Talking Heads: Punk Rock, New Wave, Blackouts, and Psycho Killers (Rewind)
Summary
This episode explores the parallel stories of David Byrne of Talking Heads and serial killer David Berkowitz, known as the Son of Sam, during 1970s New York. Host Jake Brennan details how Byrne channeled the city’s terror into the song "Psycho Killer" while Berkowitz terrorized the public with six murders. The narrative intertwines the band’s struggle to record their debut album with the real-life manhunt, contrasting artistic creation with violent destruction.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and episode introduction
The Son of Sam and Talking Heads premise
David Berkowitz at the Peach Tree disco
Talking Heads' early gigs and Seymour Stein
The murder of Donna Lauria
Mid-roll advertisements
Recording Psycho Killer with Tony Bongiovi
Berkowitz's killings and the Son of Sam letters
Byrne's reaction to the letters and studio changes
Mid-roll advertisements
The 1977 New York blackout and Berkowitz's breakdown
The arrest of David Berkowitz
Aftermath: Berkowitz's trial and Talking Heads' success
Outro, credits, and final sponsors
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