Sunday, April 11, 2010

Album Note - David Byrne & Fatboy Slim: Here Lies Love

MILES OF TRANE: YES. Even though the fabulous O:Barr specially requested a note on this album, my optimism was low because it sounded like a tribute to shoe-loving Imelda Marcos was such a freakishly low aim. But surprise -- talent and artistry carry the day. These are essentially show tunes, often Latin-tinged, marvelously written and performed. I'm not familiar with Philippine mainstream pop, but accurate or not this is now my standard for it. Maybe it's my anticipation for the TV return of Glee this week, but I could hear in my mind Lea Michele's character taking regionals with any number of these songs while the rest of the cast held their smiles for the entire routine. The pro critics are holding back a lot of their smiles, but even though the album may not be groundbreaking, even though all the songs may not make the iPod cut, and even though I'm not being emphatic, it gets a yes here.

Pitchfork: Album Reviews: David Byrne / Fatboy Slim: Here Lies Love 5.0/10.0

Here Lies Love reviews at Metacritic.com 63/100 ("Generally favorable reviews")