Love This Giant

“Love This Giant” David Byrne and St. Vincent
David Byrne and St. Vincent (Annie Clark) — two widely respected singer/songwriters — come together on this collaboration to create an excellent collection of indie pop/rock tunes. From echoes of Talking Heads classics and Byrne’s collaborations with Brian Eno to St. Vincent’s distinctive vocals and guitar riffs, the songs’ elements blend together — underscored by low saxophones and horns — to a offer a delicious menu that will appeal to varied tastes.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 7, 5, 11, 9, 12, 6 FCC Clean

1. (3:50) Who — Funky groove carried by Byrne’s distinctive vocals and the counterpoint of the horns. Nice backing vocals by St. Vincent. ****
2. (3:07) Weekend in the Dust — Faster tempo with trippy, syncopated beat. St. Vincent on lead vocals with a lot of brass.
3. (3:43) Dinner for Two — Sharp brass attacks, synth elements and handclaps complement Byrne’s vocals.
4. (3:14) Ice Age — Starts softly, but transitions into a march-like rhythm with St. Vincent’s strident vocals about a cold relationship.
5. (3:05) I Am an Ape — Down-tempo, 1930s- or 1940s-sounding reflection on modern man’s evolutionary path. Byrne on lead vocals. ***
6. (4:53) The Forest Awakes — Another groovy jam with an incredible brass line and St. Vincent’s voice painting sound pictures. Orchestral elements hold epic together — with a raw dose of St. Vincent’s guitar at the end. **
7. (3:09) I Should Watch TV — Fast-paced, schizophrenic synth and brass bed lays the foundation for Byrne’s wry observations. Fantastic! ****
8. (3:13) Lazarus — Byrne and St. Vincent duet — wonderful harmonies, catchy brass and an up-tempo beat — highlight the chemistry between the two.
9. (3:49) Optimist — Softer sound with lead vocals by St. Vincent. Chicago-style horns with synth rhythm prominent in places. Nice! ***
10. (4:15) Lightning — Old-time horn riffs with St. Vincent’s vocals in upper register carrying the funky melody.
11. (3:47) The One Who Broke your Heart — David Byrne’s vocals stand out on this strong tune with a flashy horn arrangement. ***
12. (4:18) Outside of Space and Time — Ballad closes the CD with David Byrne’s stylish vocals and Chicago-style horns again — finishing with an orchestral trail-out. ***