Album of the Day

1981 brought a bumper crop of Talking Heads offshoot releases, and Jerry Harrison's THE RED AND THE BLACK is perhaps the most overlooked – and perhaps the most rewarding. Offering him a chance to sing and show off impressive skills as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Harrison's solo debut is accessible, funky and socially engaged. Co-produced by Nona Hendryx (who also provides backing vocals), the collection also features such REMAIN IN LIGHT alumni as guitarist Adrian Belew and keyboardist Bernie Worrell and feels very much like a spiritual successor to that seminal set. THE RED AND THE BLACK returns on vinyl this Record Store Day, and adventurous listeners would do well to check it out.