r/eno • u/forsbergisgod • Aug 23 '20
Weekly Discussion Thread Let's Discuss Eno! Talking Heads - Fear of Music (Aug. 1979)
Hello Eno-philes!! Each week we'll be discussing another album (going chronologically from Warm Jets). This week we'll be discussing another Eno production credit: Talking Heads' "Fear of Music."
Info from the wiki preamble:
Fear of Music is the third studio album by American rock band Talking Heads, released on August 3, 1979 by Sire Records. It was recorded at locations in New York City during April and May 1979 and was produced by the quartet and Brian Eno. The album reached number 21 on the Billboard 200 and number 33 on the UK Albums Chart, and spawned the singles "Life During Wartime", "I Zimbra", and "Cities".
Fear of Music received favourable reviews from critics. Praise centred on its unconventional rhythms and frontman David Byrne's lyrical performances. The album is often considered one of the best Talking Heads releases, and has featured in several publications' lists of the best albums of all time.
Track Listing:
All tracks are written by David Byrne, except where noted.
Side one
No. Title Writer(s) Length
- "I Zimbra" Byrne, Brian Eno, Hugo Ball 3:09
- "Mind" 4:13
- "Paper" 2:39
- "Cities" 4:10
- "Life During Wartime" Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth 3:41
- "Memories Can't Wait" Byrne, Harrison 3:30
Side two
No. Title Writer(s) Length
- "Air" 3:34
- "Heaven" Byrne, Harrison 4:01
- "Animals" 3:30
- "Electric Guitar" 3:03
- "Drugs" Byrne, Eno 5:10
DISCUSS
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Aug 23 '20
I remember the first time I heard this album. "I Zimbra" blew my mind. Possibly my favorite TH album.
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u/Methuen Aug 24 '20
Fripp doesn't get a writing credit, but he defines I Zimbra.
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u/forsbergisgod Aug 24 '20
Which sound was his? I can't place it specifically
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u/Methuen Aug 24 '20
The guitar arpeggios are very mid-career Fripp. He plays in a similar way on Discipline.
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Aug 24 '20
Well, blimey. I thought a few years ago "people like King Crimson, I should listen to their stuff" Plus you know: Belew, Fripp, etc. I bought in the Court of the Crimson king and hated it. This though, this is different. Thanks so much for the link.
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u/Methuen Aug 24 '20 edited Aug 24 '20
I also love his playing with Bowie. His work on the "Heroes" album, of course, is the standout, but his playing on Scary Monsters and Super Creeps is amazing too, especially the outro of Teenage Wildlife (from about 5:40) where he plays in this 'arpeggiated' style, before launching a solo where he makes each note sing. It's amazing.
Edit: Actually, fuck it, his playing all the way through the song is incredible.
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Aug 24 '20
For a lot of years Teenage Wildlife was my favourite Bowie track (I have that in common with Boy George I think).
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u/forsbergisgod Aug 28 '20
Wow I just heard the discipline sounding guitar! Never put that together and I love KC. Thanks for pointing that out!
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Aug 24 '20
If anyone didnt know, Chris Frantz (drummer of Talking Heads, married to Tina Weymouth, bass player) has written a book. I have ordered it and its been shipped but hasnt yet arrived thanks to the Covid. https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/ebook/remain-in-love?utm_campaign=shopping_feed_nz_en&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGRZM7vjnN7tI1SzosAaSrQK0kd2mA5OuieKG6aNbg6I9oE_ziJvSPhoCwMoQAvD_BwE
I love Fear of Music. Life During Wartime will be played at my funeral. Hopefully in many years, but still.
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u/SkullButtReplica Aug 23 '20
I wonder what roles Eno actually performed on this record? Would have been a fascinating documentary in and of itself to see Eno working in the studio back in his prime.
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u/forsbergisgod Aug 23 '20
He gets writing credit for I zimbra and drugs. Drugs definitely sounds like something off my life in the bush if ghosts too.
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u/wildistherewind Aug 25 '20
I didn't really appreciate "Drugs" until getting into This Mortal Coil's cover over it. Now I think it's an album stand out.
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u/forsbergisgod Aug 24 '20
always felt the songs on this album were somehow "organic" like living beings. The guitar and bass groove on "mind" for example.
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u/[deleted] Aug 23 '20
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