Talking Heads Rare Psycho Killer Demo Arrives on Record Store Day

A previously lost demo of the Talking Heads’ classic “Psycho Killer” has been discovered. The recording was made in 1974, long before the band’s fame. It will be released for Record Store Day’s Black Friday event.

This early version was recorded by the band’s original trio, then called the Artistics. The tape was preserved by a former teacher and later acquired by the RISD Museum.

Historic Recording Details and Recovery

The demo was recorded in a Providence apartment in March 1974. David Byrne, Chris Frantz, and David Anderson performed the songs. They used a single reel-to-reel tape recorder for the session.

Three tracks were captured: “Psycho Killer,” “Warnin’ Sign,” and “Spin Spin.” The tape was mailed to their teacher, Alan Sondheim, for his radio show. According to The Boston Globe, it was never broadcast but was kept safe for decades.

The RISD Museum purchased the tape as part of an archive in 2005. It was formally accessioned into the RISD Archives in 2023. This discovery came after the band mentioned potentially lost recordings during a television appearance.

Official Release and Band’s Reaction

Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth were given access to remaster the tapes. The result is a new LP titled *Tentative Decisions: Demos and Live*. This release includes the 1974 Artistics demo plus eleven other rare tracks.

Frantz expressed his enthusiasm for the project to The Boston Globe. He acknowledged the recording’s technical simplicity but praised its raw energy. He believes true fans will appreciate hearing the songs in their earliest form.

The release is a limited edition for Record Store Day. It offers a unique glimpse into the band’s formative years before they became new wave icons.

This release of the early Talking Heads recordings provides a crucial piece of music history. The “Psycho Killer” demo shows the raw beginnings of a legendary band. It captures a moment just before they changed the sound of rock music.

Thought you’d like to know

When was this “Psycho Killer” demo recorded?

The demo was recorded in March of 1974. This was several years before the Talking Heads released their debut album. The band members were still students at the time.

Who was in the band for this early recording?

The group consisted of David Byrne, Chris Frantz, and David Anderson. They performed under the name the Artistics. Tina Weymouth, who later co-wrote the song, had not yet joined.

How was the lost tape finally discovered?

The tape was part of an archive purchased by the RISD Museum. It was officially processed in 2023. The band’s mention of lost recordings on television prompted the archive to reach out.

What is included on the new Record Store Day release?

The LP, *Tentative Decisions*, includes the three 1974 Artistics demos. It also features eleven additional demo and live tracks from the band’s early days. The release is a limited edition for Black Friday.

What does Chris Frantz think of the recording quality?

Frantz admits the recording is not technologically brilliant. He describes it as three amateurs in front of one microphone. However, he says it has a exciting rock and roll spirit.