Caetano Veloso

The Caetano Veloso CD finally arrived from Play.com over the Christmas period. The first CD seems to have been lost in the post, but Play’s no quibble policy soon had another copy on its way to me.

My first reaction was of disappointment. Probably foolishly, I selected the ‘Definitive Collection’ album, which seems to be an odd mix of material, from his earliest to his latest. As an album it doesn’t really work, but then ‘best of’ albums seldom do.

Having listened to it a few times now though I’ve found it has grown on me. Veloso has an interesting voice, not quite perfect in the way we’re used to our manufactured and highly produced music being and some of his interpretations of the Bossa and Samba rhythms are truly original. My preference though is for the later, more mellow songs, such as Odara and Coisa Mais Linda which suit Veloso’s voice much better.

If only I could speak Portuguese! Here's the critically acclaimed version of Cucurucucu, Paloma which Veloso sang in 'Hable Con Ella', the Pedro Almodovar film which first brought him to my attention.

All in all though I’m glad I stumbled across this guy.

Talk To Her

I watched the last of my Pedro Almodovar DVD box set last night. Talk To Her. Like the other Almodovar movies, this one deals with a difficult issue. It's the story of two men who love women who are in a coma. A compelling piece, powerfully acted, which certainly makes the viewer re-assess things. I recommend it to you - particularly if you're a fan of indie movies as a refreshing change from Hollywood gloss.

One of the great parts of the movie was the performance by Caetano Veloso singing at a party. I'd heard of this guy, but I don't think I'd ever really listened his work before. It was sublime. That's another CD on the way from Play.com!!