They say that Jorge Ben is the Brazilian Stevie Wonder. Massively productive in the Sixties and Seventies, with a strong facility for rhythm, innovation and groove. He introduced the world to ‘Mas Que Nada’ and without him, Rod Stewart may never have delivered ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’. But let’s not blame him for that one, eh? Unfortunately the artist (later rebranded as Jorge Ben Jor) is not well served by the reissue industry, and you’ll have to pay plenty for the vintage pressings. I bought my CD copy of ‘Força Bruta’ in a record shop in Sao Paulo. Later I realized it was a bootleg, but I took consolation in the music. Intense samba, soul and pop, with swooning strings and supremely contorted changes of rhythm and time signature. This was his seventh album in as many years, but it doesn't sound tired at all. I can't follow the Portugese but to my mind, the feel of the record is like a companion to Van Morrison’s ‘Astral Weeks’. Free and light and on nodding terms with the mystic. I love the way the train whistle roars through ‘Charles Jr’, resolutely bound for glory.
Sonny Knight – But Officer (EMI)
Guards – Ready To Go (Partisan)
Vampire Weekend – Diane Young (XL)
Primal Scream – It’s Alright It’s OK (First International)
British Sea Power – Machineries Of Joy (Rough Trade)
Andy and Joey – You’re Wondering Now (Soul Jazz)
Robyn G Shiels – Underneath The Night Of Stars (No Dancing)
Orlando Cachaito Lopez – Cachaito In Laboratory (World Circuit)
Primal Scream – Tenement Kid (First International)
Surfer Blood – Demon Dance (Sire)
Gene and Eunice – This Is My Story (EMI)
Graham Parker – The Flying Trapeze (Doubloon)
Depeche Mode – Secret To The End (Columbia)
The Equators – Baby Come Back (Stiff)
Diamond Rugs – Out On My Own (Partisan)
Ian Dury – I’m Partial To Your Abracadabra (Stiff)
Lord Huron – I Will Be Back One Day (PIAS)
Naturalites – Picture On The Wall (CSA)
Primal Scream – Goodbye Johnny (First International)
Vashti Bunyan – Which Will (Navigator)
Hiss Golden Messenger – Row (Black Maps)
Jorge Ben – Charles Jr (Phillips)
Hannah McPhillimy – Homecoming (white)
Primal Scream – Walking With The Beast (First International)
