Talking Heads • Take Me To The River

Left to right: Chris Frantz, David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, and Tina Weymouth

It is Sunday morning, and I thought I would bring a little Gospel to the blog, but with a bit of a twist. In 1974, "Take Me To The River" was written by singer Al Green and guitarist Mabon "Teenie" Hodges. It was recorded by Green, but not released as a single. Syl Johnson released the song in 1975, and it made it to #48 on the Billboard Hot 100. I was much more familiar with the single released in 1979, by the Talking Heads, off their second album 'More Songs About Buildings and Food'. The band was highly popular on the college circuit in the 1970s, and soon was taking over the airwaves with their very special sound. The band was made up by David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison. Their version of the song, recorded with co-Producer Brian Eno, went to #26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also included in 'Stop Making Sense', the live concert film released in 1984. In this live version, the band managed to combine their highly stylized Punk Rock with the R&B vibe of the song, to create an unusual adjunct of Gospel music. Please enjoy this long version of "Take Me To the River".

While I did enjoy the studio cut, influenced by the great Brian Eno, I cannot help but be insane for the live version featured above. You can purchase the audio recording of 'Stop Making Sense' from iTunes and Amazon. And I hope your weekend continues to be amazing.