Last week, Paramore released their version of “Burning Down the House,” the first glimpse of an all-star Talking Heads tribute album that will feature Lorde, Miley Cyrus, the National and more. The sonic result is a satisfying amalgamation of 80’s nostalgia with a fresh vocal delivery.
According to David Byrne, this song wasn’t about arson as some people suspected; it was actually about breaking free from something inside of you. The subtle rasp in Hayley Williams’s belting voice does this new-wave song justice. While the percussion and guitar parts stay pretty close to the original, this version of “Burning Down the House” manages to create an entirely different texture. Paramore makes Talking Heads go stompy, sassy, catchy, and captivating.
The release of a cover may have come as a surprise to the Paramore fanbase, especially after the fulfillment of the band’s contract with Atlantic Records. They aren’t stopping making music yet, or so it seems!
Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense is coming soon from A24 (date not yet announced).
Check out our list of the Best Talking Heads Covers Ever.
