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Editorial Reviews
'Here Lies Love' is a 22 song double-disc song cycle - improbably poignant, decidedly surreal, surprisingly thought provoking - about the rise and fall of the Philippines' notorious Imelda Marcos. It was conceived by David Byrne; composed by Byrne and British deejay/recording artist Fatboy Slim, a/k/a Norman Cook; and performed by a dream cast drawn from the worlds of indie rock, alt country, R&B and pop.
Byrne's taste in collaborators is as imaginative as it is impeccable, including Cyndi Lauper (who recounts, to lighthearted disco beats, Imelda's courtship with Ferdinand Marcos), Steve Earle (as the power-hungry Ferdinand), Dap-Kings vocalist Sharon Jones (recalling Imelda's introduction into New York society) and Natalie Merchant (as spurned Imelda confidante Estrella, anticipating the onset of martial law). Along with vocals turns from such stars as Tori Amos and the B-52's Kate Pierson, Byrne works with rising indie rockers St. Vincent and My Brightest Diamond; New York chanteuses Nellie McKay and Martha Wainwright; and dance-music divas Roisin Murphy and Santigold. Byrne himself appears as the voice of imperialistic America on 'American Troglodyte' a send-up that wouldn't have seemed out of places in Talking Heads' True Stories.
Byrne originally envisioned this as a musical theatre piece, to be mounted in disco and nightclub settings, reflecting the globe-trotting Marcos' taste for such velvet-roped spots as Studio 54 and Regine's. In 2006, he performed work-in-progress versions to enthusiastic audiences at New York City's Carnegie Hall and the Adelaide Festival in Australia. When more funding for a theatrical version proved elusive, While plans for a U.S. theatrical production continue to evolve, he has delivered this unique recording. 'Here Lies Love' has an effervescent disco feel, redolent of Fatboy Slim's own dance-floor anthems, with warm undercurrents of the Latin rhythms that have percolated through Byrne's recent solo work. The sunny arrangements act in counterpoint to the reality of the Marcos' increasingly repressive regime, reflecting the imagined inner life of the glamour-obsessed Imelda. Explains Byrne, 'For me, the darker side of the excesses are, for the most part, a matter of record. A lot of the audience is going to come with that knowledge already. What's more of a challenge is to get inside the head of the person who was behind all of that, and understand what made them tick.' Byrne offers no judgment and avoids the obvious - there is no mention of Imelda's infamous shoe collection.
Many of Byrne's lyrics are, astonishingly enough, constructed from actual Imelda quotes, including the project's title, the words that Imelda, now returned to the Philippines from U.S.-assisted exile in Hawaii, would like to have inscribed on her gravestone. Byrne generously annotates each song in the CD booklet and illustrates the story with archival photos. In a detailed preface, he reveals what drew him to this subject and the bumpy route he took to launch the project and, ultimately, record this CD. The lavish booklet is indeed a page-turner, just as 'Here Lies Love' is a wonderfully old-school album that rewards start-to-finish listening. Once again, Byrne - beloved as musician, thinker and bicyclist-about-town - reveals the breadth and singularity of his vision.
Byrne's taste in collaborators is as imaginative as it is impeccable, including Cyndi Lauper (who recounts, to lighthearted disco beats, Imelda's courtship with Ferdinand Marcos), Steve Earle (as the power-hungry Ferdinand), Dap-Kings vocalist Sharon Jones (recalling Imelda's introduction into New York society) and Natalie Merchant (as spurned Imelda confidante Estrella, anticipating the onset of martial law). Along with vocals turns from such stars as Tori Amos and the B-52's Kate Pierson, Byrne works with rising indie rockers St. Vincent and My Brightest Diamond; New York chanteuses Nellie McKay and Martha Wainwright; and dance-music divas Roisin Murphy and Santigold. Byrne himself appears as the voice of imperialistic America on 'American Troglodyte' a send-up that wouldn't have seemed out of places in Talking Heads' True Stories.
Byrne originally envisioned this as a musical theatre piece, to be mounted in disco and nightclub settings, reflecting the globe-trotting Marcos' taste for such velvet-roped spots as Studio 54 and Regine's. In 2006, he performed work-in-progress versions to enthusiastic audiences at New York City's Carnegie Hall and the Adelaide Festival in Australia. When more funding for a theatrical version proved elusive, While plans for a U.S. theatrical production continue to evolve, he has delivered this unique recording. 'Here Lies Love' has an effervescent disco feel, redolent of Fatboy Slim's own dance-floor anthems, with warm undercurrents of the Latin rhythms that have percolated through Byrne's recent solo work. The sunny arrangements act in counterpoint to the reality of the Marcos' increasingly repressive regime, reflecting the imagined inner life of the glamour-obsessed Imelda. Explains Byrne, 'For me, the darker side of the excesses are, for the most part, a matter of record. A lot of the audience is going to come with that knowledge already. What's more of a challenge is to get inside the head of the person who was behind all of that, and understand what made them tick.' Byrne offers no judgment and avoids the obvious - there is no mention of Imelda's infamous shoe collection.
Many of Byrne's lyrics are, astonishingly enough, constructed from actual Imelda quotes, including the project's title, the words that Imelda, now returned to the Philippines from U.S.-assisted exile in Hawaii, would like to have inscribed on her gravestone. Byrne generously annotates each song in the CD booklet and illustrates the story with archival photos. In a detailed preface, he reveals what drew him to this subject and the bumpy route he took to launch the project and, ultimately, record this CD. The lavish booklet is indeed a page-turner, just as 'Here Lies Love' is a wonderfully old-school album that rewards start-to-finish listening. Once again, Byrne - beloved as musician, thinker and bicyclist-about-town - reveals the breadth and singularity of his vision.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
How many will buy "Here Lies Love" not because it's the new David Byrne release but because it's a rock/pop opera that explores the psyche of Imelda Marcos? A bar chart of that statistic would make for interesting analyzing. Given that potential demographic dichotomy, no one needs knowledge of Marcos, the Philippines or even anything west of the International Date Line to groove to this funky collection of songs that will hook listeners like helpless fish. Though Byrne's vocals only appear noticeably on three of the twenty-two tracks, his presence nonetheless pervades and inhabits every song and vocal inflection. Longtime fans will notice the "Fuzzy Freaky" guitar timbre straight away. Others will notice numerous familiar signature song structures and transitions. One listen reveals that this indeed is a David Byrne collection. Also, given the amazing slew of amazing vocal acrobatics contained herein, many will probably not mind the absence of Byrne's voice. And what a lineup: Natalie Merchant, Cyndi Lauper, Kate Pierson, Tori Amos, Steve Earle, and various other well-known singers shake their golden larynxes. The results of this harmonic convergence of pleasure may even overwhelm some on first listen. Here indeed lies the new David Byrne project. No doubt. Not to diminish the contributions of collaborator Fatboy Slim, who provided many of the funky beats (Byrne and Slim worked together previously on the incredible song, and mandible-plunging video, "Toe Jam"). Byrne fans with or without a sense of modern history will find plenty for their brains to feast on. But those who go further than the music will discover even more. Initiate additional saccadian motion.
Imelda Marcos remains a downright enigma. Equally loved and hated, she still lives in the Philippines, a country she once ruled with her husband, Ferdinand. Many still laud her for the hospitals, schools and museums she built while in power. Others remind us that her democratically elected husband declared martial law and murdered or tortured thousands. Today, Imelda Marcos apparently only acknowledges the story's positive side. Critics slam what they call her convenient obliviousness to the crimes she committed against her own country. "Here Lies Love" has also received criticism for being "too soft" on Marcos and for potentially intensifying her cult of personality. In a recent interview, Byrne conceded that he may have unintentionally done just that. He defends himself by claiming that "Here Lies Love" explores the mind and motivations of a powerful person and not necessarily the political or social consequences of that mindset. In other words, this song cycle was meant as a character study, not as a protest piece. Fervent detractors of Mrs. Marcos may (in many cases understandably) not find themselves able to see past this and subsequently condemn the entire collection. The over 100-page book that accompanies the deluxe edition helps clear up Byrne's perspective and may help ameliorate misunderstandings. Here, in Byrne's own words, are both the stories behind the songs and Imelda Marcos' rise to power. Many passages reflect Byrne's personal political stance towards the Marcos regime (at one point he claims that the USA came close to the point of a Marcos-like regime during George W. Bush's administration). Other highlights include a graphical description of Marcos' theory of beauty and harmony, which includes a viscous Pac-Man creature. This accompanies the hilarious yet disturbing Kate Pierson sung "The Whole Man." The story also weaves in the jilted Estrella Cumpas, who helped raise Imelda after her mother died. Imelda Marco's attitude towards Cumpas, as depicted here, can only be described as heartless. In the book this relationship takes on a draconian dimension. Imelda does not come out of this looking good (and what happened to Estrella remains a little ambiguous). Those who groove to the music while ingesting the accompanying text will find no cause for labeling "Here Lies Love" a pro-Marcos propaganda piece (although the DVDs included in the deluxe set, which include fascinating archival film footage, could potentially come across as hype pieces if taken out of context). Ultimately, the story behind the songs adds a compelling dimension to this song cycle and elevates it far above the usual collection of songs. Byrne hasn't really done anything like this before.
"Here Lies Love" (taken, like many other of the lyrics, from Imelda's own mouth) stands as another intriguing and hugely enjoyable Byrne collaboration (other salient partnerships have included Brian Eno, Twyla Tharp, Philip Glass, and Robert Wilson). Byrne continues to beguile, educate, enlighten and entertain. As such, it remains little wonder that his work has the staying power of plutonium. Long past the age that many rock stars burn out, Byrne just continues exploring. Hopefully he won't stop.
Imelda Marcos remains a downright enigma. Equally loved and hated, she still lives in the Philippines, a country she once ruled with her husband, Ferdinand. Many still laud her for the hospitals, schools and museums she built while in power. Others remind us that her democratically elected husband declared martial law and murdered or tortured thousands. Today, Imelda Marcos apparently only acknowledges the story's positive side. Critics slam what they call her convenient obliviousness to the crimes she committed against her own country. "Here Lies Love" has also received criticism for being "too soft" on Marcos and for potentially intensifying her cult of personality. In a recent interview, Byrne conceded that he may have unintentionally done just that. He defends himself by claiming that "Here Lies Love" explores the mind and motivations of a powerful person and not necessarily the political or social consequences of that mindset. In other words, this song cycle was meant as a character study, not as a protest piece. Fervent detractors of Mrs. Marcos may (in many cases understandably) not find themselves able to see past this and subsequently condemn the entire collection. The over 100-page book that accompanies the deluxe edition helps clear up Byrne's perspective and may help ameliorate misunderstandings. Here, in Byrne's own words, are both the stories behind the songs and Imelda Marcos' rise to power. Many passages reflect Byrne's personal political stance towards the Marcos regime (at one point he claims that the USA came close to the point of a Marcos-like regime during George W. Bush's administration). Other highlights include a graphical description of Marcos' theory of beauty and harmony, which includes a viscous Pac-Man creature. This accompanies the hilarious yet disturbing Kate Pierson sung "The Whole Man." The story also weaves in the jilted Estrella Cumpas, who helped raise Imelda after her mother died. Imelda Marco's attitude towards Cumpas, as depicted here, can only be described as heartless. In the book this relationship takes on a draconian dimension. Imelda does not come out of this looking good (and what happened to Estrella remains a little ambiguous). Those who groove to the music while ingesting the accompanying text will find no cause for labeling "Here Lies Love" a pro-Marcos propaganda piece (although the DVDs included in the deluxe set, which include fascinating archival film footage, could potentially come across as hype pieces if taken out of context). Ultimately, the story behind the songs adds a compelling dimension to this song cycle and elevates it far above the usual collection of songs. Byrne hasn't really done anything like this before.
"Here Lies Love" (taken, like many other of the lyrics, from Imelda's own mouth) stands as another intriguing and hugely enjoyable Byrne collaboration (other salient partnerships have included Brian Eno, Twyla Tharp, Philip Glass, and Robert Wilson). Byrne continues to beguile, educate, enlighten and entertain. As such, it remains little wonder that his work has the staying power of plutonium. Long past the age that many rock stars burn out, Byrne just continues exploring. Hopefully he won't stop.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
(This is a review of the special edition "book" version of Here Lies Love.) (3 & 1/2 stars)
The Amazon Product Description already does an excellent job of telling about this item, so I will focus on commentary rather than description. If you have already read my review of the music in the regular edition, skip to the paragraph at the end, which contains the Special Edition comments.
The 22 songs on Here Lies Love pretty effectively carry out David Byrne's desire to create a musical theater piece centered around the life of Imelda Marcos and the woman who essentially raised her, Estrella Cumpas. (The whole thing is vaguely reminiscent of the Madonna Evita.) With Imelda's love of dancing and disco, Byrne sought out Fatboy Slim to help him lay down the grooves that propel this music forward. In some cases the songs are just flat-out disco, as with "Ladies In Blue." More often it's just the presence of dance beats in a more rock, pop or "world" oriented tune. Mr. Byrne is no stranger to dance beats, having previously written Heads and solo songs that featured a high dance-ability quotient, and encouraged dance-heavy remixes of his songs. On Here Lies Love, the dance flavor is mostly a good thing, although the dance tracks do occasionally veer into cheesy territory. The decision to use an armada of guest vocalists is also one that I ended up mostly supporting. Although having a different singer on every song did slightly deprive the story of a continuous narrative voice, but I ended up thinking of each different "Imelda" singer as portraying a different side of Imelda's personality, or at least how she was a different person at different points in her life. Generally speaking, the various singers all did a decent job with their parts, but only Cindy Lauper, Sharon Jones, and a couple of others really brought the character to life to any great degree. I would like to have heard Byrne himself sing more than just the one and a half songs he does the vocals for, but I guess doing that wouldn't have been compatible with the female-centered nature of the story. Most of the singers are already familiar names, but I had never heard of some of them - Roisin Murphy and Charmaine Clamor, for instance. Googling those unknowns gave me an added appreciation for the international nature of the project's "cast". These people come from all over the world! (I guess that shouldn't have been a surprise with DB, "world music guy.") The backing musicians do a very competent job of setting a solid backdrop that never takes over the song, the kind of approach you would hope for with a "song cycle" like this. From what I can tell, they are mainly artists who are part of the current Byrne or Fatboy studio stables.
Getting the Special Edition of this album is the way to go, mainly for the hardbound book. It contains relatively detailed descriptions by David about each song, as well as many photos relevant to the story. We know he is an established author, having just recently put out his bicycle book, and he has an appropriately accessible and insightful take on Imelda's life (and Estrella's) that comes through in the text. The DVD is fairly negligible, just some vintage Marcos film footage with six of the HLL songs playing as a soundtrack. Had it been footage of the musicians making and/or performing the songs, I would have been more interested.
The Amazon Product Description already does an excellent job of telling about this item, so I will focus on commentary rather than description. If you have already read my review of the music in the regular edition, skip to the paragraph at the end, which contains the Special Edition comments.
The 22 songs on Here Lies Love pretty effectively carry out David Byrne's desire to create a musical theater piece centered around the life of Imelda Marcos and the woman who essentially raised her, Estrella Cumpas. (The whole thing is vaguely reminiscent of the Madonna Evita.) With Imelda's love of dancing and disco, Byrne sought out Fatboy Slim to help him lay down the grooves that propel this music forward. In some cases the songs are just flat-out disco, as with "Ladies In Blue." More often it's just the presence of dance beats in a more rock, pop or "world" oriented tune. Mr. Byrne is no stranger to dance beats, having previously written Heads and solo songs that featured a high dance-ability quotient, and encouraged dance-heavy remixes of his songs. On Here Lies Love, the dance flavor is mostly a good thing, although the dance tracks do occasionally veer into cheesy territory. The decision to use an armada of guest vocalists is also one that I ended up mostly supporting. Although having a different singer on every song did slightly deprive the story of a continuous narrative voice, but I ended up thinking of each different "Imelda" singer as portraying a different side of Imelda's personality, or at least how she was a different person at different points in her life. Generally speaking, the various singers all did a decent job with their parts, but only Cindy Lauper, Sharon Jones, and a couple of others really brought the character to life to any great degree. I would like to have heard Byrne himself sing more than just the one and a half songs he does the vocals for, but I guess doing that wouldn't have been compatible with the female-centered nature of the story. Most of the singers are already familiar names, but I had never heard of some of them - Roisin Murphy and Charmaine Clamor, for instance. Googling those unknowns gave me an added appreciation for the international nature of the project's "cast". These people come from all over the world! (I guess that shouldn't have been a surprise with DB, "world music guy.") The backing musicians do a very competent job of setting a solid backdrop that never takes over the song, the kind of approach you would hope for with a "song cycle" like this. From what I can tell, they are mainly artists who are part of the current Byrne or Fatboy studio stables.
Getting the Special Edition of this album is the way to go, mainly for the hardbound book. It contains relatively detailed descriptions by David about each song, as well as many photos relevant to the story. We know he is an established author, having just recently put out his bicycle book, and he has an appropriately accessible and insightful take on Imelda's life (and Estrella's) that comes through in the text. The DVD is fairly negligible, just some vintage Marcos film footage with six of the HLL songs playing as a soundtrack. Had it been footage of the musicians making and/or performing the songs, I would have been more interested.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By B. Martin
Format:Audio CD
Leave it to David Byrne, one of pop's great innovators/eccentrics, to deliver a concept album (and a double album at that) about the life of Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Phillipines. If that wasn't strange enough, take a look at some of the talent that he has managed to bring on board. Tori Amos, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Earle, Nellie McKay, Natalie Merchant, Santigold, Kate Pierson and Allison Moorer among others handle the vocals on the 22 tracks set to dance beats and disco grooves. It sounds as weird as all get out, but amazingly it works, for the most part. Even if you know next to nothing about Marcos and the controversy surrounding her time in power (and I'll be the first to admit that I don't), you'll find it hard not to be drawn into the melodic and dancebale concoctions that Byrne and Fatboy Slim have cooked up. The first half of the album is the stronger of the two, by far. Fatboy Slim's beats and the dance grooves take a backseat to Byrne's melodies and sharp lyrics. On the albums's second half, things tend to get reversed as the focus goes away from melody somewhat and a no holds barred dance party breaks out. Still, taken as a whole, Here Lies Love is an engrossing and largely entertaining pop record from a true genius. If it encourages listeners to open a book and learn more abut its enigmatic central figure, all the better.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
FABULOUS!
LOVED IT. Am hooked on the music. It keeps running through my head. I think what really made it special was seeing "Here Lies Love" at the Public Theatre.
Published 7 days ago by joan timbers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing cameo appearances abound
Nearly every single track on this set features an amazing guest artist. These songs seem to have timeless musical appeal despite the absolutely current artists featured therein. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alexandra Bokonon
4.0 out of 5 stars
Delicious!
So wish this was what you could find on the radio! Love it...gets you moving with a smile on your face :) Amazing collaborative effort.
Published 3 months ago by ECJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loopy and Lovely
What a brilliant concept! Putting the story of Imelda Marcos to music, albeit with rhythm and grooves galore. But, as reviewer Oxxo pointed out, this is NOT really disco music. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Donald E. Gilliland
5.0 out of 5 stars
My album of the year 2011
I'm a big fan of David Byrne from way back and this album just confirms why. Incredibly funky, old school, dance-atronic, goodness from Fatboy Slim mixed with the pan-global... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Kelly Kitanson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Favorite Album 0f 2010!!
I LOVE this record, every track is a winner. I found out much later what it was all about, and bought the book , too. Thank you so much for making it!
Published on March 18, 2011 by L. Nast
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent but Unusual for David Byrne
This is an excellent album, but unusual for a David Byrne Album. He has done many collaborations (as here with Fatboy Slim), but the fact that it is all singers other than Byrne... Read more
Published on January 14, 2011 by Melissa Wayne
3.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly I'm enjoying these CDs...
I've been listening to these CDs for about a week now. I'll throw them on and listen while I work. I didn't know what to expect but surprisingly I'm enjoying them. Read more
Published on October 12, 2010 by Daphne
5.0 out of 5 stars
perfect service
I got this order in 2 days which was great as it was a gift and I was running late.
Perfect condition. I couldn't have had better service.
Perfect condition. I couldn't have had better service.
Published on August 11, 2010 by Rita Bamford
4.0 out of 5 stars
David Byrne does it again!
I had no idea what to expect with this double-disk CD, but was more than pleasantly surprised. The story of Imelda Marcos is compelling in and of itself, but the way David Byrne... Read more
Published on July 2, 2010 by Jazz Grandma
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