The DB gig was a winner! The band were a class act - 11 piece. Drums, bass, keys/samples, 3 backing singers, 3 dancers and a percussionist.In the beginning......
I didn't like the sound at the start. It was tinny and the volume low. This all changed wholesale when the chorus harmonies for 'Strange Overtones' kicked in. It suddenly sounded wonderful. The dancers played theatre games with each other and the mechanics of the show began to emerge. The dancers contribution was not wholly successful throughout but they came into their own during 'Help Me Somebody'. This was enlivened by DB playing the preachers role from the original recording (a sample of a Reverend Paul Morton sermon broadcast) and a quite amazing replication of the percussion track performed live.
The bush of ghosts stuff was a real treat. I NEVER EVER expected to hear tracks from that album live - EVER. 'Moonlight In Glory' sounded totally A1. The key was in replicating the percussion from album with some authenticity. This was considered and executed with precision. All good.
Fancy Dancer
The real booty shaking came at the speed change of 'Crosseyed And Painless'. All the 'Remain In Light' tracks completely kicked. This was a seated gig but these tracks changed all that. Barnstorming versions of 'Life During Wartime' (including the running man dance) 'Take Me To The River' and 'Once In A Lifetime' made sure that everyone got involved.'Burning Down The House' deserves a special mention for being completely fab.
Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Now, to the new material. This was all performed immaculately and the songs were very strong. DB's writing ability has not dimmed over the years. 'One Fine Day' and 'Home' are both beautiful songs. 'Strange Overtones' is a yardstick for the best 90's DB output. Funky, melodic, strong lyrics, great chorus. There must always be a duffer in the bag and this was 'I Feel My Stuff'. I didn't go for this one on the album and I didn't go for it live. It contained a riff which directly shunted it into 'chugging rocker' territory. Not for me this one, but you can't be too harsh when 'The Great Curve' is on it's way.
I think some of the vocal production on the 'Everything That Happens' album is too EQ'd and 'pop' compressed. This has marred some of the DB output in recent years. A track that springs to mind is 'Miss America' from 'Feelings' (1997). However, I do completely love that tune.
Fancy Chancer
The production process of 'Everything That Happens' is worth noting. Made over the course of 2 years focusing on incomplete demos recorded by BE (some as many as 8 years old). These were then fleshed out with lyrics and melodies by DB. Production was completed via email and eventually 14 tracks were recorded with 11 featuring on the album. It is certainly not 'Bush Of Ghosts 2' and feels more like a DB solo album. A big distinction between previous collaborations is that BE did not want to record any vocals on the record. This certainly characterized previous collaborative tracks such as 'Born Under Punches' and 'I Zimbra'.
'Everything That Happens Will Happen Today' is available at the site below - it is downloadable (at the current USD exchange rate) for £6.03 @ 320kbps
http://everythingthathappens.com/
More good news is that 'Music For The Knee Plays' is available to buy with a DVD of stills from the Robert Wilson production 'The Civil Wars'. This accompanies the music.
The legendary Mr David site:
http://www.davidbyrne.com/
There is some nice stuff at this 'Bush Of Ghosts' site. It gives you the chance to download 'A Secret Life' or 'Help Me Somebody' in full separated wav. or mp3 glory for you to remix. You can then upload your remix and it is then rated. Do visit!
http://www.bush-of-ghosts.com/
Small Fry
1) I watched 'Quantum Of Solace' and its as rubbish as its title.
2) 'Daniel Craig' sounds like an upmarket hair salon.
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