Album Information:
Album ID: 9891
About Talking Heads:
Talking Heads was a highly acclaimed American rock band that was formed in New York City in 1975. The band was comprised of David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). They quickly rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with their innovative and unconventional approach to rock music.
The band's early sound was marked by a unique blend of punk, funk, and world music elements. Their debut album, Talking Heads: 77, was released in 1977 and featured the hit single 'Psycho Killer.' This record set the stage for what was to come, and subsequent releases pushed the boundaries of what was possible with rock music.
Their follow-up, More Songs About Buildings and Food (1978), was produced by legendary producer Brian Eno, and marked a significant shift in the band's sound towards a more accessible, pop-oriented style. This transition continued on 1980's Remain in Light, which was heavily influenced by the emerging dance music scene.
Throughout the 1980s, Talking Heads continued to evolve and experiment with their sound, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and African music. They released a series of acclaimed albums, including Speaking in Tongues (1983), Little Creatures (1985), and True Stories (1986).
In 1991, Talking Heads disbanded, with frontman David Byrne pursuing a successful solo career. However, their legacy has endured, and they are widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential rock bands of all time.
Their impact can be felt in a variety of genres and artists, from Radiohead to LCD Soundsystem and beyond. Their music remains a testament to the power of experimentation, collaboration, and the boundless possibilities of rock and roll.
About the album Remain In Light:
Remain in Light, released by Talking Heads in 1980, was a groundbreaking album in the history of rock music. Produced by Brian Eno, it marked a significant shift away from the simpler and more traditional rock sounds of the band's earlier work, and toward a more layered, experimental, and rhythmic style.
The album is characterized by its heavy use of electronic instruments and percussion, layered vocal harmonies, and African and Latin rhythms. The songs are heavily influenced by the funk music that was popular at the time, but also incorporate elements of punk, new wave, and avant-garde music.
The album starts with the iconic track 'Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On),' which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the album. The driving rhythm and layered vocals create a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing the listener in. The lyrics also introduce the themes of paranoia and alienation that pervade many of the album's songs.
The second track, 'Crosseyed and Painless,' is a highlight of the album, with its insistent beat and catchy hooks. The lyrics explore the idea of losing oneself in a crowd, and the sense of disconnection that can result.
Other standout tracks include 'The Great Curve,' with its soaring vocals and intricate percussion, and 'Once in a Lifetime,' which features one of the most famous choruses in rock history. The lyrics of 'Once in a Lifetime' explore the idea of the passage of time, and the way in which life can sometimes feel like it is slipping away.
The album ends with 'The Overload,' a dark and brooding instrumental track that serves as a fitting coda to the album's themes of alienation and uncertainty.
Overall, Remain in Light is a groundbreaking and innovative album that pushed the boundaries of rock music in new and exciting ways. Its fusion of different musical styles and electronic experimentation was ahead of its time, and its influence can still be heard in the work of countless artists today.
Members:
Talking Heads was a four-member American rock band formed in New York City in 1975. The members of the band were:
1. David Byrne - Lead vocalist, Guitarist, and Songwriter
David Byrne was born on May 14, 1952, in Scotland. He grew up in Maryland and Rhode Island and attended the Rhode Island School of Design. In 1974, Byrne moved to New York City, where he met Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, the founders of Talking Heads. Byrne was the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the band. He also played keyboards, percussion, and other instruments. Byrne's unique vocal style and quirky lyrics were a major part of the band's signature sound. After Talking Heads disbanded, Byrne pursued a successful solo career.
2. Chris Frantz - Drummer
Chris Frantz was born on May 8, 1951, in Kentucky. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended the Rhode Island School of Design. Frantz was the drummer for Talking Heads and was also a founding member of the band Tom Tom Club with his wife, Tina Weymouth. Frantz was known for his distinctive drumming style, which combined elements of funk and punk rock.
3. Tina Weymouth - Bassist
Tina Weymouth was born on November 22, 1950, in California. She grew up in New York City and attended the Rhode Island School of Design. Weymouth was the bassist for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. She was known for her melodic basslines, which were a key part of the band's sound. Weymouth also played keyboards and provided backing vocals.
4. Jerry Harrison - Keyboardist
Jerry Harrison was born on February 21, 1949, in Wisconsin. He grew up in Maryland and attended Harvard University, where he met Chris Frantz and David Byrne. Harrison joined Talking Heads as a keyboardist in 1977 and also played guitar on some of the band's later albums. Harrison was also a member of the band The Modern Lovers before joining Talking Heads. After the band disbanded, Harrison produced music for other artists and released solo albums.
Track List for Remain In Light:
Sure, here are all the tracks in the album Remain In Light by the artist Talking Heads, in order with the play time and a detailed description of each:
1. 'Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)' (5:49) - The album opener features a driving rhythm section layered with African-inspired polyrhythms, soaring synths, and David Byrne's cryptic lyrics that seem to lament the difficult realities of life.
2. 'Crosseyed and Painless' (4:45) - This catchy, funk-infused track features a frenetic rhythm section that propels the song forward, while Byrne's lyrics explore themes of paranoia and alienation in modern society.
3. 'The Great Curve' (6:26) - This upbeat track features intricate guitar riffs, a pulsing bassline, and synth flourishes that evoke a sense of excitement and urgency. Byrne's lyrics are somewhat cryptic, but seem to touch on themes of transcendence and spiritual awakening.
4. 'Once in a Lifetime' (4:19) - One of Talking Heads' most popular songs, 'Once in a Lifetime' features Byrne's distinctive vocals over a driving rhythm section and mystical synths. The lyrics describe a moment of revelation or self-realization that comes unexpectedly and leaves the protagonist disoriented and questioning their existence.
5. 'Houses in Motion' (4:30) - This funky track features a complex rhythm section that shifts seamlessly between straight and syncopated beats, while Byrne's lyrics describe a world in constant motion and change.
6. 'Seen and Not Seen' (3:24) - This moody track features atmospheric synths and Byrne's spoken-word vocals, as he muses on the nature of identity and self-perception.
7. 'Listening Wind' (4:42) - This haunting track features a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar, sitar, and tabla, as Byrne's lyrics describe a Native American's journey to meet his destiny and the violence that ensues.
8. 'The Overload' (6:02) - The album closer features a dark, brooding atmosphere with Byrne's vocals buried deep in the mix. The track is a nod to the band's post-punk roots, with dissonant guitar lines and eerie synths creating a sense of unease and tension.
Discography for Talking Heads:
Sure, here's a complete discography for the Talking Heads in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:
*Talking Heads: 77* (album) - September 16, 1977
Singles:
- 'Love Goes to Building on Fire' - October 8, 1977
- 'Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town' - February 25, 1978
*More Songs About Buildings and Food* (album) - July 21, 1978
Singles:
- 'Take Me to the River' - August 28, 1978
*Fear of Music* (album) - August 3, 1979
Singles:
- 'Life During Wartime' - September 21, 1979
- 'I Zimbra' - November 16, 1979
*Remain in Light* (album) - October 8, 1980
Singles:
- 'Once in a Lifetime' - February 2, 1981
- 'Houses in Motion' - July 1981
*The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads* (live album) - March 1982
*Speaking in Tongues* (album) - May 31, 1983
Singles:
- 'Burning Down the House' - July 1983
- 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)' - September 1983
- 'Slippery People' - 1984
*Stop Making Sense* (soundtrack album) - September 16, 1984
*Little Creatures* (album) - June 10, 1985
Singles:
- 'And She Was' - June 1985
- 'Road to Nowhere' - September 23, 1985
*True Stories* (album) - October 7, 1986
Singles:
- 'Wild Wild Life' - October 1986
*Naked* (album) - March 15, 1988
Singles:
- 'Blind' - 1988
Once in a Lifetime (box set) - October 2003
That wraps up the complete discography for the Talking Heads.