Well, two weeks ago a copy of this Brazillian LP sold for a whopping $5,100. (see: popsike auction history)Does this warm concoction of jazz, funk, folksy soul, and unique grooves from this under-the-radar guitarist, producer, and arranger truly live up to the hype or is it just an exotic dud? Download the full album with cover art via the link below and you be the judge!
Arthur Verocai put out this, his lone solo album, on Continental Records in 1972 and it quickly slipped into obscurity before becoming a bit of a legendary piece amongst record collectors. Myths abound: most of the original copies were burned in a fire, so-and-so discovered this gem and then so-and-so took it to England and blew the price up; some people say it sucks, some say it is the greatest...I think it is groovy and pretty damn enjoyable, but I think only a rich motherfucker or only the most insane collecter could justify paying many grands for this LP.
It's a cool piece though, and presents many tantalizing moods for the discerning listener. Verocai did a lot of arrangements for other musicians, and worked behind the scenes on a lot of classic Brazillian music, but this is his personal masterpiece. It is a wholly unique artifact, especially for 1972. I don't speak Portugese, but I guess he is tangling with some heavy themes via figurative language. I just took Luv-n-Haight records (the label that reissued it a few years back) word for this though. I like the sounds- they work just as well for frolicking on a fine summer's day as they do swhile staring out a steamy window on a rainy and grey day here ensconsed and alienated in the red bricks of Lowertown, St. Paul.
Please to download and enjoy!
*CLICK THIS BUTTON TO DL THE FULL ALBUM*
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ReplyDelete$5000 is a steal. This is a priceless recording as well as a cultural artifact. There are many tropicalia records out there released on Continental and other labels that fetch high prices. There is a collector named Joel Stones in NYC who specializes in Brazilian vinyl, specifically psychedelic records. I'm sure he's seen some ridiculous prices in his day, not just for Verocai.
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