B-Side of Life

 Groovy and danceable album from The Futures, a band from Philadelphia formed around 1968 that incorporated the lush and unique philly soul sound. Their career was ponctuated by some bad luck and flops and this album had virtually no promotion which is an enigma since it's packed with several bangers like "Super Love", "Castles" among others. An interesting and iconic album if one wants to dive deeper in the philly sound. 

  Fun and extroverted soundtrack for the TV series Miami Vice. It includes hits by Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Melle Mel and some moody and amazing pieces by Jan Hammer, who also composed the iconic main theme for the show. It’s a nice piece of nostalgia and retro amusement, not to be taken far too seriously, just good healthy fun. 

  The Ventures remains one of the most popular and influential instrumental bands of all time, especially within the surf rock genre. The band was formed in Seattle in 1958 and this is their seventh album, released in 1962. The album’s original title was Mashed potatoes and Gravy, because why not, it sounds tasty but was later retitled Beach Party. The album sounds fresh and not dated in the least. Refreshing waves of fuzz guitar, groovy drums and swirling melodies make this an essential album for the surf rock or rock n roll aficionado.   

 Quirky and offbeat soundtrack to the classic Milos Forman’s movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest”. The movie helped to settle Jack Nicholson as one of the most iconic actors of his generation and gave Milos Forman a place at the table of well-respected directors.  The soundtrack was composed by Jack Nitzshe and it manages to have subtle hints of edginess and defiance, much like the mood of the movie and its characters, particularly the one played by Jack Nicholson. An interesting soundtrack for an interesting movie. 

 The delightful and sweet soundtrack to the adaptation of Truman Capote’s novel “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. The songs are quite diverse in their mood and genre, being that the star in this soundtrack is the memorable and timeless “Moon River” featured here as an instrumental as well as sung by Audrey Hepburn. Henry Mancini has stated that writing the music for this film and especially its centrepiece “Moon River” without Audrey Hepburn since her performance and posture deeply inspired him for the first chords of the piece and then music history ensued. A fine companion to the film.

 Heavy and charming album by The Animals. It is their fourth studio album and was originally released in 1966 still managing to pack a punch. It includes gorgeous and amazing covers like “I Put a spell on you” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, “Sweet little sixteen” by Chuck Berry and some more memorable songs like the immortal “See see rider”. Besides the imaginative and strong covers, the album features four original songs with a raw edge and a nice dose of fuzz. Who can resist the charm of a song like “Gin House Blues”. Interesting album for those craving some British Rhythm and blues. 

 Upbeat and extremely energetic album by UK-based Eruption. Formed in 1974, its members hailed from Jamaica, Curaçao, Ghana and Guyana. This album was released in 1980 and contains for the first time only original songs since the band decided to stop doing covers. However, they could not promote the album due to the unfortunate passing of the vocalist, Kim Davis. Fight Fight Fight is an album that bounces back and forth between its disco roots and some strong reggae infused with pop. Reminiscent of later bands like UB40 and is a cool record to bring to a party. 

  Lena d’Água é uma das artistas que consegue transpor através da sua música o cerne agridoce da vida. Lusitânia é um álbum encantador que reflecte o universo musical de Lena D’água de forma ingénua e deliciosa, com arranjos magistrais, complexos e leves ao mesmo tempo, as canções deste álbum mexem, agitam e revolucionam o dia em que o escolhemos ouvir. Lusitânia principia com o divertido e badalado tema, Ajinomoto com letra e composição de Luís Pedro Fonseca, e onde a versatilidade e imaginação vocal de Lena d’Água encontra um veículo perfeito para nos fazer vibrar. Apesar de começar numa nota optimista, o álbum encerra com o brilhante, melancólico e épico tema Lusitânia, onde as notas vocais e o som da voz de Lena d’Água ecoa como um espírito benigno na floresta de sons orquestrais. Não há uma única faixa que seja considerado “filler” e de realçar a qualidade lírica com pregões e mantras que dão que pensar, tais como nos versos:   “ Novo por não ser velho Fresco por não ter ...

The Lookalikes were a new wave band formed in Dublin, Ireland in early 1979.    The band's first efforts earned them a considerable amount of attention since the sound was reminiscent of early The Cars hits. The debut Daydreaming at night was the first and only studio album released by the band through WEA Ireland. The music on the album is entrenched in new wave's sound and aesthetics and makes you travel back to the 80's. 

  Sneaky Feelings was one of the bands originating in Dunedin, New Zealand and part of what is now known as the dunedin sound, a cultural and musical movement of indie and alternative rock that blossomed in Dunedin, Otago in New Zealand. Jangling guitars, and a good amount of distortion was typical of these bands which were released mostly by the legendary label Flying Nun.  Released in 1986, Sentimental Education is a key piece of the dunedin sound and its well crafted songs with a subtle pop sensibility mark this band as much more than a footnote on indie rock history. 

  A delightful yet complex album by french musician Jean-Luc Ponty, a central figure in the jazz fusion scene.With a vast and rich career, with collaborations with Frank Zappa, Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke and played in Mahavishnu Orchestra. The album is enchanting and impossible to catalogue it mainly as jazz fusion, since it draws inspiration from several genres, such as funk and prog rock. Side A consist of a beautiful piece in 5 movements, and side B offers even more challenging melodies and rhythms. A beautiful album. 

 Banda sonora para a série de TV portuguesa Claxon que foi exibida na década de 90. A série acompanhava o detetive Claxon (interpretado magistralmente por António Cordeiro) numa sucessão de aventuras e desventuras emocionantes e cheias de suspense. A série foi filmada em 35mm com qualidade cinematográfica, o que foi considerado inovador para televisão que se fazia na altura. A banda sonora é misteriosa, sugestiva e cheia de surpresas agradáveis, assim como a própria série. Lena Coelho (da banda Doce), que teve um pequeno papel na série de TV, também participou nesta banda com o tema sedutor e suave, "O TEU OLHAR". De realçar a participação de Tim (Xutos & Pontapés) na faixa “GRANDE CIDADE” que nos faz viajar no tempo e como noctívagos natos perscrutar as ruas solitárias e escuras da grande metrópole. Há também um instrumental charmoso de Ramon Galarza, “UM TÁXI NA NOITE” que transmite parte da estética e “mood” da série de forma magistral. Uma banda sonora surpreendente e...

 Hypnotic and  trancelike tuareg rock from a strong female ensamble. It combines modernity with the tradicional with mesmerizing melodies that often break in repetitions that make it all the more charming.  The group was born in Illighadad, a small village in central Niger. The band's leader  Fatou Seidi Ghali who holds the distinction of being the first female tuareg guitar player.  AN absolutely beautiful album.