It was just a month ago that Tropical Fuck Storm returned with “Legal Ghost”, a track whose origins stretch more than 20 years. Now, the flipside of their latest single has arrived, with the origins of this one reaching even further into musical history.
Released today, the B-side to their new seven-inch sees the psych-punk outfit paying tribute to one of New York City’s finest, delivering a cover of Talking Heads’ 1979 track “Heaven”. Originally appearing on the group’s third album, Fear of Music, the tune has become a favourite of many despite never being issued as a single, and has been covered by the likes of Simply Red, Eric Burdon, and even Bad//Dreems over the years.
“‘Heaven’ is this weird chameleon-like tune which has meant one thing for about 40 years,” explains Gareth Liddiard. “But in light of all this pandemic shit and all the trouble and strife in the western world has done a total 180-degree flip, and now ‘Heaven’ means the reverse of what it once did. It also has a lovely melody.”
Recorded on the same four-track as the A-side, “Heaven” was immortalised Dodgy Brothers Studio in Central Victoria, just days before COVID-19 lockdowns sent everyone indoors, features guest performances from Don Don (Augie March) and H’y (Suss Cunts) on pedal steel and violin respectively.
While the initial red pressing of the forthcoming single sold out within mere hours of going on sale, orders are now live for a similarly-limited “electric blue” edition of the vinyl.
Tropical Fuck Storm last released a full-length collection of new music by way of Braindrops in 2019. Although it seems their plans for yearly new released have been stymied by a global pandemic, the group are intending to return in full force with their third studio record in early 2021.
Tropical Fuck Storm’s cover of “Heaven” is available now, along with the A-side of “Legal Ghost”. Vinyl copies of the single are available to order via Flightless Records.
