Talking Heads – “I Zimbra” (Live on Letterman ‘83)

A recent vinyl buying spree reconnected me with The Talking Heads, which is not to say I ever go that long without crossing paths, but that some rendezvous last longer than others. A fresh used copy of Speaking in Tongues has “Burning Down the House” through “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” blaring through my stereo system. It’s worth noting the latter just might be my favorite song penned by the group (Arcade Fire does it justice too).

As is common around the workplace, my co-workers and I swap favorite YouTube clips back-and-forth, and yesterday the Talking Heads were our subject matter. I was originally going to focus this post on this live version of “I Zimbra” circa 1980 courtesy of the German Rockpop TV show. After further digging, I was enamored with The Talking Heads appearance on David Letterman in 1983, where they performed both “I Zimbra” (above) and “Burning Down the House.” It’s hard to tell if the blue hues are a result of decades old footage or a film technique used to create a more funky visual. Whatever the intent or accident, it’s pretty bad ass and finds Byrne at his goofiest.

If you’ve stuck around this long, you’d be well served to watch David Byrne’s desk interview with Letterman that accompanies the two aforementioned performances from 1983.

News:

Milwaukee A.V. Club interviews Langhorne Slim who plays Turner Hall Ballroom tonight. Tickets are $10. Check out Langhorne’s brand new video for “Be Set Free” as well as Muzzle of Bees video sessions featuring “Say Yes,” “Land of Dreams,” “Be Set Free” and “Honey Pie.”

Don’t miss the lovely Take Away Show with Basia Bulat whose new album, Heart of My Own is out today.

The Local Natives brilliant new album, Gorilla Manor is now available for pre-order at their website
MP3: Local Natives – “Sun Hands” (Gorilla Manor, Frenchkiss Records)

Wilco have released digital downloads of two shows from 2009 (Brooklyn and London) for a suggested $15 donation to either OXFAM or Doctors Without Borders in support of Haiti earthquake relief.

LCD Soundsystem are in the studio reporting back via video blog.

The Magnetic Fields album Realism is out this today.

Los Campesinos! also have a new album out today entitled Romance Is Boring, which I know has already earned high praise from Evan.

Songer Singwriter (Justin Vernon, St. Vincent, Jon Mueller and Brad Cook) join together performing covers of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” for a Haiti benefit in NYC over the weekend.

Indie Asia follows the Handsome Furs through Asia video documentary style.

The National have a new album coming out with a supporting tour.