A Veloso sampler

CDs

“Tropicalia: Ou Panis et Circensis” (Universal/Polygram, 1997 reissue) -- Various artists, including Gilberto Gil, Os Mutantes, Tom Ze, Nara Leao, Gal Costa -- the tropicalia movement brought to a rapid boil.

“Caetano Veloso” (Philips, 1969) -- Vocal and guitar tracks recorded while in prison, Veloso’s “white album” weaves together many of his plucked-from-the-air (and airwaves) influences -- Brazilian beats meld with whirring psychedelia.

“Estrangeiro” (Elektra, 1989) -- One of the first collaborations with art rocker-

Brazilophile Arto Lindsay. Illustrates Veloso’s range and elasticity.

“Tropicalia 2: Caetano Veloso/

Gilberto Gil” (Nonesuch, 1994) -- Return to the roots with Gil in an album that expands on a theme rather than attempts to re-create it.

“Livro” (Nonesuch, 1999 ) -- Stunning autobiography in song. Inspired by the Brazilian publication of Veloso’s 1997 autobiography.

“Omaggio a Federico e Giulietta” (Nonesuch, 2001) -- Live album ranging from classic Brazilian samba to reworkings of songs by Fellini’s signature composer, Nino Rota.

Compilations

“Serie Grandes Nomes” (Philips, 1996) -- Harder-to-find four-volume set, worth the hunt particularly for the first two CDs devoted to 1967-78.

DVD/VHS

“Caetano Veloso: Prenda Minha” (Blue Thumb/Universal) -- Inventively directed, this concert video captures Veloso in all his vibrant elegance.

Books

“Tropical Truth: A Story of Music and Revolution in Brazil” (Knopf, 2002)