tropicalia

Have you read a lot about the brightly colored, subversive '60s Brazilian pop called Tropicalia, but you're not sure where to begin diving into the music that's had a heavy impact on the likes of Beck and David Byrne? This 14-cut sampler will put some of the movement's key tracks in your hand, providing both an introduction and one giddy, gorgeous listen. Basically a pocket version of the five-CD Brazilian release Tropicalia: 30 Años, Essentials earns its title with recordings such as the studio version of Caetano Veloso's controversial collaboration with Os Mutantes, "E Prohibido Prohibir"; Gal Costa's wonderfully over-the-top cabaret performance "Divino Maravilhoso"; a Veloso-Costa duet on "Baby," the genre's anthem; and Gilberto Gil's wistful "Luzia Luluza." Finally, printed English lyric translations (often missing from imports) make this a disc that even many connoisseurs will want to own. --Rickey Wright