ALBUM OF THE WEEK

David Byrne American Utopia Out Fri ★★★★★

David Byrne is 65. Yes, 65. The former Talking Heads frontman has run a record label, coauthored musicals, exhibited his photographs and drawings, written a book called How Music Works, and blogged about cycling in foreign cities. He’s on a road to everywhere. The one thing he hasn’t done for ages is release a fully solo album. All of which makes American Utopia an event. The minute you put it on, it grabs you. It grabs you by the hips, with rubbery rhythms (It’s Not Dark Up Here). It grabs you by the brains, with quirky lyrics (Every Day Is A Miracle). And it grabs you by the heartstrings, with gospel-tinged melodies (Dog’s Mind). An album for anyone who fears that we are running out of tunes.