Arnaldo Baptista - Loki? (Reissue) (1974/1992)

Lóki?, released in 1974, was the first solo effort of former Os Mutantes member Arnaldo Baptista. Probably reflecting Baptista's own mood and feelings at the time, this album is decidedly slower, darker, and more melancholic than the Os Mutantes albums ever were. The lyrics are often quite sad and confused, though it has to be said that on several occasions Baptista shows that he had preserved his sense of humor from the Os Mutantes years. Musically, Lóki? is dominated by Baptista's typical way of singing and his excellent piano playing (similar to Elton John during his glory years in the '70s). Six out of the first seven tracks are really good. The opening "Cadê Meu Rock & Roll" and "Vou Me Afundar Na Lingerie," with its mildly bizarre lyrics, are the most direct and "pop" sounding. "Honky Tonky" stands out as a (very well played) piano-only instrumental. "'Cê Tá Pensando Que Eu Sou Lóki?" has a decadent bossa nova touch, and the sad "Desculpe" fascinates with its complex melodic structure. "Não Estou Nem Aí" sounds a bit like a rock song by David Bowie. Although not bad, the three last tracks of the album unfortunately aren't as lyrically or musically interesting as the tracks mentioned above. It should be said, though, that this album is wholeheartedly loved by many faithful fans and it strengthened Arnaldo Baptista's status as a cult figure in Brazilian rock. The famous Tropicália and Os Mutantes producer Rogério Duprat contributed to the album and Rita Lee lends her voice to the backing vocals on "Não Estou Nem Aí."