Still Talking

I noticed today is the 43rd (!) anniversary of the release of the first Talking Heads album, Talking Heads: 77.  This was the recording that introduced a new and special sound to hundreds of thousands.

According to drummer Chris Frantz, producer Tony Bongiovi wasn't very helpful and didn't get what they were trying to do, but engineer Ed Stasium helped to ensure things worked out.

The Heads had spent the last few years developing their sound, and while their future albums would sell better, I don't know if they ever topped this one. (They'd also recently added a fourth member, Jerry Harrison on guitar, keyboards and vocals.  They'd been looking for someone to fatten up their sound, though Harrison said he didn't want to officially join until they got a recording contract.)

I'm not sure why they chose the title, but it's interesting how it aged.  Originally, it announced a new band, hot off the press.  A few years later, it reminded you of a special time and a great debut.  Then, as each year passed, the title spoke of a time in the distant past, so old, in fact, it's hard to imagine.

If people continue to listen to the Heads, I wonder if kids in the future won't know which century the "77" refers to.





And here's a somewhat different version of the best-known song from the album: