Thievery Corporation — Dance On Vaseline (w/ David Byrne)
Album: Abductions & ReconstructionsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1788
Length: 5:32
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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
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
h8rhater wrote:
Many people like his singing. You do not. Big deal. No one cares.
I love Byrne's vocals
Many people like his singing. You do not. Big deal. No one cares.
I love Byrne's vocals
SurfDoc wrote:
Completely agree - seen them 2x and both shows were exceptional.
If thievery comes to your town - I say go! They do not disappoint live.
Completely agree - seen them 2x and both shows were exceptional.
Jelani 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.
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.
If thievery comes to your town - I say go! They do not disappoint live.
Jelani wrote:
So would anything else by david
Would be nice w/o Byrne.
So would anything else by david
Would be nice w/o Byrne.
nagsheadlocal wrote:
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.
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.
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?
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?
ni6hant1 wrote:
Yes, we're with ya, no worries.
Anyone else here?
Yes, we're with ya, no worries.
Anyone else here?
Not followed by Leo Kottke, Vaseline Machine Gun?
The original is much better - this kinda takes the juice out of it.
Very hypnotic and addictive mix, great choice of sounds, love it as much as a 9.
Sweet n' Groovy.
I LOVE this Song ... ... 
——> 
——> Not available on Spotify. :(
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!!
The thieves rule!
Stunning version 
Where the hell have I been? 1999? Really?!?!
reminds me of the Cure cover...Purple Haze
missdawn wrote:
Dance on, Vaseline, dance on.
i am always dancing on vaseline.... love the collaboration here.
Dance on, Vaseline, dance on.
jimtyrrell wrote:
Yep, all that and I love the horn. 9.
I love thievery co. and with david byrne, it just doesnt get any better. 8
Yep, all that and I love the horn. 9.
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...
I love thievery co. and with david byrne, it just doesnt get any better. 8
First time I've heard it and I really like it! Knew it was David Byrne but didn't think it was Talking Heads.
Nice jam, DB invokes ineresting moods... Yes,, great music mix!
Splendid!
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
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.
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
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.
i am always dancing on vaseline.... love the collaboration here.
Definitely headphones worthy.
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. . .
. . . I like evenings in. . .
This tune is just FANTASTIC on headphones. 
David Byrne just keeps evolving.
David Byrne just keeps evolving. Rockit wrote:
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.
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.
nice...
DB is awesome.
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.
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.
I was just about to acuse this guy of trying to imitate the great David Byrne 
Bill loves Byrnin' down the house...
Thievery Corporation good as always. Byrne sucks as usual. Vocal ruins great instrumental part...
trailhub wrote:
This is Bad A$$!!
Liked it until the horn. Then I loved it.
This is Bad A$$!!
This was great until the trite vocals appeared.
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).
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).
I'm in the love almost anything DB touches camp, and this is above average to me.
kcar 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.
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.
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.
Love the eerie sound. DB's voice is awesome.
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.
Dancing on vaseline sounds tricky!
arsenault wrote:
Amen!
TC always sound great to me...
funky, spare, confident...love me that sound..
cue trumpet...
funky, spare, confident...love me that sound..
cue trumpet...
Amen!
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.
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.
MJMJ wrote:
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.
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.
Liked it until the horn. Then I loved it.
Fredrikson wrote:
Me too! Just shared this on my FB page!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxTPfd8cL1E i dig this a lot.
Me too! Just shared this on my FB page!
David Byrne is cool....
Nice!
DaveInVA wrote:
Maybe you can crank up the gramophone.
Time to go spin some more records on the 'ol turntable.
Maybe you can crank up the gramophone.
cohifi 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.
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.
Time to go spin some more records on the 'ol turntable.
I like how DB brings out the best in people! How 'bout some of the newish stuff with BE? Regardless, nice set as usual...
alux wrote:
That would be Franz Ferdinand.
This is like Talking Heads with all the fun excised.
That would be Franz Ferdinand.
Dry. Too much.
This is like Talking Heads with all the fun excised.
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.
MJMJ wrote:
Many people like his singing. You do not. Big deal. No one cares.
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.
Best thing David Byrne has done in years. rtb wrote:
Saw these guys in concert on Saturday. Absolutely fantastic.
If you have the chance to see them on tour do it!!
Saw these guys in concert on Saturday. Absolutely fantastic.
If you have the chance to see them on tour do it!!
DANCE.
coding_to_music wrote:
Saw these guys in concert on Saturday. Absolutely fantastic.
If you have the chance to see them on tour do it!!
Great combo -Thievery Corporation + David Byrne =
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!
Of all possible really bad singers Thievery Corp could pick, why DB? ugh
TC always sound great to me...
funky, spare, confident...love me that sound..
cue trumpet...
funky, spare, confident...love me that sound..
cue trumpet...
I needs this CD.
Sexay, yet like a limbo line.
Love this...
Thank God it's over!
Floatinghawk wrote:
Pretty good. I like Thievery Corp, but this reminds me a little of Talking Heads. 
Wonder why... (looks at title)
Pretty good. I like Thievery Corp, but this reminds me a little of Talking Heads.
The cure for insomnia! ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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
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?).
Staying on the Vaseline theme, now play David Byrne's Pepper in the Vaseline LP.
coding_to_music wrote:
Heh. Fits this song perfectly.
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?
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.
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!
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.
SERIOUSLY digging this groove from Monk to Thievery.
So which subject has been mentioned in more songs--Vaseline or Superman? Just curious....
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.
Sort of an answer to the vacuous Madonna/Orbit collaboration. At least the Madonna side of that equation is much stronger in this case.
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
This is really growing on me. Just upped it from a 7 to an 8-good stuff
Diggin it. Thought this was David Byrne.....
Edit: apparently it is
The playlist from Hell!
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.
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!
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
David Byrne is the only redeeming feature of this otherwise painfully boring song. TC is true to form as always!
so boring compared to the original
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.
This is freeeaaky, in a good way.
Dance on vaseline? My, that would be slippery... could be fun though 
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.....
I don't like TC or David Byrne, but this is pretty good. Nice trumpet solo.
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........
very good stuff...
Wait a minute. This is a David Byrne song remixed by TC, right? Not a TC song featuring David Byrne? I'm confused.
very cool beat. I turned it up when I heard Byrne's voice so now the beat is even cooler.
I love David Byrne and this is quite a nice surprise!
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.
:(
not my fave Theivery Corp cut, but nice with David 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.
Certainly recognizable here on RP - about every 10 songs