Talking Heads mastermind and general good-vibe purveyor David Byrne is celebrating the holiday season with a holiday playlist he curated for NPR. Fresh air series. The 19-track collection truly has something for everyone, from classics by The Pogues and Paul Simon to more contemporary Christmas carols from the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and even 100 gecs.
Although Talking Heads were never interested in making their own Christmas album: “If it doesn't click, you end up with this embarrassing thing,” the frontman explained to NPR: Byrne's Playlist does include “Fat Man's Comin',” a solo song he released last year in which he offers a very literal interpretation of Santa Claus. “Here's a stranger sneaking around, breaking into your house, basically, dropping off packages, and wearing a pretty strange outfit,” Byrne recalled of writing the song. “I thought, what if I write that?
Byrne would be remiss if he didn't include “Fairytale of New York,” the Christmas hit by The Pogues, whose frontman Shane MacGowan died just last month. “It paints a picture of this feuding couple who really love each other very much, immigrants who have come to New York and are having a difficult time getting back on their feet,” added Byrne, who, like MacGowan, has roots in the UK.
Byrne’s playlist also includes “Getting Ready for Christmas Day” by Paul Simon, “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto” by James Brown, “Christmas Will Break Your Heart” by LCD Soundsystem, “feel good” by Tierra Whack and many more selections that go further. demonstrate the excellent and extensive taste of it.
stream David Byrne's Christmas playlist on Apple Music and Spotify below.
Last September, Byrne reunited with his former Talking Heads bandmates for a once-in-a-lifetime event (pun intended) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their newly restored concert film. Stop making sense.
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