The Gringo Guide to Bossa Nova (2006)

About this title: If any conglomerate is capable of doing a "bossa nova for gringos" compilation, it's Universal. They have been issuing (through their spidery collection of labels) bossa records internationally, and to a lesser extent here in the States for nearly 50 years. This little set is pretty nifty even if that wasn't intentional. It's not an obvious collection -- "Girl From Ipanema," the biggest bossa hit of all time is not included here -- but that doesn't mean that it's not fine in its own right. There are cuts here from the first generation Vinicius de Moraes, Astrud Gilberto (with Tom Jobim), João ... read more

Tracks:

1. Águas de Março [Jobim]
2. Samba Do Avião [Jobim]
3. Outra Vez [Jobim]
4. Só Danço Samba [Jobim/DeMoraes]
5. Desafinado [Mendonca/Jobim]
6. Só Tinha de Ser Com Você [Jobim/Oliveira]
7. Ela é Carioca [Jobim/DeMoraes]
8. Surfboard [Jobim]
9. Slow Motion Bossa Nova [Fonseca/Bastos]
10. Soneto Do Amor Total [DeMoraes]
11. Preciso Aprender a Só Ser [Gil]
12. Cacará [Cândido/DoValle]
13. Illusão a Toa [Alf]
14. Inútil Paisagem [Oliveira/Jobim]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.