Muito - Dentro da Estrela Azulada
Caetano Veloso & A Outra Banda da Terra
1978
Why This Album Matters
Released in 1977, Bicho is the tenth studio album and ninth solo effort in Caetano Veloso's prolific career, a record that stands out for its innovative sound fusion within the MPB landscape. The work is characterised by a rich musical tapestry, showcasing influences from African music, such as the Jùjú genre, and the vibrant rhythms of disco music, which dominated the charts at the time. This audacious combination resulted in a unique sound, reflecting Caetano's ability to absorb and reinvent genres. Bicho solidified its place as a landmark, revealing timeless classics that became pillars of Caetano's repertoire, demonstrating the singer-songwriter's profound sensibility and continuous quest for new artistic expressions.
Context
The conception of Bicho occurred after Caetano Veloso spent a significant month in Lagos, Nigeria, alongside Gilberto Gil. This immersion in African culture and musicality was decisive for the rhythmic and melodic experimentations present in the album, permeating each track with echoes of his experiences and discoveries.
Recording
The production of Bicho, released by the Philips record label, featured direction and orchestral arrangements by Perinho Albuquerque, who shaped the album's expansive sound. Recording and mixing were meticulously conducted by Paulinho Chocolate, with the assistance of Geraldo and Luis Claudio Varella, ensuring the technical and artistic quality of the work. The credits reveal the collaboration of a talented cast of musicians, with Caetano Veloso on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and whistling. Perinho Santana and Perinho Albuquerque featured prominently on guitars, while Arnaldo Brandão and Moacyr Albuquerque took on bass. Percussion was handled by Djalma Corrêa and Bira da Silva, with Vinícius Cantuária on drums and backing vocals, and a brass section and choir that enriched the instrumentation.
Songs
Bicho is an album that solidified Caetano Veloso's career by featuring some of his most iconic songs. The record is home to timeless compositions such as "Odara", "Gente", "Tigresa", and "O Leãozinho", all becoming synonymous with the artist's work. The songs reflect the fusion of styles that characterises the album, where Caetano's lyrical inventiveness meets African rhythmic influences and the energy of disco music. This blend results in tracks that, despite their particularities, share a sonic and thematic cohesion, demonstrating the artist's compositional mastery.
Legacy
The repercussion of Bicho was notable, with its songs conquering the public and the success charts. Gal Costa's re-recording of "Tigresa" for her 1977 album Caras e Bocas reached an impressive 47th position among the most played songs of that year. In the same period, "O Leãozinho" also gained prominence, appearing in 91st position on the list.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Roberto Santana
Caetano Veloso
Dalvalice, Loalwa Braz, Nilza Maria, Sonia Burnier
Caetano Veloso
Arnaldo Brandão
Vinicius Cantuária
Bira Da Silva, Bolão, Marcos Amma
Tomas Improta
Ivan Lisnik
Paulinho Chocolate
Jairo Gualberto, Paulinho Chocolate, Vitor Farias
Arthur Fróes
Aldo Luiz
Januário Garcia
Videos
Muito (Dentro da Estrela Azulada) | Caetano Veloso | Review e Faixa a Faixa
SeteSom
Films
Books
The 500 Greatest Brazilian Albums of All Time
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The election was spearheaded by journalist Ricardo Alexandre, creator of the Discoteca Básica podcast. Ricardo consulted 162 specialists including journalists, YouTubers, podcasters, musicians, record-shop owners and producers. The result was published as a 200-page hardcover book, with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
Tropical Truth
Caetano Veloso · 2002
Nesta autobiografia, Caetano Veloso detalha sua jornada artística e filosófica. O livro narra como, em rebelião contra a cena de rock brasileira do final dos anos 60, influenciada pelos EUA, ele infundiu canções folclóricas líricas brasileiras com guitarras fuzz, avant-jazz e música eletrônica, desafiando o status quo da cultura brasileira. Caetano e o movimento que ele catalisou, o Tropicalismo, são o foco inicial, mas a obra abrange sua trajetória, oferecendo uma perspectiva íntima sobre seu processo criativo e discografia, incluindo álbuns como 'Muito - Dentro da Estrela Azulada'.
Analyses
Discogs
Muito - Dentro da Estrela Azulada – Discogs
discogs.com