This is the compilation that helped to define the sound of
Tropicalia
, whose artists made huge and influential strides in creating exotic
pop
that was as influenced by psychedelia as it was by
samba
,
bossa nova
, and more traditional South American genres.
not only includes tracks from the label's most important acts (
Gilberto Gil
Os Mutantes
Caetano Veloso
Gal Costa
), but presents a large number of collaborations between these artists, many of which are simply amazing. Given the fact that many of the original
releases have not been reissued or are not widely available, the compilation stands as a near-definitive package for the sound, and a great opportunity for anyone unfamiliar with the artists to experience an amazing and hugely important genre. ~ Nitsuh Abebe