Caetano Veloso - Caetano Veloso (1986)

This album was recorded at Vanguard Studios in New York in September 1985. Caetano Veloso performs acoustic versions of some of his own songs and also some covers by other artists. The sound and atmosphere are very quiet and intimate, and most of the time Veloso's vocals are only backed by his own acoustic guitar playing. A couple of tracks are spiced up with some delicate percussion backing. The version of "O Homem Velho" from Veloso's 1984 album, Velô, is stunningly beautiful. There is also an acoustic performance of the relatively rare but fine track "Saudosismo" from 1968. Another great song featured here is "Luz do Sol," written by Veloso but originally recorded by Gal Costa in 1971. Among the covers are a version of "Get out of Town" by Cole Porter and a very intriguing version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." There is also a very beautiful interpretation of Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Morães' classical ballad "Eu Sei Wue Vou Te Amar." The version of "Terra" doesn't eclipse the original studio version (found on the 1978 album Muito), but it is still very beautiful and clearly different from the original. This fine album should be especially interesting for listeners who are already familiar with the music of Caetano Veloso.