Brazil — CDs  

A pretty darn great record from Brazilian singer and guitarist Nelson Angelo – an artist we haven't heard from since his early 70s album with Joyce! Angelo clearly hasn't missed a beat in the time that's gone by – and he's working here in a compelling mode that blends small combo instrumentation with adventurous songwriting – but which also has lots of jazzy touches in the phrasing of the vocals and instruments. There's a lightly breezy feel to some of the best tracks – reminding us almost of early Ivan Lins at his best – but the album also has a more personal approach that comes through in most of Angelo's original compositions. Titles include "Lingerinho", "Caterete", "Delirios Do Mar", "Radio Universe Pedal", "Vera's Frevo", and "Trombone".

Quirky Brazilian rock from the late 70s – a bit arty at times, and more straightforward at others – almost post-glam sliding into new wave, if we can bludgeon about so many terms so loosely! There's probably a fair bit of wit in the lyrics here – which we can't get due to our lack of Portuguese – and lead singer Billy Bond seems to be a fairly flamboyant and dynamic type, almost reminding us a bit of the more dramatic New York rockers in the pre punk years. Titles include "O Rape", "Sao Paulo By Day", "Mandrake", "Boeing 723897", "Golden Acapuldo", and "Aeroporto De Congonhas".

The bossa remix combo of Bossacucanova wisely get a dose of history and soul from guitarist Roberto Menescal, one of the original bossa nova geniuses of the 60s – and an artist who's really come back into the fold in recent years. The record features Menescal's guitar upfront in the mix – with bouncy bossa rhythms, souped up by electronics, all handled with the right amount of subtlety on the best tracks. Titles include "Surfboard", "Telefone", "Nana", "Rio", "Nos E O Mar", "Garota De Ipanema", "Agua De Beber", and "A Morte De Um Deus De Sal".