Ronnie Von - A Maguina Voadora CD. The last—and probably the best album from Von's incredible psychedelic trilogy from the years 1969-1970, titled A Máquina Voadora (The Flying Machine). We said some time ago that of the three key albums from this long-time Brazilian pop-star that the first was the best, but hearing this again suggests that it's time to revise that opinion. It's true that all three albums make it clear that the psychedelic effects of Tropicalia were not confined to Os Mutantes, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Gal Costa; yes, Von often takes a poppier angle in getting to a similar fuzz-guitar driven musical landscape, but not only does he get there all the same, on this album the pop is minimal, and the fuzz supreme. It's difficult to describe how balanced this album is, as it features truly one-of-a-kind songs, which include any number of effects and treatments of Ronnie's enchanting voice, all of which matches perfectly with the mysterious and melancholic songs on the album. Listen to it and let yourself fly into the far reaches of Ronnie Von's dreamy, twisted mind. Comes with a fulsome 20-page booklet that includes a history of Von's career (sort of), as well as lyrics. (m-/m-)