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Album Information:



Album ID: 9893

About Talking Heads:

Talking Heads was an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City. The band comprised of David Byrne (vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). The group emerged from the downtown scene of New York's punk movement, but their sound was far more eclectic, drawing from funk, world music, and art rock.

The band's debut album, 'Talking Heads: 77' was released in 1977 and received critical acclaim. Their second album, 'More Songs About Buildings and Food' (1978), marked a shift in their sound towards funkier and danceable rhythms. The album contained the hit single 'Take Me to the River,' which became their first top 40 hit.

Over the next few years, Talking Heads released a string of successful albums, including 'Fear of Music' (1979), 'Remain in Light' (1980), and 'Speaking in Tongues' (1983). 'Remain in Light' is often cited as their masterpiece, featuring dense, layered arrangements and a more experimental sound.

In addition to their musical output, Talking Heads also became known for their innovative music videos, many of which were directed by Byrne himself. Their most famous video is perhaps 'Once in a Lifetime,' which features Byrne's iconic dance moves.

The band eventually disbanded in 1991, with Byrne continuing to pursue a successful solo career. Talking Heads left an indelible mark on the music world, with their unique sound and artistic vision influencing countless musicians in the years since. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

About the album Stop Making Sense:

Sure, Stop Making Sense by Talking Heads is a live album that captures the energy and artistry of the band during their 1983 tour. The album features songs from their previous studio albums, as well as new songs written specifically for the tour.

The first track, 'Psycho Killer,' sets the tone for the rest of the album with its driving beat and David Byrne's distinctive vocals. The next few songs, including 'Swamp' and 'Slippery People,' are similarly energetic and showcase the band's tight musicianship.

One of the most memorable moments on the album comes during 'Burning Down the House,' which features a stunning performance by Byrne and the rest of the band. The song builds to a frenzied climax, with the audience cheering and clapping along.

Other standout tracks on the album include 'Once in a Lifetime,' 'Take Me to the River,' and 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody).' The latter is a slower, more introspective song that showcases Byrne's songwriting and vocal abilities.

Throughout the album, Talking Heads demonstrate their ability to blend genres and styles, incorporating elements of funk, rock, and world music into their sound. The band's performance is tight and energetic, with each member playing off of one another to create a cohesive and dynamic sound.

Overall, Stop Making Sense is a must-listen album for fans of Talking Heads or anyone interested in exploring the post-punk and new wave movements of the 1980s. It's a testament to the power of live music and the enduring appeal of the band's unique sound and vision.

Members:

David Byrne
David Byrne is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter of Talking Heads. He was born in Scotland in 1952 but grew up in Maryland. Byrne studied at the Rhode Island School of Design before moving to New York City in the mid-1970s. In addition to his career with Talking Heads, he has released several solo albums, collaborated with other musicians, and worked on various art projects. Byrne is known for his distinctive vocals, offbeat lyrics, and inventive stage performances.

Chris Frantz
Chris Frantz is the drummer and co-founder of Talking Heads. He was born in Kentucky in 1951 and grew up in Connecticut. Frantz met Byrne while they were both attending the Rhode Island School of Design and later formed Talking Heads along with bassist Tina Weymouth. In addition to his work with the band, Frantz has also collaborated with other musicians and produced albums for artists such as The B-52s and Ziggy Marley.

Tina Weymouth
Tina Weymouth is the bassist and co-founder of Talking Heads. She was born in California in 1950 but grew up in Rhode Island. Weymouth met Frantz while they were both attending the Rhode Island School of Design, and the two later formed Talking Heads with Byrne. Weymouth is known for her catchy basslines and minimalist approach to playing. In addition to her work with Talking Heads, she has also collaborated with other musicians and formed the side projects Tom Tom Club and The Heads.

Jerry Harrison
Jerry Harrison joined Talking Heads in 1977 as a keyboardist and guitarist. He was born in Wisconsin in 1949 and attended Harvard University, where he met Weymouth and Frantz. Prior to joining Talking Heads, Harrison was a member of the band The Modern Lovers and worked as a session musician for several other artists. In addition to his work with Talking Heads, he has also pursued a solo career and produced albums for artists such as Violent Femmes and The BoDeans.

Track List for Stop Making Sense:

Track 1: 'Psycho Killer' (4:29)
A classic Talking Heads tune that opens with a pulsing bass line and features lead singer David Byrne's signature yelping vocals. The song's lyrics describe the thoughts and actions of a fictional serial killer.

Track 2: 'Swamp' (4:33)
A funky, uptempo track propelled by Chris Frantz's spirited drumming and Jerry Harrison's lively keyboard work. Byrne's lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in the murky, oppressive atmosphere of the song's titular swamp.

Track 3: 'Slippery People' (4:13)
A fan favorite, 'Slippery People' is a propulsive dance groove punctuated by Byrne's oddball lyrics and the band's infectious backing vocals.

Track 4: 'Burning Down the House' (4:06)
One of Talking Heads' biggest hits, 'Burning Down the House' is an irresistibly catchy party anthem with a funky groove and a huge chorus. Byrne's lyrics are a whimsical mishmash of nonsense phrases and surreal imagery.

Track 5: 'Girlfriend is Better' (5:02)
A high-energy track with a propulsive rhythm and a catchy chorus. Byrne's lyrics describe a man trying to convince his partner that he's changed for the better.

Track 6: 'Once in a Lifetime' (5:27)
Perhaps Talking Heads' most famous song, 'Once in a Lifetime' features Byrne's iconic spoken-word verses and an endlessly memorable chorus. The lyrics describe a man's sense of disorientation and confusion about his place in the world.

Track 7: 'What a Day That Was' (6:02)
A sprightly, upbeat tune that showcases the band's playful sense of musical experimentation. Byrne's lyrics describe a series of bizarre and surreal events that unfold on an unspecified day.

Track 8: 'Life During Wartime' (5:52)
A ferocious punk-funk anthem that's become a staple of the band's live shows. The lyrics describe a dystopian world filled with chaos and violence.

Track 9: 'Take Me to the River' (6:00)
An electrifying cover of Al Green's classic R&B tune, 'Take Me to the River' features Byrne's emotive vocals and the band's propulsive rhythm section.

Overall, Stop Making Sense is an eclectic and endlessly entertaining album that showcases Talking Heads' musical prowess, lyrical creativity, and boundless sense of fun.

Discography for Talking Heads:

Sure! Here is the complete discography for Talking Heads in chronological order, including all albums, singles, and other releases with their respective release dates:

Studio Albums:

1. Talking Heads: 77 (September 16, 1977)
2. More Songs About Buildings and Food (July 14, 1978)
3. Fear of Music (August 3, 1979)
4. Remain in Light (October 8, 1980)
5. Speaking in Tongues (May 31, 1983)
6. Little Creatures (June 10, 1985)
7. True Stories (September 15, 1986)
8. Naked (March 15, 1988)

Live albums:

1. The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads (March 1, 1982)
2. Stop Making Sense (July 20, 1984)

Compilation albums:

1. Sand in the Vaseline: Popular Favorites (October 12, 1992)

Singles:

1. 'Love → Building on Fire'/'New Feeling' (1977)
2. 'Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town'/'Love → Building on Fire' (1977)
3. 'Take Me to the River'/'Thank You for Sending Me an Angel' (1978)
4. 'The Big Country'/'I Zimbra' (1979)
5. 'Cities'/'Life During Wartime' (1979)
6. 'Once in a Lifetime'/'Seen and Not Seen' (1980)
7. 'Houses in Motion'/'Air' (1981)
8. 'Slippery People'/'Swamp' (1984)
9. 'Burning Down the House'/'I Get Wild/Wild Gravity' (1983)
10. 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)'/'Moon Rocks' (1983)
11. 'Road to Nowhere'/'Television Man' (1985)

Other releases:

1. 'Psycho Killer'/'Burning Down the House' (medley) (live) - 12-inch single (1984)
2. 'Road to Nowhere' - Cassette single (1985)
3. 'Sax and Violins' - Cassette single (1991)

Hope this helps!