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Thievery Corporation — Dance On Vaseline (w/ David Byrne)
Album: Abductions & Reconstructions
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1801









Released: 1999
Length: 5:32
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I'm taking back the knowledge
I'm taking back the gentleness
I'm taking back the ritual
I'm giving in to sweetness

I'm taking back the knowledge
I'm taking back the gentleness
I'm taking back the ritual
I'm giving in to sweetness

And I'm tripping out working on a revolution
Don't let the day begin
And I'm working out time to time for evolutionn
Don't let the music in

Come preacherman, shoot me with your poisoned arrow
But I dance on Vaseline
And I'm tripping out working on a revolution
You don't let the music in

And I'm tripping out working on a revolution
Don't let the day begin
And I'm working out time to time for evolutionn
Don't let the music in

Come preacherman, shoot me with your poisoned arrow
But I dance on Vaseline
And I'm tripping out working on a revolution
You don't let the music in
Comments (130)add comment
 itsme_bygolly wrote:



Whatever you think of Byrne's delivery, admit at least he's one of the few that have a voice that is instantly recognizable.


Certainly recognizable here on RP - about every 10 songs
Posted 3 weeks ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

Many people like his singing.  You do not.  Big deal.  No one cares.



I love Byrne's vocals 
Posted 4 months ago by oneils    [ Reply ]
 SurfDoc wrote:

If thievery comes to your town - I say go!  They do not disappoint live.



Completely agree - seen them 2x and both shows were exceptional.
Posted 8 months ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

Would be nice w/o Byrne. 




Whatever you think of Byrne's delivery, admit at least he's one of the few that have a voice that is instantly recognizable.
Posted 1 year ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
If thievery comes to your town - I say go!  They do not disappoint live.
Posted 1 year ago by SurfDoc    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

Would be nice w/o Byrne. 


So would anything else by david
Posted 2 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Would be nice w/o Byrne. 
Posted 2 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
You know, that's an excellent summation of the problem I have with later TH stuff, and with DB's solo efforts. Like a lot of artists, he needs a good editor/producer to keep him on track and away from his worst instincts.


First four albums were incredible, each topping the previous. I had them on two C-90 cassettes and they were my co-pilot to a lot of places. After Eno departed though, the magic was gone. 
Posted 2 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

The early TH and the Byrne-Eno stuff have an aggressiveness, a sharp edge, a dangerous intent.

Once Eno stopped producing the TH albums, they lost that spiky energy and became labors of "gee, aren't we a kooky band!"

 
Finally an explanation why I used to really dig TH / DB as a teenager, but nowadays they just seem so bland. It's true, once ago they really wanted to say *something*, even change something. The cryptic lyrics had meaning and strength. Later it felt like being cryptic was all there was. In German we have that word: "Altersmilde" :-) Meaning the state of mind as we get older, growing soft, no longer trying to change the world anymore, just accepting things and people with a slight sigh. Maybe that has something to do with it?
Posted 5 years ago by user4176    [ Reply ]
 ni6hant1 wrote:
Anyone else here?
 

Yes, we're with ya, no worries.
Posted 5 years ago by user4176    [ Reply ]
Anyone else here?
Posted 6 years ago by ni6hant    [ Reply ]
Not followed by Leo Kottke, Vaseline Machine Gun? 
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
The original is much better - this kinda takes the juice out of it. 
Posted 6 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Very hypnotic and addictive mix, great choice of sounds, love it as much as a 9.
Posted 6 years ago by eveliko    [ Reply ]
Sweet n' Groovy.
Posted 6 years ago by flyer    [ Reply ]
I LOVE this Song ...  ... {#Bananajam} {#Drummer}   {#Guitarist}   ——>  {#Bananasplit}
Posted 6 years ago by martymoose15    [ Reply ]
Not available on Spotify. :( 
Posted 6 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
 countyman wrote:
Where the hell have I been?  1999? Really?!?!

 
I had a not too dissimilar reaction!  This was just outside the style I liked at the time, and just outside the time that I liked the style.  And now that I like DB somewhat (as a result of getting to know the TH catalog) I hear this mix and think "freaking Awesome!" 

PEACE & Long Live RP!!


Posted 6 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
The thieves rule!
Posted 7 years ago by Gloriastacholy    [ Reply ]
Stunning version {#Hearteyes}
Posted 7 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
Where the hell have I been?  1999? Really?!?!
Posted 7 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
reminds me of the Cure cover...Purple Haze
Posted 7 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 missdawn wrote:
i am always dancing on vaseline.... love the collaboration here.{#Bounce}

 
Dance on, Vaseline, dance on.
dancing vaseline 
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 jimtyrrell wrote:
I love thievery co. and with david byrne, it just doesnt get any better. 8
 
Yep, all that and I love the horn. 9.
Posted 8 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
Yeah, I love it when this comes on and really suits the mood; feels like such a groovy synchronicity. Surreal, the rhythms in this thing... 
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I love thievery co. and with david byrne, it just doesnt get any better. 8
Posted 8 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
First time I've heard it and I really like it!  Knew it was David Byrne but didn't think it was Talking Heads.
Posted 8 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
Nice jam, DB invokes ineresting moods... Yes,, great music mix!
Posted 8 years ago by Singlow    [ Reply ]
{#Cheers}
Posted 9 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 9 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
Splendid!
Posted 9 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

You know, that's an excellent summation of the problem I have with later TH stuff, and with DB's solo efforts. Like a lot of artists, he needs a good editor/producer to keep him on track and away from his worst instincts.
 

 
Spot on. Eno seems to bring out the best in Byrne. The early TH stuff was consistent in its sound and you had a grasp of personalities behind the lyrics. There wasn't an entire

Weltanschauung  {#Eek}

but you felt that the band had something interesting, intelligent, paranoid and angry about a world full of complacency and hypocrisy.

Then their lyrics became about odd spectacles and the music had this serene, off-center detachment. The band became a diversion, a harmless and meaningless side-show. But when they were locked in and sounding like electro-punks involved with some dangerous conspiracy in their spare time, they were brilliant.  
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
i am always dancing on vaseline.... love the collaboration here.{#Bounce}
Posted 9 years ago by missdawn    [ Reply ]
Definitely headphones worthy.
Posted 9 years ago by Catalytic    [ Reply ]
This is occasionally played during a sultry evening in with Mrs Poacher when, if I am very god poacher, she will dance for me. 

. . . I like evenings in. . . 
Posted 10 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
This tune is just FANTASTIC on headphones. {#Music} David Byrne just keeps evolving. 
 
Posted 10 years ago by Catalytic    [ Reply ]
 Rockit wrote:
Dancing on vaseline sounds tricky!

 
The other DB - the first one, the British one - once sang about moving "around like tigers on vaseline,"  STP sang of "flies in the vaseline" and then of course there were the Vaselines. {#Yes}
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
nice...
Posted 10 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
DB is awesome.
Posted 10 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Byrne should do us all a favor and retire. With TH it worked but the latin stuff and everything else, it is just plain painful. 
Posted 10 years ago by zurcronium    [ Reply ]
Felt from Standard Orbit, and at Proper Volume, this thing absolutely sizzles. It pulses with all kinds of energy and the horns & vocals are TRIPPY.
Posted 11 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I was just about to acuse this guy of trying to imitate the great David Byrne  {#Wink}
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Bill loves Byrnin' down the house...
Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Thievery Corporation good as always. Byrne sucks as usual. Vocal ruins great instrumental part... 
Posted 11 years ago by whomhow    [ Reply ]
 trailhub wrote:
Liked it until the horn. Then I loved it.

 
This is Bad A$$!!
Posted 11 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
This was great until the trite vocals appeared. 
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

You know, that's an excellent summation of the problem I have with later TH stuff, and with DB's solo efforts. Like a lot of artists, he needs a good editor/producer to keep him on track and away from his worst instincts.
 
 
I don't believe DB or TH once ever thought to themselves, "let's be kooky our fans will love that".  Get a grip people.

The DB album, Feelings, that this song originally came from is a fantastic album and it was produced primarily by Byrne himself.  Check the whole thing out some time.

DB fell in love with worldbeat, and it's diverse sounds and structures, and began incorporating that into his sound in the late-80's.  He also added elements of theater and more brass influences to he sound over time.  Maybe you don't like these sound changes, A lot of people don't.  But it is not "kooky" (whatever that means).
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
I'm in the love almost anything DB touches camp, and this is above average to me.
Posted 12 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:
This is good. I haven't liked much of David's solo stuff...unless he's working with Eno. The early TH and the Byrne-Eno stuff have an aggressiveness, a sharp edge, a dangerous intent. 

Once Eno stopped producing the TH albums, they lost that spiky energy and became labors of "gee, aren't we a kooky band!" Byrne's been coasting on that shtick for years. It makes his lack of singing ability even more annoying.
 
You know, that's an excellent summation of the problem I have with later TH stuff, and with DB's solo efforts. Like a lot of artists, he needs a good editor/producer to keep him on track and away from his worst instincts.
 
Posted 12 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
Love the eerie sound. DB's voice is awesome.
Posted 12 years ago by anumidium    [ Reply ]
Someone gave up this CD in the breakroom about a year ago. I hoped on it and I'm glad I did. This is one of the best songs off it.
Posted 12 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
Dancing on vaseline sounds tricky!
Posted 12 years ago by Rockit    [ Reply ]
 arsenault wrote:
TC always sound great to me...
funky, spare, confident...love me that sound..
cue trumpet...

 
Amen!
Posted 12 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

I like how TC brings out the best in otherwise crap singers. This is the only number with DB that's ever gotten more than a 3 from the Nottingham jury, which after much deliberation awards a 6 mainly because DB's contributions are kept to a minimum.

 
This is good. I haven't liked much of David's solo stuff...unless he's working with Eno. The early TH and the Byrne-Eno stuff have an aggressiveness, a sharp edge, a dangerous intent. 

Once Eno stopped producing the TH albums, they lost that spiky energy and became labors of "gee, aren't we a kooky band!" Byrne's been coasting on that shtick for years. It makes his lack of singing ability even more annoying. 
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
Of all possible really bad singers Thievery Corp could pick, why DB? ugh

 
Because the combination gives a very unique sound.  Now, whether unique equates to likable or not is a different story.  I fall on the like side.
Posted 12 years ago by deepgaze    [ Reply ]
Liked it until the horn. Then I loved it.
Posted 12 years ago by trailhub    [ Reply ]
 Fredrikson wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxTPfd8cL1E i dig this a lot.
 

Me too! Just shared this on my FB page!
Posted 13 years ago by Bluesgrrl    [ Reply ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxTPfd8cL1E i dig this a lot.


Posted 13 years ago by Fredrikson    [ Reply ]

David Byrne is cool....


Posted 13 years ago by linzie    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
Time to go spin some more records on the 'ol turntable.
 
Maybe you can crank up the gramophone.

Posted 13 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:
I like how DB brings out the best in people!  How 'bout some of the newish stuff with BE?  Regardless, nice set as usual...
 
I like how TC brings out the best in otherwise crap singers. This is the only number with DB that's ever gotten more than a 3 from the Nottingham jury, which after much deliberation awards a 6 mainly because DB's contributions are kept to a minimum.

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Time to go spin some more records on the 'ol turntable.
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
I like how DB brings out the best in people!  How 'bout some of the newish stuff with BE?  Regardless, nice set as usual...
Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 alux wrote:
This is like Talking Heads with all the fun excised.  
 
That would be Franz Ferdinand.

Posted 14 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Dry. Too much.
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
This is like Talking Heads with all the fun excised.  
Posted 15 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Always good to hear David Byrne.  His online journal is worth subscribing to if you like the way he thinks, as an artist, bicyclist, observer of humans and architecture, musician, and perceiver of the art in all things and relationships.
Posted 15 years ago by plaice3    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
Of all possible really bad singers Thievery Corp could pick, why DB? ugh

 
Many people like his singing.  You do not.  Big deal.  No one cares.

Posted 15 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
{#Drummer} Best thing David Byrne has done in years. {#Drummer}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
rtb wrote:

Saw these guys in concert on Saturday. Absolutely fantastic.
If you have the chance to see them on tour do it!!

{#Yes}

Posted 15 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
DANCE.
Posted 15 years ago by MICKUERVO    [ Reply ]
 coding_to_music wrote:
 


Posted 15 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]

Saw these guys in concert on Saturday. Absolutely fantastic.
If you have the chance to see them on tour do it!!
Posted 15 years ago by rtb    [ Reply ]
Great combo -Thievery Corporation + David Byrne = {#Music}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]


Santana - Guajira     ==>   Thievery Corporation - Dance On Vaseline (w/ David Byrne)   ==>    Garage A Trois - Plena For My Grundle   ==>   The Sandals - Theme from Endless Summer     ==>    Cowboy Junkies - Brand New World     ==>    Dr. John - I Don't Wanna Know     ==>    Linda Ronstadt - You're No Good

the radio also has inspiration moments!

Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Of all possible really bad singers Thievery Corp could pick, why DB? ugh

Posted 15 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
TC always sound great to me...
funky, spare, confident...love me that sound..
cue trumpet...

Posted 15 years ago by arsenault    [ Reply ]
I needs this CD.
Posted 15 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
Sexay, yet like a limbo line.
Posted 16 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
Love this...
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Thank God it's over!
Posted 16 years ago by raga    [ Reply ]
Floatinghawk wrote:
Pretty good. I like Thievery Corp, but this reminds me a little of Talking Heads.
Wonder why... (looks at title)
Posted 16 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
Pretty good. I like Thievery Corp, but this reminds me a little of Talking Heads.
Posted 17 years ago by Floatinghawk    [ Reply ]
The cure for insomnia! ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Posted 17 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
pretty cool. I'm interested where our musical guide goes from here. 9:48 am - Thievery Corporation - Dance On Vaseline (w/ David Byrne) 9:42 am - Santana - Guajira
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Diggin' on TC...even with D.B. on vocals, who I ordinarily detest (I think he's obnoxious, but I guess that's the point, huh?).
Posted 17 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Staying on the Vaseline theme, now play David Byrne's Pepper in the Vaseline LP.
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
coding_to_music wrote:
Heh. Fits this song perfectly.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
infinity wrote:
I now want to make a song called "Vaseline Superman". Now, all I need is a band. . . and a clue.
Use that for the bands name and you're on your way. You'll need some instruments. Oh wait, this is 2007,never mind. Are you photogenic?
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
celadonstone wrote:
So which subject has been mentioned in more songs--Vaseline or Superman? Just curious....
I now want to make a song called "Vaseline Superman". Now, all I need is a band... and a clue.
Posted 17 years ago by infinity    [ Reply ]
Nice flashes of some real pure heat here! Yeah, you really burnin' down the RP house today, Bill! Dance on fire as it intends... Dance this mess around... WHY WON'T YOU DANCE WITH ME?! Dance, dance, dance, baby, YEAH!
Posted 17 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I prefer Byrne's original version of this song that came out on his Feelings album in the early 90s. It has differet brass arrangements on it that are very unusual, even for his music. Very discordant, but haunting in a different way.
Posted 17 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
SERIOUSLY digging this groove from Monk to Thievery.
Posted 17 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
So which subject has been mentioned in more songs--Vaseline or Superman? Just curious....
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]
Boosiewolf wrote:
When I heard the beginning of this song from the other room, I thought it was the ghost of Michael Hutchence...then I walked closer and realized it was Byrne... Good stuff.
For real! Me, too! Great minimal bass; gives the song a pulse, rather than just a beat.
Posted 18 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
Sort of an answer to the vacuous Madonna/Orbit collaboration. At least the Madonna side of that equation is much stronger in this case.
Posted 18 years ago by skidoo    [ Reply ]
David Byrne's collaboration with Thievery Corporation on the more recent album The Cosmic Game is very strong. It's called The Heart's a Lonely Hunter. Great record altogether. -Bob in St. Clair Shores, MI
Posted 18 years ago by beagen    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
This is really growing on me. Just upped it from a 7 to an 8-good stuff
Posted 18 years ago by Al_Koholic    [ Reply ]
Diggin it. Thought this was David Byrne..... Edit: apparently it is
Posted 18 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
The playlist from Hell!
Posted 18 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
When I heard the beginning of this song from the other room, I thought it was the ghost of Michael Hutchence...then I walked closer and realized it was Byrne... Good stuff.
Posted 18 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Wow...just...wow... Thanks Bill! Another awesome Saturday. I hear a funky technotic mix of my man David Byrne, and sure enough...it's the venerable Thievery Corp. Do you pull your best stuff out on Saturday? Keep up the good work!
Posted 18 years ago by Zamoeba    [ Reply ]
This version has interesting percussion and a cool minimalism, but I prefer the original. "Feelings" is a weird, cool, memorable album that really grows on you. Morcheeba's production already has enough groove IMO. -Synth80s
Posted 18 years ago by Synth80s    [ Reply ]
David Byrne is the only redeeming feature of this otherwise painfully boring song. TC is true to form as always!
Posted 18 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
so boring compared to the original
Posted 18 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
The beats, so way out front and pronounced in the mix, seem to get in the way. They distract from what could have been a better song, imo.
Posted 19 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
This is freeeaaky, in a good way.
Posted 19 years ago by Jerry_Scott    [ Reply ]
Dance on vaseline? My, that would be slippery... could be fun though
Posted 19 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
timandjuliet wrote:
Wait a minute. This is a David Byrne song remixed by TC, right? Not a TC song featuring David Byrne? I'm confused.
the original is on feelings.....
Posted 19 years ago by beardp    [ Reply ]
I don't like TC or David Byrne, but this is pretty good. Nice trumpet solo.
Posted 19 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
Byrne's voice is so distinctive! Interesting song title as Sand in the Vaseline is a T-heads best of cd collection. I'll give this a 7........
Posted 19 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
very good stuff...
Posted 19 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
Wait a minute. This is a David Byrne song remixed by TC, right? Not a TC song featuring David Byrne? I'm confused.
Posted 19 years ago by timandjuliet    [ Reply ]
very cool beat. I turned it up when I heard Byrne's voice so now the beat is even cooler.
Posted 19 years ago by Thea    [ Reply ]
I love David Byrne and this is quite a nice surprise!
Posted 19 years ago by archrrone    [ Reply ]
I think the original beat to this song is so much cooler than this remix... it should be jungle style instead of this rather generic style. :(
Posted 19 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
not my fave Theivery Corp cut, but nice with David Byrne.
Posted 20 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]