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Once in a Lifetime cover

Once in a Lifetime

Talking Heads

Album 2003
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About this album

Sound: "A vibrant collage of art rock and worldbeat rhythms underscored by David Byrne's distinct vocal delivery and thought-provoking lyrics."

Where they were

Released in 2003, 'Once in a Lifetime' marks a significant retrospective compilation for Talking Heads, celebrating their influence during the new wave era. This album arrives nearly two decades after their last studio release, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a curated experience of their most impactful tracks. The band had disbanded in 1991, making this collection a nostalgic look back at their eclectic sound.

Why it matters

This compilation achieved notable commercial success, reaching number 30 on the Billboard 200 chart and reviving interest in Talking Heads' catalog. It introduced a new generation to their innovative blend of genres while maintaining strong critical acclaim, reinforcing their status as pioneers within the post-punk and new wave movements.

Essential tracks

  • "Once in a Lifetime" — This track epitomizes Talking Heads' signature blend of cerebral lyrics and infectious rhythms, showcasing David Byrne's unique vocal phrasing.
  • "Psycho Killer" — As one of the band's most recognized songs, it captures the early essence of their sound with its haunting melody and unsettling lyrics.
  • "Burning Down the House" — The energetic performance and socially charged lyrics reflect the band's peak creativity during the mid-1980s, making it a staple of their live shows.

Release Date

November 18, 2003

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Sugar on My Tongue 2:35
  2. 2 Love → Building on Fire 2:59
  3. 3 I Wish You Wouldn’t Say That 2:37
  4. 4 Don’t Worry About the Government 3:00
  5. 5 Uh‐Oh, Love Comes to Town (original mix) 2:55
  6. 6 New Feeling (original mix) 3:03
  7. 7 Pulled Up 4:30
  8. 8 Psycho Killer 4:20
  9. 9 Warning Sign 3:55
  10. 10 Artists Only 3:35
  11. 11 Tentative Decisions 3:07
  12. 12 No Compassion 4:49
  13. 13 Stay Hungry 2:41
  14. 14 I’m Not in Love 4:34
  15. 15 The Book I Read 4:09
  16. 16 Thank You for Sending Me an Angel 2:13
  17. 17 Found a Job 5:01
  18. 18 A Clean Break 4:57
  19. 19 Take Me to the River 5:04
  20. 20 The Big Country 5:31
  21. 21 Heaven 4:01

Disc 2

  1. 1 I Zimbra 3:07
  2. 2 Cities (alternate version) 5:27
  3. 3 Life During Wartime 3:41
  4. 4 Air 3:32
  5. 5 Memories Can’t Wait 3:30
  6. 6 Drugs (alternate version) 3:33
  7. 7 Once in a Lifetime 4:20
  8. 8 Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) 5:47
  9. 9 Listening Wind 4:41
  10. 10 Houses in Motion 4:31
  11. 11 Crosseyed and Painless 4:45
  12. 12 Burning Down the House 4:01
  13. 13 Making Flippy Floppy 5:54
  14. 14 Girlfriend Is Better 5:43
  15. 15 Slippery People 5:05
  16. 16 Swamp 5:10
  17. 17 This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) 4:56

Disc 3

  1. 1 And She Was 3:39
  2. 2 Stay Up Late 3:44
  3. 3 Creatures of Love 4:15
  4. 4 The Lady Don’t Mind 4:04
  5. 5 Road to Nowhere 4:20
  6. 6 Wild Wild Life 3:41
  7. 7 Love for Sale 4:31
  8. 8 People Like Us 4:29
  9. 9 Puzzlin’ Evidence 5:23
  10. 10 City of Dreams 5:09
  11. 11 Blind 5:00
  12. 12 Mr. Jones 4:21
  13. 13 The Democratic Circus 5:04
  14. 14 (Nothing but) Flowers 5:33
  15. 15 In Asking Land (outtake) 3:58
  16. 16 Sax and Violins 5:18
  17. 17 Lifetime Piling Up 3:53

Disc 4

  1. 1 Once in a Lifetime
  2. 2 Wild Wild Life 3:27
  3. 3 Stay Up Late
  4. 4 Blind
  5. 5 Crosseyed and Painless
  6. 6 Burning Down the House 4:10
  7. 7 And She Was
  8. 8 Sax and Violins 5:10
  9. 9 This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) 4:48
  10. 10 The Lady Don’t Mind
  11. 11 Love for Sale 3:38
  12. 12 (Nothing but) Flowers
  13. 13 Road to Nowhere 4:10

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