Fado (“the saddest music in the world”)

by João Santos

EXPLANATION
Fado is a very old Portuguese music style that appeared after 1840 in Lisbon and narrates stories of full pain and nostalgia. Fado was generally sung by one person called “a fadista”, accompanied by the Portuguese guitar and the classical guitar. Amália Rodrigues was the queen of Portuguese Fado worldwide. Here are five of the best artists.

Mariza: ‘Gente da Minha Terra’
[I know it’s the same song twice. It’s a different recording, though. Also: you think I can’t stand to hear this song 20,000 times? – Ed]

Amália Rodrigues: ‘Barco Negro’

Ana Moura: ‘Leva-me aos Fados’

Camané: ‘Sei de um Rio’

Carlos do Carmo: ‘Um Homem na Cidade’

P.S. For the Nirvana fans among us. You might want to fast-forward through the guitar solo.

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by Everett True

My name is Everett True. I am a music critic. This is what I do. I criticise music. The clue is in my job description – music critic. I do not consider myself a journalist, as I do not research or report hard news. I do not consider myself a commentator as I believe that everyone should be a participant. I criticise people and in return I am not surprised if other people criticise me. It is part of the whole deal of being in the public arena. I am Everett True. Believe in me and I have power like a God. Quit believing in me and I no longer exist.