On this day in music history: November 4, 1978 - “Take Me To The River” by Talking Heads is released. Written by Al Green and Mabon “Teenie” Hodges, it is the first US top 40 single for the New York based band. Issued as the first single from their second album “More Songs About Buildings And Food”, the song was co-written and originally recorded by Al Green on his album “Al Green Explores Your Mind” in 1974. Green’s version was not released as a single at the time, and another version by his label mate Syl Johnson is released in 1975, hitting #7 on the R&B singles chart and #48 on the Hot 100. David Bryne hears Al Green’s original version, and be intrigued by the songs mixture of gospel flavored spirituality and implied sexuality, and suggests to his band mates that they record it. Talking Heads version produced by the band and Brian Eno, is recorded in mid 1978. Their version peaks at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 10, 1979, becoming their first major hit and a staple of their live performances.

Well obviously this was purchased when it came out but curiously I don't rate this as highly as some self penned Byrne compositions and I am not sure why (your an awkward git? ED) I loved the Al Green version and loved that TH did a re-work as it is a religious song gone upmarket weird by them but I just didn't like it as much as the rest of the album . . . . . . . . go figure as the Merkins would say

thanks to the most excellent Jeff Harris' blog 'Behind The Grooves