For me, this perhaps the absolute apex of the much-admired Italian 'Easy Tempo' series of compilations (it's on Volume 8). The formula is similar to other tracks I've recommended - a sexy wordless vocal, a light bossa beat, some strings. But that really doesn't tell the story! The chord sequence is extremely catchy and uplifting. This is a truly incredible three minutes.
from Femme Instabili, available on CD (Easy Tempo)
03 Mar 04 ·VataMcPortaltech: ohhhh that is nice the 60s were ruled style wise by scorpio (1958-1972)so its the sexiest musical period.
The opening track on the 1972 album 'Quarteto em Cy,' this is an interpretation of a Chico Buarque song, written for the film of the same name by Cac� Diegues. I find this recording very affecting. It helps that the spectrum of sound is that kind of superb blend of strings, piano, bossa nova guitars, and female vocals that I find so perfect. But I think it's also just the fragile, melancholic atmosphere of the song that gets me. After the introduction, featuring a flowing string arrangement that reminds me of the work Claus Ogerman did with Jobim, the song gets going, and the mood becomes a little lighter. This album has just been reissued on CD in Brazil, and is highly recommended.
from Quarteto em Cy (Odeon 542485 2), available on CD (EMI Brasil)
15 Mar 04 ·konsu: Yes! I've been hooked on their version of "Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser" lately, from the same 72' LP. That year was great for brazillian recordings in general. Also check out Marcos Valle's "Vento Sul".
This group were a revelation to me when I heard about them a couple of years ago (a friend turned me on to the reissue CD). Apparently this album featured the cream of Nashville session musicians, and it certainly sounds incredibly well executed. This is a mournful 60s pop song with an incredibly crisp production and some heartfelt vocals.
available on CD - Livin' Love (Teenbeat)
08 Apr 04 ·gaymod: i know what you re saying...on the same tip is Fiest - Mushaboom ....but i do have a weakness for Rosie Vela
The soundtrack to Bedazzled is remarkably good, one of a few much-hyped records floating around in my head that has actually lived up to my expectations. This instrumental is notable for its haunting mood and astonishingly beautiful chord sequence. The flute melody, lush strings and gentle latin percussion combine beautifully. Musically, it's one of those pieces that's so good you want to cry.
from Bedazzled OST (London MS 82009), available on CD (Harkit)
13 Apr 04 ·standish: Hats off to Dudley for the whole soundtrack. Sparkling, serious and intelligent music - I totally agree about the goosebump chord sequence that reappears throughout the album. Haven't found any other stuff by him that's as good - maybe "Genuine Dud" if you're into piano trio jazz. 19 Jun 04 ·Mike: What a gem! Very arresting, and good enough to listen to several times in a row, each time finding things to marvel at in the harmony, texture, overall structure, melody...well, pretty much everything.
An incredible doomy pop masterpiece, 'For one moment' is a dark, haunting ballad, laden with rich strings. I guess what makes it stand out is the recording itself - Lee was a master of studio techniques, and so the whole thing has an uncanny, almost Phil Spector type feel to it.
from The Very Special World of Lee Hazlewood (MGM)
24 May 04 ·plasticsun: Have you noticed that the string part sounds a lot like the string part in Scott Walker's "Plastic Palace People"? 08 Apr 05 ·olli: Brilliant song, was going to recommend it myself, but luckily remembered to check for earlier entries. Always thougt this had kind of a Michel Magne feel myself..it's the swirling strings, i guess.
Check out his version of Poinciana and Petrol Pop to see what i mean.
