One of my favorite documentaries of 2008 was Jason Kohn’s Manda Bala (Send a Bullet) an in-depth look at kidnapping and corruption in Brazil. It also featured one of the year’s best soundtracks, digging out some old Brazilian Tropicalia and Bossa Nova gems from the likes of Tim Maia and Os Mutantes. The one track I can’t get enough of is Tom Zé’s “Ma,” a downright sinister brass and keyboard jam that seems like it could be Brazil’s answer to Link Wray’s “Rumble.” The track features Zé’s always unusual percussive style, classical guitar, and vocals that sound like they came right out of the Temple of Doom. In my mind’s eye I see tough Brazilian street kids preparing for warfare in the favelas every time I listen.

Tom Zé “Ma” (mp3)

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