http://www.davidbyrne.com/here_lies_love/press/1_29_07_Guardian.php
So interesting that Byrne thinks he has Asperger's. I'm an Aspie, and True Stories is one of my favorite films.
Next time you see me, it won't be me
My brother-in-law has Asperger's. I've known him since 1981 and nobody other than David Byrne reminds me more of David Byrne than Paul. He's built like David Byrne, he bears the same countenance as David Byrne, he uses similar phraseology, he speaks in the same meter, and he has the same sense of humor. When I listen to Byrne's narration in True Stories, his wry commentary and observations about people and the world are uncannily like Paul. As with Byrne, Paul's personality is at once warm and fun yet coolly remote. Both men are also intellectually intense and analytical. The funny thing is, Paul is also the biggest David Byrne fan I've ever known!
shareIf Byrne fell in the Asperger's range I don't think he would have had the history of collaboration with other artists that he has. But then again I'm not an expert, a person with Aspergers that comes from a good background probably has decent social skills.
I feel that I have a similar temperament to Byrne which makes the lyrics to his talking Heads songs take on greater meaning (eg. I'm not in Love).
Tina Weymouth is *still* *beep* at him for not being able to sustain any sort of friendly relationship.
Maybe the autism story fits.
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I think if David Byrne has Asperger's or any other high functioning austism, that really comes out in the song, "Big Country" from the end of More Songs About Buildings and Food.
shareIts interesting to consider. David Byrne was an absolute icon in my college years. I think most of us considered his art and concept of art way beyond our understanding. I never considered him to be the snobby art school type, although surely many TH fans were. His song "Artists Only" addresses this. Back then we had no concept of Asperger's, so his aloofness and lack of emotion came off to some as artistic snobbery.
One thing is clear, he is passionate music and is a prodigy. I loved all TH and solo stuff, but he worked to expose audiences to beautiful musical styles from around the world. Rei Momo is a classic as well as all 4 Brazilian albums. His Luka Bop? label was pioneering in "World Music". That said, Byrne has/had a deeply sarcastic and subversive side that comes across in this film and early TH music. This side of him doesn't seem consistant with Asperger's in my experience.
I know a few really smart people who hated this film at the time. I think the satire of 1980s culture in TS hit so close to home for some. I saw the 80s for what it was, a cultural vacuum, so this film nailed it! I watched it for the first time in 10 years yesterday. Still a great film, although a period piece for sure. You have to have lived through the 80's to really appreciate it. As one critic put it, David Byrne "carried the world on his shoulders through the 80s". This is spoofed on the album cover for "Little Creatures".
Agree, what's important to remember about Aspberger's/autism is that is occurs across a broad spectrum. I think Byrne fits as a very high functioning type. His genius-creating new paradigms in music that were previously unimagined-also fits with autism. He was the Talking Heads, no disrespect to the others, the "Shrunken Heads". Tina should be understanding off Asbergerger types.
shareMy 24 year old niece was diagnosed with Asperger and she has friends. Is a professional artist and is able to experience happiness. Don't believe the stereotypes. Everyone is an individual including people who are Aspies.
As Mr and Mrs Potato Head says "I'm far as I'm concerned you're all just common
tators!!!