B-Side of Life

A set of romantic and whimsical ballads by Eduardo Nascimento. Side B is heavily inspired by the french chanson, especially the melancholic "Um homem só" filled with the charming longing of solitude and lost love. What is interesting is the balance between melancholy and hopefulness between sides A and B. Side A features the popular "O vento mudou" a song released in 1967 and that won the portuguese eurovision national contest.Eduardo Nascimento represented Portugal in the festival and reached 12th in the competition. The theme was eventually recorded in later years by bands like UHF and Delfins.  "Eduardo Nascimento was also an important figure in portuguese popular music, being the first black man to win the RTP song festival and therefore representing Portugal in 1967 in the Eurovision. At the time, the RTP song festival was an event of great prestige, media recognition and a place where national prestige was shown. The fact that Portugal's representativ...

  Spectacular duo that offers a set of genuine portuguese folklore, it is still Quim Barreiros's early musical career before he started making more naughty naughty songs and explored his true talent for lyrics with sexual innuendos that appeal to college and non-college crowds.  It feels like having a blast at a village party binging on wine and chourizo. Bought it at a fair for a modest price. Totally worth it. Fanecas fanecas!

  The only LP released by The Beach Bullies, an early 80's post-punk duo from the UK. Guitarist James A. Smith and Jill Fricker with a drum machine create a set of intriguing and lo-fi songs that border on naivete and genuine delighful moments. Lyrics are also quite laid back, although there are some more serious topics about heart-break and relationships.  It's mellow and really good fun, it gives out the feeling that both musicians had a blast recording the songs. Quirky fun times. 

  Frosty combo of black-metal, post-metal and sludge straight out of Belgium. Dissonance becomes melody and sometimes there are true moments of tranquility and introspection that allows us to breathe a bit among the fury.  Beautiful vynil and packaging with very nice cover art. Enchanting brutality of sound!

  A smooth and cool collaboration between Elvis Costello and The Roots, released in 2013 by legendary label Blue Note. Elvis Costello's music from the 70's and 80's that bore strong rnb, funk and soul leanings come materialized in this album. Well crafted songs and great arrangements make it a solid record that unites musical talent from different roots, making it a single and beautiful root. 

  It was difficult to follow up after an album like Reconcilied, but Into the woods manages to create an instrospective and dark atmosphere with a beautiful set of songs that exhale pop rock sensibility in a very mature and sophisticated way.  The Call's fifth album is one more proof of the talent of this 80's band that should be more lauded than it is. Michael Been sings from the heart and the emotional level on all songs is really high. 80's dark romance at its best. 

  Melancholic synth-pop with strong indie pop and post-punk influences from the UK. The female and male vocals harmonize over layers of electronic induced hypnotic melodies, and House of G is a pretty interesting track. It was released in 1988 by Third Mind Records, one of the most iconic British independent labels that specialized in gloomy electronic music.