Customer Reviews

Lead Us Not Into Temptation: Music from the film "Young Adam"

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I saw the movie whilst in the UK, immediatly hearing that it was McGregors newest enterprise. . . I did not know the plot or how dark, and sadistic it would be. The movie is typically British and is a slow drawn-out character study. It is set along the cities and canals of industrial Scotland (I believe in the 1930's) Anyway the soundtrack is the perfect compliment to the movie, and if you haven't seen it, by all means please do so. The soundtrack grips you and moves you to tears. It forces emotions to surface and releases you to flights of imagination. It is a deeply eerie and dark soundtrack filled with creepy dramatic overtones, but somehow it keeps getting put back into my CD player. Check it out, its worth the buy.

If you were (as I) anxiously awaiting a new David Byrne album, you're wait is (sort of) over. If you were waiting for a new David Byrne soundtrack (ala "Last Emperor" and "The Forest"), you're in luck. "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" is a fine fifty some odd minute disc of haunting music with many shining moments, but a new album ala "Feelings" or "Look Into The Eyeball" it's not.

In fact, Bynre only offers vocals for two of the tracks here; the rest being instrumental explorations. Many of these are very quirky, with everything from church gates to hurdy gurdies to an L train's brakes. Some, such as "Mnemonic Discordance," are not very pleasing to listen to, but they do offer us further insight into the mind of David Byrne. Others, such as "Seaside Smokes" and "Dirty Hair," are simply breathtaking pieces of almost classical music that take your mind away from the start. There is a great jam of Charles Mingus' "Haitian Fight Song" as well.

"The Great Western Road," one of the two songs with vocals, is a masterpiece. David Byrne at his best - epic and personal at the same time, with witty and vastly textured lyrics.

This disc is a soundtrack to an upcoming movie, "Young Adam," by David MacKenzie and satrring Ewan MacGregor. I'm eagerly awaiting the film after listening.

All in all, I recommend this disc to any die hard David Byrne fan (obviously), and any soundtrack fans as well. If you're looking for Byrne's "mainstream" (an overstatment) music, this might not be your cup of tea.

Can a soundtrack be better than the film in which it is seen? This soundtrack does it. Atmospheric, beyond time and place, this 'track is evocative of a place suspended somewhere between dream and grungy reality. And the closing titles track "Great Western Road" is electrifyingly haunting. Save the money renting the film; spend it on this instead. Kudos, DB. Bravo. Once again.

This soundtrack is deeply emotional and gripping. I have never seen the film it goes to, but I am still able enjoy the soundtrack very much. Some soundtracks just seem to fall flat if you have not seen the film, but this isn't one of them. Full of stunning and beautiful music, it is able to stand on its own. The last track, "The Great Western Road," is the only track that has lyrics ("Speechless" has vocals; however I don't believe them to be real words, just interesting sounds), so if you're looking for a David Byrne album you can sing along with (which I know many may be looking for), this isn't really the album for you. But if you don't care if the music has lyrics or not, this is an album you cannot pass up. In my book, it is one of Byrne's best works to date.

It is beautifly haunting. I can not stop listing to it. I would recommend this to anyone who loves music that grips you deep inside.

Why do some rockers feel compelled to grow up? Mr.Byrne was amongst the best rock 'n' roll artists ever, but for some reason can't help going to "legit" classical and soundtrack stuff. Now don't get me wrong, I can listen to YoYo Mama all night long, given the right mood. But when I buy ol' DB, I expect to have my bee-hind kicked a bit. Not here. OK, I'll admit it's very well orchestrated and performed. But c'mon Dave. Let's strap on the electric guitar and blast those trademark vocals. You'll keep us all young in the process.

If you like David Byrne's soundtracks (which I do not), then "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" is for you. I am reminded of buying "The Forest" and all the disappointment that came with it. In my not so humble opinion, David should stick with his eccentric, eclectic brand of alternative music. That is where he excels. "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" is just an exercise in unmemorable and almost unlistenable soundtrack music. As it is an okay cd and performed by Byrne, I give it two stars, but buyers beware!