David Byrne never disappoints.Back in the early 1990's I saw David Byrne perform 2 shows at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank New Jersey. The shows were filmed and were used in his concert film Between the Teeth. The tour was for his album Uh-Oh. I thought those shows were amazing and he would not be able to top them. I was wrong.
I purposely did not read any reviews of this new American Utopia tour so there would be some sort of surprise element. I was hooked from the first moments straight through to powerful final song.
The stage was empty bare with the exception of a card table and chair for the opening and a stand up lamp used later in the show.
The 11 piece band entered during the second song and moved around the stage during each song, never stationary for too long. Simple lighting effects brought intensity to songs like Blind and Burning Down the House.
The songs presented a real and also idealized version of America, without getting preachy or making simplistic critiques. It was powerful and, I think, hopeful, without bypassing some of the issues which are in the news day after day.
His solo songs and Talking Heads songs blended together seamlessly.
As the lyrics for Everyday is a Miracle say, "Everyday is a miracle, love one another".
Simple, but spot on.
I hope that after the tour finished in Europe, he brings this to a Broadway theatre for a limited run. This would play perfectly in a small theatre.
Here
Lazy
I Zimbra(Talking Heads song)
Slippery People(Talking Heads song)
Dog's Mind
I Should Watch TV
Everybody's Coming To My House
This Must Be The Place(Naive Melody)(Talking Heads song)
Once in a Lifetime(Talking Heads song)
Doing the Right Thing
Toe Jam
Born Under Punches(The Heat Goes On)(Talking Heads song)
I Dance Like This
Bullet
Everyday is a Miracle
Like Humans Do
Blind(Talking Heads song)
Burning Down the House(Talking Heads song)
Dancing Together
The Great Curve(Talking Heads song)
Hell You Talmbout(Janelle Monae cover)
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