After the success of the Talking Heads’ groundbreaking concert film, Stop Making Sense; the group has decided to mark its 40th anniversary with a newly restored 4K version of the movie, which will return to theaters for a global run with A24. Rhino will also release a deluxe soundtrack version of the complete Stop Making Sense concert on August 18.
Rhino will also delivered two previously unreleased tracks from the film adaptation of the album. Included are takes on “Cities” and “Big Business / I Zimbra.” As a preview of today’s announcement, they’re shared “Cities.” Along with the audio, the limited edition vinyl version features a 28-page booklet with previously unpublished photos and new liner notes from all four band members: Tina Weymouth, David Byrne, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison.
The inspiration for Stop Making Sense arrived when director Jonathan Demme saw Talking Heads during their 1983 tour for Speaking in Tongues. Afterward, he approached the ensemble with the idea of making the show into a concert film. They agreed and worked together over the next several months to finalize the presentation. Ultimately, Demme filmed three concerts at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December 1983 to create the video.
Stop Making Sense focuses mainly on music by Talking Heads but does include a few songs recorded with member adjacent acts, like Tom Tom Club’s “Genius Of Love” and “What A Day That Was” and “Big Business” from Byrne’s 1981 album, The Catherine Wheel. In addition, the film captures classic performances of staple tunes like “Burning Down The House,” “Girlfriend is Better,” and more.
Via press release, Byrne offered: “We had done a live album before this, but coupled with the film, and with the improved mixes and sound quality, this record reached a whole new audience. As often happens, the songs got an added energy when we performed them live and were inspired by having an audience. In many ways, these versions are more exciting than the studio recordings, so maybe that’s why a lot of folks discovered us via this record.”
Pre-order the set here. Listen to “Cities” now.
Scroll down to view the complete tracking list.
STOP MAKING SENSE (DELUXE EDITION)
Limited Edition 2-LP Track Listing
Side One
“Psycho Killer”
“Heaven”
“Thank You For Sending Me An Angel’
“Found A Job”
“Slippery People”
“Cities” *
Side Two
“Burning Down The House”
“Life During Wartime”
“Making Flippy Floppy”
“Swamp”
Side Three
“What a Day That Was”
“This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)”
“Once In A Lifetime”
“Big Business / I Zimbra” *
Side Four
“Genius Of Love”
“Girlfriend Is Better”
“Take Me To The River”
“Crosseyed And Painless”
* Previously Unreleased
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August 31, 2023 at 11:26 am[…] Read more about the theatrical release of Stop Making Sense here. […]
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August 16, 2023 at 11:07 am[…] Prior to the impending theatrical release, the band will deliver the deluxe edition of the Stop Making Sense soundtrack on Friday, August 18, via Rhino Records. In addition to familiar material, the LP will also boast two previously unreleased tracks. Included are takes on “Cities” and “Big Business / I Zimbra.” Along with the audio, the limited edition vinyl version features a 28-page booklet with unpublished photos and new liner notes from all four band members. Read more here. […]