Originally released in 1982 (and also as an expanded reissue with extra material in 2004), this live album is divided into two distinct parts. The first disc shows the quartet in stunningly raw form on selected performances from 1977 to 1979, with David Byrne's intelligent observations on everyday life cutting through the tight, funky tones of Fender Duo-Sonic guitars like a knife. Really great stuff. There is plenty of evidence from these early performances that this band were on there way to stamping their identity on the 80's, albeit with much more radio-friendly fare than what can be found here.
The real treat however is the second disc, featuring the expanded 10-piece line up from the 1980-81 Remain In Light tour which showcased that album's experimentation with percussion and African polyrhythms. The results are glorious: from the percussive overload of "I Zimbra" to the electro-funk of "Crosseyed And Painless" this band deliveries in spades. And the version of "The Great Curve" contained here is definitely one of the best things I've ever heard on a live album. Seriously good.
At the risk of sounding like Molly, do yourself a favour, check this out. I would even go as far to say it is flawless. Or as close to it as you can get.
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