You’d be forgiven if you thought the photo above was Slash. It’s actually Caetano Veloso, a prominent member of the Brazilian tropicalia musical movement of late 1960s.
Tropicalia had its roots in Portuguese fado, African rhythms, rock (of the 1960s variety), and, obviously, various latin styles, all swirled together and often delivered with a political message. If you haven’t had the chance to tuck into any tropicalia before, then start with Tropicália: A Brazilian Revolution In Sound. The 20-track album serves as a superb introduction and is the source of today’s three tracks. In addition to two tracks from Veloso, have a listen to another of tropicalia’s more prominent groups, Os Mutantes.
Under the thumb of the Brazilian military junta, the movement faded as quickly as it blossomed. It should by no means be forgotten. It’s some of the most unusually blended and poptastic music out there. And, has the added plus of actually being incredibly fun to listen to.
Caetano Veloso – Alfomega
Caetano Veloso – Lost In The Paradise
Os Mutantes – Bat Macumba
Filed under: Music, Poptastic Day
An incredible time in music history for sure. Bat Macumba is probably the weakest Mutantes song though.
Bat Macumba may be one of the weakest, but when your weakest is that poptastic then you’re doing well!