Mr. Dranoff, who produced both "Red Hot and Rio" recordings, noted that technological change accounts for the sequel's increase in scope. "When we did the first one, we had to send master tapes all over the world," he explained. "Every time we handed one off to FedEx, we practically said a prayer that it would reach its destination." Now many of the collaborations were finished by sending digital sound files back and forth via email.
The new recording is the contemporary equal of the original, its tracks brimming with energy and vitality. The album begins with a duet between R&B singers Alice Smith and Aloe Blacc, who deliver an elegant take on Mr. Veloso's "Baby." The backing sounds combine small Brazilian percussion instruments and sweeping cinematic string arrangements. On his "Tropicália," which melds Brazilian percussion and rock bass lines, Beck sings with Brazilian crooner Seu Jorge. Mr. Veloso provides two of the album's highlights. His rendition of "Terra," which he wrote, is adroitly remixed and enhanced with gentle atmospheric sounds by the producer Prefuse 73, and Messrs. Veloso and Byrne close disc one with a riveting duet on their "Dreamworld/Marco De Canaveses."
Os Mutantes and Of Montreal turn "Bat Macumba," a piece written by Messrs. Veloso and Gil, into a funky romp. And the Phenomenal Handclap Band plus Brazilian singer-songwriter Marcos Valle make "Todo O Que Você Podia Ser" into an infectious anthem. Strong performances are also turned in by Mr. Zé, Money Mark, Mia Doi Todd and Bebel Gilberto.
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