A funky education
C. W. Hall | Atlanta, GA USA | 01/26/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Most people give way more lip service to Brazilian music than they give actual time in their stereo systems. Even among the people who truly love the music, very few of them know a great deal about the artists they are feeling. Gilles Peterson is one of those rare people who both love the music and know it inside and out.
Gilles has been rocking Brazilian tunes over the airwaves and in the clubs for decades now. Back in Brazil is the iconic British DJs second foray into Brazilian compilations. This time out, he splits his focus on a double CD by dedicating one disc to legendary Brazilian musicians from the `60s and `70s, while reserving the second for modern Brazilian reggae, bossa jazz, and funk.
As I fall into the category of those people who love the sounds but have little idea about the artists, I'm not going to go into what is featured on this album or talk about stand-out songs. Suffice it to say, Gilles is an expert. If you are looking for an expert guide through some wonderful music, then this is the record for you. Back in Brazil is a wonderful introduction for novices and will probably fill some holes in the knowledge of more educated Brazilian music fans as well."
Not as great as the first one, but still more than worth you
Peace Brotha | Ohio, United States | 01/18/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Is there such a thing as a dud Gilles Peterson compilation? Nope.
BACK IN BRAZIL's first disc is another amazing collection of classic and rare Brazilian grooves from the 60's and 70's, just like Gilles' first Brazilian comp. There are moments of absolute genius here and every last track is memorable. California Soul is a study in the bizarre: you have a karaoke-style vocal that wrecks the lyrics by someone who sounds like she would look positively stunning, yet is about to pass out from too much alcohol ... the rhythm section is off at times ... yet it all ends up being exquisite. Great stuff that must be heard to be believed, lol.
The second disc of BIB never really lights my fire until nearly the end, when we actually get some of the sounds most would want on a Brazilian comp, especially after the expectation set by Gilles first set. None of the songs are bad, but they don't stand out either.
All in all, I prefer the first IN BRAZIL better just because of the comparative weakness of the second disc here. But "weakness" is a relative term and it's fairly certain that you will like this set if you are a Gilles fan. Recommended."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1