Album Information:

About Talking Heads:

Talking Heads was an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City by frontman David Byrne, drummer Chris Frantz, bassist Tina Weymouth, and keyboardist Jerry Harrison. The band is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential groups in the history of rock music with their distinctive blend of punk, funk, and world music.

David Byrne met Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design in the early 1970s. After moving to New York City, they began performing as a trio, eventually recruiting Jerry Harrison to join as a fourth member. The band quickly gained a following in the city’s downtown art scene, with Byrne’s eccentric stage presence and quirky lyrics drawing critical acclaim.

Their debut album, Talking Heads: 77, was released in 1977 to positive reviews and featured the hit single, “Psycho Killer.” Over the next decade, the band continued to explore different musical styles and themes, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Fear of Music (1979), Remain in Light (1980), and Speaking in Tongues (1983).

Throughout their career, Talking Heads experimented with diverse genres such as funk, world music, and art rock. Their music was characterized by Byrne’s distinctive vocals, Weymouth’s funky basslines, and Frantz’s powerful drumming. The band’s innovative use of sampling, African rhythms, and layered instrumentation influenced many musicians in the post-punk, new wave, and electronic music scenes.

Despite their success, Talking Heads disbanded in 1991 after several years of tension within the group. Byrne went on to have a successful solo career, while Frantz and Weymouth continued to collaborate as the Tom Tom Club. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 for their contribution to modern rock music.

In conclusion, Talking Heads were a groundbreaking and influential band whose unique blend of punk, funk, and world music helped redefine rock music in the 1980s. They maintained a loyal base of fans and left a lasting legacy on the music industry through their innovative approach to songwriting, experimental sound, and eclectic genre influences.

About the album Speaking In Tongues:

Speaking In Tongues is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Talking Heads, released in 1983. The album is widely regarded as one of their most pop-oriented works, but it still retains the quirky charm and avant-garde sensibility that made the band famous.

The album features nine tracks, each with its own unique sound and vibe. The opening track, 'Burning Down the House,' is perhaps the band's most well-known song, featuring a driving beat, funky guitar riffs, and David Byrne's signature yelping vocals. The song's infectious energy sets the tone for the rest of the album.

Other standout tracks include 'Girlfriend Is Better,' which features a catchy synth riff and David Byrne's playful lyrics about the ups and downs of modern romance. 'Slippery People' is another infectious dance number, with a slinky bassline and a gospel-inspired chorus that showcases the band's vocal harmonies.

The album also includes a few slower, more introspective tracks, such as 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)' and 'Swamp,' which both feature haunting melodies and poignant lyrics about love and identity. 'Making Flippy Floppy' is a more experimental track, with disjointed rhythms and instrumentation that build to a frenzied climax.

One notable aspect of Speaking In Tongues is the band's use of electronic instrumentation, which was a departure from their earlier, more guitar-driven sound. The album features an array of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic sounds that help push the band's music in a new direction.

Overall, Speaking In Tongues is a highly eclectic album that showcases Talking Heads' range and versatility as a band. It's a fun, catchy, and endlessly fascinating work that remains a beloved classic to this day.

Members:

Talking Heads was an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City. The band consisted of four core members: David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison.

1. David Byrne - David Byrne was born on May 14, 1952, in Scotland. He moved to the United States when he was a child and went on to study at the Rhode Island School of Design. In 1975, he formed Talking Heads with Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth. Byrne was the band's lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter. He is known for his distinctive vocals and his innovative and eclectic approach to songwriting. Byrne left Talking Heads in 1991 to pursue a solo career.

2. Chris Frantz - Chris Frantz was born on May 8, 1951, in Kentucky. He met David Byrne while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design in the early 1970s. Frantz was the drummer for Talking Heads and also provided backing vocals. He was known for his precise rhythms and his inventive use of percussion. Frantz is married to Tina Weymouth.

3. Tina Weymouth - Tina Weymouth was born on November 22, 1950, in California. She met Chris Frantz while attending the Rhode Island School of Design. Weymouth was the bassist for Talking Heads and also provided backing vocals. She is known for her melodic bass lines and her innovative use of rhythm. Weymouth is married to Chris Frantz.

4. Jerry Harrison - Jerry Harrison was born on February 21, 1949, in Wisconsin. He joined Talking Heads in 1977 after the band had already released their first album. Harrison played keyboards and guitar for the band and also provided backing vocals. He helped to expand Talking Heads' sound and was a key contributor to the band's later albums. Harrison left Talking Heads in 1991 to pursue a solo career.

Track List for Speaking In Tongues:

Sure, here are all the tracks in the album Speaking In Tongues by Talking Heads in order, along with the play time and a brief description of each:

1. Burning Down the House (4:01) - A funky and energetic track characterized by a driving bassline, catchy guitar riffs, and David Byrne's signature yelps and vocal style. It was released as a single and became one of the band's most popular songs.

2. Making Flippy Floppy (4:36) - A danceable track with a pulsing bassline and percussion, featuring lyrics that explore themes of identity and transformation.

3. Girlfriend Is Better (4:25) - Another upbeat and danceable track with a funky bassline and playful vocal delivery from Byrne, with lyrics that suggest the narrator's willingness to change himself to impress a potential romantic partner.

4. Slippery People (3:30) - This track features a gospel-inspired chorus and a hypnotic funk groove, with Byrne singing about the power of belief and the importance of community.

5. I Get Wild / Wild Gravity (4:07) - A song with a fast-paced, frenetic energy that matches the lyrics about the uncontrollable rush of emotions that come with falling in love.

6. Swamp (5:09) - A slower, more atmospheric track with a dark and moody vibe, featuring eerie synth textures and Byrne's haunting vocals.

7. Moon Rocks (5:04) - This track returns to the upbeat and danceable vibe of earlier tracks, with Byrne singing about the idea of escaping reality and losing oneself in the music.

8. Pull Up the Roots (5:09) - A funky track with a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs, featuring lyrics that suggest the importance of taking risks and embracing new experiences.

9. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) (4:56) - One of the band's most beloved songs, 'This Must Be the Place' is a gentle and optimistic track with a simple, repeating melody and lyrics that express a sense of peace and belonging.

Overall, Speaking In Tongues is a highly influential album that showcases Talking Heads' unique blend of funk, rock, and world music influences, as well as Byrne's distinctive vocal style and experimental approach to songwriting.

Discography for Talking Heads:

Sure, here's a complete discography for Talking Heads in chronological order, including all albums, singles, and other releases with their respective release dates:

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. The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads - March 1982
6. Speaking in Tongues - May 31, 1983
7. Stop Making Sense (soundtrack) - September 1984
8. Little Creatures - June 10, 1985
9. True Stories - October 7, 1986
10. Naked - April 15, 1988
11. Sand in the Vaseline: Popular Favorites (compilation) - October 1, 1992
12. Popular Favorites 1976–1992: Sand in the Vaseline - Compilation - 1992
13. The Best of Talking Heads - July 12, 2004

Singles:
1. 'Love → Building on Fire'/'New Feeling' – 1977
2. 'Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town'/'Love→ Building on Fire' – 1977
3. 'Psycho Killer'/'I Wish You Wouldn't Say That' – 1977
4. 'Take Me to the River'/'Thank You for Sending Me an Angel' – August 1978
5. 'Life During Wartime'/'Memories Can't Wait' – July 1979
6. 'I Zimbra'/'Cities' (Vinyl Version) – 1980
7. 'Once in a Lifetime'/'Seen and Not Seen' – February 1981
8. 'Houses in Motion'/'Air' – June 1981
9. 'Slippery People' – 1984
10. 'Road to Nowhere' – 1985

Other releases:
1. 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)' (12' version) – 1983
2. 'Burning Down the House' (Australian-only EP) – 1984
3. 'Love for Sale' (compilation track) 1986

Hope that helps!