B-Side of Life

  Groovy and amazing compilation of funk tunes compiled by Ace Records that includes album tracks, rare 45s and some unreleased treasures of hard-hitting, heavy yet danceable funk that are authentic sonic vignettes for the 70s in the US. 

Beautiful and breathtaking live album recorded in France by Dizzy Gillespie with arrangments by Lalo Schifrin who also plays the piano in this album. Musicians from all over the world accompany the band leader and trumpeter in this magic odissey through popular and not so popular tunes from composers like Antonio Carlos Jobim. "Long, long summer" remains as wonderful as ever and in this rendition almost magical. An album that charms and makes you fall in love with it. 

 Leroy Holmes was one of the most popular arrangers and conductors of instrumental covers for some major studios like MGM and United Artists. Leroy was born in 1913 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA)and in his long career managed to conduct a vast array of compilations of movie themes, most notably Ennio Morricone's compositions from several spaghetti westerns.  This compilation of tunes released by United Artists depicts some of Leroy Holmes's most popular covers. 

  A very under-appreciated album by of Montreal but that I enjoy quite a lot due to its adventurous and experimental nature. Quite distant from of Montreal's trademark indie pop sound, this album is hard to define while crisscrossing several genres like psychedelic pop and experimental rock.  Very confessional album by Kevin Barnes that does not skip a beat in being experimental yet melodic and compelling. 

Vibrant and filled with catchy melodies, "African Carnival"   is a very illustrative compilation that takes some of the most popular songs from Fred Fisher's first albums: "Say the truth"(1979), "No way" (1981), "Wahala dey for town" (1988) and "Ogiza" (1990). Fred Fisher also is credited by creating the sound known as Asolo Rock, a blend of afro funk-rock with soul melodies. Very sunny and good vibey compilation. 

  Maravilhosa compilação de música caipira pelas mãos da talentosa Helena Meirelles que com a sua viola nos transporta para territórios ora inóspitos, ora nostálgicos ao longo dos 25 temas do álbum. As suas composições são tão ricas e intensas como foi a sua vida. Mãe de 11 e iniciada na gravação aos 68 anos quando gravou o seu primeiro disco a solo. Nascida em 1924 e falecida em 2004, foi considerada uma das 100 melhores guitarristas pela publicação Guitar Player Magazine.  Uma boa oportunidade para conhecer a música caipira, com a sua forte tradição e raízes assentes no folk. 

  Addictive and enjoyable grooves from Black Children Sledge Funk. A delicious blend of funk, R'n'B and rock. The band originated in Lagos (Nigeria) in 1976 and was commited to bring the good vibes up front.  Smooth and danceable funk that relishes on excellent musicianship and irresistible grooves. Even though it is not included in this volume, do not forget to listen to the amazing song "Love is fair".  peace. 

  Energetic and interesting compilation with a vast array of punk, new wave and some early hardcore from US bands. Fast and sweet songs for those who want to experience the adrenaline of somewhat unknown bands from this time period between 1977 and 1983.  18 bands, 18 songs filled with punk spirit and determined to get your heart pumping louder.  Featured bands:  Tina Peel // The Pudz // Boners // Deep Wound // GG Allin & The Scumfucs // Kraut // Vamps // Shock // Pink Holes // Unit 3 with Venus // Suburban Lawns // New Math // RF7 // Bump Cars // Cult Heroes // Spikes // Really Red // Public Disturbance 

  Introspectivo e festivo q.b, o álbum sucessor de "Escaldante Banda" apresenta uma nova vertente da banda de São Paulo. O som ainda pisca o olho a algumas influências do passado e mantém influências tradicionais de soul, funk e rock dos anos 60. As letras são singelas mas bastante certeiras e fundem-se naturalmente nas melodias ora soalheiras ora mais melancólicas.  Um grande sorriso para "LA Disco" e "Eu vou sorrir p'ra quem é gente boa". 

  Powerful and extremely melodic funk and psychedelic soul album by Curtis Mayfield. This was his first solo album after leading the The Impressions. 70's soul with an attitude and a message. The amazing first song "(Don't worry) If there's a hell below, we're all gonna go" presents an apocaliptic and heartfelt statement that no listener will be immune to.  Deep, political and wonderfully crafted album that extends beyond the soul genre.

  Visceral and abrasive lo-fi noise with a punk attitude from artist Anti S. Anguished vocals combine particularly well with the loosed down riffs that echoe in welcoming and trance-like repetitions. A voyage through destruction to create something beautiful, something new.  Anti S unleashes his punk and rebellious spirit into this cassete tape and lets us dwelve into a world that is seen inside looking out, a carrousel of existencial anguish that sometimes lets itself to some playful melodies like in the song "Estás hueca". It is bittersweet and ferocious at the same time and it reminded me of Virginia Woolf's famous quote "The beauty of the world...has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder."

  Hypnotic atmospheric metal from Bríi, a solo project from Brazil, that fuses chaotic and visceral blackmetal riffs with some electronic beats and tribal elements creating truly epic compositions.  Very eclectic and mysterious as well as abrasive, Bríi's music is on a universe of its own and it is one of those albums that get better after each listen because there is always a new detail we missed. Impeccable. 

  Innovative and extremely melodic music from Mdou Moctar, a Tuareg-inspired band that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Based in Niger, the band fronted by Moctar, enhaces his full potential as a flawless guitar player. Joy and love stream through all the songs, even though the band denounces colonialism brutality as visible in the title of the album. A beautiful and inspiring album.