Search - Talking Heads :: Remain in Light

This album will always remain in my light

B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 05/08/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really have no excuse for not checking out Remain In Light much sooner (like five years ago when everyone in my life was talking about it). Some of the weirdest, wildest, craziest, offbeat, creative dance/rock/pop music I've honestly EVER heard.



I'm surprised this band is a part of the New York late 70's rock scene with the likes of the Ramones, Blondie, and Patti Smith. They honestly feel like a British band. I'm thinking about comparisons to either Roxy Music or 10cc as far as experimental and melodic weirdness is concerned. Check out those bands if you like the Talking Heads.



I guess what HAS to be said is that an album like this takes time, patience and dedication to fully appreciate. My initial reaction was NOT a good one, but that's quite alright, because I went in expecting that since I already knew what kind of band I was dealing with when it comes to the Talking Heads. Just flat out *weird*.



I guess the first half is the more noticeable to me as far as melody and experimentation goes. Then again, the second half of the album has plenty of highly sophisticated musical ideas as well. This is a really hard band to explain, but I'll try.



"Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)" immediately shows to me what kind of album to expect- an early 80's effort with dance beats probably influenced by the disco movement (that soon turned into the new wave movement, obviously). Some of the vocal melodies in this track jump out to me only after several listens. That's how you know we're not dealing with any plain ol' ordinary band here.



Perhaps it's the high amount of experimentation taking place making me not realize half of these musical ideas are even THERE. It's like repeated listens are an absolute requirement to really GET this band. That's why anyone who dismisses this album without really listening to it is someone with an opinion hard to take seriously.



I'm also a really big Captain Beefheart fan, and some of these songs are put together in a tricky, initially off putting way similar to the good Captain during the classic late 60's/early 70's years.



For anyone who believes all the highly original bands were a thing of the past by this point in time (in 1980) well, think again! Remain In Light is an absolute treasure of some top notch creativity done in a highly sophisticated and challenging way.



Remain In Light is the kind of album you listen to late at night while sitting in a dark room and willing to accept a really bizarre and ultimately fascinating style of songwriting. HIGHLY recommended."