American Utopia

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. I'm not going to tell you in matches the live performance. You can't replicate being in the room, feeling that spark of the occasion and sharing it with thousands. We can't share anything live right now though of course, so having this recording is something of a blessing. Here you get the luxury of multiple cameras, close ups, alternative perspectives and there is a lot to see. Live the show looks bravely simplistic. 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. Every song is injected with creative lighting and dancing. It's every bit the performance. Unless you're a big Talking Heads fan, a traditional show might be dull, expected. Not hear though, it's wonderful whether you're a fan or not. This I think is largely due to it all looking so much damn fun, it's a celebration of music. The wires, amps, drum risers are all striped away. Each player is wireless, allowed to move freely and dance around one another. 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. It really is quite incredible, a good live band is a good live band, they're tight and controlled, fluid. To do it with this many players, whilst following choreographed routines is stunning. Byrne is charming and humble as he delivers short monologues between songs and he's in fine voice too. 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. Perhaps most of all when the chains part in the curtains and more band members appear. 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. Byrne is the conductor at the centre, orchestrating his vision. One of positivity and inclusivity. It's marvellous.

An incredible David Byrne frontman of Talking Heads experience! Spike Lee joint not much like it. The music is soothing, well choreographed, and the in between bits where David Byrne talks to the audience is wonderful! One of the most enjoyable HBO specials in a long while.

Earlier this year I revisited Stop Making Sense, the classic rock concert doc from the Talking Heads and Jonathan Demme. In many ways, David Byrne makes more sense in Broadway theatre than in a rock venue. The visual elements, dramatic flare, and eccentricities all feel totally at home here. Regardless of venue (or even director), the vision of American Utopia is absolutely unparalleled. Byrne transforms familiar songs and elements into something entirely new, and Spike Lee captures the energy of the room so well that you feel like you are there. You are left with more than a concert or musical...it is something old and new all at once.

I liked this a lot more than I expected. Stellar performances from all, very enjoyable and David Byrne comes across very genuine... altho' I think it should have been called David Byrne Sings The Hits of Talking Heads

David Byrne is well known to everybody who was born at least half a century ago. As the frontman of Talking Heads his genius literally was the core of the band. This movie shows that his brilliance has not withered yet. American Utopia is a well chosen name for a time document that alternates fantastic music with witty comments on life in general and American life specifically. The world has changed a lot the last 50 years, but a lot of things have stayed the same and the peculiar way David Byrne is looking to the world has essentially not changed either, and that is a good thing. What is remarkable is that the vibe, the rythm, the choreography and lighting for almost every song is unique. David is always center stage, but the rest of the dancers and musicians are equally important. In one word; a musical masterpiece.