Search - David Byrne, Various Artists :: Lead Us Not Into Temptation: Music from the film "Young Adam"

A different side of David...

ewomack | MN USA | 11/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One periodical stated that "Lead Us Not into Temptation" is David Byrne's best solo work to date. Though I don't think that's true to any stretch of the imagination, there is a lot of really good music on this disc. It is film music, but it is also film music that stands fine on it's own (in the same way that Peter Gabriel's "Passion" stands alone, though Gabriel re-worked a lot of that after the film's release). It's moody and dark in many places, and bizarrely upbeat in others. It is truly unlike anything Byrne has ever done, and it's not instantly recognizable as Byrne (until of course he sings at the end of the disc). This is also Byrne's first complete move away from the Latin-tinged music he has been making since "Rei Momo" in the late 80's. This CD proves that Byrne still has many musical directions he can travel and explore in. It also marks the re-emergence of his darker side which hasn't been seen since the Talking Heads days. His solo career has been mostly upbeat, sometimes goofy, and focused on very danceable beats. This CD stands in stark contrast to almost everything he's done since breaking off from the Talking Heads, with the possible exception of "The Forest" and his previous CD "Look into The Eyeball" which had some dark tinges to it.Apparently the movie is about a murder in Scotland (I could be way off on this one) - if this is so, this music would provide an incredible backdrop for such a scene. I'm curious to see the movie based on the soundtrack alone.Lastly, the final two songs on the disc are worth the price alone for any David Byrne fan. "Speechless" has a great incoherent vocal line that is catchy regardless of the fact that the words are almost completely opaque. "The Great Western Road" is one of the best songs Byrne has ever written, though again it's not typical Byrne. Even if you don't like the film music, these two numbers will have you putting this disc into the player again and again. This is not your typical Byrne album, and if you're looking for a collection of new Byrne songs with vocals, band, and all, you may want to avoid this one. If you're a Byrne fan however, buy this CD at least for the last two songs."

Worth buying just for track 15

ewomack | 10/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"David Byrne continues to compose music of unearthly beauty. Unsuprisingly the best tracks are the ones he sings on.
If you liked "The Forest" you will like track 14. The album is worth buying just for track 15. Haunting. One of those tracks where, for a brief moment in time, your life stands still. Thank you David Byrne."

FIFTEEN WAYS TO MAKE MUSIC

Kerry Leimer | Makawao, Hawaii United States | 09/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To evaluate a soundtrack you have to see the film, and I haven't. But, as music, "Lead us not into temptation" is fine, eclectic stuff. The pieces draw from jazz (There is a Charles Mingus composition included here) , blues, chamber and more eccentric forms that can only belong to Mr. Byrne. Despite employing a broad range of approaches, the music has a curious, refreshing and track-to-track consistent quality. Somewhat restrained and introverted, the arrangements are simple and direct, with an often melancholy edge. In other words, mature music from an accomplished writer. The range of instruments might give you the idea -- from Hurdy Gurdy to accordion to more familiar cellos, violin and viola -- that this isn't rock n' roll, and you'd be right. It is instead a very successful CD that offers some very intelligent and concise musical statements. It's really quite a joy to listen. "Temptation" is nowhere near "The Catherine Wheel" but somewhat more akin to his "Music for the Knee Plays" (Why hasn't this excellent music been reissued on CD?), at least in the sense that Mr. Byrne is again playing with musical forms. All fifteen titles work in favor of making this a not-your-usual experience: expect something unexpected."