Caetano Veloso (Tropicalia) CD

Brazilian Tropicalia pioneer Caetano Veloso's third album is the sound of a man at odds with his place in the world. The 1971 release documents his first experiences with political exile in England. "London, London" finds him unable to find a spiritual center ("I'm wandering round and round here, nowhere to go"), while "Maria Bethania" is a tribute to the kindred spirit he left back home, as he begs her to "please send me a letter." The mood for most of the album is a downcast one, framed by spare, acoustic arrangements; on such tunes as "In the Hot Sun of a Christmas Day" and the aforementioned "London, London," he almost seems to be ironically mocked by the sprightly flute that meanders gaily atop his vocals, sharply contrasting his tales of woe. It's a striking collection of tunes that documents a turning point in the life and career of one of Brazil's most important musical exports.

This mostly acoustic record is probably most famous for its medley featuring Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby," as well as its tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Cole Porter. In these less elaborate arrangements it's a pleasure to hear Caetano Veloso's vocal ability shine through. The aforementioned Jackson-Lennon/McCartney medley makes much more sense than one would think when placed in Veloso's capable hands.

If you enjoy the more stripped-down Veloso records such as QUALQUER COISA, this album would be an excellent addition to your collection. It's interesting to note that even with just an acoustic guitar, Veloso hints at the eclectic cultural cross-pollination he would explore more fully with records such as CIRCULADO and TROPICALIA 2.

Package includes lyric sheet in both Portugese and English.

Recorded at Vanguard Studios, New York, New York in September 1985.

Personnel: Caetano Veloso (vocals, guitar); Toni Costa (guitar, background vocals); Marcelo Costa, Armando Marcal (percussion).

Mojo (Publisher) (7/00, p.133) - "...Proof both that the man was one of the finest talents his country had ever produced and that Tropicalia could be exported without losing its effects..."