Album Information:
Album ID: 9887
About Talking Heads:
Talking Heads was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1975. The band was comprised of David Byrne on vocals and guitar, Chris Frantz on drums, Tina Weymouth on bass, and Jerry Harrison on keyboards and guitar. They were known for their unique blend of art punk, funk, and world music that made them stand out among their contemporaries.
David Byrne and Chris Frantz met while attending the Rhode Island School of Design in the early 1970s. They played in various bands together before forming Talking Heads in 1975. They recruited Tina Weymouth, a friend from school, to play bass and later added Jerry Harrison, who had played with the Modern Lovers and the Talking Heads on keyboard and guitar.
Talking Heads was signed to Sire Records in 1977 and released their debut album, Talking Heads: 77, which included the hit single 'Psycho Killer.' The album was praised for its intellectual lyrics and unique sound that combined punk rock with elements of funk and world music. Their next two albums, More Songs About Buildings and Food (1978) and Fear of Music (1979), continued to receive critical acclaim and commercial success.
In 1980, Talking Heads released their most successful album, Remain in Light, which was produced by Brian Eno. The album was heavily influenced by African polyrhythms and featured the hit single 'Once in a Lifetime.' The band began to experiment more with electronic music and samples on their next few albums, including Speaking in Tongues (1983) and Little Creatures (1985).
By the late 1980s, Talking Heads had become one of the most acclaimed and popular bands of the decade. However, tensions within the group began to rise and they took a hiatus in 1988. David Byrne went on to pursue a successful solo career and the remaining members of Talking Heads went on to form a new band, Tom Tom Club.
Talking Heads were known for their innovative music, intelligent lyrics, and unique visual style. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and their influence can still be heard in the music of many modern artists.
About the album Fear Of Music:
Sure, I'd be happy to! Fear of Music is the third studio album released by the American rock band Talking Heads in 1979. The album consists of 11 tracks and has a running time of around 40 minutes.
The album was produced by Talking Heads themselves and Brian Eno, who had also worked with the band on their previous album, More Songs About Buildings and Food. The album marks a departure from the band's earlier, more upbeat sound and explores darker themes, both musically and lyrically.
The album opens with the track 'I Zimbra,' which features African-inspired rhythms and lyrics inspired by the poetry of Dadaist writer Hugo Ball. 'Mind' and 'Paper' follow, both of which are heavily influenced by funk and feature David Byrne's distinctive vocals and lyrics that touch on themes of paranoia and isolation.
One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Life During Wartime,' which has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band's live shows. The song features a propulsive beat and urgent vocals that capture the anxiety of living in a society consumed by war and violence.
Other notable tracks on the album include 'Cities,' which features minimalist guitar riffs and lyrics about the alienation of urban life, and 'Heaven,' which features a haunting melody and introspective lyrics about the search for meaning and purpose in life.
Overall, Fear of Music is a sonically adventurous and lyrically introspective album that solidified Talking Heads' reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the late 1970s.
Members:
The key members of Talking Heads were:
1) David Byrne - lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter
David Byrne was born on May 14, 1952, in Scotland, but grew up in Maryland, USA. He formed Talking Heads in 1975, and the band became known for their innovative blend of punk, funk, and world music. Byrne is also known for his work as a solo artist, producer, and composer for film and stage.
2) Tina Weymouth - bassist
Tina Weymouth was born on November 22, 1950, in California, USA. She co-founded Talking Heads with Byrne and became known for her distinctive bass playing style. Weymouth also played with the Tom Tom Club, a side project with her husband and Talking Heads drummer, Chris Frantz.
3) Chris Frantz - drummer
Chris Frantz was born on May 8, 1951, in Kentucky, USA. He co-founded Talking Heads with Byrne and Weymouth and played drums on all of the band's albums. Frantz also played with the Tom Tom Club.
4) Jerry Harrison - keyboardist, guitarist
Jerry Harrison was born on February 21, 1949, in Wisconsin, USA. He joined Talking Heads in 1977 and played keyboards and guitar on many of their albums. Harrison also worked as a producer and collaborated with several other musicians throughout his career.
All members of Talking Heads continue to be celebrated for their contributions to music and pop culture.
Track List for Fear Of Music:
1. 'I Zimbra' (3:09) - A fast-paced, upbeat track featuring tribal-sounding percussion and David Byrne's signature spoken-word style vocals.
2. 'Mind' (4:13) - A more laid-back track with a funky bassline and psychedelic guitar riffs. The lyrics focus on the concept of 'mind over matter'.
3. 'Paper' (2:39) - A short and punchy track with an off-kilter rhythm and Byrne's distinctive yelping vocals. The lyrics focus on the importance of documentation and communication.
4. 'Cities' (4:10) - A song that explores the fast-paced, frenetic energy of city living. The repetitive guitar riff and driving beat mimic the constant motion of city life.
5. 'Life During Wartime' (3:42) - A classic Talking Heads track with a funky bassline, catchy chorus, and Byrne's witty lyrics about surviving in a dystopian world.
6. 'Memories Can't Wait' (3:30) - A hauntingly beautiful track with a brooding melody and introspective lyrics. The song explores the idea of being haunted by memories and the need to let go of the past.
7. 'Air' (3:34) - A dreamy, atmospheric track with hypnotic guitar loops and a repetitive bassline. The lyrics explore the idea of air as a life-giving force.
8. 'Heaven' (4:01) - A slower, more contemplative track with echoes of gospel music. The song explores various interpretations of heaven and the afterlife.
9. 'Animals' (3:31) - A hard-driving rock track with a propulsive beat and Byrne's passionate vocals. The lyrics explore themes of power, dominance, and animal instincts.
10. 'Electric Guitar' (3:07) - A brief instrumental piece that showcases the band's experimental approach to music-making. The track features layers of guitar loops and distortion effects.
Overall, Fear Of Music showcases Talking Heads' signature blend of rock, funk, and experimental music, with a focus on themes of urban life, memory, and spirituality. The album is considered one of their strongest and most influential works.
Discography for Talking Heads:
Sure, here's a complete discography for Talking Heads:
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 (October 7, 1986)
8. Naked (March 15, 1988)
Live Albums:
1. The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads (March 1982)
2. Stop Making Sense (September 18, 1984)
Compilation Albums:
1. Popular Favorites 1976-1992: Sand in the Vaseline (October 13, 1992)
2. Once in a Lifetime (May 2, 2003)
Singles:
1. Love Goes to Building on Fire (1977)
2. Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town (1977)
3. Psycho Killer (1977)
4. Take Me to the River (1978)
5. Life During Wartime (1979)
6. I Zimbra (1980)
7. Once in a Lifetime (1981)
8. Houses in Motion (1981)
9. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) (1983)
10. Burning Down the House (1983)
11. Slippery People (1984)
12. Weekend in the Dust (2012)
Other Releases:
1. The Best of Talking Heads (US) / Once in a Lifetime: The Best of Talking Heads (UK) (August 17, 1992) - a compilation album including all of their hit singles up to that point
2. The Brick (2005) - a boxed set featuring all of their studio albums, live albums, and compilations, along with a book and a DVD
Note: The above list may not be exhaustive and may not include all regional releases or reissues.