Music from the wilds of Brooklyn! Luaka Bop label-head and co-executive producer
David Byrne teams up with the late Tejano singer
Selena on "God's Child" and with Indian orchestra leader
Vijaya Anand on "Happy Suicide," songs that, as their titles suggest, feature
Byrne's typically quirky lyrics;
Spearhead and
Zap Mama perform "To My Ba-Bay!";
the John Lurie National Orchestra declares, "Let's Get Ready to Rhumba";
Astor Piazzolla contributes "Tango Apasionado," and
Lou Reed previews his upcoming Set the Twilight Reeling album with the nostalgic "Egg Cream." In and around and through,
Danny Hoch, in various guises, contributes spoken-word performances. Who would have thought New York City's least respected borough could be so exotic? ~ William Ruhlmann