Happy 35th: Tom Tom Club, TOM TOM CLUB

35 years ago this month, Tom Tom Club – the side project begun by Chris Franz and Tina Weymouth while Talking Heads were on a temporary hiatus – released their self-titled debut album.

After Talking Heads completed their touring obligations for their 1980 album Remain in Light, the members of the foursome went their separate ways…except for Franz and Weymouth, that is, who were a couple and therefore were stuck with each other. Thankfully, this was in no way a hardship for Franz and Weymouth, who promptly began their own musical collective, one which featured folks like Adrian Belew, Tyrone Downie, Sticky Thompson, and Tina’s sisters: Lani, Laura, and Loric Weymouth.

Tom Tom Club’s self-titled debut album proved to be a rousing success, particularly on the dance charts, where both “Genius of Love” and “Wordy Rappinghood” ended up hitting #1. The former single was also a top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, hitting #31, while an additional single, “Under the Boardwalk,” hit #22 on the UK Singles chart.

For those who had believed that David Byrne was the sole creative force within Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club proved to be a revelation. More importantly, though, it proved to be a hit at parties. Seriously, have you listened to it lately? Just try to keep your feet still.!