having finally proved themselves a viable rockin' entity without the services of former frontman-turned-solo-pop-star Cazuza, Barao Vermelho celebrated the end of this transition period with a career-summarizing live album. Recorded over two nights at Sao Paulo's Dama Xoc nightclub, Barao ao Vivo is a suitably stripped-down recording in keeping with the band's blue-collar rock ethic at the time. Containing such early favorites as "Beth Balanco" and "Pro Dia Nascer Feliz," as well as post-Cazuza hits like "Pense e Danse," the album concludes with a spirited cover of the Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Carnaval represented a return to prominence for Barão Vermelho, who had spent the previous three years desperately trying to step out from under the shadow of charismatic original singer, now turned successful solo artist Cazuza. Recorded soon after the departure of founding keyboard player Mauricio Barros, the record also found the band (now in a power trio set-up) returning to their harder rocking roots. The result is, for the most part, a raw, stripped down rock & roll platter, with little in common with 1987's pop-inflected Rock'n Geral. First single "Pense e Dance" boasts what is possibly Roberto Frejat's most memorable guitar riff, and while his lyrics often remain sophomoric and underdeveloped, one of Carnaval's biggest hits, the reflectively psychedelic "Nunca Existiu Pecado" truly stands out from its surroundings, bucking that trend with a surprisingly mature statement. More than anything, however, Carnaval is a loose, exuberant statement from a band finally feeling comfortable in their own skin. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
