A Máquina Voadora
Ronnie Von
1970
Why This Album Matters
Released in 1970, A Máquina Voadora is a milestone in Ronnie Von's discography and in Brazilian psychedelic music, consolidating the artist's experimental phase, which sought to break away from his image as the "Prince" of Jovem Guarda. The album stands out for its innovative sound for its time, blending elements of psychedelic rock, MPB, and influences that harked back to The Beatles in their more lysergic phase. This singular work is permeated by an almost allegorical concept, exploring themes such as aviation and literary references, in particular to the books of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, such as O Pequeno Príncipe. Its wandering and introspective atmosphere made it a cult classic, appreciated for its boldness and depth in an effervescent musical scene.
Context
Before A Máquina Voadora, Ronnie Von was known as a Jovem Guarda idol, the "Little Prince" of that 1960s pop generation. He had achieved success with romantic songs and covers of Beatles tracks, even rivalling Roberto Carlos in popularity. However, around 1968, Ronnie Von expressed a desire to distance himself from this image and explore riskier artistic paths, embarking on a "psychedelic journey" that resulted in a trilogy of albums, of which A Máquina Voadora is the conclusion. With a background in economics and piloting, Ronnie Von wanted to dedicate himself to music and seek more significant content, going beyond his heart-throb appeal.
Recording
The production of the album A Máquina Voadora was handled by Arnaldo Saccomani. The arrangements, in turn, were created by Chiquinho de Moraes, a renowned pianist and arranger who worked with many great names in Brazilian music. A notable aspect in the recording of the title track, "A Máquina Voadora", is the orchestrated arrangement by Chiquinho de Moraes, who sought to simulate the roar of an engine and the sensation of an aeroplane taking off and soaring, using guitars by Cacho Valdez and Tony Osanah to create this sound. Ronnie Von composed the song in about 40 minutes, inspired by his passion for piloting single-engine planes.
Songs
The twelve tracks on A Máquina Voadora display a rich sonic and lyrical tapestry. The title track, "A Máquina Voadora", is a composition by Ronnie Von and San Martin, characterised by its striking harpsichord, fragmented drums, and an impactful instrumental, despite its brevity. "Baby de Tal", by Arnaldo Saccomani, is another song that maintained the artist's romantic side, but with a psychedelic guise, becoming one of the radio singles at the time. Other highlights include "O Verão nos Chama", one of Ronnie Von's best compositions, with a poetic lyric ("No paraíso os anjos dançam, e anda de motocicleta") and a horn section that harks back to Tim Maia's style. The song "Continentes e Civilizações" is considered "extreme" and "brilliant" due to its reflective lyric, melancholic melody, and Ronnie's declamatory style, being compared to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album for the need to listen to it in its entirety to comprehend it. Meanwhile, "Viva o Chopp Escuro" is an anthem of psychedelic rock and bohemianism, with a striking chorus, its lyric inspired by a tragic incident witnessed by Ronnie and record company director Andre Midani.
Legacy
A Máquina Voadora is recognised as one of the most revered albums by fans of Brazilian music, marking a high point in Ronnie Von's psychedelic phase. Released in 1970 by Philips' Polydor label, the record was re-released on CD in 2007 and in its original LP format in 2013 by Polysom. Although Ronnie Von stepped away from mainstream music, becoming a TV presenter, A Máquina Voadora and his other psychedelic records, such as the 1969 album, are highly sought-after vinyl rarities and were essential for re-evaluating his discography, revealing an artist who dared to escape his initial image. The original LP cover, which differed from the artistic concept desired by Ronnie Von (who preferred a drawing by Pepe), is another detail that highlights the clash between the record company's commercial vision and the artist's experimental proposal.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Julito Cavalcante
Rob Grant
Hugo Falcão
Diego Xavier
Podcasts
PodCália · Gigola
Você tem um minuto para ouvir a palavra de Ronnie Von?? Aquele mesmo, da mesma praça, do mesmo banco, das mesmas flores, do mesmo jardim? Só que imagine: ao invés de um banco, uma canoa steam punk alada; ao invés de uma praça, a representação cósmica da consciência humana; as flores e o jardim, substitua por prismas coloridos propagados no espaço! Imaginou? Parabéns, você entrou na máquina voadora
Films
Books
Analyses
Ronnie Von - A Máquina Voadora (1970) | cenaindie
cenaindie.com
O álbum 'A Máquina Voadora' de Ronnie Von, lançado em 1970, é uma obra notável da música brasileira. Embora não seja o preferido do autor da resenha, é considerado um dos melhores da 'trinca psicodélica' de Ronnie, competindo em qualidade com o disco homônimo de 1967.
#16 - Ronnie Von - Minha Máquina Voadora (1970) - Ranking dos (meus ...
tudooqueeutenhoadizersobremusica.blogspot.com
A imponente quase-faixa-título, Máquina voadora (de Martin e Von), é um sinal de que o artista está aqui em seu auge: massa sonora volumosa, intensidade emocional e delírios de liberdade consubstanciados em uma canção breve e eterna.
Ronnie Von - Máquina Voadora 1970 - Jardim Eletrico
ojardimeletrico.com
Com uma capa espetacular, o disco abre com a música que o nomeia. Com um cravo matador e impactante instrumental, Ronnie mostra uma bela potência de voz. Uma música um tanto curta mas incrível. Vale destacar, além do cravo, a bateria bem quebrada. A abertura não poderia ser melhor.
Ronnie Von - A Máquina Voadora (1970)
musicasdonordeste.net
O disco dividido em duas partes, reúne os maiores sucessos do cantor em seus 20 anos de carreira, com canções como "Avôhai", "Chao de Giz", "Bicho de 7 Cabecas", e entre outras.
Ronnie Von - A Máquina Voadora - 1970
bregablog.com
Tão experimental como os outros, "Minha Máquina Voadora" era tão surrealista que foi dedicado a um avião. Ronnie gostava de pilotar monomotores e compôs a faixa-título quando estava negociando um bimotor, "testando, voando". - contou ele certa vez.
Discogs
A Máquina Voadora – Discogs
discogs.com