Talking Heads

Talking Heads are an American group from New York, active from 1974 to 1991. The lineup consists of David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Jerry Harrison. The band is linked to the development of new wave and is also described through art pop, art punk, art rock, funk rock and pop rock.

Formation and early years

David Byrne, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth meet while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design. Byrne and Frantz previously perform together in a band called the Artistics. In 1975 the trio move to New York City, form Talking Heads and become part of the city’s emerging punk and new wave scene. Jerry Harrison later joins and completes the group.

Recording career

The band signs to Sire Records in 1976 and releases its debut album, Talking Heads: 77, in 1977. The record receives a positive critical response. Talking Heads then work with producer Brian Eno on several albums, including More Songs About Buildings and Food (1978), Fear of Music (1979) and Remain in Light (1980). These recordings broaden the band’s approach and draw on funk and African music, with reference points that include Parliament-Funkadelic and Fela Kuti.

During the early 1980s the group also works with additional musicians in the studio and on stage, including guitarist Adrian Belew, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, singer Nona Hendryx and bassist Busta Jones. Its biggest commercial success comes in 1983 with “Burning Down the House”, from Speaking in Tongues, which reaches the US top ten.

Film, later albums and breakup

In 1984 Talking Heads release the concert film Stop Making Sense, directed by Jonathan Demme. The performances feature an expanded touring line-up that includes Bernie Worrell, guitarist Alex Weir, percussionist Steve Scales, and backing singers Lynn Mabry and Ednah Holt. In 1985 the band releases Little Creatures, its best-selling album. It later records the soundtrack album True Stories for David Byrne’s 1986 film of the same name. The final studio album, Naked, appears in 1988 and incorporates worldbeat influences. The group disbands in 1991.

After the group

After the breakup, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Jerry Harrison briefly perform together as Shrunken Heads. In 1996 they release No Talking, Just Head under the name the Heads, with a range of guest vocalists.

Recognition

Several Talking Heads recordings receive critical recognition. Four of the band’s albums appear on Rolling Stone’s 2003 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The songs “Psycho Killer”, “Life During Wartime” and “Once in a Lifetime” are included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. The band also appears in influential-artist rankings compiled by publications and broadcasters including VH1 and Rolling Stone.

Studio albums

Talking Heads: 77 (1977); More Songs About Buildings and Food (1978); Fear of Music (1979); Remain in Light (1980); Speaking in Tongues (1983); Little Creatures (1985); True Stories (1986); Naked (1988).