I’ve been feeling cautiously optimistic lately. Most likely because of the imminent reprieve from the bitter cold of winter. Here comes the sun and not a moment too soon! In my haste to shake off the winter blues, I’ve put aside the goth rock, post-punk and industrial metal to embrace some more mellow, hopeful sounds.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Tropicália music. Tropicália is a Brazilian artistic movement that began in the late 1960’s and was rooted in political upheaval and a desire for social change. Following the overthrow of the elected government of President João Goulart in 1964, Brazil's newly installed military government was cracking down on dissent in all forms, including strict censorship of media and critical songs.
In response, Brazilian artists fought for creative freedom through the revolutionary movement Tropicália; an artistic movement that includes music, film, visual and performing arts. Tropicália music combines traditional Brazilian music with elements of pop, rock and jazz.
Smooth moves and good vibes is a playlist inspired by Tropicália, but it's a mixed bag of French electro, krautrock, afro funk, 80’s pop and a bunch of other gold thrown in for good measure.
