by Jon Pruett Tom Zé's first release from 1968 is certainly not as unique as some of his material from the '70s, but it's a far cry from faceless. A true Tropicalia artist, Tom Zé's material on this album runs from traditional Brazilian pop to overly quixotic arrangements -- all twisted around his convoluted vocal melodies. Even early on in his career, Zé was taking from a multitude of genres -- funk, psychedelic rock, and bossa nova -- and creating some kind of unheard pop exotica. This is especially apparent on "Gloria," with its changing tempos, bubbling instrumentation, and off-the-wall harmonies. It's a lot to take in -- each track seems to zip by before the listener can grasp hold of it. Perhaps even aware of this, Tom Zé takes a break between songs to address the listener, then resumes his zigzagging trajectory. The album also includes the fantastic "Parque Industrial" (which was recorded by Gal Costa , Gilberto Gil , and Caetano Veloso on the Tropicalia: Panis et Circenses LP). This album is a great listen for anyone interested in Brazilian pop music and the restructuring thereof -- yet it is almost tame compared to the found sounds, tape loops, lyrical deconstruction, and other surrealist elements that Tom Zé would grow to include on his later recordings.