The release of Talking Heads’ Live at WCOZ ’77 is a rare treat for fans and vinyl collectors alike, marking its debut as a full-length record. Previously, only fragments of this electrifying 1977 performance were available, notably on The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads. Now, for the first time, enthusiasts can experience the entire 14-song concert in all its raw and unfiltered glory. Released exclusively for RSD by Rhino Records, this double album is a limited edition, with only 13,300 copies available worldwide. The records are cut at 45 RPM to ensure the highest audio fidelity, sourced directly from the original two-track tapes mixed by Ed Stasium. The mastering on these LPs came out super clean sounding and it cannot be overstated how dynamic this recording sounds.
The historical significance of this recording cannot be overstated. Captured live on November 17, 1977, at Northern Studio near Boston, this performance occurred just two months after the release of their debut album, Talking Heads ’77. The setlist features more than half of the tracks from their debut, including a never-before-released version of “Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town.” Additionally, the album offers early versions of five songs that would appear on their next album, More Songs About Buildings and Food. Live at WCOZ ’77 showcases Talking Heads in their formative stage, raw and brimming with the innovative energy that would define their career. The inclusion of early versions of tracks like “Take Me To The River” and “Thank You For Sending Me An Angel” provides a fascinating glimpse into their evolving sound and experimental approach to music during this period. The energy that the band puts into the performances of “Stay Hungry” and “The Book I Read” is palpable. The version of “Psycho Killer” is to die for with its unassuming intro it eventually gains tempo and energy and is only topped by show-closer “Pulled Up.” This album is not just a collection of live tracks; it’s a historical artifact that captures a pivotal moment in the band’s history. It reflects a time when Talking Heads were just beginning to leave their mark on the music world, making it an essential purchase for both longtime fans and newcomers interested in the roots of alternative rock.
In essence, if Stop Making Sense represents the band at its most polished and theatrical, then Live at WCOZ ’77 is its counterpoint, offering a snapshot of a young band at its most earnest and spontaneous. This release is a must-have for those looking to complete their Talking Heads collection or to experience the band as they were, unadorned and irresistibly compelling.
