Album Review - David Byrne: Who Is the Sky?

My way of reviewing albums is pretty straightforward. Music, to me, is an energy exchange. You give it your time and attention, and in return you get a dose of good vibes, healing, and sometimes even a little magic conjured up by a handful of humans making strange sounds together. This phenomenon has been around for ages, and the world politely calls it “the recording industry.” Having spent half my life as a radio professional, singer, production engineer, and all-round music junkie, I feel self-righteously qualified to throw my opinions into the ring. Hence, this little urge to share.

David Byrne - if the name doesn’t instantly make your brain hum “Once in a Lifetime” is a Scottish-born American musician, songwriter, producer, writer, filmmaker, and all-around creative oddball. He’s best known as the co-founder and frontman of Talking Heads, the trailblazing new wave band that ruled the late ’70s and ’80s with their art-rock grooves, offbeat lyrics, and hits like Psycho Killer, Burning Down the House, and This Must Be the Place. Widely hailed as one of the most influential bands of their time, Talking Heads helped define the sound and style of an era.

David Byrne’s 'Who Is the Sky?' (released September 5, 2025) is a delightfully eccentric, genre-blurring return that teams him with 'Ghost Train Orchestra' and producer Kid Harpoon, featuring guest turns from Hayley Williams, St. Vincent, and Tom Skinner. Critics have applauded its inventive orchestration, vibrant melodies, and imaginative storytelling. Highlight tracks like Everybody Laughs and She Explains Things to Me blend humour, emotional depth, and a yearning for connection. While some find the quirky vocal flourishes like brush-with-cat miaowing and lighthearted humour a bit uneven, the album ultimately shines as a bold, joyous, and profoundly personal statement on unity in a world of fragmented sound.

Despite being a full length 12 track LP record, it still tracks in at a total of under 38mins, which I think is pretty good.

Spotify Listen Link

If you do manage to listen to the album - do please come back here and leave a comment telling me how the music touched you in particular.  If you can share this with one person you would call a music lover - it would totally make my day! 

Top Condenser Microphones for Beginner Voice Over Artists

When starting out in voice-over work, selecting a good condenser microphone is crucial for capturing clean, detailed sound. 

Here are some of the most popular condenser mics for beginner voice-over artists, balancing affordability, quality, and ease of use: 

1. Audio-Technica AT2020 

Type: XLR Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• Excellent value for money. 
• Well-balanced sound, suitable for voice recording. 
• Durable build. 
• Clear, crisp sound for voice-over work. 

Great For: Beginners who want professional sound at an affordable price. 

 2. Rode NT1-A 

Type: XLR Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹18,000 – ₹20,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• Extremely low self-noise (5 dB), which is ideal for clean voice recordings. 
• Smooth, warm tone. 
• Comes with a shock mount and pop filter. 

Great For: Beginners aiming for studio-quality recordings at home. 

3. Samson C01 

Type: XLR Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹7,000 – ₹8,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• Rugged and durable design. 
• Wide frequency response, capturing natural voice tones. 
• Affordable for beginners on a budget. 

Great For: Entry-level voice artists who want an affordable, reliable mic. 

4. Blue Yeti USB Microphone 

Type: USB Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• USB connectivity, no need for an audio interface. 
• Multiple polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional). 
• Easy plug-and-play setup. 

Great For: Beginners who want a high-quality mic with the convenience of USB, especially for home recording setups. 

 5. MXL 770 

Type: XLR Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• Solid build with a warm and balanced sound. 
• Ideal for voice-over and podcasts. 
• Comes with a shock mount and a carrying case. 

Great For: Beginners who want professional sound and solid accessories included. 

 6. Maono AU-A04 

Type: USB Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• Very affordable option with decent sound quality. 
• Plug-and-play USB connection for beginners. 
• Comes with a complete kit (boom arm, pop filter, shock mount). 

Great For: Beginners with a tight budget looking for a USB solution. 

 7. AKG P120 

Type: XLR Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹9,000 – ₹10,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• Clear and detailed sound with a professional feel. 
• Low self-noise, good for quieter voice recordings. 
• Solid metal construction, durable. 

Great For: Entry-level voice-over artists who prefer professional-grade sound. 

 8. Fifine T669 USB Condenser Microphone 

Type: USB Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• Extremely affordable and beginner-friendly. 
• USB plug-and-play setup. 
• Compact size, great for desktop recording. 

Great For: Budget-conscious beginners starting out with voice-over work from home. 

 9. Behringer C-1 

Type: XLR Condenser Microphone 

Price Range: ₹5,000 – ₹6,000 

Why It's Popular: 

• Great for budget-conscious buyers. 
• Decent sound quality for voice work. 
• Durable and reliable build. 

Great For: Beginners who want a simple and cost-effective mic for voice-over. 

 Key Considerations for Beginners: 

USB vs. XLR: USB microphones (like the Blue Yeti) are convenient for beginners since they don’t require an audio interface. XLR microphones (like the AT2020) offer better sound quality and flexibility but require an interface or mixer. 

 Accessories: Some mics come with accessories like pop filters, shock mounts, and cases, which are helpful for beginners who are setting up a home studio. 

 Budget: There's a range of options depending on your budget, but mics like the AT2020 or Blue Yeti are great starting points if you can invest a little more. 

 Verdict: If you want USB convenience, the Blue Yeti or Maono AU-A04 is ideal. For a more professional setup (with an audio interface), the Audio-Technica AT2020 or Rode NT1-A is excellent for beginners wanting to invest in a long-term solution.