Talking Heads - Talking Headsː 77 - Review

At the time of release in September ’77 the New Yorkian quartet were: David Byrne (25, guitar, vocals); Chris Frantz (26, drums); Jerry Harrison (28, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) and Tina Weymouth (26, bass guitar). They had something different to offer – some kinda weird hybrid of Roxy-inspired white modernism digging on funk, disco and even some Caribbean motifs. It’s bold and progressive, and every band member has a big part to play. The drum n bass of Weymouth and Frantz is often unconventional, seamlessly alternating between marches and grooves as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. Similarly, Byrne’s vocals acrobatically veer between low and high registers, mostly high, with a nervy inflection which gives the band an unmistakeable character. New recruit Harrison, a former member of the Modern Lovers, sprinkles flavour here, there and everywhere. In a year full of cool debut albums, Talking Heads played their part with some distinction.

The Jukebox Rebel