What the Songs Look Like: Contemporary Artists Interpret

Talking Heads are very much missed - and along with their still-amazing recordings, this late 1980s volume is a must-have for any fan of the group. Approriating the concept behing The Beatles' ILLUSTRATED LYRICS, David Byrne and graphic artist Frank Olinsky (currently best known for his work with the magazine 'Tricycle') invite a broad array of the best contemporary artists (1980s) to interpret various songs by Talking Heads. The results were assembled with lyrics (published in justified columns, newspaper-style) facing each artwork. Artists involved include Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sue Coe, Jenny Holzer, Barbara Krueger, Russell Mills (famed for his own similar project with Brian Eno, MORE DARK THAN SHARK) and others. The finished product remains one of the more thoughtful rock 'books' to have ever been assembled. A must for culture geeks, or Talking Heads fans. -David Alston

Frank Olinsky, designer of numerous rock album covers in the '80s (and an influence on the look of early MTV), teamed up with David Byrne to coordinate this collection showcasing roughly sixty artists who visually interpret the songs of the Talking Heads. The impressive roster includes Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Barbara Krueger, Nam June Paik, Jenny Holzer, Edward Ruscha, Lynda Barry, and Robert Longo. Of course, Olinsky and Byrne both provide pieces, too. In the tradition of "The Illustrated Beatles Lyrics," this book celebrates the imagination that the songs inspire, and is the perfect compliment to the music of this phenomenal band. The lyrics are displayed in text next to each piece.