Been on a serious Brazilian kick as of late, seems to be all I want to listen to. Rediscovering old favorites, exploring the extensive catalogs of the greats, and pretty much finding new gems everywhere I look. Here’s a few worth checking for now, with a full fledged post dedicated to my favorite artist from the country (Jorge Ben) to follow.
I don’t know what Tim Maia is saying exactly in Eu Amo Voce but damn does it break my heart. So much emotion in the man’s voice that the meaning of his lyrics ring clear despite the language barrier. A lovely little slice of soul, served South American style – I closed my eyes on the subway to this track today, played it twice in a row and just drifted away. The second track, Padre Cicero, turns down the longing and turns up the psychedelics while still staying true to his signature sound. Love the falsettos and the loose, grimy production – songs just aren’t put down like this anymore for some reason.
There’s something about the high pitched, playfully out of tune sound of the cavaquinho in Toquino’s Tema Prá Silvinha that takes me back to wandering the backstreets of Vila Madalena, taking in the sights and sounds of Brazil for the first time. A short and sweet samba melody that could probably have gone on for 10 more minutes and I would have enjoyed every bit of it.
Orlandivo may sound a bit like a muppet but his self titled album from the late 70’s is still a corny funk gem that I can’t seem to get enough of. It’s a record full of fuzzy keyboards, deep grooves and traditional Bossa that was something of a throwback upon release. Disse-me-disse is some straight up happy time music from the set, dig those flutes and little Rhodes licks that pop in throughout.
Quarteto em Cy is easily my favorite vocal group from Brazil – four lovely ladies that move in and out of unison and complex harmony effortlessly. When paired with great songwriters and musicians they created some of the best songs of the MPB era. Whenever the brief chorus hits in Gostava Tanto De Voce I curl up a little inside in the best possible way – warm blanket pop music with a just a hint of melancholy.
Baby by Os Mutantes is a classic, not much else to say. This mellower version from ‘71 is easily the superior version in my opinion with a smooth Nico-influenced vocal, hot lyrics (in English!) and a punchdrunk sway that fits the tune just right. Os Mutantes may have some brilliant experimental and abrasive stuff under their belt, but this pretty love song has easily become of my favorite tracks from the group over time. Sometimes simpler is better.
Tim Maia – Eu Amo Voce
Tim Maia – Padre Cicero
Toquino – Tema Prá Silvinha
Orlandivo – Disse-me-disse
Quarteto em Cy – Gostava Tanto De Voce
Os Mutantes – Baby
