![]() Byrne is the conductor at the centre, orchestrating his vision. With so much space, it's not unusual for a dozen people to perform together, creating not only a wonderful visual, but a fantastic sound too. ![]() Perhaps most of all when the chains part in the curtains and more band members appear. I am a fan, not a huge fan, but you get plenty of big hits alongside the American Utopia tracks to keep everyone happy and even through the screen, the joy of this music comes through. Byrne is charming and humble as he delivers short monologues between songs and he's in fine voice too. To do it with this many players, whilst following choreographed routines is stunning. It really is quite incredible, a good live band is a good live band, they're tight and controlled, fluid. Not too surprising with the singers and the guitars, but to do this with keyboards and drums too, especially drums theres some seriously clever stuff going on there, well it looks like magic. Each player is wireless, allowed to move freely and dance around one another. The wires, amps, drum risers are all striped away. This I think is largely due to it all looking so much damn fun, it's a celebration of music. Not hear though, it's wonderful whether you're a fan or not. Unless you're a big Talking Heads fan, a traditional show might be dull, expected. Every song is injected with creative lighting and dancing. Byrne and his band, barefoot and decked out in matching grey suits, housed in box made of chain curtains, one side open to the audience. Here you get the luxury of multiple cameras, close ups, alternative perspectives and there is a lot to see. We can't share anything live right now though of course, so having this recording is something of a blessing. You can't replicate being in the room, feeling that spark of the occasion and sharing it with thousands. I'm not going to tell you in matches the live performance. This was one of my favourite gigs a couple of years back, certainly the most innovative show I've witness in, well ever! David Byrne's American Utopia is as much theatre as it is concert and as a result probably works better as a recorded concert film than most. A must-watch for all lovers of the performing arts and good music, especially Talking Heads fans. Amazing talent, creativity and professionalism on display. Yet, despite this perfect set-piece display it's clear that this is a whole lot of fun. No, there's a huge degree of theatre to it all and it takes the performance to another level. This is not simply a live concert where the musicians play their instruments and that's it. The band is excellent - every member is sublimely talented - and everything is perfectly choreographed. Even though most of the songs are ones you've heard before, especially if, like me, you're a Talking Heads fan, the renditions of them are superb. There's a social narrative running through the production and Byrne contributes some interesting, often profound, commentary between songs. Essentially a live performance of a mix of Byrne's musical catalogue, leaning on Talking Heads stuff but with quite a lot of other things thrown in. Turns out it's much simpler than that, and better. ![]() ![]() My initial thought was that it was a musical play produced by David Byrne, complete with sets and original songs, a Hamilton-style production. I didn't know what to expect from this as I didn't have a good idea what American Utopia is. Byrne links all the songs together with narration, especially on social issues. The show features many of Byrne's Talking Heads tracks plus solo stuff of his and versions of other people's work. Director Spike Lee captures David Byrne's Broadway show American Utopia on film. ![]()
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