ONDE, QUANDO, COMO, PORQUÊ, CANTAMOS PESSOAS VIVAS

4.5 stars. This really is essential for those who love the mellotron. I'm not surprised that Eric Neuteboom has already reviewed this considering his love affair with "the tron". The star of this Portugeuse band is Jose Cid who sings and plays the beloved mellotron. I must say this music reminded me alot of the romantic Italian music during the quieter sections. There are also some aggressive moments where the drums, guitar vocals let loose. This really is one complete song that is divided into two parts because of course it was released on LP back in 1974. The cd version I have has no break between the two parts, it's one long 31 minute suite.

The mellotron comes in almost immediately joined by drums. Just a gorgeous sound. Synths a minute in while the mellotron continues to flow in waves. The vocals 1 1/2 minutes in sound great,quite passionate. A change 2 minutes in as piano arrives and with it a pastoral mood. Reserved vocals and mellotron lead the way. Strummed guitar, drums and synths all sound fantastic 6 minutes in followed by a mellotron flood. The song continues to change in tempo and mood. The tempo picks up 11 1/2 minutes in with some scorching guitar. Suddenly a calm with spoken words before the passionate vocals return as the song kicks back into gear. The mellotron, guitar and drums are outstanding 15 minutes in as it blends into "Part 2".

Aggressive vocals, blistering guitar and frantic drumming follows. Nice. This continues for a minute then it mellows out with reserved vocals, acoustic guitar and mellotron. A change 5 minute in as we get a fabulous mellotron / drum passage,not to mention the vocals. Piano before 8 minutes as mellotron and drums join in as themes are repeated. Tender vocals join in and then synths.

This is a mellotron feast ! This might be the best album ever to come out of Portugal. A must have.