117. Talking Heads - Fear of Music

I loved this album first, because it was Talking Heads and at that point in their career, they could do no wrong. I also loved the album for the cover, which was embossed and felt something like running your hand over a metal plating and yea, I spent hours doing that.

But I loved this album for what it was and wasn't. It wasn't afraid, it wasn't modest, it wasn't shy. It was different, it was weird, it was intriguing and captivating.

I listened to I Zimbra under all sorts of mental circumstances and I can honestly say that it's a tune that, while enjoyed thoroughly under the influence of various illegally bought products, is best listened to with a clear mind and head. I tried to convince so many people that this was artistic brilliance, but metal heads tend to be skeptical about anything that doesn't rock and I often found myself listening to this with my friend Kevin, the only other person who wasn't afraid to immerse himself in the various sounds and textures provided by David Byrne. I Zimbra was, and still is, a song to dance to and to revel in.

And then there was Cities, so new wave before new wave even had a name (though they called it post punk then, but that label is such a lie), with its flourish of sound and jerky beats, and Life During Wartime - a classic song that was was the soundtrack to so many late night parties and gave birth to our catchphrase of the summer of 1980 - This ain't no party, this ain't no disco.

Fear of Music is the epitome of Talking Heads; its everything that was brilliant and daring about David Byrne, and the highlight of a band that went to hell after Remain in Light.

Favorite song: I Zimbra
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