David Byrne

This revamping of a previous bootleg (eight additional songs), called David Byrne Unplugged, has remarkably good sound quality due to a direct recording from the sound board and a mild-mannered audience at the small venue in which it was recorded. It does an excellent job of demonstrating the intimacy that he generates in a small, live setting. This one, recorded between the release of Uh-Oh and his eponymously titled album, includes some raw moments where mistakes reveal his naturalism as a performer. Complete with solo work and material from his days with Talking Heads, Unplugged + More also features Byrne's habit of throwing in surprising covers during concerts: Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World," Richard Thompson's "Wall of Death" and Prince's "The Future." An essential buy for fans. ~ Joshua David Shanker, All Music Guide