Music for the Knee Plays

by David Byrne

Music for the Knee Plays cover art

Commissioned by avant-garde director Robert Wilson for his sprawling, multinational opera 'the CIVIL warS', this project draws heavy inspiration from traditional Southern brass ensembles. The Talking Heads frontman composed and arranged the rhythmic, horn-driven pieces to serve as interstitial music—or 'knee plays'—between the larger acts of the stage production. The largely instrumental release showcases his growing fascination with global rhythms and theatrical composition outside of his primary band.

Genres

  • Soundtrack
  • New Orleans Brass Band
  • Art Rock

Tracklist

  1. Tree (Today Is an Important Occasion)
  2. In the Upper Room
  3. The Sound of Business
  4. Social Studies
  5. (The Gift of Sound) Where the Sun Never Goes Down
  6. Theadora Is Dozing
  7. Admiral Perry
  8. I Bid You Goodnight
  9. Things to Do (I've Tried)
  10. Winter
  11. Jungle Book
  12. In the Future
  13. Tree (Reprise)
  14. I've Tried (Things to Do)
  15. Tic Toc 2 (In the Future)
  16. Whisper
  17. Misterias
  18. Faust Dance
  19. Ghost
  20. Super Natural