Customer Reviews

Cancao Ao Lado

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4 star:		(1)
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Four Quarters Ent. presents "CANCAO AO LADO" (The Song Next Door) --- Deolinda (Portuguese pronunciation: [diu'l'd']) is a Portuguese quartet band founded in 2006 --- It's easy to see why this album has been such a success in its native Portugal. --- Ana Bacalhau (literally, Ana Salted Cod) (vocals)is their lead singer and her compact but endlessly versatile band concoct an updated version of fado without resorting to crass commercialism or faux nostalgia --- Exploring the world of a fey young woman who watches life from her apartment window in Lisbon, the songs weave a near-faultless patchwork of folk melodies, cleverly crafted pop hooks and a sprinkling of dance rhythms from Brazil and Cape Verde --- Their style can be described as inspired by fado, however it differs substantially from that traditional music genre. For instance, Deolinda do not use Portuguese guitar as fado would dictate. Also, their songs and lyrics are not serious and fatalistic like classic fados: instead, they largely use irony (often against fado itself) and a fast, happy pace.

Above all, there's an undercurrent of gentle, self-mocking humor. Just for a change, you get English translations on the sleeve, so nobody should miss the jokes --- The melodies and catchy lyrics give the listener much joy, even though you don't speak the language.

Canção ao Lado the titles and times:

1 Mal por Mal 2:51
2 Fado Toninho 2:07
3 Não Sei Falar de Amor 3:48
4 Contado Ninguém Acredita 3:50
5 Eu Tenho Um Melro 4:36
6 Movimento Perpétuo Associativo 2:31
7 O Fado Não é Mau 1:54
8 Lisboa Não é Cidade Perfeita 3:38
9 Fon-Fon-Fon 2:46
10 Fado Castigo 4:32
11 Ai Rapaz 3:10
12 Canção ao Lado 2:36
13 Garçonete Da Casa de Fado 4:29
14 Clandestino 2:58

My favorite track is "Movemento Perpetuo Associativo", which translated means "Now we change things for the better" and so on --- The room is filled with a resounding chorus from each band member joining in, very effective.

Hats off to the founding and current members of Deolinda which include Ana Bacalhau (vocals), Luís José Martins (classical guitar, ukulele, cavaquinho, guitalele, viola braguesa and vocals), Pedro da Silva Martins (composition, lyrics, classical guitar and vocals), Zé Pedro Leitão (double bass and vocals) and of course Four Quarters Ent. --- Always releasing some of the best world music that comes our way.

Total Time: 46 min on 14 Tracks ~ Four Quarters Ent. 1816 ~ (07/28//2009)

I've always enjoyed a little Fado in my life. Traditional Fado is emotional and evocative. But this new and innovative 'Fado of the future' is exuberant. It's so exciting to hear a traditional musical style adapted in a new way that makes it fresh and new again. One also must admire the wonderful musicianship, and and the vocals by Ana Bacalhau (Ana salted cod?!). It's easy to see why this CD, featuring live performances, went platinum in Portugal.

This portuguese band uses old folklore music "fado" in a awsome new way. Ecletic songs, touching lyrics, beatiful music!!!

I heard this group on the radio ad for a global music fest and had to purchase it. It is a fun CD for listening.

I actually found out about this band on a social network site, as a side ad for an international music festival that was happening. My mom's name is Deolilnda so of course I was interested to hear them. I looked them up on Amazon, heard the samples, and was very pleased. Since I have purchased the download I have listened to this album several times, and am enjoying it more and more each time. I like the faster paced songs better, but love the attention to detail I catch in the slower ones. I'm looking forward to purchasing their next CD when it becomes available to download.