Caetano Veloso is the third self-titled album by Caetano Veloso. It was recorded in England, when the artist was in an exile imposed by the Brazilian military dictatorship for being subversive. It is mostly sung in English and portrays a sad tone throughout, reflecting his feelings about homesickness and the absence of his family and friends. It was released first in Europe, and then in Brazil, in 1971.

A depressed Caetano Veloso in exile in London from the Brazilian dictatorship.

The song “Maria Bethânia” is dedicated to his sister, and in its lyrics the singer asks her to send news from Brazil. Through its verses, Veloso turns the word “better” into his sister’s second name.

It’s a lovely record and a great cover.

Today we’ve had a bit of sun and I sat outside in the hammock with some Negronis and my little solar powered Roon player. A good rest and needed.

Veloso reminds me of being outside on a cold Mersea Island for Cosmic Puffin Festival and trying to keep warm. It would normally have been this time of year so all of the archive photos are coming back to haunt me around this date.