Album Information:
Album ID: 9889
About Talking Heads:
Talking Heads was an American rock band consisting of David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). The band formed in New York City in 1975 and is known for their unique fusion of punk, funk, and world music.
David Byrne and Chris Frantz first met while attending the Rhode Island School of Design in the early 1970s, and they later moved to New York City where they began performing together as a duo. Tina Weymouth, who was a friend of theirs from college, joined the band as their bassist, and they soon recruited Jerry Harrison to play keyboards and guitar.
The band's debut album, 'Talking Heads: 77,' was released in 1977 and received critical acclaim for its fresh and original sound. The album featured the hit single 'Psycho Killer,' which helped the band gain a wider audience.
Over the next decade, Talking Heads continued to release successful albums and singles, including 'Remain in Light' (1980), which incorporated African rhythms and polyrhythms; 'Speaking in Tongues' (1983), which featured the hit single 'Burning Down the House'; and 'True Stories' (1986), which was the soundtrack to a film that David Byrne directed.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, Talking Heads were also known for their distinctive visual style and unique stage performances. David Byrne often incorporated quirky dance moves into his performances, and the band frequently wore oversized suits and other unconventional clothing.
The band officially disbanded in 1991, after releasing their final album, 'Naked.' David Byrne went on to pursue a successful solo career, while Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth formed the band Tom Tom Club. Jerry Harrison became a record producer and worked with a variety of artists, including Live and the Violent Femmes.
Despite their relatively short career, Talking Heads left a lasting impact on the music scene with their innovative sound, unique visual style, and influence on a wide range of artists across various genres.
About the album More Songs About Buildings And Food:
More Songs About Buildings And Food is a seminal album released by the Talking Heads in 1978. It is their second studio album, and it marked a turning point for the band, both musically and commercially. The album features a mix of punk, funk, and art rock, and it includes some of the band's most memorable and influential songs.
The album opens with 'Thank You for Sending Me an Angel,' a catchy and upbeat song that sets the tone for what's to come. The track features driving basslines, funky guitar riffs, and David Byrne's distinctive vocals, which range from yelps to spoken-word passages.
Another standout track is 'The Big Country,' a slow, atmospheric piece that showcases the band's ability to create complex and layered compositions. The song builds gradually, with percussion, keyboards, and guitar adding layer upon layer of sound, until it reaches a soaring climax.
The song that perhaps best exemplifies the album's eclectic sound is 'Found a Job.' It features funky basslines and driving rhythms, but it also includes a spoken-word passage that is almost like a dialogue between two characters. This kind of experimentation with form and structure is a hallmark of the Talking Heads' work, and it sets them apart from many other bands of the time.
Other notable tracks on the album include 'Take Me to the River,' a cover of the Al Green classic that features Byrne's plaintive vocals over a driving rhythm section, and 'Artists Only,' which features an incessant, almost hypnotic guitar riff that drives the song forward.
Overall, More Songs About Buildings And Food is a masterful album that showcases the Talking Heads' unique sound and musical vision. It is a must-listen for fans of punk, funk, and art rock, and it remains one of the most influential albums of the late 1970s.
Members:
Talking Heads was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1975. The core members of the band were David Byrne (vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass guitar), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). Here are brief biographies of each member:
1. David Byrne: Born on May 14, 1952, in Dumbarton, Scotland, David Byrne is a singer, songwriter, musician, and filmmaker. He moved to Maryland when he was a child and later attended the Rhode Island School of Design. In addition to his work with Talking Heads, Byrne has released numerous solo albums and collaborated with various artists. He is also a visual artist and has exhibited his work in galleries around the world.
2. Chris Frantz: Born on May 8, 1951, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Chris Frantz is a drummer and percussionist. He met Byrne while attending the Rhode Island School of Design and later formed Talking Heads with him. In addition to his work with Talking Heads, Frantz has played with several other bands and artists, including Tom Tom Club (which he formed with his wife, Tina Weymouth), The Heads, and The Gorillaz.
3. Tina Weymouth: Born on November 22, 1950, in Coronado, California, Tina Weymouth is a bass guitarist and keyboardist. She met Frantz while they were both attending the Rhode Island School of Design and later formed Talking Heads with him and Byrne. In addition to her work with Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, Weymouth has also played with several other artists, including Tom Verlaine, The Feeling, and Happy Mondays.
4. Jerry Harrison: Born on February 21, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jerry Harrison is a keyboardist and guitarist. He previously played with the band The Modern Lovers before joining Talking Heads in 1977. In addition to his work with Talking Heads, Harrison has also produced albums for several other artists, including Violent Femmes, The BoDeans, and Crash Test Dummies. He has also released several solo albums.
Together, they made some of the most innovative and influential music of the late 20th century. Their unique sound blended rock, post-punk, world music, and funk, with Byrne's distinctive vocals and lyrics adding to their signature style.
Track List for More Songs About Buildings And Food:
1. 'Thank You For Sending Me An Angel' (2:10) - A fast-paced and upbeat track with a catchy rhythm guitar riff and David Byrne's signature quirky lyrics. The song is about a man receiving a letter from his lover and feeling grateful for her message.
2. 'With Our Love' (3:30) - A slower, more melodic track with thoughtful lyrics about love and relationships. The song features a beautiful vocal performance from Byrne, backed by lush harmonies and tasteful instrumentation.
3. 'The Good Thing' (3:04) - Another upbeat track with a funky bassline and danceable rhythm. The lyrics are about enjoying life's simple pleasures and finding happiness in everyday moments.
4. 'Warning Sign' (3:55) - A darker, more contemplative track with a haunting melody and Byrne's signature cryptic lyrics. The song is about a failing relationship and the warning signs that were ignored.
5. 'The Girls Want to Be with the Girls' (2:37) - A fast-paced, punk-inspired track with electric guitar riffs and Byrne's playful lyrics about gender roles and expectations.
6. 'Found a Job' (5:00) - A funky and groovy track with a catchy chorus and multi-layered instrumentation. The song is about two people trying to find work and finding joy in their surroundings.
7. 'Artists Only' (3:34) - An energetic track with a driving rhythm section and electronic elements. The lyrics are about the struggles and frustrations of being an artist in the music industry.
8. 'I'm Not in Love' (4:33) - A cover of the classic song by 10cc, Talking Heads puts their own spin on the track with a slower tempo and understated instrumentation. The lyrics are about a man denying his feelings for a woman.
9. 'Stay Hungry' (2:40) - A fast-paced and motivational track with a driving beat and Byrne's encouraging lyrics about chasing your dreams and staying hungry for success.
10. 'Take Me to the River' (5:01) - A cover of the classic song by Al Green, Talking Heads infuses the track with their own signature sound, complete with funky guitar riffs and Byrne's unique vocal style. The song is about being consumed by love and desire.
Overall, More Songs About Buildings And Food is a dynamic and eclectic album that showcases Talking Heads' musical versatility and lyrical prowess. From fast-paced punk tracks to funky and groovy jams, each song offers a unique perspective on life and love in the modern world.
Discography for Talking Heads:
Here is a complete discography of the Talking Heads in chronological order:
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
Singles:
1. Love → Building on Fire / New Feeling – February 1977
2. Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town / Love → Building on Fire – June 1977
3. Psycho Killer / 'Psycho Killer (Acoustic Version)' – December 1977
4. Pulled Up / Love → Building on Fire – April 1978
5. Take Me to the River / Thank You for Sending Me an Angel – August 1978
6. Life During Wartime / 'Life During Wartime' (Live) – November 1979
7. I Zimbra / 'Burning Down the House' (Movie Version) – October 1980
8. Once in a Lifetime / 'Seen and Not Seen' – February 1981
9. Houses in Motion / 'Air' – May 1981
10. Girlfriend Is Better / 'House on Fire' – August 1983
11. Burning Down the House / 'I Get Wild/Wild Gravity' – July 1983
12. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) / 'Moon Rocks' – September 1983
13. Slippery People / 'Making Flippy Floppy' – November 1983
14. And She Was / 'Give Me Back My Name' – August 1985
15. Road to Nowhere / 'Television Man' – October 1985
16. The Lady Don't Mind / 'Dream Operator' – February 1986
17. Wild Wild Life / People Like Us – August 1986
Other Releases:
1. The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads (live album) – March 1982
2. Stop Making Sense (live album) – October 1984
3. Once in a Lifetime (compilation) – October 1992
4. The Best of Talking Heads (compilation) – August 2004
Note: The above list includes all studio albums, singles, and other releases. It does not include remixes, demos, or other unreleased material.