From the first song, “Here” (actually the last song on the newest album), Byrne is examining connections by literally singing about the human brain. “David Byrne’s American Utopia” starts on a relatively barren stage, echoing the simple beginnings of “Stop Making Sense”-fans will enjoy visual beats and choices that seem to recall that incredible show and ask themselves if it’s coincidental or intentional. Playing at the Hudson in late 2019, the show incorporated most of Byrne’s latest album with other songs from his career, including Talking Heads hits like “Once in a Lifetime,” “Burning Down the House,” and “ This Must Be the Place.” A hybrid of a traditional concert performance with musical theater choreography and even echoes of performance art, “American Utopia” earned raves on stage, and Lee decided to direct a film version of the show. However, it was the subsequent Broadway show in 2019 that really gave this project international attention. Byrne and Lee’s utopias aren't far apart-places where we see one another honestly and truly.īyrne and Brian Eno wrote the album American Utopia and released it to positive reviews in 2018. Director Spike Lee works right alongside Byrne, bringing viewers into the show with his incredible directing, putting us right on stage with these talented artists, and transcending a mere recording of a live event. Nothing makes sense anymore. And here comes David Byrne, a man examining connection and the individual role in community through his incredible music, staging it in a way that reminds us that human expression is our most valuable commodity. Thirty-six years ago, Byrne and the Talking Heads made one of the best concert films of all time in Jonathan Demme’s landmark “ Stop Making Sense.” It feels like such a gift to get this bookend in 2020 when we often feel like we’re further apart than ever. It is the intersection of two artists- Spike Lee and David Byrne-who have been interrogating how we connect through art for decades.
“ David Byrne’s American Utopia” is a joyous expression of art, empathy, and compassion.
0 kommentar(er)
