BLOG | JUL. 29, 2025

Talking Heads Release More Songs About Buildings and Food (Deluxe Edition)

Following their debut album Talking Heads: 77, More Songs About Buildings and Food found the band working with producer Brian Eno [Tape Op #85], which brought a more focused sound, and expanded sonic palette. There seemed to be an emphasis put on the rhythm section and grooves, which provided frontman David Byrne [Tape Op #79] with a perfect bed to further explore and develop his quirky delivery and style. One of my favorite tracks, "Found a Job", which was mixed by Ed Stasium [Tape Op #98], is a great example of keyboardist/guitarist Jerry Harrison [Tape Op #153] finding his voice within the band. His funky rhythm guitar parts and signature synth lines elevate the track, and hint at a sound the band would explore further on future albums.
The album's only single, a cover of Al Green's "Take Me to the River", was a massive radio success, exposing the once NYC underground/indie rock band to a mainstream audience, and paving the way for warm reception of future hits like "Life During Wartime" and "Once in a Lifetime".
This expanded/deluxe version of More Songs About Buildings and Food includes remastered and alternate versions of tracks on the album's original release, but more than anything, it is a great excuse to go back and listen to a collection that still sounds as relevant as it did when it was released back in 1978.

Tape Op is a bi-monthly magazine devoted to the art of record making.

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