Music Arcades: David Byrne: David Byrne

As with John Cale in the '90s, I might easily have slipped out of the habit of buying David Byrne albums during that decade. In fact, I didn't get the one before this Uh-Oh, and I don't think I bought this one until a year or two after it came out, on the recommendation of my old friend from MSc days, Gillian. She told me it was a really strong album, but what I said about Feelings could equally apply to this one: "The others [apart from The Forest, The Knee Plays and other early ones] all have a few above par songs, a few below par songs, a few more or a few less strings, and varying degrees of Brazilian rhythms."

Sad Song is one of those above par: "it's the truly sad people / who get the most out of life". Strange Ritual is another one that stands out. Though Byrne's photography book of the same title is possibly more interesting than the song (and Jean-Baptiste Mondino's photographs for the CD booklet are also excellent).

David Byrne is at his best when he's at his most unusual, daring and off-the-wall. In Talking Heads, and in his 'themed' solo albums, he's mixed that daring and ambition into the music and come out with something special. But when he does 'straight' rock albums, they just don't seem to be that inspiring. But if Byrne ever comes to town, do see him live, because he usually puts on a great show.