Remain In Light - Japan Import with OBI

I have heard this album many times in my youth but I just have to have it on vinyl. Musically, this is a masterpiece, albeit being one of their worse selling album. People at that time were just not ahead of their time like Talking Heads. For audiophiles though, the sound on this release is quite disappointing.

Let's talk about that iconic cover first. That album cover intrigues and terrifies me. It pretty much sums up the music on "Remain in Light". Dark, brooding, and playfully ambitious. This was the Talking Heads' 4th studio album and holy smokes - it was a groundbreaking one! This album was produced by Brian Eno. And unfortunately, this would be the final time the band would collaborate with him and all his mad GENIUS. "Remain in Light" is considered their best album. But for me, their commercial breakthrough, "Speaking in Tongues" is their best. But "Remain in Light is definitely a favorite of mine. What makes "Remain in Light" such a memorable album are the never-ending and sparkling melodies. The melodies just keep coming at you from every direction. Powerful stuff here. This album was released in 1980 and nothing from the music, to the lyrics, or the production feels dated or false. Everything STILL feels modern and truly unique. Talking Heads were a highly intellectual band thanks to the frantic/gifted mind of front-man, David Byrne. His songwriting was always razor-sharp and unpredictable. He pretty much said what everybody else was thinking. Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth, and Chris Frantz proved they were just as talented as Byrne with their expansive musical knowledge and their "artsy" persona. Talking Heads were one of the smartest new wave bands to come out of CBGB. There will NEVER be a more important band. Ever. They were the definition of avant-garde.There are only 8 tracks on "Remain in Light" but they are BIG and EXPLOSIVE. The first 5 tracks are some of the band's best written. "Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)" is my favorite track. The song is a sarcastic stab at the ugliness of politics. The lyrics are mind-blowing and the music is dripping with sweaty, raw urgency. "Crosseyed and Painless" is a delight. A fan favorite. It's a manic and pulsating dance track. "The Great Curve" is a freakin' MASTERPIECE. The blistering guitar licks will knock the wind out of you, and the hooks/tempo changes are fast and electrifying. Excellent use of percussion. The African rhythmic beat is steady and ferocious. "Once in A Lifetime" is a classic. It's a clever, spot-on commentary about how "having it all" can be both a blessing and a curse. The unexpected hip-hop beat in the beginning of the track still sounds fresh and innovative. "Houses in Motion" is a head-scratcher. It's weird but awesome. Great ad-libs and I love the "talky" verses. The last 3 songs were the most experimental and introspective starting with the poetic, "Seen And Not Seen". And the "Listening Wind" borrows a little bit from Native American culture. And the album closer, "The Overload" is a slow-burning but slightly draggy ballad. I highly recommend this haunting album. "Remain in Light" might be dark for some but it's never boring. Talking Heads NEVER made a boring album. They didn't know the meaning of the word. Enjoy!

Short one star because the original vinyl, even my somewhat worn copy, sounds more dynamic, wide and engaging. But this re-issue gives a very flat and clear presentation and still maintains good dynamics. I can hear the lyrics much more clearly, so now I have a choice in listening for Remain In Light. The physical quality of this re-issue is exceptional. No warping and quiet in silent passages. I'm pleased with this purchase.

'Remain in Light' is arguably the Talking Heads' best album ever. Steeped in primitive, African rhthyms, but sent with the trajectory of advanced technology, the album harnesses a mesmerizing and formidable set of sounds and images. It is easily Talking Heads' most avant garde work of their whole career. Think of tribal music generated from a computer, and you get 'Remain in Light'.What used to be known as side one has mainly more progressive songs, and the second half is more subdued, but all of it is brilliant. There's "Born Under Punches," where David Byrne warbles, "I'm a tumbler...I'm a government man." Like many songs before it, he takes the everyman through the cross-hairs of everyday, struggling existence. "Cross-eyed and Painless" is pedestrian, but contains some riveting funk, and "The Great Curve" is hypnotic with the most dancey song from the album. "Houses in Motion" takes the funk where "Cross-eyed.." left off, but, understandably, given the title, takes a slower groove. (I've often wondered if the song is about the homeless.) Anyway, nuances give way to thoughtful songs like "Seen and Not Seen" and "Listening Wind". The finale is truly magnificent. Perhaps a song about calamity as big as Armageddon, "The Overload" is a chilling song that envelops the listener with its ominous development.Still, a classic after all these years, 'Remain in Light' sounds just as innovative and modern as it did upon its release. Having a troubadour song, "Once in a Lifetime," complete with synthesizers that simulate flowing water, has kept them on the radio for a number of years with the most moving, and yet, "normal" song from the whole album.

My sister's favorite Talking Heads album! She loves it even more on vinyl!

Maybe the best album from Talking Heads, and a seminal post punk album. A polyrhythmic masterpiece.

You notice how so many reviews say "the best"? Well it's true. This album is a masterpiece. This is the album where Brian Eno hits his peak, and his genius is evident throughout. Not to short change the rest of the band, but it really is Eno's album. In retrospect you can see how this album heralded the whole electronica movement, perhaps even more so than early Kraftwerk. Most of these songs can still hold their own on today's dance floors, and the ones that can't are damn fine to chill to.Buy this album. Play it over and over again. Marvel at Adrian Beleu's guitar solos, David Byrne's quirky and poignant lyrics, and Eno's masterful orchestration of it all.

Finally got around to replacing my old, worn out copy with the new reissue and I have to ask myself 'Why did I wait so long?" Sounds great and if anyone else is delaying like I was, stop now and get this!