David Byrne : Who Is The Sky?

David Byrne has made quite a career for himself since the dissolution of Talking Heads. In fact, when people talk about Talking Heads its as if David Byrne was the only “Head” that mattered and continued to create music and art at a prolific rate. Though, if you’re in the know you know that’s not the case. The rest of the band kept rolling on as well, with Frantz and Weymouth continuing on with Tom Tom Club, as well as Jerry Harrison producing a who’s who list of bands throughout the years.

But we’re talkin about David Byrne, aren’t we?

Byrne was a musical shapeshifter, never wanting to repeat himself. Moving from musical styles and producers whenever the mood hit. Even in the early days of Talking Heads David Byrne was making out there records solo with Brian Eno(My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts), as well as a soundtrack for a dance production(The Catherine Wheel). He was never afraid to do something new, regardless of what fans thought. Regardless of whether it was some electronic futurist album -or a collaboration with St. Vincent- it still very much sounded like David Byrne.

On his newest album, Who Is The Sky?, Byrne sounds settled a bit. At peace even, as far as where he is in his career and creative space. Maybe it’s his recent marriage that has given his music a newfound sound of optimism. Whatever it is, Byrne seems to be in a good place.

Byrne is working with Ghost Train Orchestra throughout Who Is The Sky?, and it gives the record a lightness. There’s a pure joy the emanates from opening track “Everybody Laughs”, which is reminiscent of Heads’ Speaking In Tongues. “When Are We Singing” hangs in the air with swelling strings and a subtle groove. “My Apartment Is My Friend” sounds like a quirky update on The Beach Boys’ “In My Room”. A love letter to the privacy of our own space.

There’s the quirky click-clack of “I Met The Buddha at a Downtown Party”, the oddball and artsy “The Avant Garde”, the groovy and smooth “I’m An Outsider”, as well as the cool, Caribbean closer “The Truth”.

At 73, David Byrne shows no signs of slowing down. Who Is The Sky? is a late-career highlight for the former Talking Heads front man. Filled with catchy songs and a lightness not heard in a while.