TALKING HEADS Vinyl & CDs

Review: This album captures a legendary live performance by David Berne's marvellous Talking Heads and exhibits the band's famously lively stage presence during their 1978 tour. This limited release offers a snapshot of the band's early electrifying sound right before they reached international stardom. The recording is taken from a performance in Chicago and highlights their signature and singular blend of punk, new wave and funk with Byrne's unique vocals and the band's tight rhythms leading the charge. A thrilling document of Talking Heads' formative years, Chicago Killers 78 is one of many superb records from this artful outfit.

Review: If you're a new band introducing yourself to the world it makes sense to keep your album to under 40 minutes, like David Byrne and co did with Talking Heads: 77. But the seminal new wave band, who emerged from the New York punk scene in the 70s, have earned the right to keep us on the line for a lot longer and give us the companion tracks we sorely deserve after years of fandom. There's rarities, unreleased outtakes and live recordings, which give us an intimate insight into a truly iconic band, who were at the very top of their game at the time they were making this record. Afterall, coming up with 'Psycho Killer' for a debut album shows that years spent honing their sound and shopping around for the right record deal before landing at Sire records turned out to be a shrewd move. We're still listening to them today and so will our kids and our kids' kids.

Review: Talking Heads: 77 marks the band's audacious entry into the music scene, brimming with quirky, infectious energy. It opens with 'Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town', a playful yet complex love song that introduces David Byrne's distinctive lyrical style and the band's adventurous spirit. With its upbeat tempo and unexpected steel drum accents, the track hints at the future explorations of rhythm by members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz. The album's standout tracks, like 'New Feeling', showcase Byrne's abstract musings set against a tight, driving backdrop. This introspective yet rhythmic approach establishes a refreshing distance from typical rock conventions. Similarly, 'Tentative Decisions' displays a blend of mechanical and human elements, reflecting Byrne's unique perspective. Contrastingly, tracks such as 'Psycho Killer' present a darker tone, discussing sociopathy with catchy hooks, while 'No Compassion' conveys a menacing detachment, talking of the complexities of urban life in 1977 New York. The infectious simplicity of 'Who Is It' reveals the band's ability to flirt with mainstream sentiment without succumbing to cliche. Throughout the album, Talking Heads demonstrate their skillful manipulation of sound and structure, weaving vibrant sonic details into an engaging tapestry. This debut not only highlights their artistic vision but also lays the groundwork for the visionary work to come.