Customer Reviews

Expresso 2222

5 star:		(3)
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FINALLY! This insanely great 1972 classic has received the reissue it deserves. Fresh back from a two-year exile, the great Gilberto Gil recorded an album that delivers on the promise of his three beautiful and diverse pre-exile releases. By this time, Gil's acoustic guitar playing had taken a quantum leap, and his songwriting and bandleading skills had also reached a new plateau. It's hard to describe just how wonderful this album really is. Its seemingly freewheeling spontaneity is deceptive, masking a sophisticated melding of the pop and the progressive. Gil's exuberant singing and playing take in rock, blues, Northeastern Brazilian regional styles and samba in the startlingly original way that made him a legend. The songs draw you right in even if you don't understand a word, the band is awesome, and the tracks consisting of just voice and guitar will make your jaw drop. The reissue of this album, complete with terrific bonus tracks, greatly enhances the available knowledge of Gil's work, especially for foreign listeners. This and "Refazenda" are Gilberto Gil's greatest all-around studio efforts, and I strongly suggest buying multiple copies of both for people you love. Today!!

wow this album really is amazing. i agree wholeheartedly with the other reviewer about how astonishingly cool this cd is. it will be even more rewarding a listen for those already familiar with some brazilian music especially samba and forro. gil and caetano veloso are sometimes called the brazilian beatles and it's easy to understand why when you've heard more traditional brazilian music. the music on this cd has many brazilian influences but it also draws in elements of rock, jazz, and soul. but those are all just influences: the music is highly original. i believe this cd can still be classified as tropicalia but gil starts moving in another direction after this cd.
the title track is breathtaking. gil begins alone with his nylon string guitar while separate percussion are sequentially added throughout the song giving a crescentic layering. gil's voice is especially exhuberant on this track. pipoca moderna has no vocals but is a delightful tune carried by a flute in a traditional northeastern style. back in bahia remarks on gil's saudade for his home while in exile in london lamenting in a blues-rock style the "lack of heat, color, sun, salt, and a heart for feeling."
many other tracks on here are also great listening. overall there is a raw feeling to many of the songs. the soul and energy inherent is wonderful.
highly recommended

This is a true classic, pure Gil with a small band in a studio. The songs are all great, some have become all-time favorites (Expresso 2222, Se Oriente, Chiclete com Banana). Other songs are pure rhythm and melody, the kind that get you moving instantly (A Ema, Sai do Sereno). My favourite Gil album.