There hasn't been a band quite like Talking Heads. They were a critical part of the new-wave rock movement that emerged in the late 70's and throughout the 1980's and crossed many musical boundaries including rock, pop, art punk, post- punk and much more. Talking Heads were formed in 1975 in New York City and were active until 1991.The band was composed of legendary lead singer /guitarist David Byrne, Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass) and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). David Byrne , Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth all met while attending the Rhode Island School of Design in 1973 . Frantz and Byrne formed the band the Artistics while Weymouth provided transportation. In March 1977 Harrison was added to the lineup . That same year , they released Talking Heads 77 to critical acclaim and from there the rest is history. I've always liked Talking Heads but hearing the same songs played on FM radio constantly made me stay away form the band . Now I have new appreciation for the band. Here are my top 10 favorites from the legendary band.
5. 'Uh-Oh Love Comes to Town" Talking Heads 77 (1977)
This opening track off of the bands self titled debut is a playful, soulful and care free tune that showcases right off the bat that the band can tackle many genres. From Bryne's original vocal delivery, to Frantz in pocket drumming its an impressive first song from beginning to end . However, the highlight of this hidden gem is Weymouth's simplistic yet powerful bass line throughout the song . This song foreshadows her contributions to the band which will be a part of the secret weapon that was to become Talking Heads.
4. 'Pulled Up" Talking Heads 77 (1977)
The closing track off the bands debut album is one of their greatest hidden gems and my personal favorite off the album. This is David Byrne at his most vicious ,awkward and most personal vocal delivery. Harrison's guitar playing and Frantz drumming showcase the bands punk characteristics as it is straight forward and easily melodic . One of their best deep cuts.
3. 'And She Was" Little Creatures (1985)
By 1985, Talking Heads were at the top of their game. With the release of 1983's Speaking In Tongues and the blockbuster concert film Stop Making Sense, they were on a role. Hidden Creatures is often overlooked because of tensions in the band and most fans saying it was too commercial. However , And She Was is arguably the best track off the album. According to David Byrne, the song was about a girl he knew that took LSD with him in a field next to the Yoo-Hoo factory in Baltimore. With a memorable guitar riff from Harrison, killer baseline from Weymouth and Frantz best drumming on record this song proved that despite hangups in the band, they were still able to create fantastic music
2. "Heaven" Fear Of Music (1979)
Fear Of Music is the second of the trio of albums Talking Heads would make with producer Brian Eno. Song wise this album is Talking Heads at their most ambitious and creative in my opinion. Every track is completely different from the next. Heaven is the most enduring track off the album and showcases the fantastic guitar work between Byrne and Harrison. The use of heaven in this song is vastly different from most as Byrne writes from the view of a man who sits in his favorite bar and hears his favorite song on rotation and the bar is empty where "nothing ever happens".
1. "Life During Wartime" Fear Of Music (1979)
The lead single off the 1979 masterpiece album is Talking Heads at their best. Everything about this song is flawless. Weymouth is the soul of the song with her iconic bass line accompanied by a memorable guitar hook from both Byrne and Harrison. The song is lyrically similar to punk with the idea of questioning authority and going against the mainstream but in a different tone. David Byrne sings from the point of view of an insurgent who is a bit paranoid and has a problem giving up the creature comforts you lose when you enter into guerilla warfare, not the least of which is music.The lyrics also have nods to the cultural elements of the late 70's including disco, changing hairstyles and even a nod to the famous CBGB venue where they got their start where they opened for The Ramones. Truly one of their best .
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