keepers 4
keeper avg .454
Despite being the first album to not be produced by Brian Eno since the debut in 1977, Speaking In Tongues seems relatively close to its predecessor ("Once In A Lifetime" would feel right at home here), in that individual songs are still composed of sparse, angular melodic elements like scratchy disco-guitar riffs, but usually over complex, layered rhythmic effects (including "Making Flippy Floppy","Pull up the Roots", and "Moon Rocks"). The multi-layered "Girlfriend Is Better"**** is another familiar continuation of the band's unique formula, though extra-hooky, each chorus line punctuated by squiggling electronic noise. In contrast, the arrangement of the album-opening, number-9 charting hit "Burning Down The House"**** is especially minimalist, leaving plenty of room for David Byrne's zany chants and its super-punchy guitar hook. The swaggering, bluesy "Swap"**** also breaks from the electronic disco feel and I think hints at the simplified approach of Talking Heads' hits on subsequent albums, if not their glossy, streamlined production. And however simple, Byrne's love-song "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)"***** may be the best they ever did, featuring Byrne himself on the familiar keyboard solos that manage to be lyrical and rubbery at the same time.
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