Fred Frith, Speechless (side A)

Like Gravity which preceded it by a year, 1981's Speechless features a different backing group on each side. This time it's Etron Fou Leloublan on side A and Massacre on side B (the Massacre album Killing Time also came out in 1981). While plenty of quirkiness comes through, Speechless does not venture as far in this direction as the cover of "Dancing in the Streets" on Gravity. Speechless is a strange and uninviting, but rewarding listen. It does not emphasize Frith's guitar playing, and the interest in pop songs that became so prominent on Cheap at Half the Price is also not present here. He instead acts as something of leader in a series of short ensemble pieces. The sound is a bit rough, especially the treble. The simple cover image is iconic and appropriate.