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Tom Tom Club – Genius Of Love (12″ vinyl, Maxi 45 RPM)
35,00 €
1st pressing of 1981 in maxi! Very limited edition!
CONDITION
Second hand
Media: Near Mint, like new (NM or M-)
Cover: Good condition, Good Plus (G+)
The maxi 45 rpm “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club is a centerpiece of 1980s pop music, and its influence has spanned the decades, leaving an indelible mark on several musical genres, from funk to electronic music, including hip-hop and R&B. The Tom Tom Club, a side group created by Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, members of the famous group Talking Heads, found in “Genius of Love” the opportunity to explore new sonic territories, and to emancipate themselves from the conventions of the new wave scene of the time. Released in 1981, this 45 rpm maxi remains a shining example of the fusion of various musical styles, ranging from reggae to funk, while incorporating a unique touch of experimental pop.
This track had a significant impact on hip-hop music, mainly due to its frequent use as a sample. Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five were among the first to sample “Genius of Love” in their famous song “It’s Nasty (Genius of Love)” in 1982. This hip-hop remix solidified “Genius of Love”‘s place in sampling history. But the song really got a second life in 1995, when it was sampled by Mariah Carey for her hit “Fantasy.” Beyond Mariah Carey, many artists have sampled or covered the song, including Tupac Shakur.
Another dimension that contributed to the success of “Genius of Love” is its visual aesthetic on its cover and music video, in line with the playful and whimsical spirit of the song. The music video for the song, whose artist was James Rizzi, was shot at Cucumber Studios in London and at Annabel and Chaz Jankel‘s studio. This video is a psychedelic and colorful animation that reflects the band’s offbeat and joyful universe. The Tom Tom Club has always made a point of honor to take care of the visual aspect of its productions, and this video is a perfect example of their overall artistic vision, which mixes music, visual art and pop culture.
Label: Island records / Phonogram 6400 565
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Description
“Tom Tom Club – Genius of Love” became an instant classic and established itself as a true benchmark for 80s dance music. It reached the Top 40 in several countries and was a huge hit in clubs. What makes this song special is its timelessness and the way it has managed to transcend eras while remaining relevant.
By 1981, Talking Heads were already an established force on the international music scene. The band, led by David Byrne, had broken new ground by incorporating elements of punk, funk and world music into their compositions. However, Chris Frantz (drummer) and Tina Weymouth (bassist), who were also a couple, were looking to explore ideas and sounds that they could not fully express within Talking Heads. They decided to create a side project called Tom Tom Club, surrounding themselves with a talented team of musicians and drawing inspiration from global pop culture. Weymouth and Frantz were also eager to have fun by moving away from the more serious and conceptual image of Talking Heads.
Tom Tom Club’s “Tom Tom Club – Genius of Love” 45 is more than just a hit. It embodies an era, a fusion of styles, and a creative exploration that still resonates today. Its cultural reach, particularly through its use in hip-hop, is a testament to its enduring influence, while its carefree energy continues to delight listeners of all generations.
The single-single cover itself, illustrated by James Rizzi, is colourful and whimsical, with naïve drawings of smiling, dancing characters capturing the carefree, party-loving essence of Tom Tom Club‘s music. This visual aspect helped shape the band’s image as pioneers of inventive, accessible, and uninhibited pop.
Today, “Genius of Love” remains a staple on dance floors, in compilations of ’80s classics, and in the playlists of contemporary DJs. Far from being a mere ’80s curiosity, it has managed to establish itself as an enduring work of music that continues to inspire and be reinterpreted.
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