Album Info
| Artist: | Talking Heads |
| Album: | Stop Making Sense |
| Released: | Australia & New Zealand, 1984 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Psycho Killer | 4:20 |
| A2 | Swamp | 3:50 |
| A3 | Slippery People | 3:35 |
| A4 | Burning Down The House | 4:10 |
| A5 | Girlfriend Is Better | 3:32 |
| B1 | Once In A Lifetime | 4:34 |
| B2 | What A Day That Was | 5:08 |
| B3 | Life During Wartime | 4:52 |
| B4 | Take Me To The River | 5:36 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Stop Making Sense" isn't just an album; it's an experience, a moment in music history that captures the essence of Talking Heads at the peak of their powers. Released in 1984, this live album is the soundtrack to the Jonathan Demme-directed concert film of the same name. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest live albums ever made, and it captures Talking Heads in a transformative stage, blending rock, funk, and world music with avant-garde performance art.
From the outset, David Byrne's solo performance of "Psycho Killer" with just an acoustic guitar and a boombox sets the tone. The gradual build-up, with band members joining him one by one for each subsequent track, is an exercise in anticipation and a reflection of the band's theatrical sensibilities.
"Swamp" showcases the band's fusion prowess, blending funk rhythms with Byrne's distinctive vocals. The song's groove is infectious, and its live rendition here is electrifying. Similarly, "Slippery People" is a testament to the band's ability to create danceable tracks with deep, introspective lyrics.
The rendition of "Once in a Lifetime" on this album is iconic. The blend of existential lyrics with an almost spiritual, gospel-like delivery makes it one of the standout performances. Byrne's energy, coupled with the tight musicianship of the band, elevates the song to new heights.
One cannot discuss "Stop Making Sense" without mentioning "Burning Down the House." The track is a force of nature, with its pulsating rhythm and Byrne's frenetic vocals. Live, it takes on an even more dynamic form, with the band and backup singers contributing to a wall of sound that is both overwhelming and exhilarating.
An essential aspect of this album is the expanded Talking Heads lineup, including the likes of Bernie Worrell on keyboards, Alex Weir on guitar, and backup singers Lynn Mabry and Ednah Holt. Their contributions, especially in tracks like "Take Me to the River" and "Life During Wartime," add layers of depth and richness to the music.
The production on this album, courtesy of Gary Goetzman, is pristine. The clarity of each instrument, the sharpness of the vocals, and the atmospheric crowd noises transport the listener straight into the heart of the concert. It's a sonic experience that few live albums manage to achieve.
What's also notable about "Stop Making Sense" is its sequencing. Unlike many live albums, it doesn't strictly adhere to the order of the concert performance. Instead, it's curated to provide the best possible listening experience, a choice that pays off as the album ebbs and flows perfectly.
In conclusion, "Stop Making Sense" is more than just a live album. It's a celebration of Talking Heads' innovation and artistry. It's a snapshot of a band that defied genres and expectations, pushing the boundaries of what rock music could be. The energy, the musicianship, and the sheer audacity of this record make it a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of modern music. It stands as a testament to Talking Heads' enduring legacy and their unique space in music history.
