Marisa Monte - Infinito Particular/Universo Ao Meu Redor
Marisa Monte is one of the main exponents of MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira), Brazilian pop you could say. Though it takes only a second to realize MPB is nothing like the mainstream trash we get served up North: Marisa specializes in intimate, melancholic songs, with a typical pop/rock structure but still relying heavily on Brazilian influences like samba and bossa nova. Marisa was trained to be an opera diva, but singing her favorite Brazilian tunes in Italian bars is what led to her discovery. She sold 9 million copies of 8 different albums, and worked with almost every Brazilian music legend imaginable (she even started her own supergroup, Os Tribalistas, with Carlinhos Brown and Arnaldo Antunes).
In 2006, Infinito Particular and Universo Au Meu Redor were released simultaneously after three years of silence. Infinito Particular has Marisa's trademark dreamy pop songs: lush melodies, discrete arrangements and a touch of bossa nova. "Vilarejo" is a perfect example. Her intriguing voice takes you to MPB heaven in a laid-back atmosphere. Before you realise it the song is over, and you hit 'repeat'!
For Universo Au Meu Redor, Marisa dove into samba history. It's been a long-time dream of her to give old samba gems her characteristic treatment, and turn them into solid pop songs. Of course it's not carnival samba we're talking about, but the slower, more traditional guitar style of the early 20th century. Marisa manages to give the songs a modern, consistent sound while keeping intact the heart and soul of the original sambas. In "O Bonde do Dom", she adds stirring violins to the beautiful samba melody. Of the two records, Universo Au Meu Redor is my personal favorite: while Infinito Particular can be too polished and well-behaved, Universo and its samba vibes reveal true class. Marisa Monte, a great lady!
Marisa Monte - O Bonde do Dom mp3 buy@iTunes buy@Amazon
Marisa Monte - Vilarejo mp3 buy@iTunes buy@Amazon
Marisa Monte - O Bonde do Dom
Marisa Monte - Vilarejo
with tags:
album,
brazil,
MPB,
samba
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2 comments:
I like the music from Marisa Monte; thanks for turning me on to her work! Sometimes MPB sounds a little bit too much like the pop music here in the States for me. I think I make the mistake of avoiding it for that reason . . . not anymore! I love the combination of Samba and Pop elements on O Bonde do Dom - quite inspiring. Hey thanks for cleaning out my ears!
No prob ;)
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