Katie & I stopped by Som Records today and picked up some classic bossa nova, my favorite Sea and Cake album, and one jazz-funk raer. And while we’ve known this for years, congratulations to my man Neal Becton (aka DJ Neville C.) for recently being awarded DC’s best place to buy vinyl. Complex magazine agrees.

1.  Roberto Menescal e Seu Conjunto – Adriana [Soul Jazz Records (UK)]
At first listen, this beautiful instrumental organ-led samba is a stand-out but every track is a winner on Brazil Bossa Beat!, the brand-new compilation telling the story of Elenco Records, Brazil. The album is a companion to the new book Bossa Nova and the Rise of Brazilian Music in the 1960s, a beautiful collection of bossa nova album covers, all with a decidedly modernist aesthetic. But the stark black, white & red designs by Cesar G. Villela for Elenco are especially striking.

2.  Baden Powell – Consolação (Baden Powell e Vinicius de Moraes) [Discos Elenco]
Stunning and absolutely classic bossa nova from guitarist/composer Baden Powell’s 1957 album, ‘A Vontade.

Consolação (Baden Powell/ Vinícius de Moraes= by liliaraujo

3.  Antônio Carlos Jobim – Samba de Uma Notá Só [Discos Elenco]
Antônio’s take on his own One Note Samba, from his self-titled album on Elenco Records.

4.  The Sea and Cake – All the Photos [Thrill Jockey Records]
Beautiful track from the 2000 album Oui, easily one of my all-time favorite albums, finally secured on vinyl.

The Sea and Cake: All The Photos

5.  Cal Green – Trippin’ [Mutt & Jeff Records]
Jazz guitarist Cal Green delivers jazz-funk heaviness on the title track from his 1969 album Trippin’ With Cal Green.