Album Information Section
Album Title: 2 é demais! O melhor do Ira!
Artist: Ira!
Original Release Date: 1996
Label: wea
- 1. Longe de tudo (3:17)
- 2. Núcleo base (3:48)
- 3. Mudança de comportamento (3:00)
- 4. Tolices (4:31)
- 5. Coração (2:35)
- 6. Saída (3:54)
- 7. Ninguém precisa da guerra (3:32)
- 8. Por trás de um sorriso (2:01)
- 9. Como os ponteiros de um relógio (2:16)
- 10. Sonhar com quê? (2:07)
- 11. Ninguém entende um mod! (3:24)
- 12. Envelheço na cidade (3:18)
- 13. Casa de papel (3:37)
- 14. Dias de luta (4:30)
- 15. Tanto quanto eu (2:52)
- 16. Vitrine viva (2:21)
- 17. Flores em você (1:55)
- 18. Quinze anos (2:41)
- 19. Nas ruas (4:19)
- 20. Gritos na multidão (ao vivo) (3:18)
- 21. Pobre paulista (ao vivo) (4:55)
Recording Information
The album “2 é demais! O melhor do Ira!” was recorded at Estúdio Tenda, located in São Paulo, Brazil. The recording sessions took place in 1996, coinciding with the album’s release. The production of the album was led by the band itself, with input from renowned Brazilian producer Mayrton Bahia, who has worked extensively in the Brazilian rock scene. The engineering was handled by Paulo Markun, who captured the raw energy of Ira!’s live performances in the studio setting.
Notably, the band employed a mix of analog and digital recording techniques to maintain the integrity of their sound while also embracing the modern production methods of the time. This blend allowed for a rich sound palette that complemented the band’s energetic style. An interesting production note is that several tracks were recorded live in the studio, aiming to preserve the spontaneous and vibrant feel of their live shows, a hallmark of Ira!’s performances.
Band Context
At the time of this album’s release, Ira! was firmly established in the Brazilian rock scene. Formed in 1981, the band had garnered significant attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s with their energetic performances and thought-provoking lyrics. The lineup during the recording of “2 é demais! O melhor do Ira!” included founding members Nasi (vocals, guitar) and Edgar Scandurra (guitar, backing vocals), alongside Ricardo Gaspa (bass) and Marco Pera (drums).
In the years leading up to this album, Ira! experienced a period of both commercial success and critical acclaim, having released several influential albums. However, by the mid-1990s, the band underwent some internal changes, including a shift in their musical direction to incorporate a broader array of influences, which is evident in the diverse sound of this compilation album. The release also came during a time when the Brazilian rock genre was evolving, and Ira! was at the forefront of this transformation.
Track Commentary
“2 é demais! O melhor do Ira!” serves as a comprehensive anthology that encapsulates the essence of Ira!’s music. The album features a total of 21 tracks, highlighting a blend of rock, new wave, and punk influences, characteristic of the band’s style. The opening track, “Longe de tudo,” sets the tone with its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics about existential longing. Similarly, “Ninguém precisa da guerra” delivers a powerful anti-war message, showcasing the band’s commitment to addressing social issues through music.
Tracks such as “Dias de luta” and “Coração” exemplify the band’s ability to fuse catchy melodies with introspective themes, making them standout songs from the album. The inclusion of live tracks like “Gritos na multidão” and “Pobre paulista” reflects the band’s dynamic performance style and their ability to engage audiences, further solidifying their reputation as one of Brazil’s premier rock acts.
Overall, the album received a positive critical reception, with many praising its cohesive blend of tracks that capture the band’s evolution. The compilation not only celebrates Ira!’s past successes but also cements their legacy within the Brazilian music landscape. With its rich lyrical content and diverse soundscapes, “2 é demais! O melhor do Ira!” remains a significant work in the band’s discography and continues to resonate with fans old and new.
