Here Lies Love
David Byrne
Todomundo/Nonesuch Records
The verdict is still out on whether David Byrne’s entire career has been brilliant or crazy. And Byrne’s latest concept album, the two-disc Here’s Lies Love, a tribute to the life of exiled Filipino First Lady (and shoe lover) Imelda Marcos, is not making it easier to decide.
Regardless, Here Lies Love is a magnificent sonic treat. A project five years in the making, the former Talking Heads front man joins with DJ Fatboy Slim and a roster of 22 guest vocalists — such as Cyndi Lauper, Martha Wainwright, Santigold and Sharon Jones — to deliver an epic, thrilling tale brimming with hair-raising harmonies, sumptuous beats and unexpected duets.
Each track seems catered to and inspired by each guest artist and demands a strong performance in return. Sharon Jones’ Dancing Together is perfectly suited to her lady James Brown vocals, replete with a horn section and a synthesized bass line worthy of any Dap-King.
Ukulele strings and funky island rhythms compliment Sia’s light and cheery notes on Never So Big and Natalie Merchant’s haunting, baleful voice gives proper urgency to the politically themed Order 1081.
You don’t need to know the tale of this fallen shoe maven to love the tracks she inspired.
Check out this track: Why Don’t You Love Me? an astoundingly strange duet between Cyndi Lauper and Tori Amos proves two equally quirky and unconventional tastes can go great together. One voice scratchy, one voice imperious, the combination is complete magic.