Sire polishes up some dapper pressings of the notorious Talking Head's single, "Burning Down The House(1)," plus the album cut "Pull Up the Roots(2)" and the cassette only version of "Slippery People(3)." They're all from the Heads' prime 1983 period and include that funky funky, signature new wave sound. Although I'm a HUGE fan, too much David Byrne, max maybe 20 minutes, and his voice will bounce in your head forever (kinda like Steely Dan or Arthur Russell). That would be interesting, but not good. Fortunately, these tracks are also packed with fierce breaks to keep you rolling. Check the intro and poppy snare on "Pull Up" and the creeping bassline on "Slippery". If I didn't know the Heads, you could tell me these songs were released last month by some hip rock group and I might not completely deny you. Shit is modern, yall. The only thing I have to add to the already infamous "Burning Down the House", is that it makes great drunken karaoke fodder. Comes in a cool, promo-like sleeve.

reviewed by C'mish