• Profile picture of The Jock of Rock

    The Jock of Rock posted an update 4 years, 10 months ago

    RockChat Rewind with Joe Milliken.
    On this day in 1983, the Talking Heads released their fifth studio album on Sire Records titled “Speaking In Tongues.” Produced by the band (after spitting away from producer Brian Eno) and recorded at Blank Tape Studios and Sigma Sound Studios in New York City and Compass Point Studios in Nassau, “Speaking In Tongues” was the band’s breakthrough and highest charting album, as it brought Talking Heads into mainstream popularity. The album’s tour was also documented in the 1984 film “Stop Making Sense,” which produced a popular live album by the same name.
    “Speaking In Tongues” blurred the lines between arty-rock, punky new wave and black funk, combining all these elements into a pure blend of underground sensibilities and the commercial pop charts. Truly one of the innovative, creative and popular albums of the 80s, the album produced several fan favorites including “Burning Down The House,” “Slippery People,” “Girlfriend Is Better” and “Making Flippy Floppy.”
    It climbed to #15 on the Billboard album chart and #21 on the UK chart. The single “Burning Down The House” was the band’s only Top Ten single, reaching #9. “This Must be The Place” also cracked the Hot 100 at #62. “Speaking In Tongues” has gone on to sell more than three million copies worldwide.