Post by Pete70s on Nov 14, 2007 13:13:42 GMT -5
I recently got the remasters of the first four albums from the library, and have been on a bit of a Talking Heads kick. So this week I'm featuring the Heads (I realize they're not the most well-known group on the Click site, but that's the purpose of this feature!) I was really big into them around '89-'91, after seeing David Byrne's first solo tour in October '89, so it's cool to hear some of these songs again.
"Walk It Down" ("Little Creatures", 1985)
In terms of mainstream popularity, they peaked between '83-'85. "Little Creatures" may not be the most popular album among fans of their earlier work, but it had "And She Was", "Stay Up Late" and "Road To Nowhere", all popular radio hits (even though none of them made Top 40). "Walk It Down" is a very overlooked track on that album. It's got a catchy hook, but it's totally forgotten. Another great cut from "Little Creatures" is "Television Man".
"Don't Worry About The Government" ("Talking Heads 77", 1977)
Their debut album had several great moments, probably my favorite is this ode to suburban living, "My building has every convenience, it's going to make life easy for me". Other standout cuts on their debut are "No Compassion", "Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town", "The Book I Read", and, of course, "Psycho Killer".
"The Big Country" ("More Songs About Buildings & Food", 1978)
On their second album, David Byrne sings what could be the flip side of "Don't Worry About The Government". Here, he looks down from an airplane at houses, factories, baseball diamonds, etc.., and sums it all up with the line "I wouldn't live there if you paid me". Also, from that album, I like "Artists Only", "I'm Not In Love", "Found A Job", and "Thank You For Sending Me An Angel". Of course, everyone else likes "Take Me To The River" (and, quite honestly, so do I).
"This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" ("Speaking In Tongues", 1983)
Their most "New Wave" sounding album, and the one that features "Burning Down The House", was "Speaking In Tongues". "This Must Be The Place" is a calm tune with a mellow groove, that closes the album nicely. A longtime favorite of mine. Also worth checking out: "Making Flippy Floppy", "I Get Wild/Wild Gravity", "Slippery People", and "Girlfriend Is Better"
"Memories Can't Wait" ("Fear Of Music", 1979)
For me, trying to pick a favorite off "Fear Of Music" (or any of the first three albums, for that matter), is impossible. It's a very disturbing album, with songs about paranoia, obsessions, and "Big Brother". In spite of this (or, maybe because of it), it's my favorite Talking Heads album. In "Memories Can't Wait", Byrne describes his obsessive thoughts as a "party" in his mind, with guests who refuse to leave and give him some rest. This song was covered by Living Colour on their first album, but nothing beats the original! Other worthy cuts from "Fear Of Music": "Air", "Mind", "Life During Wartime", "Animals" (where Byrne declares "They're laughing at us!!"), and "Heaven" (a very pretty song, amidst the paranoia).
"Mr. Jones" ("Naked", 1988)
No, not the Counting Crows song (Thank God!), or the Bob Dylan song. "Naked" was a huge departure for the band, and their final album. Moving away from pop music, experimenting in world music, particularly Latin rhythms and jazz styles. In actuality, it was a step towards David Byrne's solo direction, which he would see to fruition in 1989 with the release of "Rei Momo", a completely Latin effort. Though "Naked" was not a commercial success, and is generally regarded as their all-around worst album, it did have a moment or two. "Mr. Jones" was one of only two Talking Heads songs Byrne performed on his first solo tour.
"What A Day That Was" ("Stop Making Sense", 1984)
For a long time, I never knew a studio version of this song existed. It turns out that one does, but not by the group. David wrote the song as part of a ballet he scored called "The Catherine Wheel" (a collaboration with choreographer Twila Tharp), and an album was released sometime in the early 80's. The song fits right in with Talking Heads live set, though, and its inclusion in the concert film and live album "Stop Making Sense" is proof of that.
"The Great Curve" ("Remain In Light", 1980)
Though many consider "Remain In Light" to be their best album, I was never crazy about it. Side 1 is good, but only "Once In A Lifetime" on side 2 is memorable. The remaining four tracks plod along, and to my ears, don't seem to really go anywhere. But, "The Great Curve", on side 1 is a great, vigorous, uptempo number that pointed the group in a good direction for the 80's.
"Walk It Down" ("Little Creatures", 1985)
In terms of mainstream popularity, they peaked between '83-'85. "Little Creatures" may not be the most popular album among fans of their earlier work, but it had "And She Was", "Stay Up Late" and "Road To Nowhere", all popular radio hits (even though none of them made Top 40). "Walk It Down" is a very overlooked track on that album. It's got a catchy hook, but it's totally forgotten. Another great cut from "Little Creatures" is "Television Man".
"Don't Worry About The Government" ("Talking Heads 77", 1977)
Their debut album had several great moments, probably my favorite is this ode to suburban living, "My building has every convenience, it's going to make life easy for me". Other standout cuts on their debut are "No Compassion", "Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town", "The Book I Read", and, of course, "Psycho Killer".
"The Big Country" ("More Songs About Buildings & Food", 1978)
On their second album, David Byrne sings what could be the flip side of "Don't Worry About The Government". Here, he looks down from an airplane at houses, factories, baseball diamonds, etc.., and sums it all up with the line "I wouldn't live there if you paid me". Also, from that album, I like "Artists Only", "I'm Not In Love", "Found A Job", and "Thank You For Sending Me An Angel". Of course, everyone else likes "Take Me To The River" (and, quite honestly, so do I).
"This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" ("Speaking In Tongues", 1983)
Their most "New Wave" sounding album, and the one that features "Burning Down The House", was "Speaking In Tongues". "This Must Be The Place" is a calm tune with a mellow groove, that closes the album nicely. A longtime favorite of mine. Also worth checking out: "Making Flippy Floppy", "I Get Wild/Wild Gravity", "Slippery People", and "Girlfriend Is Better"
"Memories Can't Wait" ("Fear Of Music", 1979)
For me, trying to pick a favorite off "Fear Of Music" (or any of the first three albums, for that matter), is impossible. It's a very disturbing album, with songs about paranoia, obsessions, and "Big Brother". In spite of this (or, maybe because of it), it's my favorite Talking Heads album. In "Memories Can't Wait", Byrne describes his obsessive thoughts as a "party" in his mind, with guests who refuse to leave and give him some rest. This song was covered by Living Colour on their first album, but nothing beats the original! Other worthy cuts from "Fear Of Music": "Air", "Mind", "Life During Wartime", "Animals" (where Byrne declares "They're laughing at us!!"), and "Heaven" (a very pretty song, amidst the paranoia).
"Mr. Jones" ("Naked", 1988)
No, not the Counting Crows song (Thank God!), or the Bob Dylan song. "Naked" was a huge departure for the band, and their final album. Moving away from pop music, experimenting in world music, particularly Latin rhythms and jazz styles. In actuality, it was a step towards David Byrne's solo direction, which he would see to fruition in 1989 with the release of "Rei Momo", a completely Latin effort. Though "Naked" was not a commercial success, and is generally regarded as their all-around worst album, it did have a moment or two. "Mr. Jones" was one of only two Talking Heads songs Byrne performed on his first solo tour.
"What A Day That Was" ("Stop Making Sense", 1984)
For a long time, I never knew a studio version of this song existed. It turns out that one does, but not by the group. David wrote the song as part of a ballet he scored called "The Catherine Wheel" (a collaboration with choreographer Twila Tharp), and an album was released sometime in the early 80's. The song fits right in with Talking Heads live set, though, and its inclusion in the concert film and live album "Stop Making Sense" is proof of that.
"The Great Curve" ("Remain In Light", 1980)
Though many consider "Remain In Light" to be their best album, I was never crazy about it. Side 1 is good, but only "Once In A Lifetime" on side 2 is memorable. The remaining four tracks plod along, and to my ears, don't seem to really go anywhere. But, "The Great Curve", on side 1 is a great, vigorous, uptempo number that pointed the group in a good direction for the 80's.
