a divina comedia ou ando meio desligado (coloured))

• Format: Vinyl LP, album reissue, remastered
• Vinyl: 180-gram vinyl
• Edition: Limited European reissue

Originally released in 1970, A Divina Comédia Ou Ando Meio Desligado was the third album by Os Mutantes and one of the defining recordings of Brazilian psychedelic rock. The record finds Arnaldo Baptista, Rita Lee and Sérgio Dias moving away from the overt Tropicália of their earlier work towards a heavier and more direct rock sound, while retaining their taste for elaborate arrangements, unexpected humour and homemade electronic effects.

The title track opens with distorted guitar, elastic bass and dreamy shared vocals before developing into an extended psychedelic performance. “Ave, Lúcifer” combines an immediately memorable melody with orchestral colours and provocative imagery, while “Meu Refrigerador Não Funciona” stretches into a powerful organ-driven performance dominated by Rita Lee’s uninhibited vocals.

The band’s irreverent approach is especially clear in its transformation of the traditional Brazilian standard “Chão De Estrelas.” Rather than treating the song respectfully, Os Mutantes rebuild it through theatrical vocals, exaggerated sound effects and abrupt stylistic changes. “Jogo De Calçada,” “Haleuia” and the instrumental finale “Oh! Mulher Infiel” further demonstrate the group’s ability to combine garage rock, psychedelia, pop, blues and experimental studio techniques.

The album also marked the growing involvement of bassist Liminha and drummer Dinho Leme, whose playing gave the group a stronger and more flexible rock foundation. Additional percussion by Naná Vasconcelos and orchestral arrangements by Rogério Duprat broaden the record’s already colourful sound. Inventive, humorous and frequently unpredictable, it remains one of the essential albums of the Brazilian underground.

Track Listing

Side A

1. Ando Meio Desligado
2. Quem Tem Medo De Brincar De Amor
3. Ave, Lúcifer
4. Desculpe, Babe
5. Meu Refrigerador Não Funciona

Side B

1. Hey Boy
2. Preciso Urgentemente Encontrar Um Amigo
3. Chão De Estrelas
4. Jogo De Calçada
5. Haleuia
6. Oh! Mulher Infiel