David Byrne (2) (1952–)

Really enjoyed this book. I didn't know what to expect from David Byrne as an author and was pleasantly surprised. It covers a lot of territory. Of course, Byrne's life and career figure prominently but it is so much more. His chapters on how technology shapes music was very well done. He also writes about the philosophy of music, its relationship to humans and it's place in society. He even goes into the money part of making music although it is now somewhat dated. A lot has changed in the last decade. And there's much more. A fascinating read.… (more)

Fascinating. Even though I know nothing about music, not even to know the difference between a chord and a chorus, nor have I been able to either enjoy or appreciate Talking Heads or Byrne's other music, I thoroughly enjoyed most of this book. I do admit to feeling overwhelmed enough, or lost enough, to skim bits, but something on the next page would always draw me back in....

Most interesting stuff needs context and so is too long to share here, but I've got a few tidbits to offer:

"Some argue that it was the homegrown Indian cinema that forced that country's citizens to learn a common language, which may have helped Indians find national identity as much as the efforts of Gandhi did. And that common language eventually enabled the unity that led to the ouster of the British Empire."

(summarized from [a:Ellen Dissanayake|353582|Ellen Dissanayake|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_50x66-6a03a5c12233c941481992b82eea8d23.png]'s [b:Homo Aestheticus: Where Art Comes from and Why|3463111|Homo Aestheticus Where Art Comes from and Why|Ellen Dissanayake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387716129l/3463111._SY75_.jpg|644098]:) "all art forms were communally made, which had the effect of reinforcing a group's cohesion and thereby improving their chances of survival.... [and] maybe, like sports, making music can function as a game--a musical 'team' can do what an individual cannot. Music-making imparts lessons that reach well beyond songwriting and jamming."

(Quoted from John Philip Sousa, who, like Byrne, believes that ppl should be encouraged to make music, not to be passive consumers of it:) "The tide of amateurism cannot but recede, until there will be left only the mechanical device and the professional executants. Then what of the national throat? Will it not weaken? What of the national chest? Will it not shrink?"… (more)