Remain In Light ... Still Brilliant!

Just listened to Talking Heads' Remain In Light (1980) in its entirity on my iPod, man... if that's not one of the most brilliant pieces of vinyl ever recorded. The careful merging of American New Wave/Punk with the growing interest in new world rhythms powers this album to new heights compared to their previous album, Fear Of Music (1979).

While the great almost-stuttering vocals on "One In A Lifetime" is a highlight, it's the rhythmic power of "The Great Curve" that sends shivers down my spine.  The frantic bongos play wel with the 'Greek Chorus' of back-ups singers adding a wonderful counterpoint to Byrne's almost drole lead vocals. Remain In Light is five stars from "Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)" through to "The Overload" with "Cross-Eyed And Painless energized by the tight circular guitar and bass licks and how can you bst such barb-sharp lyrics as "Lost my shape, trying to act casual!"

Just brilliant even 28 years later...