Talking Heads

Photo: Getty/Echoes

Good morning!

Today we’re listening to “Pulled Up” by Talking Heads

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A quick programming note: I’m taking over the aux cord on What’s Curation? today. it should be live around 9 AM Eastern. It’s a great newsletter well worth your time. Give it a read!

On to the music!

What can you say about Talking Heads that hasn’t already been said? Most of the accolades have already been tossed their way. The superlatives used. I don’t think this is the first time Talking Heads have shown up here; it surely won’t be the last.

Part of their appeal is that they were constantly evolving, and not afraid to take on any genre. Their sound grew more dynamic over time, but at this point, the band was economical with their instruments; no one was adding more than they needed to. The result was energetic tracks like this.

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More:

This is the band that had its early critics talking about minimalism and, like Jonathan Richman, Talking Heads do indeed triumph by the economy of their sound. But where the ingenuous Richman is dangerously precious, there is no nonsense about Talking Heads. Byrne’s spare guitar patterns, Jerry Harrison’s modest keyboard fills, Martina Weymouth’s understated bass and Chris Frantz’ efficiently Spartan drumming convey a taut earnestness that’s bursting with energy.

Read the rest of the review here.

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Listen:

“Pulled Up,” by Talking Heads | Talking Heads: 77, 1977

What’d you think of this one? Do you prefer their earlier work, or later sounds?

Thanks for being here,

Kevin—

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