I first heard this album when it came out, and didn't get it. I didn't really get David Byrne and Talking Heads until quite a bit later, but it's been an occasional treat over the years so let's give it another spin.
This was the band's second album to be produced by Brian Eno, and the rhythms here show the influences which would later become apparent on the Byrne/Eno collaboration My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts, especially on the opening track I Zimbra which makes clear that the Talking Heads sound is evolving. Mind is a lovely, flowing song, the understated guitar driving it, while Paper has an earlier sound, but doesn't really feel as strong to me. Cities, however, is a fantastic, manic romp followed by the single Life During Wartime, simple yet still infectious forty years on.
Memories Can't Wait is less immediate and more harsh, and less appealing to me, but it's followed by a solidly enjoyable run in the second half to the end of the album. Air feels very much like something from the 77 album, while Heaven is just a simple, lovely song, possibly made better known by the slower Simply Red cover. Animals is more rhythmic, but a great song, while Electric Guitar feels a little more plodding. with the minimal sounding Drugs taking us gently to the end.
Not everything on this album works perfectly, but where it does, it really works, and it marks an important turning point in the Talking Heads sound. It is a great album, highly recommended.
4* - a landmark piece of New York 1980s new wave, showcasing a fine band's development
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