Red Hot + Rio 2 follows a full 15 years after its predecessor, and 21 after the Red Hot Organization initiated its series of AIDS research-funding compilations with the million-selling Red Hot + Blue. Rather than concentrating on the nation's standards and contributions to world pop, this second volume in
Red Hot + Rio focuses instead on the songs of the Tropicalia movement of the late 1960s and '70s, where Brazilian bossa, samba, forro, and other musics were wedded to innovations in international pop, rock, soul, and even funk. While many of its songs -- and some of its artists (on either end of the historical spectrum) -- may not be as canonical as those found on its predecessor, but as a musical document, this is a far more interesting listening exercise. One of the founding fathers of Tropicalia,
Caetano Veloso (who is all over this thing) and
David Byrne appear on the co-written "Dreamworld: Marco de Canvases," with backing by
Carlinhos Brown, Melvin Gibbs,
Erik Friedlander,
Mark Feldman, and others is as provocative as it is a seemingly natural pairing. Likewise,
Alice Smith and
Aloe Blacc on
Veloso's "Baby," is as natural as his union with
Clara Moreno on "Nascimento (Rebirth II)." The knock-out psych jam between
Os Mutantes and
Of Montreal on "Bat Macumba," and
Mia Doi Todd's on "Canto de Iemanjá," are clear highlights of each disc.
John Legend's "Dreams of Love" is a straight-up samba, albeit a slick, soulful one, where the collabo between
Marisa Monte,
Devendra Banhart, and
Rodrigo Amarante on
Veloso's "Nu Com a Minha Musica" is a sheer delight. Javelin collaborates with
Tom Zé on the latter's acid-drenched "Ogodo and 2000."
Gilberto Gil's "Aquele Abraço" is one of the wildest, futuristic, and beat-driven works here; its reading combines the talents of
Forró in the Dark,
Brazilian Girls, and
Angélique Kidjo and highlights the African/Brazilian connection. Likewise,
Prefuse 73 and
Veloso work together on his "Terra" for a bit of real mind stretching. Speaking of beats, Joyce Moreno's "Banana" is performed by her with
Madlib and members of
Build an Ark. The 33 cuts on this sprawling collection offer so many fine and unusual moments,
Red Hot + Rio 2 is every bit as unique and groundbreaking, puzzling and dazzling, as its predecessor; only more so. ~ Thom Jurek