A formal album review

Here Lies Love
by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim
Link to standard edition - Link to special edition

(the following review was based on the special edition, which included a DVD and a book)

Imagine this: the leader of Talking Heads and the guy responsible for songs like this one got together to make a concept album about one of Philippines' most historical political figures. Once you recover from the arduous brain power it took to consider such a reality, I present you with the result: Here Lies Love.



Chronicling the lives of Imelda Marcos and her childhood companion Estrella Cumpas, Here Lies Love is a musical without the stage show. Each song, sung by varying vocalists, depicts a moment in time for one or both represented parties.

The list of guest vocalists will make any passionate music listener raise their eyebrows. We're talking the likes of Santigold, Martha Wainwright, and even new shining stars like Sia and Florence Welch. Veterans are also recruited: Cyndi Lauper, Tori Amos, Natalie Merchant, and Kate Pierson. Only David Byrne could unite such a random group of people and get away with it. According to Byrne, each vocalist's unique talent would help with emoting the song.

But what about the music and the lyrics? The music is not terribly adventurous, but it's far from bad. It has a been-there-done-that sound (it was replicating dance music from the era, or so Byrne claims), but it doesn't sound like something Byrne would typically do. The lyrics are slightly better, often painting dark scenes of despair and tragedy, while also trilling with love and beauty.

The title track has goosebump-inducing vocals by Florence Welch, the lyrics a portrait of Marcos as she thought she always was: a good person.

Santigold brings in the urgency with "Please Don't", explaining in Marcos' words how she became the clever diplomat.

"You'll Be Taken Care Of" puts Tori Amos in the role as Marcos' dying mother as she promises to Estrella that good fortune will come to her for all her sacrifices.

My personal favorite track ("Walk Like A Woman") is all about Marcos' laments of becoming her husband's doll, Charmaine Clamor's chilling vocals adding emphasis to the despair. [I apologize, there is no clip. Take this time to use your music-listening program of choice to get a chance to hear a bit...]

I was expecting a trace of David Byrne's signature sound, but surprised to find it lacking. But you have to hand it to him: he went out to make a concept album about a person, all the while disguising his voice. That is the sign of a good writer. But, forewarning: do not dive into this album and expect something like My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. This is something completely different.

Having the book alongside while listening to the album help set the stage, acting like a libretto (even Byrne said that was the book's purpose, more or less). Each song had explanations of certain lines, especially if they were direct quotes from Marcos herself, and pictures from the time period or event depicted. I cannot say that the standard edition has linear notes this detailed.

The DVD portion added more to an already immersive multimedia experience. Six songs ("Eleven Days", "When She Passed By", "Don't You Agree?", "Dancing Together", "Please Don't", and "Order 1081") are turned into strange music videos. Having footage of Imelda Marcos waving to the smoothness of Santigold's vocals is something to be seen to be believed.

I can't say much on Fatboy Slim's involvement, since my knowledge of him is limited. But for this I'm certain: together, him and Byrne make a good team. I would like to see it happen again.

Here Lies Love is an album that must be enjoyed in its whole, after all, it is a good story. If you have the extra cash, do go for the special edition. But knowing Byrne, the standard edition might be just enough for the novice without the sticker shock.

It is certainly one of the better releases of this year and likely, one of the more ambitious ones.

~

(This review was written while listening to Goldfrapp. I'll leave you to consider the irony of that.)

*4 left until 200*