Who Is The Sky?

David Byrne

Ashley Sudeta

I was initially appalled when I saw David Byrne got married in early September this year and I wasn’t invited to the wedding. However, I quickly realized the reason for my lack of invitation: I had only ever listened to Byrne’s Talking Heads work, not his independent music. After listening to his latest album “Who Is The Sky?” I was able to realize the error of my ways.

Even to those only familiar with music from Byrne’s Talking Heads era, “Who Is The Sky?” holds many recognizable traits. Most strikingly, the songs are beautifully textured and rich with layers. Someone once told me “Remain in Light” is their favorite Talking Heads album because they enjoy smoking and closing their eyes to pay close attention to the individual instruments and backing vocals. While this isn’t something I do, I imagine it would be a fantastic way to enjoy “Who Is The Sky.” Delightfully jangly acoustic guitar layers with arrangements from Ghost Train Orchestra, surrounding the listener.

Opening track “Everybody Laughs” sounds like a sunny day, with the flute dipping in like birds. The lyrics are equally upbeat, with repeated uses of “everybody” echoing themes of unity and similarity. Meanwhile, “Moisturizing Thing” holds all the absurdity of Talking Heads’ “Moon Rocks” to discuss aging and children, common themes in Byrne’s lyrics.

While some critics disapproved of the album’s positivity during such a politically distressing time, I suspect the tone reflects the contentment Byrne seems to have found in his personal life and career. In his sixth decade in the music industry, Byrne clearly hit his stride a long time ago and intends to keep on walking.