Speaking in Tongues- 1983
Rating: 10
Dance until you die
Best Song: Burning Down the House
Worst Song: Moon Rocks
While this is a weaker CD than the last couple albums (excluding True Stories, which I still haven't listened to much), this album still has a fair share of strong tracks. My main problem is that, particularly on the CD, that the tracks are way too overlong. If you have the old vinyl version of this album, then consider adding a point to my rating. Out of 5 tracks that were "extended" for the CD release, none of them are better than the shorter versions, and none of them are better than the live version on Stop Making Sense.
In fact, besides maybe "Burning Down the House" and "I Get Wild/Wild Gravity", you could probably skip out on this album in exchange for Stop Making Sense. That album has 6 of the 9 tracks on here, and does each of them with a superior, tighter energy. Not to say that this isn't a "good" album; it's merely been made inferior by the fact that the Talking Heads are an awesome live band.
The album opens with the hit, "Burning Down the House". This happens to be the album's best track, with David Byrne screaming out his usual nonsense over slightly goofy keyboards. It's a fun listen, a great opener, and I'm sure you've already heard it before. "Making Flippy Floppy", in it's original vinyl form, probably was good, but it definitely suffers from overlong. The same happens with "Girlfriend Is Better", which, while sporting a more memorable melody than "Making Flippy Floppy", has no reason being 5:44 instead of 4:22. They're fun enough, but not much more.
"Slippery People" is actually pretty interesting, and almost doesn't suffer from the extended length. Sure, the production doesn't capture the energy of the live version, but I think the melody is excellent. "I Get Wild/Wild Gravity" does the same. Once again an extended track, but it helps to break up some of the monotony with some unique vocals and a cool beat. Following that is "Swamp", which wasn't extended (thankfully), and works well. Byrne sings in a different tone/accent that makes the song stick out more, and, as always, the melody is entertaining. Stop Making Sense did it better, but this one is worth at least one listen.
The sad thing is that, after that run, "Moon Rocks" is merely okay. It's not bad, but it is overlong, and, while I like the backing guitars, it simply cannot sustain itself for almost six minutes. If you're really curious, I'd suggest the original five minute version (which is probably still a little too long). Definitely the weakest song. "Pull Up the Roots", which comes after it, is also fine. It has a decent vocal line, an intriguing melody, and usual Talking Heads quirks, but it doesn't reach the earlier heights of "Burning Down the House", or even "Swamp".
Fortunately, the album ends on one of the best Talking Heads songs, "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)". Unfortunately, this version does lack the excellent vocals of the live one, and, had this song been as powerful or good as the Stop Making Sense song, this would have been the best song. As is, it's still a great listen, and a nice ending to the album.
I may have been harsh here, but let me stress that I do like this album. I wouldn't say it is a necessary purchase, but I definitely think it is a decent listen, and better than Naked. If you really had to pick, buy Stop Making Sense, Little Creatures, and their earlier stuff first, but this isn't a bad purchase if you're a huge Talking Heads fan. Just seek out the older vinyl if you can, and enjoy.
