Various Artists — Too Slow to Disco Brasil

Less than a year after the fourth installment of the stellar Too Slow to Disco series, How Do You Are? heads to the tropical climes of Brazil for their latest compilation. Enlisting the help of Brazilian artist and musical curator, Ed Motta, this newest collection features many hard to find funk, soul, and AOR gems from a diverse scene. Whether very familiar with the acts on display, or a new comer to the Brazilian scene, every fan of slow, smooth disco owes him or herself the treat of spinning this release and welcoming in the great weather.

From the opening of Filó Machado's "Quero Pouco, Quero Muito," to the closing moments of Rita Lee and Roberto's "Atlântida," nothing but pure smiles and sunlight pour forth from the speakers. Too Slow to Disco Brasil's carefully hand-picked playlist is a testament to the strong love of music and its importance to Brazilian culture. Equally equipped for a day lying on the beach, cruising with the top down through the landscape, or a night out on the tiles, Ed Motta's presentation is the epitome of smooth. The nineteen songs on the compilation all have the common characteristics of their respective genres, but also the added bonus of a unique, Brazilian sound. While Altay Veloso's "Débora" could be a worldwide smash, it has a certain level of comfort being wrapped up in a smaller scene. That is the wonderful vibe of Too Slow to Disco Brasil; everything seems so familiar, but is just different enough to be new and exciting. For example, the amazingly cheery summer anthem "Clarear" by Roupa Nova will make many a smiling face in the upcoming warm season. The number of dance-worthy grooves on display is a wonder to behold. The Earth, WInd, and Fire chorused "Gurade Minha Voz" brings a slow, smoothness to the floor, and has it's toe tapping rhythm increased by Junior Mendes' "Copacabana Sadia." Ed's choices here continue with the back and forth between slow, sexy grooves and quicker, dancefloor rhythms, but all retain an amazing smoothness. This is an eye opening collection of songs, lovingly put together as an exquisite gift to the world.

The Too Slow to Disco series continues to impress with each ensuing volume, and Ed Motta's collection of Brazilian love is no exception. Exposing many listeners to new acts and gorgeous tropical rhythms, Too Slow to Disco Brasil brings sunshine worldwide this May. For fans of the first four volumes, this release is a no-brainer. For those that have yet to dip their toes into the warm, aural vacation waters of this series, now is a perfect time to get their feet wet.