The Third Case of Sao Paulo Fields Forever

Back to Brazil this week with another dive into that country's psych-rock-samba music from the late 60s and early 70s.

This genre was dominated by just a few artists, including Caetano, Gilberto, Gal, Tom Ze, and Mutantes. These artists were united at this time in their experimental approach to music and art, and their opposition to Brazil's military dictatorship at that time. 

The Tropicalia movement, when narrowly defined, pretty much all happened in 1968. That year saw the release of the Tropicalia album (in which all named artists collaborated), along with important solo albums from all Tropicalia artists, most of which were produced by the audacious Rogerio Duprat. Like George Martin for the Beatles, Duprat brought expertise with classical recording and orchestral arrangements, adding a Beatles-esque feel to all his productions (thus the name of this broadcast).

As my long time listeners may remember, Caetano and Gilberto were arrested at the end of 1968, and later exiled to London, where they stayed until 1972. I would argue that the albums released in 1969 by all artists were still clearly within the Tropicalia movement (after that, Rogerio Duprat was not involved, Caetano and Gilberto in exile, and the movement drifted apart). The first hour today is more work from the heart of the movement, along with a few related artist tracks from the late 60s.

Perhaps the strongest 70s showing from the entire group was the work of Mutantes and, later, Rita Lee as a solo artist. Second hour today plays some of the strongest work from that period. (PS listeners this will be my last artist spotlight show... moving toward a more diversified approach.)