Remain in Light

When the Talking Heads released their fourth studio album in 1980, Remain in Light, many fans were puzzled by the new influences to their sound. Critics did not know how to categorize this rise in rhythmic patterns, and an increase in subtle straight-ahead guitar riffs, with punchier vocals. As the album settled in, critics stated that the Talking Heads had begun to play "world music". This nebulous title that has been thrown around for decades, "world music," is both nondescript and inaccurate. Tower Records (RIP) once had an entire section of their store devoted to this "genre". However, in retrospect, much of what was originally deemed "world music" is being appropriately re-categorized and appreciated. An incredibly large portion of the music previously labeled as "world," is in fact Afrobeat - a wonderful mix of African highlife, jazz, funk, and spanish influences. When critics incorrectly labeled Remain in Light as a "world music" album, they were in fact unknowingly noticing that Brian Eno, the Producer of the album, had gifted Fela Kuti's 1973 album Afrodisiac to David Byrne, the Talking heads' frontman, during the recording of the album. This Afrobeat record quickly became the main source of inspiration for Remain in Light, deeply affecting Byrne's songwriting.

Here is a great track off of Remain in Light, called "Born Under Punches". It's amazing to see so many Afrobeat elements shine through, and mix with the Talking Heads' unmistakably 80's sound.

Here is a video of them playing it live during the year of its release



Fela Kuti has long been an inspiration to wildly popular and talented members of the music industry, and although these influences have never been fully recognized or appreciated, it's better late than never.

-NK

GREAT SHOW LAST NIGHT!

a heartfelt THANK YOU to ALLL the people who came out to sullivan hall last night, man it was a blast for us to see everybody have so much fun. our music is about being in the moment, forgetting the nonsense of everyday life, and freeing yourself to dance to our grooves. we are doing this for you!

and, a warning: we will be returning to Tutuma Social Club on March 1st... stay tuned for more information.

here are some helpful links:
EMEFE myspace: myspace.com/emefemusic
EMEFE bandcamp (where you can download our music): emefe.bandcamp.com

thank you again! keep up the support.
miles, billy, jas, james, doug, javier, nick, jj, deen, davy, and christian

EMEFE LIVE THIS SATURDAY!!

we're playing this saturday february 6th at greenwich village's great spot SULLIVAN HALL.
doors at 8:30pm!
we'll be playing our danciest grooves for you, including fela kuti and antibalas tunes.
plus it's bob marley's birthday so come celebrate! there are reggae/soul bands before and after us.
come party on this wonderful saturday night boys and girls!