Qual é a história de... "GERAÇÃO COCA-COLA"? (Legião Urbana)

Summary

The video explores five key curiosities about the iconic song 'Geração Coca-Cola' by Renato Russo. It covers the song's evolution through three different versions: a punk rock original, a folk rendition, and its final form on Legião Urbana's debut album. The video's historical analysis reveals how the song was pivotal in Legião Urbana's journey to recording their first album. It also delves into the cultural critique within the lyrics, highlighting the influence of American media on Brazilian youth and how Renato Russo used the song to question societal norms and musical legitimacy in the 1980s.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The original version of 'Geração Coca-Cola' was a punk song written by Renato Russo around 1977/78.
• ✍️ Renato Russo's first serious lyrics, according to Arthur Dapieve, were for 'Geração Coca-Cola,' marking a significant step in his songwriting.
• 🎸 The song was initially played by Russo's punk-inspired band Aborto Elétrico, active from 1978 to 1982.
• 🎤 After Aborto Elétrico's breakup, Renato Russo performed 'Geração Coca-Cola' in a folk, acoustic guitar format as Trovador Solitário.
• 📀 The public only became familiar with this acoustic version when it was released in 2001 on the album 'Como é que se diz eu te amo'.
• 💿 'Geração Coca-Cola' played a key role in Legião Urbana's signing with EMI, after Paralamas do Sucesso introduced the song to the record label in 1983.
• 🎧 The recording of the song faced challenges in its production, with the band and producers adjusting the arrangement multiple times.
• 🎸 The final version of 'Geração Coca-Cola' on the 1985 album 'Legião Urbana' featured a blend of lighter guitar and cleaner sound while maintaining some punk energy.
• 🎤 Renato Russo's vocal performance on the final version was praised for its emotion and energy, elevating the song to its iconic status.
• 🤘 The song’s lyrics criticize both conservative and Marxist views of the punk movement, symbolizing how the cultural influence of American media shaped Brazilian youth.

Q & A

What were the three formats of the song 'Geração Coca-Cola'?

The first format was a punk version written by Renato Russo in 1977/78, performed by the band Aborto Elétrico. The second was a folk version, featuring just voice and guitar, which Renato performed as 'O Trovador Solitário.' The third and final format was the version that appeared on Legião Urbana's debut album in 1985, featuring a cleaner guitar sound and a more polished arrangement.

Why is 'Geração Coca-Cola' considered Renato Russo's first serious song?

According to Arthur Dapieve, 'Geração Coca-Cola' was the first serious song Renato Russo wrote, as opposed to his earlier works which were more like sketches or experimental lyrics. It marked a turning point in his songwriting.

How did 'Geração Coca-Cola' help Legião Urbana secure a record deal?

In 1983, the band Os Paralamas do Sucesso introduced the song to Jorge Davidson, EMI's artistic director. This led to an invitation for Renato Russo and Legião Urbana to record demo tracks in Rio de Janeiro, which eventually resulted in their debut album.

What was the challenge the band faced when recording 'Geração Coca-Cola' for the album?

The band struggled with finding the right arrangement for the song. The initial versions were either too aggressive or too soft, so they had to find a middle ground by balancing a cleaner guitar sound with the punk energy of the original.

How did Renato Russo's vocals contribute to the final version of 'Geração Coca-Cola'?

Renato Russo added harmonized vocals that progressively built up throughout the song, creating a powerful emotional impact. His performance in the studio impressed the producer, José Emílio Rondeau, and it contributed to the song's definitive version.

What role did the producer Mayrton Bahia play in the success of 'Geração Coca-Cola'?

Mayrton Bahia was instrumental in helping EMI understand that Legião Urbana was not a folk band, which allowed the band to continue working on the album with a producer who understood their style better, leading to the success of the final recording.

What was Renato Russo's main message in the lyrics of 'Geração Coca-Cola'?

'Geração Coca-Cola' criticizes the cultural programming imposed by American media, particularly through television and cinema. Renato Russo uses Coca-Cola as a symbol for this influence, reflecting the frustrations of a generation conditioned by this foreign cultural input.

How does 'Geração Coca-Cola' reflect the punk movement in Brasília during the late 70s?

The song reflects the rebellious spirit of the punk movement in Brasília, where rock musicians like Renato Russo were seen as either lazy or alienated by both conservative and Marxist critics. The song represents a defiance against these labels.

How was the public reaction to the folk version of 'Geração Coca-Cola' during Renato Russo's 1994 concert?

During the 1994 concert at the Metropolitan, the audience sang along enthusiastically when Renato Russo performed the folk version of 'Geração Coca-Cola,' celebrating 10 years of Legião Urbana with great excitement.

What cultural elements from Renato Russo's childhood influenced 'Geração Coca-Cola'?

Renato Russo grew up watching American TV shows like 'Johnny Quest' and 'The Three Stooges,' which shaped his view of cultural conditioning. He criticizes how this foreign content dominated his generation's upbringing, sparking the themes of the song.