Few concert films are as enduring and iconic as Stop Making Sense. Helmed by Jonathan Demme–director of other classics including Philadelphia and The Silence of the Lambs–the live film remains the definitive portrait of the Talking Heads. It starts small, as frontman David Byrne enters with just an acoustic guitar, a cassette player, and an unforgettably oversized “big suit.” The concert builds slowly and spectacularly, as more band members gradually join Byrne onstage for 90 minutes of boldly original and surprisingly funky post-punk art-rock. The beloved indie-film company A24 restored and re-released the film last September, beginning the 40th anniversary celebration just a bit early. At the restored edition’s Toronto International Film Festival premiere, Spike Lee moderated a Q&A with the band – marking the first reunion of the group since their 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Today, A24 announced details about an upcoming album of covers entitledEveryone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Stop Making Sense. The 16-track album will offer a new take on all of the original concert’s songs from an eclectic group of huge pop stars, indie-rock bands, and a Nigerian-American DJ. The performers include Lorde, The National, Miley Cyrus, Toro y Moi, Chicano Batman, Teezo Touchdown, and DJ Tunez.
The tribute album does not yet have a release date but A24 released its first single today: a cover of the band’s biggest hit, “Burning Down the House,” by the emo group Paramore. This first track is a surprisingly straightforward cover that pays homage to the original with familiar instrumentation; the slightly eerie acoustic intro, booming drums, and slinky synth lines are all there. The intense, charismatic voice of beloved frontwoman Haley Williams really lights up this new take. After some mysterious rumors of the band breaking up, this comes as great news for Paramore fans. A collaboration between the band and R&B superstar SZA was also recently teased.
Listen to Paramore’s version of “Burning Down the House” below. And watch a short teaser for the album starring Paramore themselves.