Brazilian vocalist Tom Zé has had a long journey, from helping to forge his country‘s revolutionary sound, tropicalia, to a recent career resurgence spurred by David Byrne‘s Luaka Bop label. Nearing 70, Zé continues what he‘s best known for: fighting a rebellion against gravity in the form of song. Estudando O Pagode, an unfinished operetta devoted to women‘s rights, borrows from rock and samba while weaving in kazoos, children‘s choirs, and a homemade instrument made from a ficus tree. Tiptoeing up to the taboo-and keeping deep subjects interesting, even enjoyable-proves to be Zé‘s lifelong legacy.