Talking Heads Celebrate 50 Years with Deluxe ‘More Songs About Buildings and Food’ Reissue

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Talking Heads’ classic album with a deluxe reissue featuring rare tracks, a live concert, and stunning remixes.

A Classic Album Gets a Deluxe Revival

Just in time for the band’s golden anniversary, Talking Heads are bringing back their iconic 1978 album, More Songs About Buildings and Food, with a comprehensive deluxe edition hitting shelves on July 25 via Rhino Records. This special release shines a fresh spotlight on the Brian Eno-produced masterpiece that helped define an era.

Fans can now revel in a previously unreleased alternate take of “Found a Job,” giving an exciting glimpse into the band’s creative process. But that’s not all. The deluxe package also includes three unheard versions of tracks from the album, alongside a rare August 1978 concert recorded at New York’s Entermedia Theatre. This concert is available on Blu-ray with spectacular Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround sound, and high-resolution stereo mixes — a true audio feast for enthusiasts.

If you want to explore the different formats, the reissue will be available on LP and CD, including a special four-LP edition that packs in four bonus international seven-inch singles from that era. This makes it a perfect collector’s item for any Talking Heads devotee.

Recording at Compass Point Studios: The Sound That Shaped the Album

More Songs About Buildings and Food was among the first albums recorded at the famed Compass Point Studios, nestled in the Bahamas and owned by Island Records’ legendary boss Chris Blackwell. David Byrne, frontman of Talking Heads, shares the story:

“To our great relief, [Eno] realized we were a tight live band at this point, so it made sense to record us all playing together in the studio. We weren’t all that comfortable in a recording studio, so this arrangement made us comfortable and put us at ease.”
— David Byrne

This live-in-studio approach captured the band’s dynamic chemistry perfectly, lending the record its distinctive vibrancy and authenticity.

Iconic Tracks and Surprising Hits

The album’s standout single, a cover of Al Green’s “Take Me to the River,” almost didn’t make the final cut in the beloved slowed-down version. Drummer Chris Frantz remembers the magic behind the scenes:

“We were used to playing the song at a pretty fast tempo like Al Green’s original, but we gave it a go [in a slower speed]. After several takes, we got what [Eno] was looking for, and everyone loved his treatment of the snare drum. This song became our first radio hit.”
— Chris Frantz

Besides this breakthrough hit, the album features fan favorites like “Artists Only” and “Stay Hungry.” It’s also famous for its unique Polaroid mosaic album cover. Tina Weymouth, the band’s bassist, recalls the creative process behind it:

“David took the pictures of Chris, Jerry [Harrison] and me, while I took the pictures of David. We used a close-up attachment and a red cloth for the backdrop. It was shot on the roof above Chris’s and my Long Island City loft. I still have that camera!”
— Tina Weymouth

What’s Next for Talking Heads?

As the band marks this milestone, fans can anticipate more surprises throughout the year. David Byrne seems to be cooking up his first album since American Utopia, though details remain under wraps for now.

Meanwhile, enjoy a taste of the album’s vibe in this embedded Spotify track from the reissue to get you into the groove:

Conclusion

Fifty years on, More Songs About Buildings and Food still resonates with its innovative sound and timeless appeal. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Talking Heads, this deluxe reissue offers a rare chance to experience the album like never before. What’s your favorite track from this groundbreaking record? Share your thoughts!

FAQs

• What special features come with the 50th-anniversary reissue?
  The deluxe edition includes previously unreleased alternate versions of tracks, a live 1978 concert on Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound, and a four-LP set with bonus singles.
• Where was ‘More Songs About Buildings and Food’ recorded?
  The album was recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, known for its relaxed tropical vibe which influenced the recording process.
• Who produced the album?
  Legendary producer Brian Eno oversaw the album, bringing his signature experimental touch.
• What was unique about the recording process?
  The band recorded live together in the studio, which was unusual for the time but helped capture an authentic and energetic sound.
• Is David Byrne releasing new music soon?
  Byrne appears to have a new album in the works following American Utopia, but no official details have been announced yet.

Love Talking Heads and their iconic album art? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store and bring the magic of classic rock home! Explore our collection now.