Rating: NNNN
Recorded in 2004 as part of Carnegie Hall’s Perspectives series, this live collaboration between Brazilian superstar Caetano Veloso and former Talking Head – and outspoken Brazilian music fan – David Byrne is primarily a study in voice and acoustic guitar. Although Veloso was technically the headlining act, they perform songs by both writers. On Nothing But Flowers, the two trade vocals, with Veloso highlighting the whimsy in Byrne’s critique of consumer culture.
Considering the two men’s pedigrees, it’s a bit surprising to hear the occasional flub. But the minor glitches remind you that this pristine recording is actually a concert. The sparse instrumentation (augmented only by subtle cello and percussion) keeps their voices in the foreground. Veloso still sounds as smooth and warm as on his 70s recordings that helped spearhead the Tropicália movement.
The audience chuckling during some of Byrne’s songs gets irritating after a couple of listens, but that’s a minor complaint.
Top track: Coração Vagabundo