Since their induction as a punk group in 1977, to the end of their musical journey in 1988, Talking Heads have released 10 albums exploring the New York sound of punk, funk, disco, avant garde, world music, minimalist drones and pure pop music. This compilation, spread over 18 tracks personally picked by the band, is a long overdue release in the saturated 'Greatest Hits' Christmas market.

"The Best of" is the perfect introduction to a band that have inspired countless acts of today. Documenting their early sound, when they supported the likes of the Ramones at CBGB's, 'Love - Burning on Fire' and 'Psycho Killer' illustrate the dark brooding funk/punk sound with David Byrne's disjointed and unique expressive vocals. The long-standing affiliation with soul and funk is evident with the Al Green cover "Take me to the River" and the funk rhythm guitar of "Found a Job", whilst the electro scene of the 80's is well versed with the track "Girlfriend is Better" and the Tom Jones covered "Burning Down the House".

It is the seminal tracks of 'Road to Nowhere' - surely the best drive time anthem around, and the timeless 'Once in a Lifetime' which still sound as relevant now as they did then. Also, the rare 'Heaven' is a welcome addition to the compilation, a track that David Bowie would be proud to write.

Far from being the quirky art oddballs who penned the soundtrack to 'Revenge of the Nerds', Talking Heads have delivered a nostalgic trip of 80's gems that only emphasise just how much they are missed in the music business. Hopefully this compilation will open up a new chapter in the Talking Heads career; spawned by a new selection of fans that are able to see how much influence this group has provided to the modern pretenders that they themselves follow.
~T.J. Hart

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written by on 28/10/2004 00:00:00