10 Bizarre Recording Techniques Used On Famous Records
9. Remain In Light - Talking Heads
Eccentric rockers Talking Heads were never ones to follow a conventional approach. Helmed by David Byrne, but with equal (and often underrated) contributions from fellow band-members Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Jerry Harrison, the group, over the course of eight classic albums, laid down a highly singular blend of accessible pop and adventurous song-structures.
No less so than on 1980's Remain In Light. Produced by another legendary figure, Brian Eno, Remain In Light is a particular standout in the Heads' discography, amongst some stiff competition. Eno took a holistic approach to recording – everything and anything could be used, mixed and matched. In effect, the record is the result of several long, solo jams by each member of the band, recorded in isolation and then cut and spliced together.
None of the musicians involved were aware, prior to laying down their parts, of what the others had produced, and these 'blind' sessions are key to the album's remarkable sound. Eno used the players as human samplers, laying down loops, grooves and vocals which could then be remixed at leisure.