Pearsall's Books

As an addendum to yesterday's post about Alex Bellos's book, I'd like to point you guys in the direction of some current music from Rio de Janeiro. It's known as 'funk' but really it sounds like early-80's electro with rapping in Portuguese over the top. They are probably talking about all sorts of gruesome stuff, but I don't speak the language, so I can just enjoy it on pure sonic terms. It's great fun in a novelty kind of way - 808 bass! New Wave synths! Portuguese rapping! Bongos! There's something heart-warming about knowing the 80's lives on in the slums of Rio.

Anyways, if you are interested in hearing some, check out the Funky Do Morro site. Articles about the scene that spawned the music can be seen here, here, and here.