90's Hit Parade #21

Bahia Black - Retrato Calado

A bit obscure--in fact, it doesn't seem to be in print--but this is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. My friend Sam, who turned me onto it, told me (with characteristic hyperbole) "it's so good I can't even listen to it." Makes me think of a quiet morning on the river in Florida, perhaps watching a single pelican glide low over the water. Can't find it on YouTube, but the second track, "Capitao Do Asfalto," (below) is also quite brilliant. After that, the album becomes less interesting, basically a bunch of percussion workouts, but these two tracks are both amazing in their own way.