ARTIST: David Byrne 
TITLE: Rei Momo
YEAR RELEASED: 1989
CHART ACTION: #71 US #52 UK
SINGLES: Make Believe Mambo, Dirty Old Town
OTHER SONGS YOU MAY KNOW: Nah. World music doesn’t get airplay outside of NPR or college radio.
LINEUP: David Byrne, Kirsty MacColl, Celia Cruz, Willie Colon and many others
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: This answers the question what would it sound like if David Byrne fronted an Afro-Cuban / South American band instead of the Talking Heads.
SOME WORDS, PHRASES AND CLAUSES ABOUT THIS RECORD: I am sure that many of those who bought this record, the first real solo album by Byrne, were disappointed that it didn’t feature anything that resembled the Talking Heads. Listening though, it’s a well-played and well-thought out album showing Byrne’s love for the various musical styles.
And it’s great, if you’re into this kind of music or have an ear for it.
What I didn’t hear is Byrne’s sense of melody – though the lyrics are there. I didn’t hear any hooks or something that would captivate me, one that’s not familiar with the genres.
Still, it’s a pretty pleasant record.
NOTES & MINUTAE: The styles on this album incluse salsa, merengue, bomba, rumba and cha cha, among others.
IS THERE A DELUXE VERSION: The CD and cassette appended three extra songs.
GRADE: B: Good for what it is defined. Byrne’s love for the music shows.
EXILED – Maybe I’ll revisit it later.
But Is It Any Good? 