Talk to Your Analyst - Isn't That What They're Paid For?

Lately I've been revisiting some of my favorite artists and their best albums. On this reminiscent mission, I've stumbled upon disc one of a Talking Heads Greatest Hits Album, strangely titled Sand in the Vaseline. I listened to one of my favorite songs on that record - No Compassion, originally on the Talking Head's debut album, Talking Heads: 77. This is one of the many reasons why I love David Byrne - he's brutally honest and can come off to some people as just plain rude in many of his songs. Take these lyrics - "Why are you in love with your problems? I think you take it a little to far. It's not so cool to have so many problems, but don't expect me to explain your indecision. Talk to your analyst - isn't that what they're paid for? You walk, you talk, you still function like you used to! It's not a question of your personality or style! Be a little more selfish, it might do you some good!" I think everyone can relate to David Byrne's rant against always having to care about everyone else's problems. In fact, he's not being rude at all. "In a world where people have problems, in this world, where decisions are a way of life, other people's problems, they overwhelm my mind, they say compassion is a virtue - but I don't have the time." We're all busy, and it sort of stinks to have to care about other people sometimes. I don't always have the time to think about other people's problems, but when I do, it really stresses me out. This song makes me laugh every time I hear it, but mostly because you really wouldn't expect those kind of lyrics in any kind of song.

Talking Heads are one of the most influential rock groups of the late seventies and early eighties, and I think this song really exemplifies that talent that the group possesses. David Byrne's unique voice that doesn't have much range gives all the songs a totally different meaning. The strange sounds stimulated by electric guitars and songs about unexpected topics such as which city they should live in or dancey songs about burning houses make them a group like no other. Revisiting their greatest hits made me realize all over again how great they were.