Once Seu Jorge and Devendra Banhart appear on your CD liner notes, you know you’ve made it these days. Banhart sings alongside Cibelle on “London London,” and in a more coherent and plain fashion than on Cripple Crow. The novelty cover-singer Seu Jorge appears late on the album, and hopefully he’ll be heard by those who only download a few tracks. On the whole, Cibelle’s latest release effectively contrasts a wide array of sounds, forming a radical mix that sounds great on both a stereo and headphone listen. While I am unable to speak Portuguese, Cibelle’s vocals in English and her first language are projected clearly, and with a nod to old-time jazz-smiths like Billie Holiday. On The Shine of Dried Electric Leaves, the Brazilian musician makes quick sonic choices, avoiding languid gestures with music as spry as a daddy longlegs.
Cibelle is from Sao Paulo, the same city whose citizens spark musical tire fires all over the map. Earlier works by Cibelle include remixes and a full length. The diversity in her output puts mash-ups to shame, and blazes a trail other acts would be hard-pressed to follow. This sophomore album is self-produced, and plays with catchy and experimental ideas all at once to a beneficent end. It is rewarding to listen to this CD in a climate where access to and interest in world music is limited at best.