Album Review: Lavados Lavados Sim A Ladainha Das Comadres by Banda Do Casaco
Alright, so I stumbled across this little gem the other day—Lavados Lavados Sim A Ladainha Das Comadres by Banda Do Casaco. First off, let me just say, if you're into folk music with a Portuguese twist, this 1974 release is kind of a big deal. It’s got that raw, earthy feel to it, like someone just sat down in a village square and started jamming without overthinking it. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The album kicks off with “A Ladainha Das Comadres,” which is probably one of those tracks you didn’t know you needed in your life until now. It’s haunting but also kinda warm, ya know? The vocal harmonies are tight, almost like they’re telling you an old story passed down through generations. You can practically picture folks gathered around somewhere rural in Portugal, nodding along while sipping on some homemade wine. There’s a simplicity here that hits different—it doesn’t try too hard, and yet it grabs hold of you. Like, how do they pull that off?
Then there’s “Lavados Lavados Sim,” the title track, which feels more playful compared to the opener. This one has these quirky little instrumental bits that remind me of someone messing around with traditional instruments just for fun. It’s catchy as heck, though—not in a pop-song way, more like something you’d hum absentmindedly while doing chores. I dunno, maybe it’s the rhythm or the way the melody loops back on itself, but it’s the kind of tune that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Props go out to António Pinho and Nuno Rodrigues for producing this thing—they really let the band breathe and keep things authentic. And kudos to Philips (yeah, that Philips) for putting it out back in the day. It’s wild to think about how albums like this were made before everyone had fancy gear and autotune. Feels real, man. Like, warts-and-all real.
Thinking about it now, this album is sort of like comfort food for your ears. It doesn’t scream for attention or try to reinvent the wheel; it just exists, quietly brilliant in its own unassuming way. Honestly, listening to it made me realize how much we could all use a bit more "folk" in our lives—not the polished, Instagram-filtered version, but the messy, heartfelt stuff.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: If this album was a person, it’d probably be chillin’ at a café somewhere, wearing a scarf, sipping espresso, and not caring whether anyone noticed it at all. Weird analogy? Maybe. But hey, isn’t that what good music does? Makes you think weird thoughts?
So yeah, check it out. Trust me, your playlists need a dose of Banda Do Casaco.
