'Everything That Happens Will Happen Today' for Eno and Byrne

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been waiting with bated breath for a follow-up to the ridiculously good "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts," the first collaborative album from Brian Eno and David Byrne in 1981. It’s been 27 years since the dynamic duo made a record together, but on Aug. 18, Eno and Byrne will satisfy the masses with the release of "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today."

If you can't wait that long to hear the latest from the team that brought you "Remain in Light" (in which producer Eno served as the veritable fifth Talking Head), no worries -- Byrne has you covered. The two have released a free MP3 from the upcoming album, available on the record’s website. After pausing to watch a ruby-tinted video of Byrne giving listeners a quick rundown of the new collaboration and some brief tour info, you can download “Strange Overtones.” There is a slight catch, however -- to receive the song, you’ve got to give up an e-mail address and your ZIP Code. Hardly a high price to pay.

Thankfully, the freebie delivers everything you’d expect from an Eno/Byrne tune. The track’s music, supplied by Eno, builds around an intimate, funky bass groove and smooth synthesizer riffs that elevate and distort. Throw in rhythmic tinny guitars, and it's the ideal poppy backdrop for Byrne's soulful, soaring overdubbed vocals, which work in beautiful combination with his ever-strange lyrics. So what are you waiting for? Sure, it took them 27 years in the making but it'll only take you a few minutes to download.

-- TJ Kosinski

P.S. Byrne will be coming to the Greek Theatre on Oct. 3.

Photo of Eno by Donald Weber; David Byrne by Jason DeCrow/Associated Press