With the fires raging in the Amazon, thoughts have gone to the people and music of Brazil for my first pick this week. What better record to recommend than the debut from the great Caetano Veloso. Although technically not his first recording, he doubled up with Gal Costa the previous year, this was the record that gave Tropicalia its name and spearheaded a movement. This record has everything. Elements of the Indo-Brazilian heritage, the recent Bossa Nova rhythms, pop, rock and newer psychedelic sounds are all combined into what was termed the artistic cannibalism that typified the Tropicalia sound. It’s a wonderful listen, with the influences just mentioned combined with spoken word and interesting electronic effects, you don’t have to speak Portuguese to understand that this is something new and exciting that still translates today, fifty-one years later. Original vinyl copies have always been prized highly, particularly since the interest in Tropicalia peaked in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, with copies regularly fetching three figures. Bootlegs have stepped onto the market place to fill the void but thankfully now our good friends at Third Man Records have done us all a favor and released a beautifully mastered and pressed Mono version of this classic and it can now be in your collection for a much more accessible price. Interestingly, Third Man date the recording as from 1967, which may have been when tracks were recorded but the release date was definitely 1968. A typo perhaps on the hype label.

 

Moving from Brazil to Jamaica for my second pick. This was the breakthrough record for singer Johnny Clarke and is now regarded as a Roots Reggae classic, for good reason. Produced by Bunny Lee, engineered by King Tubby and backed by The Aggrovators group, it had the perfect pedigree for success. Although initially Clarke was not the preferred vocalist. Earl Zero was on lead vocals with Johnny singing back up. Producer Bunny

Lee was not satisfied with the results and switched Johnny to lead and this proved to be a definitive moment in the future of Clarke’s career, catapulting him to fame and popularity instantly with the release of the record. The sound is a mix of melodic roots and lovers reggae and is easily identified by the flying cymbal sound that drummer Carlton Davis perfected and became synonymous with The Aggrovators’ sound and gave them and Bunny Lee hit after hit and Bunny his nickname, “Striker”. He shoots, he scores. Now available again, courtesy of Italian label Radiation with original cover art, this is a record that every fan of 70’s Reggae music should have in their collection.