One of the grooviest records cut by this incredibly groovy combo! The Gimmicks are a sweet pop harmony combo from Sweden – in a style that's a lot like Brasil 66 or Bossa Rio – and like the work of those two in the early 70s, this 1972 set shows The Gimmicks expanding their sound a lot, picking up influences from 70s LA pop, electric samba from Brazil, and some of the hipper styles of European pop-oriented grooves. The record's got a sparkling electric sound and some really wonderful harmonies – and tracks include "Que Maravilha", "Once I Loved", "Somewhere In The Hills", "Colours Of Love", "It's Too Late Baby", "Ye Me Le", "Pais Tropical", and "Stone Slipper Cindy". (Vocalists, Brazil) LP, Vinyl record album

Incredible work from Lenine – easily his best album so far, and that's saying a lot, given the quality of the other sets! This one is landmark, though – the kind of record that seems to push Lenine even further into the stratosphere of MPB, recorded live and delivered with a depth that almost rivals the greatness of Caetano Veloso or Gilberto Gil during the 1970s! The set was recorded in Paris, where Lenine's found a very welcoming audience – and it's got a relaxed, intimate feel that's quite different than the tighter production of his studio albums. Instrumentation is a mix of electric and acoustic, mostly in a guitar-based mode – but there's a magically flowing sense of soul to the whole thing that's really sublime – the sort of perfect songwriting and delivery that grabs us instantly, even if we can't understand the full translations of the tunes. Consider this one global soul at its best – the kind of record that shows that boundaries can still be broken in the 21st century, even without clever tricks, gimmicks, or trashy marketing. A real delight all the way through – and one that really caught us by surprise! Titles include "Do It", "Ninguem Faz Ideia", "Todos Os Caminhos", "Sentimental", "Virou Areia", "Anna E Eu", "Rosebud", and "Vivo". CD

A beautifully intimate set of vocal work – done in the best style of the Biscoito Fino label – with lots of organic instrumentation at the bottom, lovely vocals from Monica on the top – and a clear and clean recording style that presents the whole thing without any gimmicks or tricks! Titles include "Vingaca", "Cabrochinha", "Mora Na Roca", "Onde Ir", "Sinhazinha", "Assum Branco", and "Cidade Lago". CD