SÃO JOÃO VIVO

Our icons have been facing some hard times, lately. If they make albums with brand new songs, they'll sell only half a dozen copies because it is too difficult to promote them. Then they go for side projects, many of which very much out of context. Take Gilberto Gil, for instance. After the soundtrack of the film Me You Them, which featured baião classics and only three new songs, Gil has now released basically the same album, on a CD recorded live in Rio de Janeiro. And there goes Asa Branca, Baião, Qui nem Jiló, O Xote das Meninas... wonderful songs, but with a somewhat stale feel. He didn't need to do it. As a concert, it is impeccable, but as an album, it is pointless, no matter how good the songs actually are. Gil has performed the same numbers over and over again, very well indeed, but presenting the same repertoire makes it come out like yesterday's papers. Gil is tremendously creative (which can be noticed on the only new song, the bonus track Na Casa Dela) and did not have to take a ride with the new college forró trend. He has always walked on the wrong side of the MPB road, having been a trendsetter whose style would be copied by other artists. Going the opposite way, now, seems incoherent. This CD is only good for those who are not used to buying Gilberto Gil or baião records very frequently. (Rodrigo Faour)