Communion

Album: Maximum Balloon (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This stomping club number is a track from the self-titled debut solo album from producer and TV on the Radio guitarist Dave Sitek, recorded under the guise of Maximum Balloon. The song features Yeah Yeah Yeahs front woman Karen O. Sitek told The Guardian: "Yeah Yeah Yeahs were the first band I produced that people outside my neighbourhood knew about. That's when I really had to get my chops together because I knew they were amazing and I didn't want to f--k it up. I love working with Karen – she's one of the main reasons why I continue to try to push myself and stay creative. Also she's like family and I can confide in her. Anyone who thinks Karen is just some crazy woman is wildly underestimating her talents. She is extremely complex. She's nurturing and encouraging. When you hear a song such as Maps, her sincerity is audible – it sounds like she's singing to you personally, which is astonishing."
  • Sitek told NME about recording this song with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs vocalist. "Karen is like my sister, so it felt like a family project when we recorded the song 'Communion' together, really easy," he said. "It is more laid-back than her stuff with Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Her voice is very gentle and intoxicating on the track at times, but then it's also got some of the yelping we all know and love."
  • This was a late addition to the album. Sitek recalled to Rolling Stone that he invited Karen O to dinner just as the album was wrapping. "I was like, 'You know, everyone else is on this record. If you're not, that's kind of lame,'" he said.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.