Customer Reviews

The New Sins / Los Nuevos Pecados (English and Spanish Edition)

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

 

 

David Byrne stopped earlier this week in Oxford to do a small private bookreading for people who purchased his book. It might seem wierd that Byrne stopped to a small Mississippi college town, in the midst of his current musical tour, but the William Faulker (former Oxford resident) influence in this book, he claims, brought him here. This book is a very tongue-in-cheek attempt to show the "new sins" of our time. This book has to be read to be understood, and even then it can be hard to grasp. If you are a fan of the avant-garde, and David Byrne as a lyrical and prose composer you will be pleased. The book also features a nice collection of photographs by Byrne.

I've changed my hair style so many times now, I don't know what I look like.......

I thought it was thought-provoking and great.

I have read both of David Byrne's books, I own all of his musical albums, as well as all of the Talking Heads albums. Byrne has always been my prime influence, I started a band last summer, because I was inspired by his great musical talent. But, when I read his books I saw a whole new level of talent. His books are so well written and very poignant. My dream is to meet the David Byrne, ever since I was 7, he has been my favorite artist. I am now 16, I recieved both of his books for my birthday, now I am not only a fan of his music, but also his writing. Very well done Byrne, you are an inspiration to us all!

What did I just read? Is DB for real? I'm sure this photo book parading as a small gideon bible from an alternate universe would make for a good coffee table conversation piece, but beyond that?

As a software engineer, Byrne places me in the seventh circle of hell.

There is this bit in the Confessions of St. Augustine (I suppose people tend to call them "THE" confessions) that makes me think of this book. The thing about this particular sweenist book, is that it has the same hushed cuteness, the same relative boring polished and prim ah has, the same foolish urgency to play cool and harlotous with the easily distracted mind: and that is what is expected, we like it, we're all in on it, we are adept it is what is provided. "A" for wearing the right tie darling. And, yes don't worry, it still fits the procedural gust of being a book that will exit the mind before digestion, do not worry dear conscious reader, this author is speaking directly to us, is entering our homes, is talking us through his messes, all glamourous and descriptive with every detail scraped of any ambiguity and leaving as quick as cash. I mean, we love pictures in color that this book provides. But why should we expect any more? St. Augustine said that:
"Crimes are committed, if the mind's disposition for vigorous action becomes vicious and rises up in an insolent and disordered manner, and deeds of shame are done if that affection in the soul to drink the carnal pleasures is left unchecked."
If this book was only a crime... But I suppose it has to make everything safe and classified, and for that, I love it. Because I love the present, it is so safe. And I will flip through this book when I doubt that the world has forgotten emotional sins, and become simple cute procedures. And smile.