- May 17, 2024
The Talking Heads tribute album, Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense, has arrived, kicking off with a cover of “Psycho Killer” by Miley Cyrus. This much-anticipated album, released by A24 Music, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the iconic Stop Making Sense concert film and features new renditions of the film’s original tracks by various contemporary artists.
Miley Cyrus’ Unique Take on “Psycho Killer”
Miley Cyrus, known for her eclectic musical style and powerful vocal performances, brings her own flair to the Talking Heads’ classic “Psycho Killer.” Her version of the song is a departure from her previous acoustic performance at Chateau Marmont, embracing a more synth-laden, edgy sound. Singing over oscillating synths and intense percussion, Cyrus injects her pop-star energy into David Byrne’s sauntering original, creating a fresh and compelling interpretation.
Cyrus’ involvement in the tribute album was highlighted in a press release, which noted, “Cyrus — who previously sang a live cover of the song during her November performance at the Chateau Marmont in L.A. — injects her own flair and pop-star energy into David Byrne’s sauntering original.”
A Diverse Lineup of Artists
The tribute album features a stellar lineup of artists, each bringing their unique style to the iconic tracks of Stop Making Sense. Paramore kicks things off with their cover of “Burning Down the House,” while Lorde reimagines “Take Me to the River.” The National delivers a haunting version of “Heaven,” and girl in red tackles “Girlfriend Is Better.”
Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense Tracklist:
01. “Psycho Killer” (Miley Cyrus)
02. “Heaven” (The National)
03. “Thank You for Sending Me an Angel” (Blondshell)
04. “Found a Job” (The Linda Lindas)
05. “Slippery People” (Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado)
06. “Burning Down the House” (Paramore)
07. “Life During Wartime” (DJ Tunez)
08. “Making Flippy Floppy” (Teezo Touchdown)
09. “Swamp” (Jean Dawson)
10. “What a Day That Was” (The Cavemen)
11. “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” (BADBADNOTGOOD featuring Norah Jones)
12. “Once in a Lifetime” (Kevin Abstract)
13. “Genius of Love” (Toro y Moi featuring Brijean)
14. “Girlfriend Is Better” (girl in red)
15. “Take Me to the River” (Lorde)
16. “Crosseyed and Painless” (Chicano Batman featuring Money Mark)
These varied interpretations highlight the timeless appeal of the Talking Heads’ music, demonstrating its influence across different genres and generations.
Behind the Scenes of “Everyone’s Getting Involved”
Directed by Thom Zimny, Road Door offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the creation of this tribute album. The film features fly-on-the-wall footage of band rehearsals, special moments backstage, and conversations with Springsteen himself. This immersive documentary provides fans with a deeper understanding of Springsteen’s creative process and the themes that drive his music.
“Directed by Thom Zimny, Road Door opens a new door to Springsteen’s creative process for fans around the world, sharing fly-on-the-wall footage of band rehearsals and special moments backstage — as well as hearing from Springsteen himself,” the press release notes. “These conversations follow Springsteen closely as he develops the story he wants to tell with this tour’s setlist — interspersed with rare archival clips of the E Street Band, underscoring themes of life, loss, mortality and community. In this way, it serves as an essential and never-before-seen chapter in an autobiographical series spanning Springsteen’s memoir Born to Run, Springsteen on Broadway, and the films Western Stars and Letter to You.”
The Making of the Tribute Album
A24 Music announced the tribute album in January, building anticipation among fans of both the Talking Heads and the contributing artists. The project aimed to honor the innovative spirit of Stop Making Sense while introducing the music to a new generation. The album features renditions of the film’s original 16 tracks, each reinterpreted by a different artist.
Paramore’s cover of “Burning Down the House” set the tone for the album’s release, followed by other standout tracks like Lorde’s “Take Me to the River” and The National’s “Heaven.” Miley Cyrus’ “Psycho Killer” serves as the album’s opening track, setting a high bar for the rest of the compilation.
Miley Cyrus’ Musical Journey
Miley Cyrus has never shied away from experimenting with different musical styles, and her cover of “Psycho Killer” is a testament to her versatility. From her early days as a Disney Channel star to her evolution into a pop and rock icon, Cyrus has consistently pushed the boundaries of her music.
In recent years, Cyrus has embraced a more rock-oriented sound, evident in her performances and recordings. Her collaboration with David Byrne during her 2022 New Year’s Eve special showcased her ability to blend seamlessly with established rock legends. This performance, along with her recent work on the tribute album, highlights Cyrus’ deep respect for the genre and her desire to explore new musical horizons.
Celebrating 40 Years of Stop Making Sense
The release of Everyone’s Getting Involved coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Stop Making Sense concert film, a groundbreaking work that captured the energy and innovation of the Talking Heads’ live performances. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film has been hailed as one of the greatest concert films of all time, influencing countless artists and filmmakers.
The tribute album not only celebrates this milestone but also introduces the music of the Talking Heads to a new generation. By featuring contemporary artists, the project bridges the gap between the original era of the band and today’s music scene, demonstrating the enduring relevance of the Talking Heads’ work.
The Creative Vision of Thom Zimny
Thom Zimny, the director behind Road Door, is no stranger to capturing the essence of iconic musicians. His previous work with Bruce Springsteen, including Western Stars and Springsteen on Broadway, has earned him acclaim for his ability to convey the emotional depth and creative process of his subjects. With Road Door, Zimny continues this tradition, providing fans with an intimate look at the making of the tribute album and the artistry of the contributing musicians.
“Directed by Thom Zimny, Road Door opens a new door to Springsteen’s creative process for fans around the world, sharing fly-on-the-wall footage of band rehearsals and special moments backstage — as well as hearing from Springsteen himself,” notes a press release. This behind-the-scenes access allows viewers to witness the dedication and passion that goes into creating music, offering a unique perspective on the tribute album’s production.
Miley Cyrus and David Byrne: A Musical Connection
Miley Cyrus and David Byrne have shared the stage before, and their musical connection is evident in their collaborative performances. During Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party to ring in 2023, the duo performed David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” and Byrne’s own “Everybody’s Coming To My House.” This collaboration showcased Cyrus’ ability to hold her own alongside a music legend, further solidifying her place in the rock and roll pantheon.
Cyrus’ admiration for Byrne and the Talking Heads is clear in her passionate delivery of “Psycho Killer.” By bringing her unique style to the song, she honors the original while making it her own. This blend of reverence and innovation is a hallmark of Cyrus’ approach to music, and it shines through in her contribution to the tribute album.
The Impact of Everyone’s Getting Involved
The release of Everyone’s Getting Involved is a significant event for fans of the Talking Heads and the participating artists. The album serves as a bridge between the past and the present, highlighting the timeless quality of the Talking Heads’ music while showcasing the talents of contemporary musicians. Each artist brings their unique perspective to the project, resulting in a diverse and dynamic collection of songs.
For Miley Cyrus, the tribute album represents another milestone in her ever-evolving career. Her cover of “Psycho Killer” is a testament to her versatility and her ability to reinterpret classic songs in a fresh and exciting way. As fans listen to her version of the iconic track, they are reminded of Cyrus’ enduring talent and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of her music.
Looking Ahead
As Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense continues to garner attention, fans can look forward to more exciting projects from Miley Cyrus. Her recent collaborations, including her appearance on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter LP, demonstrate her willingness to explore new musical territories and collaborate with a diverse range of artists.
Cyrus’ journey from pop sensation to rock icon is a testament to her resilience and creativity. With each new project, she continues to surprise and delight her fans, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Talking Heads 40 Anniversary Celebration
Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense is a fitting celebration of the 40th anniversary of the iconic concert film. Featuring a stellar lineup of contemporary artists, the album pays homage to the innovative spirit of the Talking Heads while introducing their music to a new generation. Miley Cyrus’ cover of “Psycho Killer” is a standout track, showcasing her unique style and deep respect for the original.
As fans enjoy the tribute album, they can also look forward to more exciting projects from Cyrus and the other contributing artists. With her fearless approach to music and her commitment to pushing boundaries, Miley Cyrus continues to captivate audiences and solidify her place in the rock and roll pantheon.
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