Search - Tom Ze :: Best of Tom Ze, vol. 4

Essential

Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 04/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tom ze, the brilliant Brazilian Tropicalia member, has always marched to the beat of his own drummer, and in doing so has created some of the most amazing music to ever come from Brazil. (or anywhere else)Ze's music always is a wonderful mixture of traditional bossa nova and samba, but that's where the traditional aspect of it ends. From there, he will likely fuse musique concrete, avant garde, traditional classical, even techno, hip hop, etc. It doesn't matter to Ze. I liken him to a musical bandit, musically taking what he wants and needs, then re-distributing the music to the masses. Lyrically, his songs are at once caustic, poignant, ironic. He has an amazing clairvoyance that allows him to see the suffering and humanity of the world. A true gift.This cd is a wonderful introduction to the man and his music. It has a wonderful timelessness that will endear listeners to him for an eternity. While at times quite idiosyncratic, the music nevertheless is surprisingly accessable. Another reviewer likened him to an accessable Captain Beefheart- an apt analogy.Fans of Tropicalia or Brazilian music likely know who Ze is. If you are at all curious about out-there music or have had your musical appetite whetted by these reviews, this cd is a fabulous place to begin your journey into the world of Tom Ze. And its an amazing place."

You've Never Heard Anything Like This

PopTodd | United States | 11/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At once completely alien and yet with the instant appeal of someone like Hank Williams. Sr. (Although it sounds about as close to ol' Hank as the blenders Sr. Ze uses in one of his songs). There are samba rhythms that weave in and our of bizarre acoustic and electronic soundscapes while some of the most incidious hooks you've ever heard infiltrate your consciousness. the Captain Beefheart comparisons are appropriate, but not totally informative. Even if you're familiar with other Tropicalisima artists, you may not be fully prepared for Tom Ze. Os Mutantes are briulliant, yet their music is steeped in the psychadelic tradition and, thus dates itself. the same could be said for Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil (althrough through the ages).Absolutely nothing on here sounds dated. It could have just as easily been made today as in 1960 or 2025. The one constant is the sense of melody and playfulness that prevails over the whole CD. Just freakin' great. Really."

Superrythmofabulicious

PopTodd | 04/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every person I've played it for, no matter what their taste is (trad jazz, drum 'n' bass, punk or bluegrass and beyond) has loved it. The wonderful polyrythms, beautiful melodies and musical humour have universal appeal, despite their idiosyncracies, and garner highest recommendation possible."