AMG Review of Sem Lenço, Sem Documento

John Dougan
All Music Guide

If you have developed an interest in Caetano Veloso that goes beyond nominal, you really should own every record of his you can find. However, for the benighted who only want a taste, this is the best place to start. Translated, the title means "without handkerchief without passport," and while it's unclear what relevance that has, it is clear that you will not find a better single-disc overview of Veloso's prodigious output -- that is, up until 1984. Opening with the most famous song from his early period (1968's "Alegria, Alegria" -- with fuzztone psychedelic guitars!), this disc covers the best music from his long relationship with Phillips including "Soy Loco por Ti, America" (written by Gilberto Gil), "Voce e Linda," "Lua de Sao Jorge," and 15 more. Although he's recorded much great music after 1984, this is the best place to start. Originally available only as a Brazilian import, the disc has since been released in American with more comprehensive English liner notes.