“I Zimbra.” The Heads’ early experiment with Afropop stylings really holds up. Everything about this track is swell, from the nonsense lyrics to that gulpy bass line in the middle. While the obvious pick here is Byrne, I feel like the careers of “base artists” (whether solo or group_ ought to precede the artists they’re based on.
“Lookin Out Forever.” Westerberg deserves more credit for his vocals. Few have ever mumbled more meaningfully, or made more potent putty out of unexpected syllables: “like a sto-o-ormm on a graaave,” “abannnndon the winnd.” A real basic rock track, especially compared to an “I Zimbra,” but his singing really elevates it.
Talking Heads – I Zimbra
Definitely have a pleasing AfroFunk kinda thing going here. Reminds me of their contemporary, XTC’s “It’s Nearly Africa” in feel (Zimbra predates by a coupla-three years). I can hear the seeds for the pop success of “Burning Down the House.” This plays a little like a sketch with some pleasing nuances – love it.
Paul Westerberg – Lookin’ Out Forever”
The Replacements raucous revelry left far behind (though they were probably always somewhat melodic and had smoothed the rough edges towards the end of their recording career), PW serves up a still-rocking slice of jangly pop a la Steve Earle. Guitar work and his vocals set it apart from the “pack.”
Love the way he slurs/slurps out “Stooonnnnne on a grave.” Stone? Sounds almost like storm.
Hearing his phrasing, it sounds like Looking Out for Ever to me.
Talking Heads – I hear the beginning s of the partnership that would give us My Life In the Bush of Ghosts, not to mention the remarkable Remain in Light. Byrne and Eno work so well together. The upbeat bouncy groove is cut by a guitar line throughout that makes this track soar. Eno’s production is top rate.
Westerberg – Westerberg should get much more credit than he does for his songcraft. From his work with the Replacements (Vive le ‘Mats! ) to his solo work, PW just writes and performs some of the best stuff over the past four decades.
“I Zimbra”by Talking Heads: I am a big fan of Talking Heads and this song delivers as usual. I hear the experimentation and sweat in his music and appreciate his bravery and confidence in the creation. I give him extra points for the above and forgive the rest
“Lookin Out Forever”by Paul Westerberg: Hear alot of Mike Penn in the voice and sound (that is a good thing). Cool solid rock track. I like.
“I Zimbra.” The Heads’ early experiment with Afropop stylings really holds up. Everything about this track is swell, from the nonsense lyrics to that gulpy bass line in the middle. While the obvious pick here is Byrne, I feel like the careers of “base artists” (whether solo or group_ ought to precede the artists they’re based on.
“Lookin Out Forever.” Westerberg deserves more credit for his vocals. Few have ever mumbled more meaningfully, or made more potent putty out of unexpected syllables: “like a sto-o-ormm on a graaave,” “abannnndon the winnd.” A real basic rock track, especially compared to an “I Zimbra,” but his singing really elevates it.
“Base” was probably not the best word for me to use. If you look to the Tangent/Orbit guidelines (https://www.edbejzak.com/my-five-songs/round-4-tangential-orbit/), David Byrne would be perfectly acceptable as the “base/main” artist here.
Talking Heads – I Zimbra
Definitely have a pleasing AfroFunk kinda thing going here. Reminds me of their contemporary, XTC’s “It’s Nearly Africa” in feel (Zimbra predates by a coupla-three years). I can hear the seeds for the pop success of “Burning Down the House.” This plays a little like a sketch with some pleasing nuances – love it.
Paul Westerberg – Lookin’ Out Forever”
The Replacements raucous revelry left far behind (though they were probably always somewhat melodic and had smoothed the rough edges towards the end of their recording career), PW serves up a still-rocking slice of jangly pop a la Steve Earle. Guitar work and his vocals set it apart from the “pack.”
Love the way he slurs/slurps out “Stooonnnnne on a grave.” Stone? Sounds almost like storm.
Hearing his phrasing, it sounds like Looking Out for Ever to me.
Talking Heads – I hear the beginning s of the partnership that would give us My Life In the Bush of Ghosts, not to mention the remarkable Remain in Light. Byrne and Eno work so well together. The upbeat bouncy groove is cut by a guitar line throughout that makes this track soar. Eno’s production is top rate.
Westerberg – Westerberg should get much more credit than he does for his songcraft. From his work with the Replacements (Vive le ‘Mats! ) to his solo work, PW just writes and performs some of the best stuff over the past four decades.
“I Zimbra”by Talking Heads: I am a big fan of Talking Heads and this song delivers as usual. I hear the experimentation and sweat in his music and appreciate his bravery and confidence in the creation. I give him extra points for the above and forgive the rest
“Lookin Out Forever”by Paul Westerberg: Hear alot of Mike Penn in the voice and sound (that is a good thing). Cool solid rock track. I like.