Big Suit, Bigger Rhythms: Talking Heads Reimagined
Modern innovators from Paris to Zambia reimagine the Talking Heads’ legacy
David Byrne’s big suit is an instantly recognisable piece of pop culture – and it’s emblazoned on the front of this new collection of Talking Heads covers. The compilation traverses the musical spectrum from dub and electronica, through to zamrock. It’s a testament to Talking Heads’ new wave sound – which embraced Afro-diasporic rhythms – and the band’s enduring influence on popular music.
UK record label Barely Breaking Even enlists the talents of modern innovators such as Parisian Astrønne – whose adventurous neo-soul take on ‘Psycho Killer’ simmers away with acoustic textures and glitchy beats. It’s nearly unrecognisable, bar the chorus’ eery lyrics.
Pachyman’s brilliant dub cover of ‘Sugar on My Tongue’ distils the track down to its rhythmic foundations and pushes it through layers of delay and dub pressure. The Puerto Rican producer has been meticulously recreating authentic, analogue dub production, documenting the process on TikTok.
Kenny Dope and Róisín Murphy’s cover of ‘Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)’ is a throwback to 70s New York, with Murphy’s vocals evoking the style and sensibilities of Grace Jones, a symbol of the New Wave scene.
Zamrockers, W.I.T.C.H (who played at the Others Way last November) cover ‘Once in a Lifetime’ – a fresh take on a classic, injected with their raw, electric sound. Synths and various textures pan left to right, while distorted power chords and bongos provide rhythm. Their contribution to this album is essential, given their pioneering blend of psychedelic rock and traditional African rhythms – the latter of which Talking Heads embraced during their Remain In Light era.
The compilation is curated by Drew McFadden, who was also behind 2021’s Modern Love – a series of David Bowie covers. It’s a timely moment for a Talking Heads tribute, following David Byrne’s latest solo album, Who Is The Sky? and well-received tour. That’s not to mention the revival of concert movie Stop Making Sense, after it was remastered in 2023 – which saw people get up from their seats and dance at the Hollywood Avondale.
David Byrne is an artist whose work is never quite finished – shown in his recent cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Driver’s Licence’. Which is why it makes sense that these songs, his legacy, are reimagined with the same curious spirit that brought us the big suit. Rather than leaning into nostalgia, Naive Melodies captures the innovation of 70s New York and pushes it forward. From Pachyman’s analogue dub production to the raw energy of W.I.T.C.H., this collection reflects the creative edge of the band it honours.