Stop Making Sense

• Lori Palminteri
• Uncategorized
• January 29, 2022

When I first saw billboards for “David Byrne’s American Utopia,” for some reason I thought it was like “Mamma Mia” in the sense that they took Byrne’s music and turned it into a story (no disrespect to Mamma Mia, I actually love ABBA). I had no reason to think this it was just what my brain made up. Later, I had found out from my Uncle Tom, who’s a musician and huge music junky, that Byrne is in the show himself. Then, I was like, “oh, I’m an idiot and I have to see this show.”

At the time (this is the before times), I wasn’t really making any money, I couldn’t afford tickets. And then the pandemic happened. And I became extra broke. But despite this, I was kicking myself for not going to see the show when the world was open. There was no telling what shows would return (or if even my career would return). Despite the fact that I pride myself on my fiscal responsibility, I also pride myself on being someone who lives their life and enjoys the arts.

When things started opening up again, Byrne announced he was going to bring his show back (phew!). David Byrne is a hero to weirdos like myself since before I was even born into this world. Even though I was a 90s kid, I grew up listening to mostly 80s music with my mom. I can’t even remember a time I wasn’t listening to the Talking Heads. For certain comedy shows, venues will bring you up to music. My “go-to intro” song is always, “Psycho Killer.” If you’ve seen me do stand-up, the song is fitting.

As the world just gets stranger and stranger, and makes less and less sense, it feels like we need David Byrne more than ever. Or at least I do.

Back in October, I went to see St. Vincent at Radio City, with my friend Katrina. I was hoping we’d get a David Byrne guest appearance because Annie Clark and Byrne did a collaborative album, “Love This Giant.” There’s a song I love on that album, “Who,” listen here. (The music video is also great.)

After we were seated, I got up to get a drink. I took just a couple steps and noticed a man in a grey suit, grey hair. And then I hear a guy behind me go, “oh shit, it’s David Byrne.” Byrne, however, clearly didn’t want to be recognized and he shuffled away. This chance encounter gave me hope we’d see these two rock legends duet, but he did not take the stage (it was still an awesome concert).

I’d end up buying tickets for American Utopia for early December. The show canceled. I rescheduled for end of December, I got sick this time and had to cancel. Finally, we’d end up going to the show in January. I don’t know there’s much I can say about the show besides that it’s a mix of new and old songs and not only is it amazing but you will leave feeling so good like someone just dosed you with extra serotonin. It’s tremendous. If you’re a Talking Heads fan, it’s a must see. But generally, if you love music, I can’t see you not loving this show. Highly recommend.

Also, if you’re in New York, February is the time to see shows. Tickets are insanely cheap. And go to live comedy shows while you’re at it! When you’re smiling and tapping your foot, you’ll find yourself living and thinking, “this must be the place.”