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I was super psyched to receive this disc in the mail, but when I looked at the cover, I noticed a member was missing from the prior two albums. (I'll probably be trampled by a squadron of hostile ravers for that last comment : )I wouldn't normally write a review before listening to an album, but based on reading the other reviews and being very familiar with their other recordings, I am assuming that I will end up agreeing with most of the other reviewers that the first two albums are where it's at. I crossed my fingers, not wanting any of the members to leave, but to my dismay I discovered that it was the bassist who is missing from all but one song on this album.I can't say I was too surprised, for listening to the first two albums, it's clear the group could function without him. On the flip side, it was Jessee Murphy's grooving, creative, daring, chops-heavy and tasteful lines that separated the band's music from most run-of-the-mill electronica projects, and made it sound more like a band then a guy with a sampler and a bunch of funky records. Also, if you are a rabid fan of Murphy's playing, check out what he does on John Scofield's Uberjam. You'll see that he doesn't need any penta-lingual (is that a word)., sexy, trippy vocals--as fun as they are--to make a song super interesting.Nevertheless, I give it three stars in contrast to the five that I'd give the other two albums since I know these guys will still produce some fun stuff without the oh-so-tasty low end.
I don't have much to say, but I want to rebalance the rating for this record with my 5 stars. The weakest song, "Losing Myself," is probably the most like the prior records. I listen to so many hyped bands characterized as refreshing hybrids of international styles, only to be disappointed at the lack of creativity and, especially, good songs. Not this record. Other than that one, the songs are fascinating, brilliantly and effectively all over the map. If only more bands lived up to the hype, or if only this band got more of it.
Good Time is one of my favorite feel good party anthem songs. It's infectious with killer hooks, you cannot but rock with this one."Don't Stop" from the previous "Brazillian Girls" album however is more representative of their style overall, and is where I like the modern Dance and Techno to head. Anyone for a sequel to "Don't worry be happy". (it even ends with a whistling rendition of the tune). Its an evolved Army of Lovers. The beat is driving, but it does not pound you into the floor.
Too loose, too everything-at-once. After a first record that hit all the right spots and a sophomore effort that did not, this third offering is somewhere between "alright" and "okay". It's more experimental, but not in all the right directions. Not as sure-footed. A few tracks work, but this mostly comes off as mish-mash of noodlings.
The energy level is very high. Rhythmic intensity, a trademark of BG from the beginning, is definitely still here, though maybe not as inventive as in previous CD's.
Words and music have gone from dreamy/introspective and infused with sex (debut), to edgy/political (Jique) to, in this case, verging on obscure. This the third Brazilian Girls CD is another evolution for them - just as much as Jique was compared to their Brazilian Girls debut album.
As always, in order to really like these guys, you have to have fairly eclectic musical taste and internationalist tendencies - lyrics are in English here, in French, Italian, German or Spanish there, often within the same piece (and no lyricis in the liner notes -shame). Established BG fans like me will keep listening to it, and it does grow on you - but not without effort.
If you have had someone say to you, "Brazilian Girls are great - check them out", I'd strongly recommend that you start with one or the other of their first two CD's. I look forward to seeing Brazilian Girls live as they tour this - if you like live shows, do not miss them - Sabrina Sciubba is electric, and both Didi Gutman and Aaron Johnston are awesome musicians.
BG have replaced their old website with a good MySpace page - tour dates, samples, etc are all there.
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