A fantastic early album from Jorge Ben – and one that's also a bit obscure, given that it was one of the few that he didn't cut for Philips Records during the first decade of his career! The album's one of Jorge's most upbeat, most lively – with the kind of ebullient mix of samba and soul influences that he brought to his first big hits – but recorded here in a way that's maybe even more frenetic, especially when piano lines spin out quickly next to his incredible vocals – with a style that's almost soul jazz at times! The whole thing's wonderful – a record that matches, if not tops any of his other 60s albums – and titles include the killer "A Jovem Samba" – worth the price of the album alone – plus "Nascimento De Um Principe Africando", "Menina Gata Augusta", "Si Wanda", "Rosa Mas Que Nada", "Amor De Carnaval", and "Todo Colorida". LP, Vinyl record album

A romping little record from the Jovem Guarda years in Brazil – a time when that country was strongly embracing American rock in all its 60s styles – and turning out groovy little records like this! Prini Lorenz works before a live crowd here – in this mix of mod elements that almost feels a lot like some of the bigger Sunset Strip live dates from the same time – particularly with the upbeat vibe of albums by Trini Lopez or Johnny Rivers! But there's also a sound here that's a lot cooler than both of their work – maybe because Prini's got this cool sort of accent on his English language vocals – but also because the combo is pretty lively throughout, and seems to turn all sorts of different tunes into upbeat stompers. Titles include "Like A Baby", "Cielito Lindo", "La Bamba", "Lonesome Traveler", "America", "Gotta Travel On", and "I Want To Hold Your Hand". CD

A heady brew of contemporary Brazilian funk – the booty-shaking, favela-founded sort that's lately been cooking up dancefloors around the globe! The cuts here are all a bit more hard-edged than mainstream examples of the genre – mixed up and mashed up heavily in a blazing blend of beats, basslines, and hip hop lyrics in Portuguese! And the package is a lot better done than most others of this nature – all top-shelf production with full notes in a lavish color booklet. 23 tracks in all – including "Tipo Bang Bang" by MC Sargento, "Electro Base" by Phabyo DJ, "Aperte Um Quebe" by DJ Edger, "Vem Com A Mao No Red Bull" by Cabide DJ, "Jungle Bass" by Phabyo DJ, "Troca-aplica" by MC Loura E Sany Pitbull, "Amazonia" by Sany Pitbull, "Um Real" by MC Gringo E MC Binho, "Bonde Da F" by Cabide DJ, and "Seduzir Voce" by MC Xana & Rio Bass Commando. CD