Best of BBtv - David Byrne "Playing the Building."
Our retrospective of favorite Boing Boing tv editions concludes today in a visit with music legend David Byrne, at the launch of his musical installation Playing the Building. This episode was a blast for cast and crew alike, and we're revisiting it today to remind you that Byrne is about to start a Fall US tour to support his recently-released collaboration with Brian Eno, Everything that Happens will Happen Today. Snip from that project's website:
Byrne and Eno began their artistic relationship in the late seventies with 3 Talking Heads albums, followed by their groundbreaking album My Life in the Bush of Ghosts.The album is their first together in 30 years, and is available in deliciously DRM-free digital download. It's beautiful.
Photos from the BBtv "Playing the Building" shoot, below -- and in the episode -- by Clayton Cubitt. (Special thanks to Danielle Spencer, and Jason Wishnow).
Previously on Boing Boing: David Byrne and Brian Eno's kick ass new album in a million downloadable and physical formats
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xeni, did you and dave share hair-care techniques?
Now, behave please, grasshopper.
i think you both look great!
It's an awesome installation. I went to it in New York.
How awesome to get to play around in an old building with David Byrne. I'm envious. Great piece, cheers Xeni.
Also cool: sonic artist Jodi Rose has been recording the secret voices of bridges-- check out the Brooklyn Bridge and others here: http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/green-living/the-secret-voices-of-bridges/1306
Great video, great idea.
This is like the 'stalagpipe organ' in Luray caverns, Virginia. Same concept but using the natural cave architecture.
#5, true dat, i'm extremely jealous too.
XENI HAS THE BEST JOB IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE.
@#6travelina, wow, that's lovely. I think I read a NYT piece about this some time ago? (googles...)
@anthony, indeed, it is! I've been there!
@mintfresh and others, shooting this episode really was a huge honor and a massive sweet treat for all of us on the BBtv team. To say that Mr. Byrne is a hero to all of us really doesn't quite cover it.
Can't wait to catch one of the fall tour dates.
@yamara, I am very, very, very grateful, and have little to complain about in this world.
Listening to the streaming album right now. I just listened to the whole of "Heroes" for the first time a bit earlier, it's a Brian Eno/David B. music fest today!
I'm spoiled, that's about 45 seconds from my office door. It's an extremely cool idea that works amazingly in practice. Every time I see David Byrne finish a project he just gets cooler and cooler in my eyes. Has anyone seen his site specific bike racks/sculptures? They are well done as well.
They don't make music, but the bike racks Byrne designed for NYC are pretty awesome too:
http://intelligenttravel.typepad.com/it/2008/08/nyc-hearts-bike.html
@emilydickinsonridesabmx, I have not! Byrne is, as I understand it, quite a fan of the two-wheel transportation technology. There is a lot to admire about the man. The racks sound awesome, (googles furtively again).
Rube Goldberg mixed with a jigger of John Cage and more than a splash of Harry Partch.
Nice work David.
Xeni you always seem to be having fun, that's why your reports are so well received.
@Xeni As a born and raised NY'er I have two great David Byrne bike riding stories:
1.)I used to be a manager at the Strand in the 90's, and David Byrne would come in wearing a bike, helmet, with his adorable kid also wearing a bike helmet and browse. Being a bike junkie myself we talked about the unique horrors of cycling in the city every few times he came in. He has very solid taste in books for himself, and his kids. He was very nice to everyone at the store even though 'Being a jerk' used to be the Strand way.
2.)I have a friend who designs fancy, expensive folding bikes. They are strange, convenient, excellent and odd city transportation. He left one at my house, which I surreptitiously took for a night out. Cruising south down B'way, pretty late one fall night, a guy scoots up to me, says 'Excellent Bike' and pedals off. David Byrne.
@#17emilydickinsonridesabmx, well i'll be god damned. thank you for posting all of that. beautiful.
Very cool. I just listened to My Life in the bush of Ghosts the other day to see how it's stood up. Not bad.