This must be Talking Heads — A song by song, album by album look at their music - podcast cover

This must be Talking Heads — A song by song, album by album look at their music

Come on an album by album exploration of Talking Heads, David Byrne, Tom Tom Club and Jerry Harrison. No stone will go unturned as we retrace their path from humble beginnings at New York's infamous CBGB to their induction to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
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Episodes

21 | David Byrne Grab Bag #1

Time to break from tradition and abandon the usual deep dive into a single album to cover a random smattering of side projects, collaborations, songs for theater and movie productions and other musical orphans. With the spin of a wheel we'll explore classics like "Don't Fence Me In", "Lazy" and "Pay Attention!" Tracklist: High on a rocky ledge (w. Rufus Wainwright) Si Fulano (w. Perez and Carol C) Don't fence me in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (w. Nico Landa) Speaking in tongues (w. Arcade Fire) Lazy...

May 20, 202549 minSeason 2Ep. 8

20 | David Byrne (self-titled)

By 1994 it was more important that ever that David Byrne could prove there was an audience for his unique style of art rock. After a number of high-concept albums, he returned with a more accessible yet eclectic series of tunes that not only build on the grooves on earlier projects but reach a new depth of introspection and emotional reflection. Tracks: A long time ago Angels Crash A self-made man Back in the box Sad song Nothing at all My love is you Lilies of the valley You & Eye Strange r...

Jan 29, 202558 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Interview | Inside the Talking Heads vault with Jason Jones

Meet Jason Jones from Rhino Records, he's the guy behind all your favourite Talking Heads reissues from the last few years. I pepper Jason with nerdy questions about how he approaches standard album reissues as well as expanded ultra-deluxe packages full of rarities like the newly released Talking Heads: 77 boxset that he manifested into reality. A condensed version of this interview can also be found on my newly updated YouTube channel, so check that out and stay subscribed for lots more! See o...

Dec 11, 202439 min

19 | Uh-oh

David Byrne's follow up to Rei Momo, the 1992 LP "Uh-oh" co-incided with the official end of Talking Heads. A new producer helped bring a clean, commercial sound to David's oddball instrumentation and left of center lyrics. While the songs were still like children to him, the overall album needed to walk the line of appealing to his previous Talking Heads audience while also showing that he wasn't taking himself too seriously and didn't mind whether you liked it or not. Tracks: Now I'm your mom ...

Oct 01, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Interview | Michelangelo Carubba on touring "Remain In Light" with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew

For Mikey, the last few years have been a wild ride to say the least. When the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself and his band joined Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew to tour for the 40th anniversary of Remain In Light it should have been a high point of his career. Instead, it triggered a tailspin that saw his band disintegrate and strained the relationships with the bandmates and collaborators that had become like family. Mikey's story goes far beyond music, and his continued success is...

Aug 26, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 5

18 | Rei Momo

We've finally reached the first pure David Byrne solo album, no theatre soundtrack or main collaborators, David was free to do whatever he wanted and this was it. I hope this gives everyone an insight into not just the album, but a glimpse at David's genuine passion for this music, which critics at the time labelled as passion-less and uninspired. My goal, as always, is to prove that it's anything but! Tracklist: Independence Day Make Believe Mambo The call of the wild Dirty Old Town The Rose Ta...

May 06, 20241 hr 15 minSeason 2Ep. 4

17 | David's 80s Soundtracks and Collaborations

A series of featurettes outlining David's soundtracks and collaborations throughout the Talking Heads-era. I touch on everything from the beloved The Catherine Wheel, through the esteemed Knee Plays and The Last Emperor, to the surprisingly personal The Forest. The Catherine Wheel His wife refused Cloud Chamber My big hands (Fall through the cracks) Big Business What a day that was Big blue plymouth (Eyes wide open) The Knee Plays Tree (Today is an important occassion) The sound of business Thin...

Nov 21, 202358 minSeason 2Ep. 3

UNLOCKED | Stop Making Sense watch-along commentary

Why watch it alone? Previously released to supporters of the podcast, to mark the theatrical release of the remastered edition of Stop Making Sense, enjoy this bonus episode featuring Rodney's watch-along commentary for the film. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 10, 20231 hr 32 min

16 | Byrne & Eno: My Life in the Bush of Ghosts

Come on a journey through David Byrne and Brian Eno’s collaborative side-project “My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, a ground-breaking album that has only grown in standing over the decades that Eno called the “laboratory” for Remain in Light. Tracklist: America is Waiting Mea Culpa Regiment Help me somebody The Jezebel Spirit Very very hungry / Quran Moonlight in Glory The Carrier A secret life Come with us Mountain of needles Bonus tracks: Pitch to voltage Two against three Vocal outtakes New Feet...

Jun 26, 20231 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 2

15 | Meet David Byrne: Fame redeems the oddball

This episode is dedicated to the life and memory of Ryuichi Sakamoto and Seymour Stein. Launching into season 2, I present a portrait of David Byrne as a young artist, examine the relationship between his artistic work and his music, why he left art school, and whet your appetite for the journey ahead. Songs from this episode: Who (w. St Vincent) Heart's a lonely hunter (w. Thievery Corporation) Loco de Amor (w. Celia Cruz) Everybody's coming to my house Like humans do Lazy Miss America Strange ...

Apr 19, 202319 minSeason 2Ep. 1

14 | The Final Chapter (Rarities, Hall of Fame, The Heads, and more)

Grab your pencil and rewind your cassettes to discover some live covers, drop the needle on some studio rarities, unpack the break-up and The Heads side-project, learn how Stop Making Sense nourished the concept of a reunion, and eagerly log in for the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame induction. Tracks: Live: "1, 2, 3... Red Light", "96 teardrops", "So much in love", "I wanna be your boyfriend", "I can't control myself", "Pablo Picasso", "A clean break", "Theme", "Questions for lovers" Studio: "I want...

Jan 10, 20231 hr 46 minSeason 1Ep. 14

13 | Tom Tom Club (part 2) with guest Chris Frantz

Featuring special guest Chris Frantz, founding member of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. With Talking Heads on permanent hiatus, Tom Tom Club becomes the default vehicle for Chris and Tina's music. Hear exclusive insights into their sounds and influences from their albums "Dark Sneak Love Action", "The good, the bad, and the funky", "Downtown Rockers" and much more - including a few surprise side-projects. Tracklist: Sunshine and Ecstasy You Sexy Thing (Hot Chocolate cover) Who feelin' it? Love ...

Jul 13, 202232 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Special | Talking Heads x Primus (Interview with Primus Tracks)

Well this is something different! Instead of your usual programming, I offer my discussion with Josh and Frankie from the fabulous Primus Tracks podcast where we deep dive into the Talking Heads influence on the early Primate/Primus sound. You don't need to know anything about either band to enjoy this, but knowing a little might help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 14, 20221 hr 1 min

12 | Naked

What did it take for Talking Heads to regroup for another album, after indulging David's personal vision for a number of years? With the release of Naked we reach a milestone in the band's history - their final album - and investigate how the world, and the band themselves, have changed along the way. And get a glimpse of what still lies ahead. Tracklist: Blind Mr Jones Totally Nude Ruby Dear Hero track: (Nothing but) Flowers The Democratic Circus The Facts of Life Mommy Daddy You and I Big Dadd...

Feb 19, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 12

11 | True Stories

"It's like 60 Minutes on acid." With a film, book, soundtrack and studio album all related to the one project, True Stories is far more than just another Talking Heads record. Sure it delivers MTV favourites like "Wild Wild Life", but are all the songs really based on Tabloid news stories? Tracks: Love For Sale Puzzlin' Evidence Hey Now Papa Legba Wild Wild Life (Hero Track) Radio Head Dream Operator People Like Us City of Dreams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 28, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 11

10 | Modern Lovers & Casual Gods with guest Jerry Harrison

How did Jerry Harrison end up recording his smash hit “Rev it up” in a bomb shelter? Which song has a connection to a Presidential candidate? To find out, I’m joined by none other than Jerry himself for an in-depth career retrospective. Covering five decades we reflect on the birth of punk music with the Modern Lovers, to his groundbreaking solo albums like “The Red and The Black” and “Casual Gods”, to his turn as producer extraordinaire. And everything in between… and I mean everything. Tracks:...

Jul 12, 20211 hr 27 minSeason 1Ep. 10

09 | Little Creatures with guest Jerry Harrison

Featuring Modern Lover, Talking Head and Casual God himself... Jerry Harrison. Capitalising on the success of Stop Making Sense, the band release their best-selling album Little Creatures which features their smash hits "And she was", "Lady don't mind" and this album's hero track "Road to nowhere". In this episode Jerry discusses what he's been up to lately and shares some insights about the recording of Little Creatures, then in the following episode we'll dive deep into his work as a solo arti...

Apr 28, 20211 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 9

08 | Tonight Live: Stop Making Sense (and more)

With a reputation as one of the world’s best live bands, we embark on a detailed illumination of Talking Heads’ live albums, TV profiles and notable concerts. Learn about the inspiration and impact of the greatest concert film of all time, Stop Making Sense, including an insiders perspective from Jon Braun, frontman for Talking Heads tribute band Start Making Sense, along with details and recordings of the band’s last performances. Features: Warner Bros Music Show South Bank Show The name of thi...

Mar 15, 20211 hr 40 minSeason 1Ep. 8

07 | Speaking in Tongues

A few years after their critically acclaimed album “Remain in Light”, the band return with their most approachable and radio-friendly record to date, “Speaking in Tongues”. Fuelled by the success of their highest charting single “Burning Down the House” and crowd-pleasers like "Slippery People", "Girlfriend is Better" and “This must be the place” the band drag the reluctant art crowd kicking and screaming into the pop realm. Tracks: Burning Down the House (Hero track) Making Flippy Floppy Girlfr...

Jan 05, 20211 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 7

06 | Tom Tom Club (Part 1) with guest Chris Frantz

With Talking Heads on hiatus, Chris Blackwell from Island Records gambles on Chris and Tina's side project Tom Tom Club — a risk that pays off big time. Exploring a selection of tracks from their first three albums "Tom Tom Club", "Close to the bone" and "Boom boom chi boom boom", this is my first look at the side projects of the band members. Tracks: Wordy Rappinghood Genius of Love L'Elephant Under the Boardwalk (by The Drifters) Pleasure of Love On the line again The man with the 4 way hips S...

Oct 08, 202043 minSeason 1Ep. 6

05 | Remain In Light with guest Chris Frantz

Featuring special guest Chris Franz, founding member of Talking Heads. In their final collaboration with producer and song-writer Brian Eno, Talking Heads carefully sculpt their musical ideas into their most critically acclaimed album. Featuring a deep dive into the hero track "Once In A Lifetime" we breakdown the groove and lyrical inspiration, and learn how it was released to mixed reaction, something that's unthinkable considering it went on to earn it's place among the most iconic songs of t...

Aug 05, 20201 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Interview | Talking with Chris Frantz about his book "Remain in Love"

Chris Frantz, founding member of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, joins me to discuss his life and career in music. In this episode we cover his experience writing his first book, an autobiography called "Remain in Love", and in upcoming episodes I'll be sharing his insights into the seminal Talking Heads album Remain In Light, the full Tom Tom Club discography and he even helps me solve a mystery that is decades in the making. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jul 13, 202012 min

04 | Fear of Music

On the back of their commercially successful sophomore album, Talking Heads start fresh searching for new inspiration and sounds. The result? The darkly comedic Fear of Music, their second record under the tutelage of producer Brian Eno that resulted in entirely new song-writing methods, and spawned the uber-catchy hit "Life During Wartime". Tracklist: I Zimbra Mind Paper Cities Life During Wartime (Hero track) Memories Can't Wait Air Heaven Animals Electric Guitar Drugs Dancing for Money (Unfin...

Jun 29, 20201 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 4

03 | More songs about buildings and food

Hear the real story behind how Talking Heads joined forces with acclaimed producer Brian Eno for their sophomore album, which produced their first mainstream hit single, Take Me To The River. Learn the origins of “The Typing Pool”, which song was inspired by an old doo-wop tune, how early English audiences mis-heard the lyrics from Warning Sign, and the unusual origins of Stay Hungry. Tracklist: Thank you for sending me an angel With our love The good thing Warning sign The girls want to be with...

May 15, 202048 minSeason 1Ep. 3

02 | Talking Heads: 77

Overcoming the pressures of tight recording deadlines, meddling producers, blackouts, arson, looting and with the Son Of Sam murderer stalking the New York streets, the band finally delivers their debut LP marking the date of their arrival right in the title... Talking Heads: 77. Tracklist: Uh-oh, love comes to town New feeling Tentative decisions Happy day Who is it? No compassion The book I read Don't worry about the government First week/Last week... carefree Psycho killer (Hero track) Pulled...

Apr 09, 202045 minSeason 1Ep. 2

01 | Love goes to Building on Fire

Get to know the band, hear how they got their start in the New York underground music scene, and a deep dive on their debut single "Love goes to Building on Fire". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 202026 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Trailer | This must be Talking Heads

Come on an album by album exploration of Talking Heads, David Byrne, Tom Tom Club and Jerry Harrison. No stone will go unturned as we retrace their path from humble beginnings at New York's infamous CBGB to their induction to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 15, 202037 sec
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