Brazil Classics, Beleza Tropical is the first in a series compiled by
Talking Heads singer
David Byrne that preceded the big wave of interest in Tropicalia during the late '90s by almost a decade. Performers include such influential Brazilian figures as
Gilberto Gil,
Caetano Veloso, and
Jorge Ben, with several songs from each. The selected recordings span the 1970s and '80s, also including tracks from
Milton Nascimento,
Nazare Pereira, and more. The liner notes feature the original lyrics as well as their English translations. ~ Joslyn Layne