Talking Heads may not have a number one album and they haven’t played a full concert together in thirty years, but they are still one of the most influential bands of their time. Their 1984 film, Stop Making Sense, directed by Jonathan Demme, has become iconic in the world of live music performances. It has inspired artists such as The 1975 and even Kermit the Frog donning David Byrne’s suit. Last year, A24 re-released Stop Making Sense, which led to the band and the production company going further with Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute To Stop Making Sense, a song-for-song tribute album.
The tribute album features artists such as Paramore, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, The National, and Girl In Red. It is a dizzying listen, with all artists reimagining and interpreting some of Talking Heads’ biggest songs. For example, Miley Cyrus transformed “Psycho Killer” from an acoustic jam to a pulsating electro romp, while The National’s rendition of “Heaven” mirrors the emotive live covers they’ve done over the years. DJ Tunez adds Afrobeat elements to “Life During Wartime,” and Lagos duo The Cavemen takes on “What A Day That Was.” Everyone’s Getting Involved is a testament to the lasting legacy of Talking Heads and their continued impact on music.
Even newer acts such as Chicano Batman and Blondshell, who’s debut album received a five-star review from NME last year, were inspired by the project. Carlos Arévalo of Chicano Batman said that the strength of Stop Making Sense was the moment it captured in the ’80s and how it subverted some of the sonics of the time. It’s art, music, and film all coming together to create a timeless piece. Blondshell used the opportunity to challenge themselves and think about the music in a different way. The set-up of the band in Stop Making Sense and the texture of the music inspired the band to want bigger sounds and to strive to be better at their instruments.
Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute To Stop Making Sense is out now and further proves the impact of Talking Heads and how their music has continued to inspire artists even thirty years later. Their legacy lives on in new covers and interpretations of their work, proving their magic still endures
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