TALKING HEADS: 77

During the punk explosion of the late 70s, some bands (who were considered to be part of the punk movement) started to veer away from the traditional punk sound. Now, Talking Heads weren't really a punk band, but they came with the territory. But, in all fairness, these guys are probably the kings and possible creators of the original new wave sound. In fact, while listening to this album, I was surprised that this album was released in 1977, because it really does sound ahead of its time.

Trying to describe the bands sound can be rather difficult, because at their time, they were pretty unique and where more of an influence to others. The best way I can describe them is that they where the more positive side of the new wave scene, tackling pop more than the Gothic or punk sides of the new wave scene. The band where art school students, so need I say anymore...

The bands real highlight and selling point probably has to come from the vocals of David Byrne. From going to a nice falsetto, to a normal tenor to shrieking, he really was a pioneer to most vocalists at the time, and very much showed off that traditional singers could take a back seat to David's experimental expressive vocals, which showed more popularity in the years to come.

The opening track "Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town," is a briliant track to introduce the sound of the band. Mixing art rock with poppy melodies, David's voice flows through the track like a kite in a tornado.

"Who Is It?" is the albums shortest song, but it still does leave quite an impression. A fast paced song with some jutty instrumental passages, the song is carried by David's schizophrenic vocals.

The band really show of their instrumental prowess in "The Book I Read." With some pretty interesting sections throughout, the songs main riff is the real hook line with a pretty odd sax sounding synth solo appearing now and then.

One of my personal favorite tracks on the album has to be "Don't Worry About The Government." With some rather interesting and humorous lyrics, the song is made more interested by the interesting changes throughout.

The lead single and one of the bands biggest tracks "Psycho Killer" is one of the bands best and most catchiest songs. Not only carrying a catchy sing along chorus, the track also shows off the power and versatility of David's vocals. The song is a classic, and the chorus will be stuck in your head for the rest of your life.

The album's closing track "Pulled Up" is a song which really shows off the brilliant vocals from David, with some very high notes being tackled with ease. The songs hook is very catchy and will stick in your head for a bit.

In conclusion, this album is one brilliant debut and pretty much a classic album. Now the band would go on to do more interesting and greater things, but these guys really took the world by the balls. Packed full of tunes and an interesting listen to say the least.

8.6/10

Genres: New Wave, Art Rock, Pop Rock, Progressive Rock, Art Punk

Country of origin: USA

Year of release: 1977