Who better than a novelist–cum–music journalist to depict "a group that was completely of its time and totally outside of it"? From the Talking Heads' individual roots to their electrifying collaboration and breakup, Bowman (Bunny Modern) portrays brilliant odd-bird David Byrne, even-keeled and Harvard-educated Jerry Harrison, happy-go-lucky Chris Frantz and enigmatic Tina Weymouth, who told Bowman: "I have to rewrite your book for you.... You know nothing about us." Or maybe he knows more than she'd like? Bowman interviewed them (and 50 others) and studied their every mention—e.g., New York Times
writeups, Andy Warhol's diary—to understand how they got the nation singing "Psycho killer/ Qu'est que c'est/ fa fa fa.... " While their dysfunctions intrigue, their unconventionality, hilarity and creative synergy fascinate. David, Chris and Tina met in art school in the 1970s and later shared a New York City loft. Months after Tina learned bass, the trio opened for the Ramones at CBGB, where a record exec pounced. Rounded out by Jerry's keyboard, they shook underground and mainstream audiences, tempering curious lyrics about religion and politics with infectious melodies. They experimented with African polyrhythms and funk while maintaining New Wave followers. They split up in 1991 while "still sound[ing] like the Next New Thing." Bowman's funny, astute book tells how they pulled it off and why they pulled the plug. Bibliography, discography and filmography included; photos not seen by PW.(Apr.)
Forecast:No other Talking Head–ography covers the breakup or beyond. Byrne's forthcoming album will boost reader interest. Bowman's cult-crit banter will appeal to New York music and art scene followers.
