While I was packing up stuff for my move to San Francisco, I found my VHS copy (yes, you read that right) of Talking Heads Stop Making Sense, courtesy of director and Long Island's own Jonathan Demme. Eager to see it again after a long hiatus, I invited some friends over for a fun little get together/viewing party of this concert documentary that was even better than the last time I had seen it. In fact, all of my friends enjoyed it and it prompted me to spread the word and highly recommend. 

The concept is brilliant from beginning to end. Symbolically, it begins with singer/songwriter David Byrne, walking onto an unfinished stage, carrying his acoustic guitar and boombox. He proceeds to play a cassette he wants the audience to listen to (actually a tick tock drum machine played from the mixing board) as an accompaniment to his performance of Psycho Killer, fittingly one of the bands first hit singles. With each song that is introduced, so is a band member. With each additional sound and stage presence that is combined, morphs into a superb culmination of sound and vision of a complete band. Throughout the first few songs, stage crew members are working by putting together the background set, completing the metamorphosis. This unique concept further proves, that when art and music merge, an extrordinary result is usually the case (three of the band members were RISD art students and the artistic influence is felt). The energy from all is dynamic, along with the performances which are masterful to say the least. I particularly love the complementing backing vocals of Ednah Holt and Lynn Mabrey, reminiscent of the legendary Staple Singers.

 
For Talking Heads fans, I would be surprised if this is not already in your collection. Even if you are not a fan of the group, this innovative and exceptionally directed concert film just might make you one.  Or at the very least, you will have an enjoyably entertaining experience (the heart wrenching rendition of This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) brings a tear of joy to my eye everytime). If you admire bands that have the rare gift of actually sounding better live as opposed to studio tweaking, then you wont be disappointed. There are many reasons this won an Oscar for best documentary in 1984, previous statement being at the top of my list. The only downside is, this was the Heads last major tour, pity. Maybe David and Co. will get back to where they once belonged for a long overdue encore. Till then, put on a big suit and dance your ass off! Enjoy.