TALKING HEADS: 77

Since I've already pointed out that the debut album from Talking Heads is one of my top 20 favorite albums, I might as well shed some light on why it is so. The short version of the story is that it's one of the best feel-good albums in existence!

This album always leaves me in a good mood and I often find myself spinning this record for hours without ever feeling tired of it, which to me says a lot about its quality. There is definitely a part of me that wishes that Talking Heads only made this kind of albums, but on the other hand it would mean that Remain In Light would have never got made and that won't keep me happy for too long. More Songs About Building And Food surely comes close to replicating the fun and easy-going attitude that Talking Heads depict on their debut album but the two highly praised tracks tight at the end makes it not as enjoyable for me.

To understand what I mean when I talk about the easy-going attitude, you won't have to go further than listening to the album opening Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town! This music is of course technically not prog, but if you're expecting that from an album that clearly features the number 77 on its album cover, then the joke is entirely on you. The style would be better defined as a mixture between New Wave and Art Rock or even Art Punk, as it's labeled on Wikipedia, meaning that there is a definite arty flavor embedded into the material, so if you're into bands like Roxy Music or even Sparks then you should feel right at home with this album.

Just like many of my favorite albums, I rarely listen to them for any of their standout moments since they often work better as an album experience without relying on the individual moments. I literally have new favorite tunes every time I listen to Talking Heads: 77 and today it was Who Is It? and The Book I Read that managed to stand out more than they use to. But that's of course very relative since, as mentioned, this is a complete album experience and these songs rarely work as well when taken out of the context of this perfectly balanced album.

Talking Heads really managed to kick off their career on a high note, but this was only the first step on the road to receiving a wider recognition from the Art Rock community. I, for one, can't get enough of this record and hopefully so won't you. Just remember not to expect another Remain In Light and you'll probably do fine!

***** star songs: Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town (2:48) New Feeling (3:09) Who Is It? (1:41) The Book I Read (4:06) Don't Worry About The Government (3:00) Psycho Killer (4:19) Pulled Up (4:29)

**** star songs: Tentative Decisions (3:04) Happy Day (3:55) No Compassion (4:47) First Week/Last Week ... Carefree (3:19)