Vinyl Record

Talking Heads - Speaking in Tongues

Talking Heads – Speaking in Tongues (180g LP): sharp, funky new wave with big hooks. Order from Kilmorna, Listowel for a classic reissue spin.

LP · 2023

Available from Kilmorna Collection in Listowel.

Buyer notes: 2023 LP, currently available from the Kilmorna Collection vinyl shelf. Pay for pickup in Listowel or ship within Ireland for EUR 5.50.

Talking Heads’ Speaking in Tongues is where their art-rock brain and dancefloor body fully agree. Built on taut rhythm section work, nimble guitar patterns, and David Byrne’s elastic vocal phrasing, the album turns nervous energy into pure momentum—grooves that feel both clever and completely physical. It’s also a record of contrasts: clipped, percussive parts sitting beside warm, rolling low-end; playful pop instincts threaded through odd angles and restless arrangements. From the instant lift of “Burning Down the House” to the homespun pulse of “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody),” it’s a set that rewards attention while still working as a straight-up party record. This 180-gram LP reissue is an easy way to bring a cornerstone of early-80s alternative into regular rotation: not just a greatest-hits checkpoint, but a full album with flow, character, and plenty of room for repeated listening.

Speaking in Tongues helped define the moment when post-punk ideas met pop scale without losing the weirdness. Its blend of new wave, funk, and art-rock precision became a blueprint for danceable alternative music—smart, rhythmic, and built to last.

This listing is for a modern 180-gram LP reissue. If you’re comparing pressings, expect the core album running order with “Burning Down the House” and “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” as the big anchors. Packaging and mastering can vary between reissue campaigns, so if you’re chasing a specific label/variant, ask us in Kilmorna before checkout and we’ll confirm what’s in-store.

Tight, propulsive and groove-forward: springy bass, crisp percussion, wiry guitars, and roomy synth textures. Big dynamics when it opens up, but always rhythm-first and danceable.

Is this the album with “Burning Down the House” and “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)”? Yes—those tracks are key moments on Speaking in Tongues and are part of the standard album sequence. What does “180 gram” mean on a vinyl LP? It refers to the weight of the record. Many listeners like 180g pressings for the sturdy feel; sound quality depends more on the mastering and pressing quality than weight alone. Is this an original pressing or a reissue? This is a reissue LP. If you’re specifically after an earlier pressing, get in touch and we can advise on what’s available or what to watch for.