Artist: David Byrne & St. Vincent
Title: Love This Giant
Labels: 4 AD/Todo Mundo
If you're like me and you've recently suffered from a serious case of pop radio fatigue, you'll go searching for something new that'll rock your world on everything from Spotify to XM Radio to late night talk show performances.
And every once in a while, if you're lucky, you'll stumble upon something really special like David Byrne & St. Vincent. While I was familiar with both artists before they decided to collaborate (I mean who doesn't love The Talking Heads?), there was just something magical that happened when they teamed up. All it took was one song on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," and I was hooked.
But would a whole album of David Byrne and St. Vincent be just as dazzling? In a word: Yes.
Now if you're someone who enjoys music that's a little more on the corporate tip, this probably won't be your musical cup of tea. That's not being snobby, mind you, just an observation since these songs don't have anything resembling a typical structure.
If you're a fan of all things Indie, however, you'll find a kindred spirit. Showcasing the beauty of non-conformity, Love This Giant is complex, rhythmic and utterly addictive. Kicking things off with their first single "Who," they alternate vocals like The Civil Wars before taking turns on the next few tracks.
A perfect blend of each artist's respective sound, the pairing of David Byrne and St. Vincent definitely has its own thing going as well, thanks to a stellar brass ensemble that infuses each song with a special something.
High-energy yet pensive with plenty of dreamy, slow-brewing intros, too, the songs muse on all things love-related but with lyrics that are definitely open to individual interpretation. More than anything, it's the perfect album for a rainy day, and Love This Giant only gets better with each listen. Now that's something you can't always say about the latest from Taylor Swift or Katy Perry.
*This Review First Published 9/28/2012
