I’ve long felt there are songs that should never be covered. Whether it be because they’re too ubiquitous, or simply because they’re just too unique and distinctive in their original form, there are songs I would feel just fine never hearing another band attempt. Included on my “uncoverable list” are several Talking Heads songs. This is because they were so far ahead of their time, so singular and their own, that the idea of hearing somebody else play their music doesn’t usually appeal to me.
The world of music, however, is a strange place. What yesterday seemed certain becomes obsolete in the face of new information. Something you hear can fundamentally re-orient you in a way you never thought possible. A Talking Heads cover album can end up being just what you didn’t know you needed.
Such was the case last year when I came across Angélique Kidjo‘s star-studded album-length cover of Remain in Light. Several favorites I thought I’d never want to hear re-worked became staples of my rotation in their new form, resurrected with incredibly fresh arrangements and dynamic performances by all involved.
Tuesday night, Kidjo brought the whole album and more to a sold-out Cedar for a night of music and dancing nobody in the crowd will forget anytime soon.
Much has been made of Kidjo’s version of Remain in Light. While it was embraced by critics and fans alike, people liked it for different reasons, as Kidjo’s reading gave lots to think about. Some focused on the African rhythms Kidjo’s version accentuated while others took note of her emphasis on the political undertones in the songs. Regardless, it was an incredible re-interpretation of a piece of art and has connected with lots of people, which created a palpable buzz around Tuesday’s show.
As impressively executed in the performance as it was on her recording, Kidjo made the songs her own. Rather than merely covering the songs in the styles as they were originally performed, Kidjo and her band restructured them to their liking. They struck a perfect balance between remaining grounded in the original and branching out into something completely different. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the extended percussive funk workouts given to “The Great Curve” and “Crosseyed and Painless.” While the originals are very danceable, Kidjo’s arrangements took them to another level, energy-wise.
Along with her strong voice, top-notch band, and engaged crowd, Kidjo’s set had a lot going for it. For one, the pacing of the set was excellent. Mixing in a few of her originals within the set was a savvy move, as it gave the crowd a full range of the many talents Kidjo and her band brought to the performance. The originals didn’t distract from the cohesion of the set but rather elevated it. The show was energizing and interesting from beginning to end.
As joyful as the playing of the music was Kidjo’s individual performance. She danced along passionately with the up-tempo numbers and poured her heart into the slower ones. Highlights included her dancing through the crowd and bringing members of the audience onstage to dance. I’ve seen performers do both before but rarely has it been as genuinely exciting as it was on this night. The passion in the room was pervasive, with the crowd and band feeding off each other. While the show did have its serious and heavy moments, it was that joy and passion that the audience will carry with them.
