One of the many younger Brazilians who took up the banner of Brazilian rock that was raised by pioneers such as Raul Seixas and Ze Renato, Cassia Eller (1962-2002) was a singular presence, and a striking personality. A raw-boned, raspy rocker who projected more danger and intensity than, well, practically any other Brazilian rock star I can think of. Here's a quick look at her work...
Cassia Eller "Cassia Eller" (Philips, 1990)
Cassia Eller "O Marginal" (Philips, 1992)
Not-great guitar rock which quickly strains at the edges. The late Cassia Eller was one of the big names in Brazil's straight-ahead "rock" scene, but this album doesn't do much for me, particularly the Sting-like vocals.
Cassia Eller "Cassia Eller" (Philips, 1994)
Cassia Eller "Ao Vivo" (Polygram, 1996)
Cassia Eller "Veneno Antimonotonia" (Polygram, 1997)
A tribute to '80s BRock pioneer Cazuza, featuring covers of over a dozen of his songs.
Cassia Eller "Veneno Vivo" (Universal, 1998)
Cassia Eller "Com Voce: Meu Mundo Ficaria Completo" (Universal, 1999)
A tilt towards more modern neo-tropicalistas, such as Arnaldo Antunes, Carlinhos Brown and Marisa Monte, as well as several Nando Reis tunes, and others.
Cassia Eller "Acustico MTV" (Universal, 2002)
A relatively stripped-down concert album featuring this beloved BRock star. I was never really that into her work, but this is a fine album for the style, with soft yet expansive acoustic arrangements, typically heavy on the strings and snare drums. Fans will want to definitely want to check it out; those unfamiliar with Eller might want to start with the accompanying DVD instead (reviewed below), which presents her in her full life-embracing, dyke-y severity... Once you get a good look at her, the intensity of her work will become more apparent, at least that's how it worked for me. Her studio albums are sometimes a bit strained, but this set gets closer to what makes her so appealing and unique.
Cassia Eller "Dez De Decembro" (Philips, 2002)
Cassia Eller "Musica Urbana: O Melhor De Cassia Eller" (Philips, 1999)
Cassia Eller "O Melhor De Cassia Eller, v.2" (Philips, 2000)
Cassia Eller "Serie Sem Limite" (Universal, 2001)
Cassia Eller "Minha Historia" (Universal, 2002)
Cassia Eller "Gold" (Universal, 2003)
Cassia Eller "Participacao Especial" (Universal, 2002)
Cassia Eller "A Arte De" (Universal-Mercury, 2004)
A good best-of, which covers her career from 1990-2002, including live and studio versions of various songs by the BRock elite -- Cazuza, Nando Reis, Renato Russo, Herbert Vianna -- and rock pioneers such as Rita Lee, Ze Renato and Raul Seixas, as well as the inevitable Caetano Veloso tune or two. As with the original A Arte releases of the 1970s, this disc is superbly programmed, and does a good job drawing you into Eller's singular artistic presence... The initial tracks are a bit poppy and her voice seems quite odd, even slightly repellent. Slowly, though, you'll find yourself drawn into her wavelength. This is likely to remain one of the best collections of her work you'll find.
Cassia Eller "I Love MPB" (2004)
Cassia Eller "Com Voce... Meu Mundo Ficaria Completo" (Universal Music, 2000)
Cassia Eller "Acustico MTV" (DVD) (Universal, 2002)
The video version of Eller's last and best-selling album, an intense and compelling MTV "Acoustic" show, a relatively stripped-down concert album, typically heavy on the strings and snare drums, but dominated by Eller's immense and slightly terrifying personality. This is probably the best place to introduce yourself to her work; it's much more captivating and intense than the album itself (though that is also one of her best, and most accessible works. This footage presents her in her full life-embracing, dyke-y severity... Once you get a good look at Eller, the power of her work will become more apparent, at least that's how it worked for me. Her studio albums are sometimes a bit strained, but this set gets closer to what makes her so appealing and unique.
