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The Talking Heads were not just a band - they were a force that transformed the face of music, particularly in the arena of music videos. They broke the mold of traditional music visuals, opting for innovation and creativity over the expectations of the industry. Among their catalog, the video for their hit single "Once in a Lifetime," stands out. Directed by Toni Basil and David Byrne, it features Byrne in an oversized businessman suit, delivering a mesmerizingly disjointed performance that mirrors the disarray and lack of control the song's lyrics point out. Its offbeat style painted a vibrant picture of the 80s and set the tone for a whole new generation of music videos.
Another iconic Talking Heads video is Jonathan Demme's concert film "Stop Making Sense", often lauded as one of the best live music films ever made. This minimalist masterpiece starts with Byrne on an empty stage with a tape recorder playing a beat, and gradually the entire band, equipment and all, assembles throughout the performance. Believe it or not, the film was shot over just four performances! Funnily enough, Byrne's iconic 'big suit' from "Stop Making Sense" was inspired by traditional Japanese theatre, where large costumes are used to display emotion and character. The Talking Heads experimented with the norm, stretching the boundaries of what a music video could – and should – be. This, undoubtedly, left a lasting impact on the artistic approach to music video creation. We can see their influence even today, in the unconventional visuals of many contemporary artists.
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