Cazuza - Minha História (1993)

The first AIDS-related casualty among the elite class of Brazilian rock & roll stars (Legiao Urbana's Renato Russo would be next, and arguably ultimately eclipse him in stature), Cazuza galvanized a nation with his dramatic public struggle against his deadly ailment, marking himself for pop martyrdom even before this career retrospective was released to validate his worthiness to it. Touching briefly upon his early days at the front of Rio de Janeiro's Barão Vermelho via the smash hit "Todo Amor que Houver Nessa Vida" (the band's signature tune, "Bete Balanco," is sadly ignored), this mostly live set quickly shifts focus toward his equally successful and much more eclectic solo flight. Among these, highlights include the snappy pop/rock of "Exagerado," the straight-up MPB of "Vida Louca Vida," the popular soap opera theme "Brasil," the astute art pop of "O Tempo Nao Para" and "Ideologia," the stark balladry of "Codinome Beija-Flor," and finally the hauntingly flawed "Burguesia," recorded shortly before his passing. Studio buffs should take note that contractual restrictions forced the utilization of many live versions (mostly taken from 1988's O Tempo Nao Para -- Ao Vivo) instead of originals here, but casual new fans will enjoy regardless.