Monday is not only Labor Day in America and Labour Day in Canada but also Independence Day in Brazil, marking the moment when Prince Pedro was persuaded by the country's leaders to declare himself free of Lisbon. To be honest, it always depresses me to see various charmless presidents preside like mob bosses over Independence Day observances, as nothing makes me pine more for the old Empire of Brazil: South America does not do republics well. Be that as it may, there is no doubt that in global pop music Brazil punches above its weight, its contributions to the repertoire...