While Talking Heads became popular and mainstream, when they started out they were decidedly underground. Interestingly enough they shared quite a bit with early prog rockers, an affinity to experiment, theatricality and even the fact that they came from art school. One could consider Talking Heads to be the prog rockers of the punk scene. There was a critically acclaimed, big budget concert film of Talking Heads called “Stop Making Sense” years ago. The band captured here is the earlier version, still hungry, still quite independent. This is a collection of early live clips, some black and white and some in color, that really show that Talking Heads were great from the beginning. This thing is highly recommended to anyone who has ever enjoyed Talking Heads. In addition to the central footage there are a number of cool bonuses, but it’s that live footage that will draw you back over and over again. While Stop Making Sense is great, personally, I prefer this older footage. I guess I like the band better here than when they were more successful.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.