So who’s going to win it? So far Brazil and Argentina have looked ruthless, but will the Dutch cause an upset today? In fairness they have a 100% record, while Brazil’s progress was marked by the ugly draw with Portugal. And what of the Soundclash stakes? Azymuth’s lithe, synthesized jazz is up against the knowing pastiche of Arling & Cameron. At least one of the less fancied teams will go through today, will it be Uruguay or, with a whole continent behind them, have Ghana got the strength to carry that hope on? Musically the Sweet Talks have it for me.
Arling & Cameron - Music For Imaginary Films
Holland [audio http://www.propergandaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/05-track-5.mp3] Arling & Cameron - Let’s Get Higher
I’ve been trying to find more to say about our Dutch entry but have been somewhat frustrated as it seems the duo are at least in semi-retirement while the music they have made continues to crop up all over the place. As their myspace says…
We made about 7 albums together under different monikers as Easy Tune, as Popcorn and later as Arling & Cameron. We’re not playing live anymore and there are no plans to do new albums in the near future. We did a couple of movie soundtracks and a soundtrack for Playstation. Our music is used for series like The Soprano’s and movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and lots of TV adds.
Gilles Peterson Presents Brazilika
Brazil [audio http://www.propergandaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/13-brazil.mp3]Azymuth – Melos Dos Dois Bicudos
In total contrast Azymuth, who came together in the early 70s are still going strong and are active in Brazil. Bassists and guitarist Alex Malheiros has also been followed into the business by his daughter Sabrina. If you’re interested in finding out more then this link to the Far Out Recordings website is highly recommended as you’ll find all manner of other Brazilian delights. I can also heartily recommend this Gilles Peterson album as highly satisfying in its own right, giving you a decent foothold in Brazil’s vibrant and varied music scene.
Trio Hugo Diaz - Tango Argentino
Uruguay [audio http://www.propergandaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/10-trio-hugo-diaz-milonga-del-900.mp3]Trio Hugo Diaz – Milonga Del 900
This is another of the entries that is very hard to update in any meaningful way. Hugo Díaz, is regarded as a master bandoneón player and his recordings are tangos full of vitality and passion. The elegance, sultry pouts, the slicked back hair and bubbling, barely repressed sexual frisson are all present and correct.I can’t really offer you any more that a link to the Arc Music site, but at least you’ll find some more music samples and other information should this stir your passions.
Ghana Special Modern Highlife
Ghana [audio http://www.propergandaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ghana.mp3]Sweet Talks – Akampanye
Soundway Records is a UK-based label, dedicated to re-releasing lost and forgotten recordings from the world’s most vibrant musical cultures. The label’s head Mile Cleret has not only gone to extraordinary lengths to uncover lost gems, but also creates the most fantastic looking CDs and LPs. Every attention is paid to music, artwork and information to create releases that are utterly absorbing on all levels. You’ll find this track on Ghana Special, but the album that it was originally released on Kusum Beat is also now available. Again here’s a link to the Sound Way website, where you can read a biography of the band written By regular Propergandist Jon Lusk.
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