From one of the key Tropicalia albums, a typically genius Veloso composition, with a jazzy but vaguely psychedelic feel, sung in gorgeously beguiling style (and in English!) by Gal. Actually, this whole LP is essential. (note: in London there seem to be a lot of vinyl pressings � of dubious legality � of vintage Brazilian LPs around at the moment. Sound quality is sometimes iffy, but most of this stuff is hard to find on CD).
06 Jan 02 ·delicado: a fantastic recording; thanks for drawing my attention to it. Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 do a great version on their 1970 'Stillness' album as well.
What a range of emotion and mood she packs into this song. The fact that I don't speak any Portuguese just doesn't matter. The arrangement, too, is stunning, and combines with Elis's voice to create several heart-stopping moments in under 3 minutes � and there's one sublime crescendo where she sings a low, ascending scale that defines why I love music.
Well mostly just Toots on this track. A breezy, two-minute instro carried by Toots' whistling and a very rich, energetic arrangement. Very good stuff. There are a few other instrumentals on this (mostly) excellent disc, and this Thielemans original is easily my favorite.
from Aquarela Do Brasil (Philips), available on CD (Verve)
To me this is the coolest recording of the loungey soul pop classic. Dusty's performance is as excellent as ever and it puts a lot of weight on the lyrics that contemplate what to do with an unfaithful man.
Saint Etienne built their track "Nothing Can Stop Us" on a sample of the main flute and horn riff.
09 Apr 02 ·delicado: Wow, Saint Etienne used the sample well! I must confess I had no idea that riff was sampled. Great track! 03 Feb 04 ·Arthur: A much covered song and I'm afraid the over rated Dusty is way down the list in the quality stakes. Stick with Jeanette "Baby" Washingtons 'Sue' label version ! 05 Apr 06 ·eftimihn: Hmm, i must admit i don't know enough versions of this song to put up a ranking, but i just can't imagine Dusty scoring rather low on such a list. Simply wonderful and yeah, Saint Etienne used that sample to great effect.
This probably sounds like an odd thing to recommend, but the more I hear this track, the more I love it. It's as if the arranger didn't actually like the song that much - he has changed it a great deal, but for better. Mixed with the trademark Mystic Moods sound effects, it begins lush and gentle. However, after the sound effects fade away, the quality of the arrangement and recording come through, with crisp drums, a nice bass and some great piano. It has a very cool funk-orchestral feel, recalling some of Pete Moore's best work.
25 Oct 11 ·delicado: Erm- when I wrote this I think I hadn\'t yet got into the Carpenters. this is basically the Carpenters\' version of ticket to ride but an orchestral version. Still very cool, but that was the origin of the arrangement!