Portuguese Music And Tony Carreira

Living in Portugal means I'm exposed to Portuguese singers/songwriters/groups. Being Brtitish by birth means I was raised on a smorgasbord of different music ... and developed a very broad taste. I was also trained in ballet from the age of 2 through to 16 years of age and along the way I picked up a fondness for classical music also.

But ... this is about Portugal and what I've encountered in terms of music. So, come listen to two or three of my favourite Portuguese performers. Mayhap you will have your ears opened ...

And I make no apologies for the last one in the list. He's not Portuguese. He's American. But ... 'tis my article and I'll write what I want to ...

The Gift

The Gift are a modern group that usually sing in English. However - the song that moves me the most is this one ... and it's sung in Portuguese. They've sung in many countries, the USA and the UK to name but two. They've shared the stage with the likes of Coldplay, Moby and Radiohead.

Since I found HubPages and discovered Frieda Babbley - the lead singer always reminds me of her. If Frieda ever sang a song, I'd imagine her singing this one - with the same beauty, drama and grace as the lead singer, Sónia Tavares, possesses ...

The song is a tribute to the most famous of Portuguese Fado singers, Amelia Rodrigues (now deceased) and is a wonderful homage to her talent and captivating life. And ohhhh how I love listening to it ...

The chorus:

Que perfeito coração - The perfect heart
No meu peito bateria, - Beats in my chest
Meu amor na tua mão, - My love is in your hand
Nessa mão onde cabia - This hand where it fits
Perfeito o meu coração - Is perfect for my heart

Turn your speakers up and absorb ... superb...

Blasted Mechanism

Blasted Mechanisim are classed as an electro-pop band and, in their own words, they 'happened' rather than intended to become what they have. The costumes are as much a part of the band as the music and lyrics and certainly give the group an otherwordly air - almost extraterrestrial (Lxxy - this one's for you!) in appearance.

Whenever I listen to them, I always hear undertones of reggae, interspersed among the tribal drum beats and electronic ravings that spring forth from the guitars. Wonderfully original and hugely entertaining ...

Oh and this particular video isn't in English but it's my hub and I like this ... *whistles and stares at the ceiling ...*

Tony Carreira

Ummm - maybe it's an age thing ... I'm not sure ... but I just adore Tony Carreira. He's like a wonderful blend between Elton John and Julio Iglesias. His lyrics are full of depth and meaning, he has a great on-stage presence yet - unlike Elton *snickers* - he's sexy and appealing.

He is Portuguese by birth but left his home country when he was three and was raised in France - where he stayed until he was 20 years of age. He's been on the music scene proper (in Portugal) since the early nineties and has a huge following here. In terms of success, he's probably the most successful of the singers here and even his son Michael is now persuing a career in music.

Roy Orbison

I know I know - Roy isn't Portuguese. But like I said, I reserve the right and all that. Well now I'm exercising it.

Roy Orbison is a particular favourite of mine. Along with Johnny Cash, R.E.M, ABBA, Meatloaf and a good few more. But Roy is up there, high in my frogasphere and I've always loved his music. His voice truly was unique and his style of delivery the same.

I know Cash was the man in black but for me... Roy was the king of shades and dark attire. I can listen to him for hours and hours. And hours.

And this video is dedicated to Simões. My wonderful partner in slime - he makes my world whole (and a little bit like a parade ground "Sim, meu Sargento!") and this will always be - for me - our song.

The second one is another I love. I drove many a mile with it blasting through my car stereo, in the past ... driving away the cobwebs ...

To all you guys out there - remember - it's 'make love, not war' ... and to Simões ... nham nham ...