Earworms, Talking Heads, and The Genius of Reggie Watts
I got another earworm.
That’s where you get a song stuck in your head and just can’t get it out. And the harder you try, the more ingrained it becomes. I’ve written about them before – like Magnet & Steel and Feels So Good. This time around, it’s my all-time favorite Talking Heads song – This Must be the Place (Naïve Melody)
My favorite parts of the song are –
And you’re standing here beside me
I love the passing of time
Never for money
Always for love
Cover up say goodnight
and
Out of all those kinds of people
You got a face with a view
I’m just an animal looking for a home
Share the same space for a minute or two
Makes no sense, right?
The song came from their landmark album Speaking in Tongues, which featured the monster hit “Burning Down the House.” And if you listen to that song closely, it makes absolutely no sense, either. That’s because every song on the whole album is just a collection of phrases and clichés that are completely meaningless but sounded good together. The genius of it is that, even though the lyrics are complete gibberish, they provides emotions that match the melodies perfectly.
It’s kinda like this blog – a collection of random phrases that really make no sense together. Minus the brilliance, of course.
The song’s been in my head ever since I heard about the new version of The Late Late Show on CBS that premieres in a couple of weeks. Craig Ferguson was the host of the show for ten years and I think I’ve seen exactly 5 minutes of the show in all that time. The new host of the show will be James Corden.
theguardian.com
He’s a pretty big deal in England and was recently featured as the Baker in the film adaptation of the Sondheim musical “Into the Woods.” Which alone will make me want to tune in for another five minutes.
But I do plan on watching because Reggie Watts is going to be the bandleader.
thelaughbutton.com
My nephews introduced me to his work a couple months ago and I’ve never seen anything like it. And it’s his work that made me think about the Talking Heads song.
Prepare to have your mind blown.
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5 comments on “Earworms, Talking Heads, and The Genius of Reggie Watts”
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At least you get good earworms stuck in your head–I either get plinky music often used in ads stuck in my head or the weirdest, worst songs ever. (Think “Tomorrow” from Annie.)
I really like this trend (is it a trend yet? I guess we’ll see when we find out who will be Stephen Colbert’s bandleader) of really creative musicians taking on these roles. I wasn’t initially as I initially lamented The Roots becoming Jimmy Fallon’s house band, but it seems like the steady gig has given them the freedom to do some really amazing work recently.
I feel like such an Old for not knowing Reggie Watts before this TED talk, but he’s fucking awesome. Musicians make the only TED talks worth watching, I’m convinced. (See: Andrew Bird.)
I occadionally like “Tomorrow” but would lose it if it was stuck in my head. I think The Roots really helped Jimmy do things that the old traditional leaders never or couldnt do. It does help that they are amazing musicians woth a broad repertoire.
I had never heard if Watts b4. The shocker was that my college age nephews were into Ted.
Not just my favorite Heads song, but it might be my favorite song of all time. Gives me goose bumps. As for Ferguson, he was hilarious. I wish I would have DVRd that show more often—he was a scream. Speaking of which, do you watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia? I just started binge watching on Netflix from the beginning. HIL. AR. I. OUS.
Haveny seen Always Sunny but hear its funny. We had never seen Breaking Bad so are bingeing on it. Were planning on The Wire but could use some lighter fare.
Its not like i was opposed to Ferguson. It was either we were asleep or watching something else. Or drunk. Whatevs.
You have got to watch Sunny- it’s just so wrong, and so funny.