Talking Heads
Though forever associated with the scene coalescing around New York City’s premier punk club, CBGB, Talking Heads were in a league of their own right from the start. Formed in 1975 by David Byrne, they also featured husband-and-wife rhythm section Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, plus former Modern Lovers guitar/keyboard alumnus Jerry Harrison, and their neat, preppy image was the antithesis of punk’s preferred uniform of leathers and ripped jeans.
Talking Heads’ music also deftly defied pigeonholing. The quirky, optimistic pop of their debut album, Talking Heads: 77, yielded instant acclaim, before several highly rated collaborations with Brian Eno, including the stark, angular Fear Of Music (1979) and the heady mélange of taut funk and African rhythms that made up Remain In Light (1980), established them as one of post-punk’s frontline acts. Their prowess as a groundbreaking live act was thrillingly captured by director Jonathan Demme on 1984’s widely acclaimed concert movie Stop Making Sense, while later albums such as the bestselling Little Creatures and the world-music-inclined Naked were still riddled with innovation. They split in 1991, but Talking Heads left a rich and vibrant body of work which has ensured their longevity.
The Replacements Share ‘Bastards of Young (Ed Stasium Mix)’
The previously unreleased mix features on the new box set edition of the band’s classic album ‘Tim’, out now through Rhino Records.
Fear Of Music: Talking Heads’ Third Album Is Nothing To Be Scared Of
‘Rock musicians looking for a way out,’ Talking Heads ripped up the rulebook with ‘Fear Of Music’, resulting in a classic album.
More Songs About Buildings And Food: Talking Heads’ Constructive Leap
With Brian Eno’s encouragement, Talking Heads embraced funk and African music to set themselves apart from their contemporaries.
Little Creatures: Behind Talking Heads’ Monstrous Pop Triumph
Talking Heads’ most straightforward and relatable album, ‘Little Creatures’ was also their biggest-seller. It endures to this day.
David Byrne: How A Talking Head Became Music’s Biggest Brain
One of the most enigmatic figures in music, David Byrne has created a body of work that mixes the cerebral with the celebratory.
Best 80s Musicians: 20 Bands And Solo Artists Who Defined The Decade
From guitar heroes to pop gods and goddesses, the best 80s musicians shaped the decade and made it such a distinctive era.
Naked: Uncovering Talking Heads’ Expansive Final Album
Following a run of pop-minded albums, ‘Naked’ found Talking Heads returning to the experimental approach of ‘Remain In Light’.
Once In A Lifetime: How Talking Heads Discovered New Frontiers For Pop
Talking Heads’ defining song, Once In A Lifetime opened a new chapter for music. Little has sounded like it since.
Best Talking Heads Songs: 20 Tracks To Cure A Fear Of Music
The best Talking Heads songs engage the brain and the hips in equal measure. There’s never been another group like them.
Talking Heads Solo Projects: From David Byrne To Tom Tom Club
A mind-boggling array of Talking Heads solo projects takes in art-pop, hip-hop and Broadway shows. Here’s where to start.
Best 80s Albums: 20 Classics That Defined A Decade
Defining a wildly eclectic decade, the best 80s albums cover everything from experimental art-pop to bludgeoning thrash metal…
Be the first to know
Stay up-to-date with the latest music news, new releases, special offers and other discounts!