Talking Heads - Fear of Music 12" Vinyl LP Album

Talking Heads' 1979 release, "Fear of Music," epitomized the evolving sound of late 1970s new wave music. Produced with avant-garde influence by Brian Eno, the album blended punk, funk, and art rock. Standout tracks like "Life During Wartime" and "I Zimbra," inspired by Dadaist poetry, showcased the band's departure from conventional structures. The album's impact, though modest on charts, resonates as a pivotal work in experimental music history.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

TALKING HEADS - Fear Of Music Germany Release 12" vinyl lp album album front cover

"Fear of Music" Album Description:

The release of Talking Heads' "Fear of Music" 12" Vinyl LP Album in 1979 marked a significant moment in the landscape of new wave music. As the band's third studio album, it not only showcased their evolving sound but also solidified their status as innovators within the music industry.

The time period of the late 1970s was characterized by a musical climate undergoing rapid transformation. The punk rock movement had laid the groundwork for a more experimental and diverse approach to music. Against this backdrop, Talking Heads emerged with their unique blend of post-punk, new wave, and art rock elements.

"Fear of Music" reflected the band's willingness to push boundaries and explore unconventional sonic territories. Released during a time when the music industry was undergoing a shift towards more eclectic and experimental genres, the album captured the zeitgeist of the late 1970s.

Production-wise, the album was a testament to Talking Heads' collaboration with producer Brian Eno. Eno, known for his work with Roxy Music and as a pioneer in ambient music, brought his avant-garde sensibilities to the project. The result was a sonically rich and textured album that transcended the conventional boundaries of rock music.

The album's standout tracks, "Life During Wartime" and "I Zimbra," further exemplified Talking Heads' departure from conventional song structures. "Life During Wartime" blended punk energy with funk-infused rhythms, creating a politically charged and danceable anthem. Meanwhile, "I Zimbra" took inspiration from Dadaist poet Hugo Ball's work, infusing the album with a surreal and poetic dimension.

In terms of chart performance, "Fear of Music" reached #21 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, underscoring its commercial success. The singles from the album, although not massive chart-toppers, made their mark on various charts, with "I Zimbra" reaching #28 on Club Play Singles.

Music Genre:

  New Wave, Post Punk Rock 

Collector's info:

  Structured embossed album cover design resembling a black metal floor tiles. This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by The Talking Heads

Album Production Information:

  The album: "Fear of Music" was produced by: Brian Eno and the Talking Heads

Record Label Information:

  SIRE 200 880

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 200 gram  

Year & Country:

  1979 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Talking Heads Fear of Music
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • David Byrne vocals, guitars

      David Byrne a Scottish-American musician, singer, songwriter, and artist. He is best known as the lead singer and principal songwriter of the American rock band Talking Heads, which was active between 1975 and 1991. Byrne's solo career began in the early 1980s, and he has released several albums and collaborated with various other musicians and artists. He has also been involved in various film, theater, and art projects throughout his career. In addition to his music, Byrne is known for his eclectic and experimental approach to songwriting and his distinctive stage presence. He has won several awards and accolades throughout his career, including an Academy Award for his work on the film "The Last Emperor" in 1988.

  • Chris Frantz drums
  • Jerry Harrison keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
  • Tina Weymouth bass, backing vocals
Track Listing of: "Fear of Music"

The Song/tracks on "Fear of Music" are

  • I Zimbra (Byrne, Brian Eno, Hugo Ball) 3:06
  • Mind 4:12
  • Paper 2:36
  • Cities 4:05
  • Life During Wartime (Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth) 3:41
  • Memories Can't Wait 3:30
  • Air 3:33
  • Heaven (Byrne, Harrison) 4:01
  • Animals 3:29
  • Electric Guitar 2:59
  • Drugs 5:13

 

Front Cover Photo Of TALKING HEADS - Fear Of Music Germany Release 12" vinyl lp album

 

TALKING HEADS - Fear Of Music Germany Release 12" vinyl lp album album front cover

Photo Of The Back Cover TALKING HEADS - Fear Of Music Germany Release 12" vinyl lp album

 

TALKING HEADS - Fear Of Music Germany Release 12" vinyl lp album album back cover

Close up of record's label TALKING HEADS - Fear Of Music Germany Release 12" vinyl lp album Side One

Record Label Details: SIRE 200 880

TALKING HEADS - Fear Of Music Germany Release 12" vinyl lp album enlarged record label
 

 

Index of TALKING HEADS Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

TALKING HEADS - Fear of Music (German and French Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
TALKING HEADS - Fear of Music (German and French Versions)  album front cover vinyl record

Talking Heads' "Fear of Music," released in 1979, epitomizes late '70s musical innovation. Produced by Brian Eno and the band, the French release in August 1979 added a European touch.

Fear of Music - German Release Fear of Music - French Edition)
TALKING HEADS - Little Creatures 12" Vinyl LP
TALKING HEADS - Little Creatures album front cover vinyl record

 EMI 1C 064-24 0352  , 1985 , Germany

The album examined themes of Americana and incorporated elements of country music, with many songs featuring the steel guitar. It was voted as the best album of the year (1985)

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TALKING HEADS - Naked 12" Vinyl LP
TALKING HEADS - Naked album front cover vinyl record

Fly / Sire Records 1-2565   , 1988

"Naked," the Talking Heads' 1988 album, marked the apex of their musical experimentation, heavily infused with African influences. As David Byrne assumed greater control, the album became a swan song

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TALKING HEADS - Speaking Tongues (1983, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
TALKING HEADS - Speaking Tongues (1983, Germany)  album front cover vinyl record

SIRE 92-3883   , 1983 , Germany

The album was a commercial breakthrough that produced the band's first (and only) American Top 10 hit, "Burning Down the House", which was accompanied by a promotional video.

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TALKING HEADS - Stop Making Sense 12" Vinyl LP
TALKING HEADS - Stop Making Sense album front cover vinyl record

EMI 1C 064-24 0243   , 1983 , EEC

Released in 1984, "Stop Making Sense" is a live album by the American rock band Talking Heads. Renowned for their innovative sound and distinctive artistic approach

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TALKING HEADS - True Stories (Philippines and Italian Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
TALKING HEADS - True Stories (Philippines and Italian Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

Talking Heads' 1986 album "True Stories" and its accompanying film, directed by David Byrne, marked a pivotal moment in the band's career.

True Stories (1986, Italy) True Stories (1986, Philippines)