A 4LP black vinyl + 4 7” singles boxed set is available exclusively D2C at Rhino.com or store.talkingheadsofficial.com. This expansive collection of Talking Heads: 77 is housed in a lift-off-lid box, including 4LPs: 1LP of the remastered original album, 1LP of rare and previously unreleased demos and outtakes, and a 2LP Live at CBGB, New York, NY, Oct. 10, 1977, only available in this vinyl box. The 7” singles are set in a gatefold with a black-and-white image of the band, and the set includes an immersive 80-page hardcover book featuring never-before-seen photos, fliers, artwork, and thoughtful liner notes personally penned by each member—Tina Weymouth, David Byrne, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison—plus notes by recording engineer Ed Stasium.
Pre-order/Pre-save HERE.
The boxed set offers 13 previously unreleased live recordings captured during their unforgettable last performance at CBGB’s in New York, NY, on October 10, 1977. These renditions of “Psycho Killer,” “Uh-Oh Love Comes to Town,” and “Don’t Worry About The Government” see the group firing on all cylinders in front of a rabid hometown crowd, unassumingly witnessing history in the making.
Among a plethora of extras, the rarities range from long-sought-after B-sides and alternate versions to acoustic recordings. One such gem is the rare “Psycho Killer (Acoustic Version)” [feat. Arthur Russell]. Heralding the collection, Talking Heads just shared this version on all DSPs. Listen HERE. They also unearthed a previously unheard alternate version of “Psycho Killer,” as well as an unheard alternate “Pop” version of “Pulled Up” for the set.
“We knew cellist and singer/songwriter Arthur Russell from the downtown world. He died early from AIDS, and during his life, he released very disparate records—spacey tunes on the album World of Echo and disco club tunes under the name Dinosaur L. He left a huge legacy of recordings, which are still filtering out 40 years after his passing. I remember seeing him play Philip Glass music for a Mabou Mines production of a Beckett play. I think Beckett's folks hated it, as they didn't want there to be music in his plays. So it wasn't a huge stretch that we'd invite Arthur to arrange and play on an alternate version of ‘Psycho Killer.’ Somewhat perversely, I always saw the song as being a slightly more intimate folk-rock thing rather than the rock song that folks seemed to love. So I had a special attachment to this version.” – David Byrne
Also available is a 2LP neon green vinyl version, only available at Barnes & Noble, a 2LP standard black vinyl at all general retailers, and a 3-CD/Blu-ray at all general retailers, D2C at Rhino.com, and store.talkingheadsofficial.com, as well as streaming on all DSPs. The 3-CD/Blu-ray features the same 80-page hardcover book as the Super Deluxe Edition, and provides an optimal sonic experience, with the Blu-ray boasting a brand-new Atmos mix, 5.1 Mix DTS-HD MA, 5.1 Mix LPCM, all overseen by Harrison, along with a 2024 stereo remaster.
To celebrate the announcement, the first of four new Talking Heads: 77 merch collections just went live today. Check it out HERE.
The world formally got to know Talking Heads when the band unveiled their full-length debut, Talking Heads: 77, on September 16, 1977. Of course, it cemented the classic lineup as Weymouth, Byrne, and Frantz welcomed Harrison to the fold during its creation. Forty-seven years later, it remains entrenched in popular culture as one of the most influential American records ever made. Its impact on indie, alternative, new wave, and art rock proves palpable to this day. Rolling Stone touted it as one of “The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time” at #290. In a retrospective review, Pitchfork put it best: “In 1977, they didn’t need to rush towards the future. They were already there.” The LP ignited a legendary four-album suite of masterpieces for Sire Records, paving the way for More Songs About Buildings and Food [1978], Fear of Music [1979], and Remain In Light [1980].
The Super Deluxe Edition caps off a celebratory season for Talking Heads, who recently commemorated the 40th anniversary of their groundbreaking concert film with Jonathan Demme—Stop Making Sense—with a 2LP and 2CD/Blu-ray set over the summer, along with sold-out screenings hosted by Andy Richter and Questlove.
Be on the lookout for more news and announcements soon.
Experience the ultimate vision of Talking Heads: 77 on November 8.
Tracklist:
Original Album Remastered
Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town
New Feeling
Tentative Decisions
Happy Day
Who Is It?
No Compassion
The Book I Read
Don’t Worry About the Government
First Week/Last Week… Carefree
Psycho Killer
Pulled Up
Rarities
Sugar on My Tongue
I Want to Live
(Love Goes To) Building On Fire
I Wish You Wouldn’t Say That
Psycho Killer (Acoustic Version)
Uh-Oh Love Comes to Town (Alternate “Pop” Version)
New Feeling (Alternate “Pop” Version)
Pulled Up (Alternate “Pop” Version) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Stay Hungry (1977 Version)
First Week/Last Week… Carefree (Acoustic Version)
I Feel It in My Heart
Psycho Killer (Alternate Version) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Live (All Previously Unreleased)
(Love Goes To) Building On Fire (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Don’t Worry About the Government (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Take Me to the River (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
The Book I Read (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
New Feeling (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
A Clean Break (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
No Compassion (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Thank You for Sending Me an Angel (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Who Is It? (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Pulled Up (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Uh-Oh Love Comes to Town (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Psycho Killer (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
Stay Hungry (Live at CBGB’s, New York, New York, 10/10/77) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
