Best Brazilectro Yet
bordersj2 | Boston | 09/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After collecting the previous three Brazilectros, I never really knew what to expect from the other. THe first was nice - starting out with De-Phazz and winding on through to a nice mix of Brazilian styles European tracks/Brazil tracks. The second one was a bit better - more solid, and seemingly more "soulful". Then came the third one, where you could tell that by then, audiopharm was really trying to fine tune what they wanted this successful franchise to be. Arguably, I didn't really like the third one as much as the previous two. THen came this one. Incredible double disc! Brazilectro 4 starts out easy, similar to the first one with a kind of beaty track. Then you're nodding along, getting the tracks until finally, the Fantastic Plastic Machine chime in with an interesting remake of "The Whistle Song". Next up comes Blak Beat Niks in "I'll Be There", and an unbelievable song by Carla Alexandar - who has an interesting similarity in voice to Daude. The next few tracks are a bit down - but the cd picks up with Tom & Joyce's Queixume, and the CD ends with an awesome romantic track by Justin & Joyce. The Second cd doesn't lower steam - although it's a bit more "romantic" than the first. "One Day" by Janice hosted by Brown, Smith & Grey is now one of my favorite tracks, very very sensual. Then you move along and find a real gem: S-Tone Inc.'s Arejar remixed by Soulstance, of the Schema label. This remake seems a bit similar to "Sofisticata" by Montefiori Cocktail as mixed by Nicola Conte. It's pretty awesome. The CD ends with Mondo Grosso telling the story "Star Suite" to a funky Bossa Beat. Soulful track, upbeat, and a promise that Brazilectro will be back again, just like the summer. I loved this CD. It was fantastic! More than anything, it seemed a bit more... "Brazilian" than the previous three. WHile I think the series took a step backwards in the third session, this one makes up for it in spades. And if you like this, you'll also really enjoy Nuevo Bossa Nova, Sister Bossa Vol. 3 and Break N Bossa vol 5. PICK THIS UP!"
Viva Brasil!!
Eric | Buffalo, NY United States | 11/14/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Brazilectro (Session 4) is a must have. If your a fan of brazilian music fused wtih house elements you can't go wrong. This cd is a solid purchase that makes you feel like your in Brazil- Get this cd!!peace"
The BEST Brazilectro...
bordersj2 | Boston | 01/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In my opinion, is this one... by far. Not the CD version, but this 3 record double sided set. Right now, Brazilectro spans 6 volumes, from 1-6, and could almost include two more if you included the more chilled out series by the founders on Ministry of Sound titled "Brazilution". There's a sort of in-between cd that hit the market in 2003 titled Brazilation, but it's not related. Brazilectro is on the Audiopharm label, a label that has also released several other stellar compilation series like Afrotronic, Nova Soul and Asia Lounge. They're based out of Germany.
This Brazilectro was easily my favorite, and I felt the need to review it again because the LP version is actually far better than the CD version. The main difference? If Brazilectro 4 on CD had a big flaw, it would be that several of the great tracks were cut down in length. Take "Amore" by Louis Austen for example. It's 2002, this song's pumpin' after Brasil win's the world cup - as cheesy as it might seem. But it's chopped by about two minutes! Same goes for the incredible remake of "Arejar" by S-Tone Inc. It has that smooth bossa lace on it, thanks to label mates Soulstance, but on the CD version it just sort of 'starts' without the natural build-up, and it fades out to end. NOT RIGHT! With vinyl you get the full dreamy, inspiring feel of the cut. Others to check out that were cut if only by a bit: "Summer Sun" remixed, "Tocame", "Star Suite", "Whistle Song".
As for the actual songs - quality. Blak Beat Niks', remade by house specialist Kerri Chandler has a cool urban Brasil sense, "Summer Sun" is a great track, this remake fitting perfectly with the essence of Brazilectro - the original being jazzed up, the remix being given a cool vibe. And what to say about Eli Goulart? He is a sensational singer and "Destino" is without question one of my all time favorite songs; it sounds so sincere. Since this is Brazilectro, of course there are exclusive tracks - look at the quality of Janice & Brown, Smith & Grey with "One Day", a song dedicated to the warm days of summer with the love of your life. Or how about Kenny Dope's beaty remake to an Azymuth classic "Before I Forget" - great track?
I definitely recommend Brazilectro 4, regardless of format. But this is a release I've found to be of an even higher quality via vinyl format. If you don't get the others this way and love the series, know that volume 4 in particular is one to check out. Full mixes, great songs, great times and it'll remind you of the summer - especially Sound Surgeon's "Alegria" which'll transport you to a beach with sparkling, clear water being reflected by the sun. And if you do dig this, be sure to check out Break & Bossa 5, Nueva Bossa Nova, Brazilian Love Affair vol 3&4 and you may also enjoy Nova Latino II and Latin Deluxe - Dia Em Noite.
"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1