It seems like a fool's errand to properly discuss a band like Talking Heads, let alone their fourth album Remain in Light, when so many hipster bands are aping their style and seemingly don't even know it. The Heads were part of the CBGB punk/New Wave scene and like many of the great groups from that era (Television, Blondie, Ramones), they had a distinct look, sound and vision to go along with th... read more
Description:Remain in Light is the fourth studio album by American New Wave band Talking Heads, released on 8 October 1980 on Sire Records. It was recorded at locations in the Bahamas and the United States between July and August 1980 and was produced by the quartet's long-time collaborator Brian Eno. The album peaked at number 19 on the BillboarRemain in Light is the fourth studio album by American New Wave band Talking Heads, released on 8 October 1980 on Sire Records. It was recorded at locations in the Bahamas and the United States between July and August 1980 and was produced by the quartet's long-time collaborator Brian Eno. The album peaked at number 19 on the Billboard 200 in the US and at number 21 on the UK Albums Chart. Two singles were released from Remain in Light: "Once in a Lifetime" and "Houses in Motion". The record was certified Gold in the US and in Canada during the 1980s.
The members of Talking Heads wanted to make an album that dispelled notions of frontman and chief lyricist David Byrne leading a back-up band. They decided to experiment with African polyrhythms and, with Eno, recorded the instrumental tracks as a series of samples and loops, a novel idea at the time. Additional musicians were frequently used throughout the studio sessions. The lyric writing process slowed Remain in Light's progress, but was concluded after Byrne drew inspiration from academic literature on Africa. The artwork was crafted with the help of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's computers and designing company M&Co.. Following the album's completion, Talking Heads expanded to nine members for promotional concerts.
Remain in Light was widely acclaimed by critics. Praise centred on its cohesive merging of disparate genres and sonic experimentation. The record has featured in several publications' lists of the best albums of the 1980s and the best albums of all time. It is often considered Talking Heads' magnum opus. In 2006, it was remastered and reissued with the addition of four unfinished outtakes.... (more)(less)
Manufacturer : Sire Release date : 8 October 1980 Number of discs : 1 EAN: 0007599260952 UPC: 075992609524
"15. A song that describes you
Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime
I used to eulogise a lot about how lucky I was in life, everything seemed to just fall into place for me. I don't feel so lucky these days so those songs I once considered theme tunes don't really strike a chord with me any more.
This song, however, remains extremely poignant. Two lines in particular: "Well, how did I get here?" and "My God, what have I done!" ring profound.
I often wonder how I got to where I am today, seemin"
Jamie M. added this to a list 1 year, 8 months ago
“It seems like a fool's errand to properly discuss a band like Talking Heads, let alone their fourth album Remain in Light, when so many hipster bands are aping their style and seemingly don't even know it. The Heads were part of the CBGB punk/New Wave scene and like many of the great groups from that era (Television, Blondie, Ramones), they had a distinct look, sound and vision to go along with their musical might. Like Blondie they were an art project masquerading as a rock band, but they took it into an entirely different realm of pop exploration. While Blondie was a glamorous kind of downtown New York demimonde chic, the Heads were interested in creating some kind of tribal-punk-pop dance party to usher in the New World Order. They were arty, they were weird, they were a fucking brillia” read more
"1980
Tracklist:
01. Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)
02. Crosseyed and Painless
03. The Great Curve
04. Once in a Lifetime
05. Houses in Motion
06. Seen and Not Seen
07. Listening Wind
08. The Overload"
blue_skies added this to a list 3 years, 2 months ago
"1980
Favourite song: "Once in a Lifetime"
Favourite moment: The bleeping solo on whatever instrument on "Born Under Punches".
or "MY GOD, WHAT HAVE I DONE?!""
""David Byrne said Remain in Light "was done in bits and pieces, one instrument at a time." The result was a New Wave masterpiece powered by Byrne's revelation, as he put it on "The Great Curve," that "the world moves on a woman's hips." It combined thrust of a P-Funk dance party, the ancient-to-the-future rhythm hypnosis of Nigerian funkmaster Fela Kuti, and the studied adventurousness of the album's producer and Heads co-conspirator, Brian Eno. Remain in Light marked Talking Heads' transforma"
"Track: Once in a lifetime
Why? I have always loved the Talking Heads, but this was one of the first songs I listened too after moving to University. I didn't listen to it again until I'd graduated and found myself at the helm of a PhD opportunity that I hadn't even applied for. The phrase "Letting the days go by..." pretty much sums up my life to a tee as well.
"You may ask yourself; Well...How did I get here?""
The Flagship added this to a list 4 years, 6 months ago
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