Director Spike Lee captures David Byrne's Broadway show American Utopia on film. The show features many of Byrne's Talking Heads tracks plus solo stuff of his and versions of other people's work. Byrne links all the songs together with narration, especially on social issues.
Brilliant. I didn't know what to expect from this as I didn't have a good idea what American Utopia is. My initial thought was that it was a musical play produced by David Byrne, complete with sets and original songs, a Hamilton-style production.
Turns out it's much simpler than that, and better. Essentially a live performance of a mix of Byrne's musical catalogue, leaning on Talking Heads stuff but with quite a lot of other things thrown in. There's a social narrative running through the production and Byrne contributes some interesting, often profound, commentary between songs.
The music makes the show though. Even though most of the songs are ones you've heard before, especially if, like me, you're a Talking Heads fan, the renditions of them are superb.
The band is excellent - every member is sublimely talented - and everything is perfectly choreographed. This is not simply a live concert where the musicians play their instruments and that's it. No, there's a huge degree of theatre to it all and it takes the performance to another level.
Yet, despite this perfect set-piece display it's clear that this is a whole lot of fun. Amazing talent, creativity and professionalism on display.
A must-watch for all lovers of the performing arts and good music, especially Talking Heads fans.
