B-Side of Life

  Fernando Gaspar was a member of the 60's band Os Conchas and also participated in a some songs with O conjunto Mistério. Os Conchas were a popular duo among the youth at the time in Portugal and well known for their harmonious vocals and covers of some popular hit songs. The musician then adopted the name Concha, and released a few singles under that name, among them "Ao povo do meu país" that contains a song called "Liberdade" with lyrics by Manuel Alegre.  This ''7 features two songs, side A has O Preço and side b has a bittersweet ode to the city of Lisbon with lyrics by Manuel Alegre called Lisboa perto e longe.Well crafted arrangements and catchy lyrics make up for 2 very short but sweet poppy portuguese songs. It was released by Metro-Som.   

  King Crimson's third studio album, Lizard. It features amazing cover art by Gini Barris and it depicts the band's name in medieval lettering alongside stunning details. All songs were written by Robert Fripp and Peter Sinfield. The compositions have strong jazz leanings and classical influences, being one of the jazziest album by the band. 

  Released in 1997 by XL Recordings, this is the third studio album by The Prodigy. It features songs that became classics like "Firestarter", "Breathe", "Smack my bitch up" and a lot others, such as one of my favourites "Narayana".  It was a hit at a time selling over 10 million copies worldwide as of 2019.  This is the 15th anniversary edition that has a few added bonus tracks with great remixes. 

Ethereal progressive doom from Italy with strong psych leanings and an undertone that reflects some of the tendencies of the 70's and 80's such as horror movies and symbols like skulls or castles. The songs are dark, mesmerizing and hypnotic with the use of the 70's synth mostly related to italian horror soundtracks.  The artwork is pretty amazing as well and so is the dark purple vynil. The sound is warm and perfect for those dark lonesome nights. 

Released in 1980, Iron Curtain Innocence is a fantastic set piece of psych lo-fi folk that was completely different of the new wave sound that was predominant during that time. Bobb Trimble was a peculiar figure and an outsider musician from Worcester, MA (USA). This album was originally released in a small pressing of about 500 copies and features a somewhat disturbing yet memorable cover. The music carries a dreamy atmosphere that is able to conjure the most amazing mental images.  This one is a reissue by Secretly Canadian and is considered by some to be a  cult record.

Two singles released in 1981 by irrevent portuguese singer Lena D'água, with the songs being written by Luís Pedro Fonseca, one of the members of the band Salada de Frutas. It's hard not to notice some Zappa influences that do not take away from the freshness or originality of the songs that have a unique approach.  Very cool and inexpensive single that I bought at a bookshop in Cascais. 

  Classical compositions from portuguese composer Armando José Fernandes (1906-1983). Intimate and romantic pieces that are filled with evocative and contemplative passages. Armando José Fernandes was one of a few important musicians of the neoclassical movement in Portugal.  Recorded in the 80's, it's a very inexpensive but intriguing record that also came with the signature of the original owner who was living in Canada at the time. Neat.