Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
Lô Borges
1972
Album Summary
Clube da Esquina is a 1972 double album by the Brazilian music artists collective Clube da Esquina, credited to Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges. Considered an important record in the history of Brazilian music, it features arrangements by Eumir Deodato and Wagner Tiso, and conductions by Paulo Moura. The album garnered attention for its engaged compositions and miscellany of sounds. Despite popular belief, the photo on the album cover does not depict Borges and Nascimento as children. It was taken by a member of the collective, Brazilian photographer Cafi (Carlos da Silva Assunção Filho), on the side of a road in the rural northern Rio de Janeiro state. Due to increased public interest in the album's 40th anniversary, a search for the two boys was conducted, successfully identifying them as Antonio Rimes and Antônio Carlos Rosa de Oliveira.
WikipediaRapaiz, bom demais isso daqui, dá pra chorar três dias com esse album, meu amigo.
Never heard of Milton Nascimento nor Lô Borges nor this album. Genre: Música popular brasileira Very pleasant sounding. Nice experience. Almost bought this for $5.99 on iTunes, but they only offer the 15-track edition, excluding six songs from this double album. Am I missing something? Without a translation of the lyrics, it’s difficult to assess the artistry as a whole, but the sound is novel (at least to my ears). Some similarities to Sérgio Mendes, without the dramatic percussion of Brasil ‘66. On some tracks I felt frustrated not having a translation of the lyrics. Intricate chord structures, very nice progressions, avoiding the temptation to overdo; chiefly composed for voice and guitar. There are some tuning and pitch problems (serious on the orchestral backgrounds especially harsh-sounding on “Um Gosto da Sol”), and ‘buzzing’ on the acoustic guitar. But overall, the instrumentals are entrancing and satisfying, with great variety. Vocal quality is okay, a little too airy, weak on the Iberian ‘moorish’ fluctuations and trills, and lacking in both range and timbre. It’s satisfactory for a jazzy sound, but not stellar. Falsetto particularly weak. Recording technology not up to British or American standards of the time, but that’s to be expected. Is it me or does Portuguese lack a poetic sound? I wonder how these songs would sound in German. 😁😁 In sum, this is a good album, and I’m glad I was introduced to it. 3/5
Beautifully vibrant album. Every track manages to twist and turn through several variations within 2-3 minutes while maintaining a core sound throughout the LP - it's immediately clear the influence this has had in Melody's Echo Chamber and other dream/psychic rock projects of the like. Amazing that this was recorded in 1972 as well, each instrument is layered so well in the mix it sounds modern as can be.
I've been listening to this album for a few days now trying to put into words what I feel when I hear it. The whole package is a very ambitious release by the duo. I love the mix of mild psychedelia with what I assume are some traditional sounds. I've read tat Brazilian music takes more of its influence from European and African sounds than what we attribute to a Latin American sound and I think I agree. This is one of those albums that I've seen on lists of albums worth checking out for a few years now but it wasn't until last week when I finally heard it for the first time. I've fallen in love with it. Even the short tracks that seem like they could be developed more seem right after a few listens. I'm not sure if I could pick a favorite yet, although lyrically (yes I looked up tranlations) I'd say it was O Trem Azel (The Blue Train). I will be listening to this a lot more in the future. I feel like I could keep exploring this for months and still discover more to love about it.
Clube da Esquina is one of the masterpieces of brazilian music. An MPB classic, with nods to psycholdelic pop, rock and some experimental moments. The vocals by Milton Nascimento and Beto Guedes are the hightlights, specially because their voices are in contrast. When this double album opens with "Tudo Que Você Podia Ser" you already know that you are in for an incredible ride and that the artists involved are in the peak of their creativity. "Dos Cruces", "Me Deixa Em Paz" and "Nada Será Como Antes" are also worth noting.
I didn't envision giving full marks to a foreign language album, but my appreciation for this grew as I listened. He has the voice of an angel and switches genres competently and with ease. The lyrics I looked up were meaningful. One of the songs was banned in Brazil for being too revolutionary; when you listen to it, it sounds like a happy-go-lucky flower power tune. The contrast is super interesting to me. Best track: Paisagem da Janela
If you liked this, check out the history of rock in Latin America documentary on Netflix. I’ve got a corresponding playlist on Spotify too. If you didnt like this, also check out that documentary and then maybe you will
Partly of my hope with doing the 1001 albums was to find a hidden gem that I hadn't heard of before... I think this is one of them. From my first listen, I enjoyed it, no idea of the lyrics meaning, but felt really good. Musically it's a great mix: vibrant, pleasant, upbeat, dreamy and (in places) hauntingly beautiful.
A 1972 'música popular brasileira' record that furthers post-bossa nova elements through its excessive panning production and midtempo expressions. The distinct tonal characteristics of the acoustic guitar and delicate vocals flow naturally throughout the entire record, providing vibrant cultural visualization through diverse compositions. Contributing majorly to popular Brazilian music, 'Clube de Esquina' shapes up to be a compelling contribution to MPB through organic presentation and easy listening.
Really enjoying this album after my first listen. Some impressive musicianship, and this Latin-infused psychedelic, progressive blend is so interesting
Shame on me for being Brazilian and never listen to this whole album. Sure, I know some songs but listen to them completely was a very nice experience. Sometimes Milton Nascimento makes me sleepy (mainly his new songs after "Clube da Esquina"), but this album is completely the opposite, it makes me fells with a lot of energy. I don't know if this list includes more Brazilian albums or even Brazilian artists, but this one was very pleasable
I don’t know what he is saying, but I have no reason to doubt him. Can’t say I’ve heard anything quite like this, and I like it
What an absolute joy. After the first 11 songs, I found myself thinking this was a candidate for the most surprising 5 on this list. But it turns out, the issue was there were still 10 more songs to go. This is probably just nit-picking, and we should probably evaluate double albums differently anyway. It just went a little too long. A few tracks reminded me of the theme song to "Chico and The Man", which is a compliment. There's elation to be found all over this album. This was made some 15 years before Paul Simon raped and pillaged from the genre to make Graceland. And somehow this sounds fresher and more alive.
I enjoyed the beginning of this album, and it was even a possible 4 stars for me. But then by the end of the (very long) album it felt like the artist was just making noises at me. I want to justify giving this a 2 with the analogy of an artist painting a beautiful painting and then finger painting all over it with the remaining of the paint on their pallet.
¿Pero esto qué es?¿Me invento unas letras y me invento unas melodías y las uno, tenga ritmo o no?Un 1 en toda regla.
Production: 16 Songwriting: 15 Innovation: 15 Bangers: 20 Emotional response: 18 =84 This was BLOODY GORGEOUS
Had never heard this before but loved it! Sent me down a Brazilian music wormhole. Trem De Doido has an amazing guitar part.
Something about music sung in Portuguese that just sounds different. The instruments, vocals, harmonies, and theme are on point here.
Not heard or thought about this album for years, listening to it again made my day
a lovely brazilian jazz fever dream. rich, mixed instrumentation and a surprise every track. a real box of chocolates.
Hermoso álbum. Creo que es lo que tengo que decir, disfruté todo y es quizá raro porque combina algo que uno pensaría al pensar en Brasil, pero al mismo tiempo no suena "local" solamente, no sé bien cómo explicarlo (CANCELADO). De todas formas, muy bonito. Entre mis favs: "Paisagem da Janela", "Trem De Doido" y "Nada será como antes" 9.5/10
that was a really fun album with some beautiful compositions overall just a really beautiful experience I’ll give it an 9/10
This has to be one of the best unknown albums on this list. It's a double albums that needs to be a double and is not padded out by filler. I love the genre hopping between folk, psychedelia, exotica and even baroque pop. Superb in every department more people need to hear albums like this.
Was not expecting this. Smooth, ecclectic, not hanging around. A new little joy that I'll be revisiting.
Really fantastic, ethereal and rocking at the same times occasionally.
Great use of stereo in this one. Loved the production. Lots of cool uses of different instruments. All in all great album
The cover of this album is remarkable. My interest was piqued immediately. What is it about Brazilian music that is so listenable? Is it the amazing percussion? The sound of Portuguese? Those rhythmic guitars? Maybe it’s all of that and more. This album had a lot of unique twists on the Brazilian sound and seemed to experiment quite a bit with styles and sounds that gave this great variety. It went in directions I didn’t expect. This is something I think I could have only discovered here. I love it!
Captivatingly beautiful. Or beautifully captivating. Either way, beautiful and captivating. It's feeding my soul today. I love it.
The production on this album is incredible. The vocals are clear and sound very close and intimate. The music itself is beautiful both melodically and harmonically. Chord structures are intricate and the songs themselves are suite like in their changes. In terms of genre, this album infuses jazz, classical, and western folk into Brazilian music to create something truly unique. This album pays tribute to earlier musical forms (like Bossa Nova) and weaves them into more contemporary styles to create a truly unique piece of baroque pop with tinges of psychedelia.
This is really quite wonderful. Milton's voice soars beautifully, sometimes strangely, above this beguiling mix of surprisingly western music that is sprinkled with splashes of Latin flavour. It is different, yet familiar.
With flubs, it feels live, musicians in the moment. Interesting and beautiful chord progressions and melodies Strange production choices.
Discover this album a couple months ago and it's already on my playlist. One of the best if not the best brazilian album
Big fan of this one! Wasnt sure what to expect, but i recognized the album cover instantly and knew this one is highly regarded.. I love the singer-songwriter and traditional aspects of this record, but it also uas exceptional production, and feels cinematic at parts, which really surprised me. Will definitely listen again, and a few songs are going in to my regular rotation Faves: Todo o Que Voce Podia Ser Dos Cruces
Ég fann ég þurfti að hlusta tvisvar á þessa, og mun koma að aftur. Opnunarlagið er djöfulli gott, og lögin sem fylgja í kjölfarið mörg hve frábær. Góð grúv, óvenjuleg hljóðblöndun og fullt af óvæntum tvistum. Æði! Plötur eins og þessi eru það sem gerir þetta verkefni verðugt þess að sinna.
Loved this one, very diverse, from laid back to melancholic to even Beatle-esque and a real beautiful last song. Full 5!
An absolutely inspired album. I wasn’t at all expecting the diverse assortment of songwriting prowess on this record, but it’s an absolute masterpiece. Leaving aside the obvious exoticism of foreign language works, this album would be incredible wherever it had originated. It doesn’t draw too heavily upon a “traditional” Brazilian sound, which really expands its sonic palette. The songs take centre stage here, not the novelty of world music. While the album is about an hour long, none of these songs overstay their welcome and they really catch you off guard with how contemporary they manage to sound despite this record appearing in 1972. It’s simply brilliant, and while it hasn’t achieved the same commercial acclaim as some other Brazilian offerings, it really needs a reappraisal.
In the aftermath of the Tropicália movement came a sprawling yet consequential album that helped the Brazilian music scene remain fresh and forward-looking. For Clube da Esquina, and its iconic album cover, vividly captures the imaginations of Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges and ensures that they are also worthy of consideration after the wildly creative deluge (and forced defections) of Velsoso, Gil, Costa, Zé, et al. It may feel overlong at points and the language barrier is insurmountable but this is still essential listening regardless.
Holy SHIT this is already beautiful. Obviously I don’t speak Portugese(?) so i have no inkling of what’s being said but it is PRETTY DAMMIT. It’s also so stylistically diverse and some of the guitar work especially is what some indie bands are still doing today. 90% of this album could be released this very second and it would not seem out of place.
Wow this is awesome! Never heard this before but 5 stars for the beautiful guitar voicings. Definitely coming back to this one.
Got into this album a couple years ago after listening to Wayne Shorter’s “Native Dancer” album a lot. Love his voice and style. Really cool tunes and arrangements. So many songs on here. The title track is my favorite and Cravo e Canela (there’s a really great live Flora Purim version!)
Unexpectedly awesome, tracks were varied but equally good. My favorite was Nada Será Como Antes
Another classic. I am due SUCH a run of duffers. As a long-time Tropicalia convert, I'm surprised I only stumbled across this album last year, through some random conversation. But that's what happened, and now it is a staple. I adore the Quarteto Em Cy cover of Tudo Que Você Podia Ser, did not know it was a cover before hearing this album. But what a trip we go on listening to this. Can't adequately explain how good it is. A journey in every song. Absolutely wonderful. I like the story of the two kids on the cover too. “I was eating a piece of bread that someone had given me, because I was starving. And I was barefoot. But I never knew I was on the cover of a record. My mother will be thrilled. We never had a photo of me as a boy.” Faves, Tudo Que Você Podia Ser, Clube Da Esquina No2, O Trem Azul, Um Gosto De Sol, Nada Sera Comp Antes.
I enjoyed listening to this album a lot. It made me feel like everything is going To be ok. Kind of like a hug, but in Portuguese. Pairs well with peri peri chicken tenders and spicy rice
I would listen to this again! I really enjoyed the variety and the beats.
Liked it. Couldn’t understand it, but I liked it. Probably more than the average joe.
some interesting latin music. There were some slow points, and fluff, but a lot of quality 70s Brazilian jams
Nice spanish music album. I thoroughtly enjoyed multiple melodies on this record.
Не, нормальная тема. Вторая половина Um Girassol Da Cor Do Seu Cabelo - балдёж, для саундрека я бы спиздил куда-нибудь. Да и в целом почилить врубить - ваще самое то, там вон 21 трек целый. На Вики среди жанров Progressive rock указан, ну вот это же прям ваще-ваще не то, что мы вчерась слушали. Ничего мозги не ебёт, ничего не душит, тупо всё по кайфу.
а ниче, прикольно. правда, к сожалению, не хватило времени для вдумчивого прослушивания, но дважды прогнал полностью за работой и практически постоянно выхватывал какие-то интересные моменты. вокал местами очень интересный, музыка бесхитростная, но свою функцию довольно чётко исполняет. и вообще это, конечно, больше альбом-настроение. здесь нет явно выделяющихся хитов (хотя я, например, для себя увидел мелодические параллели с некоторыми поп-песнями нашего времени), все наоборот звучит очень цельно и местами аморфно. стоит ли критически относиться к альбому, если это не просто сборник хороших песен? на мой взгляд нет - такие музыкальные полотна очень хорошо заходят под определённые ситуации и к ним возвращаешься нечасто, зато очень метко. вот за что стоит критиковать - так это за унылую песню с бабским вокалом, а также за тошнотворную пиано-балладу, подозрительно напоминающую лет ит би. ну и какого-то катарсиса в течение этого альбома я для себя не нашёл - нет ощущения живой динамики, нет мощной закрывашки. если вспоминать такие вот цельные альбомы (to be kind от swans, например), то в них зачастую есть ощущение направленности движения, которая в определённый момент достигает своего пика. но здесь концовка настала почти незаметно, поэтому, при общей благозвучности и экспериментальности альбома, больше 7 поставить не могу
Not something I imagined myself enjoying as much as I did. Very chill and relaxing listen.
This album starts *so good*, and I am truly a sucker for Portuguese singing. This should have been an easy 5 stars for me! But the second half of this album drags SO HARD. It comes to a creeping, drudging close.
Fantastic album, it deserves quiet attentive listening (not as simple background music). Ideal for winter (or is it summer?) afternoons at home (or on the beach). Milton's and Lo Borges seem to complement and feed off each other. Lo Borges' guitar work is great! Classical early 70's Brazil.
A mix of styles, tempos and vibes, but still a cohesive piece. No idea about the lyrical content, but each song still manages to communicate a feeling, making it an engaging and enjoyable listen. 3.5/5.
Awesome! So funky and jazzy and smooth, and not something I'd normally listen to, but glad I've discovered
I liked this way more than I thought I would. Great grooves and the guy can really play.
A hybrid style that combined elements of sophisticated ballads, samba and jazz. And a really depressing albumcover. (7/10) Favourite Tracks: Me Deixe Em Paz
4/5 Really nice, relaxed even though I don’t understand the spoken language
Dwa egzotyczne picki w ciagu tygodnia, jakis blad w matrixie listowym, tym razem album z hameryki lacinskiej, bo clube de esquina, to material ktory nazwe zawdziecza od brazylisjkiego kolektywu o tej samej nazwie, jako wykonawce jest podany Milton Nascimento i Lô Borges w zaleznosci od wydania, bo akurat spotifajowa wersja na bogato przypisuje kazdemu danego traka, wiec da sie sprawdzic kto jest tworca danych trakow, gorzej tylko, ze ciezko o przetlumaczone liryki owych kawalkow, jedynie niektore piosenki sa tlumaczone w inny sposob niz guglowy, wiec ciezko mi pisac na temat kontentu lirycznego, a to chyba dosc wazny element w tego typu muzyce, a co do typu, skoro nowy kontynent na liscie, to nowy gatunek rowniez sie pojawil, mianowicie tajemnicze MPB, co mozna rozwinac do música popular brasileira, a owa zagadkowa nazwa kryje pod soba to z czego hameryczka poludniowa slynie najlardziej, wiec jest to gatunek wywodzacy sie z post bossa novy laczacy w sobie sambowe, baiaowe brzmienia i pewnie x innych regionalnych klimatow z zagranicznym brzmieniem jazzu, folka czy rocka, wiec o ile podstawa wiekszosci trakow bedzie brzmienie perkusyjne, to jednak gitarki juz w zaleznosci od traka zamiennie akustykowo elektryczne, jak to w jazzie pojawiaja sie takze sekcje hornowe czy smyczki, wiolonczele, no i pewnie x innych ktorych ciezko sie doszukac, bo jednak material jest potezny, bo 21 kawalkow i godzina z dwiema minutami muzyki, wiec podwojna plyta jak sie patrzy, a wcale nie wydaje sie przeciagana w zadna strone, moze to przez to ze lirycznie jedynie z 5 trakow przeczytalem, a reszta zostaje dla mnie tajemnica, tak samo jesli chodzi o wokal nie jestem w stanie stwierdzic ilu wokalistow przewija sie przez album, bo jednak jesli nie zna sie jezyka ciezko wylapuje sie roznice danych glosow, ale z pewnoscia conajmniej dwa wokale glowne i dodatkowe chorkowe zenskie glosy, tak czy inaczej nie da sie plycie odmowic autentycznosci brzmienia, bo jest to zupelnie cos nowego na liscie, jak i w mojej biblioteczce, ta szczerosc grania rekompensuje nawet niedociagniecia ktore mozna wylapac od strony miksingowej, dziwne jednokanalowe fragmenty, przejscia miedzy trakami, ktore w niektorych wypadakch potrafia trwac i z 10 sekund, co moze pozwala oddzielic jeden kawalek od drugiego, bijace troche przestry elektrykow w niektorych miejscach, no ale jest to plyta kolektywu prosto z brazylii lat 70, bo orginalne wydanie wypuszczono w 72, na plejke nie bede wrzucal pojedynczych kawalkow, bo nie mam plejki na portugalski kontent, ale cala plyta leci na spotifajowa poleczke
An impressive spread of genres ranging from blues to psychedelic to folk, without ever really feeling unfocused. Loses me a little during the middle, but gains my attention back by the end. Favorite tracks: "Trem De Doido", "Lilia", "Un Girassol Da Cor Do Seu Cabelo"
Great record. 90% sure Jim James was listening to this one at some point
Enjoyed it, interesting shift in styles throughout. Some abrupt song endings which seemed unintentional
Nuvem Cigana got that lovely flute lmao reminds me of fake names on badana. Tonal shift between 6 and 7 I knew when we were on a new section. Wish I understood portuguese, but alas. Overall was a nice album with tons of influences it it from bossa nova/ samba music to some interesting rock guitars
Different language, so there isn't any context for me, unfortunately. Very Nando's, Portuguese vibes.
Very cinematic strings. The songs have the feel of 60s/70s American folk songs while having the unique melodies of bossa nova and other Brazilian genres. The Beatles influence, specifically Paul McCartney, can be heard throughout the album. One of the only things that takes away from it is that I can’t understand the lyrics. The instruments are really interesting.