The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads

[BruceH]

I wonder who will write the new liner notes?

[J Larsen]

It's about damned time!

[Big Wheel]

Why is everyone going nuts about this?

I don't mean to sound snotty...I was only months old at the time this was released originally, haven't listened to much in this genre, and because of my age I never understood nostalgia for the early '80s. So, why should we all be vaulting the baby carriages to pick this one up?

Edited August 16, 2004 by Big Wheel

[Quincy]

Why is everyone going nuts about this?

I don't mean to sound snotty...I was only months old at the time this was released originally, haven't listened to much in this genre, and because of my age I never understood nostalgia for the early '80s. So, why should we all be vaulting the baby carriages to pick this one up?

1. Unlike Stop Making Sense this really is live. No overdubs.

2. It's a great combination of the early years and the expanded band with guitar wiz Adrian Belew. The early versions of "Artists Only" & "Stay Hungry" are very fresh (actually everything is, since it's the early years - duh!), and even the way Byrne delivers his "thank yous" is a kick. The big band stuff was thrilling in person and the old vinyl captured it well. Presumably the CD will too.

3. They're adding more to a good thing. I don't think it will dilute the end result but add to the fun.

4. Nostalgia for the early 80s? This isn't The Cars or Duran Duran man, this is the f*cking Talking Heads!

Though having heard a 40 second snippet of R.E.M.'s latest puddle of crud, I'm feeling very nostalgic for the early '80s when they jangled and you had difficulty hearing Stipe buried in the mix.

[gdogus]

Why is everyone going nuts about this?

I don't mean to sound snotty...I was only months old at the time this was released originally, haven't listened to much in this genre, and because of my age I never understood nostalgia for the early '80s. So, why should we all be vaulting the baby carriages to pick this one up?

A good, honest question. My answer? The Name of This Band is Talking Heads is one of the greatest live albums of all time, in any genre. It was mind-blowing in its original release configuration, and we're all anticipating that the wealth of material added to this first-ever CD release will push it over the top.

I was in college when this album was first released, and played it an awful lot, alongside my beloved jazz and Grateful Dead. All Music Guide gets it about right in their review...

Review by Sean Westergaard

Although most people probably think the only Talking Heads live release is Stop Making Sense, the fact is that there's an earlier, better live album called The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads. Originally released in 1982 on LP and cassette, the album chronicles the growth of the band, both stylistically and personnel-wise. The first LP is the original quartet version of the band, recorded between 1977 and 1979, performing excellent versions of tunes (mostly) off 77 and More Songs About Buildings and Food. Also included were the previously unavailable "A Clean Break" and "Love Goes to a Building on Fire," as well as early versions of "Memories Can't Wait" and "Air." The second LP comes from the Remain in Light tour, recorded in 1980 and 1981. In order to present something close to the music on that album, the original quartet lineup was greatly expanded. Added were two percussionists (Steven Stanley, Jose Rossy), two backup singers (Nona Hendryx, Dollette McDonald), Busta Cherry Jones on bass, Bernie Worrell (!) on keys, and a young Adrian Belew on lead guitar. The excitement of this material is palpable, and the muscular band rips into these tunes with more power than the originals in most cases. "Drugs" gets revamped for live performance, and "Houses in Motion kicks into high gear with a great art-funk coda. Belew is absolutely on fire throughout, especially on "The Great Curve" and "Crosseyed and Painless," where his deranged feedback soloing has never sounded better. At this point in their career, Talking Heads were still basically an underground band; it was "Burning Down the House" that really thrust them into the mainstream, and Stop Making Sense documents their arrival as a more or less mainstream act. The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads captures a hungry band on its way up, performing with a fire that was never matched on later tours. Unfortunately, The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads remained unavailable on compact disc for years, which is a shame since it's arguably one of their finest releases.

[Noj]

I've always liked tunes like "Once In A Lifetime" and "Burning Down The House," but never got around to hearing their whole albums. What would be the best Talking Heads albums to get?

[ghost of miles]

Though having heard a 40 second snippet of R.E.M.'s latest puddle of crud, I'm feeling very nostalgic for the early '80s when they jangled and you had difficulty hearing Stipe buried in the mix.

Oh oh--what would that be? I gave up on them not long after AUTOMATIC and find most of their Warner catalogue unlistenable these days, although some friends have vouched for UP. Some thought "Bad Day" a return to form, which is true in a way--it's a revamped "P.S.A.", a song they were playing on the 1986 PAGEANT tour and which morphed into "It's the End of the World as We Know It."

R.E.M. on IRS was transcendental. R.E.M. on Warners--better-than-average pop for its time.

[ghost of miles]

I've always liked tunes like "Once In A Lifetime" and "Burning Down The House," but never got around to hearing their whole albums.  What would be the best Talking Heads albums to get?

REMAIN IN LIGHT, FEAR OF MUSIC and MORE SONGS ABOUT BUILDINGS AND FOOD--and definitely this Rhino re-issue of THE NAME OF THIS BAND... You'd probably also like SPEAKING IN TONGUES. I retain a bit of a soft spot for LITTLE CREATURES as well.

Edited August 16, 2004 by ghost of miles

[Quincy]

Though having heard a 40 second snippet of R.E.M.'s latest puddle of crud, I'm feeling very nostalgic for the early '80s when they jangled and you had difficulty hearing Stipe buried in the mix.

Oh oh--what would that be? I gave up on them not long after AUTOMATIC and find most of their Warner catalogue unlistenable these days, although some friends have vouched for UP. Some thought "Bad Day" a return to form, which is true in a way--it's a revamped "P.S.A.", a song they were playing on the 1986 PAGEANT tour and which morphed into "It's the End of the World as We Know It."

R.E.M. on IRS was transcendental. R.E.M. on Warners--better-than-average pop for its time.

You can go to their official site and hear a snippet of "Leaving New York." I hate to judge a whole song on 40 seconds, but it has all the oomph of an England Dan & John Ford Coley song. Actually less.

I continued buying their discs out of habit until Up, which I waited to find used. I should unload it as there is so much about it that irritates the hell out of me. I finally broke the habit by not buying their last (Reveal.) Having also heard their tepid anti-war song "The Final Straw" which is supposed to be on the new one as well I can't see picking it up either. Aw well, as you say, the I.R.S. years were transcendental (meanwhile the Warner stuff is just taking up space.)

A couple of months ago I traded for a few more '84 shows. Ahhhhh, now there was a band!

[Jazzmoose]

I've always liked tunes like "Once In A Lifetime" and "Burning Down The House," but never got around to hearing their whole albums. What would be the best Talking Heads albums to get?

If I had to choose just one, it would be Fear of Music, but I'm damned glad I don't have to choose just one!

[Big Al]

I've always liked tunes like "Once In A Lifetime" and "Burning Down The House," but never got around to hearing their whole albums.  What would be the best Talking Heads albums to get?

REMAIN IN LIGHT, FEAR OF MUSIC and MORE SONGS ABOUT BUILDINGS AND FOOD--and definitely this Rhino re-issue of THE NAME OF THIS BAND... You'd probably also like SPEAKING IN TONGUES. I retain a bit of a soft spot for LITTLE CREATURES as well.

What Ghost said!!! If you can wait, I'm pretty sure their catalog is getting the upgrade, and if the recent box is any indication, they'll sound FANTASTIC!!!!

[Eric]

I've always liked tunes like "Once In A Lifetime" and "Burning Down The House," but never got around to hearing their whole albums. What would be the best Talking Heads albums to get?

You know, this live set would be a good place to start. It is a great overview of their first four albums. You could also pick up the new greatest hits which comes out Tues and really be set ... unless you want to dig into the individual albums ...

[Noj]

Thanks guys. I'm definitely much more into whole albums than greatest hits. I might look for these on used vinyl!

[danasgoodstuff]

I'm most definitely NOT a Talking Heads fan, BUT TNTBTH(?) really is a great live album from an era that wasn't especially plush with them 'cause the expanded version of this band could really play...and the originals and the audience all seem v. excited by that. I have a theory (not again!) that many name rock bands (the Stones, the Who, Led Zep, etc.) actually put out mediocre live albums on purpose, so they don't have to try to live up to what the're really capable of 'on a good night'...

Edited August 16, 2004 by danasgoodstuff

[gdogus]

Thanks guys. I'm definitely much more into whole albums than greatest hits. I might look for these on used vinyl!

Noj:

Just to echo what others have said...

Early: More Songs About Buildings and Food

Middle: Remain in Light

Late: Little Creatures

Given the affection you've expressed elsewhere (I think) for world music, I advise going for Remain in Light first.

Early Talking Heads is edgy, nervous art school rock. Middle-period Talking Heads is edgy nervousness channeled through a giant AFRO ROCK FUNK MACHINE. Later Talking Heads is edgy, nervous pop craft at its finest.

The Name of This Band is Talking Heads captures the first two phases in separate live capsules - a wondrous bag of riches.

[Guest ariceffron]

i met david byrne last night and he was nice

[Eric]

Why is everyone going nuts about this?

I don't mean to sound snotty...I was only months old at the time this was released originally, haven't listened to much in this genre, and because of my age I never understood nostalgia for the early '80s. So, why should we all be vaulting the baby carriages to pick this one up?

No nostalgia kick here ... this music simply kicks serious ass B-) B-) . It sounded fresh at the time and still does. Nobody did the kind of stuff they did in rock, at least on their first 4-5 albums. "Remain in Light" - much of which is played live on this CD - was a mind-blower then and still is now.

Edited August 18, 2004 by Eric

[Eric]

Though having heard a 40 second snippet of R.E.M.'s latest puddle of crud, I'm feeling very nostalgic for the early '80s when they jangled and you had difficulty hearing Stipe buried in the mix.

Oh oh--what would that be? I gave up on them not long after AUTOMATIC and find most of their Warner catalogue unlistenable these days, although some friends have vouched for UP. Some thought "Bad Day" a return to form, which is true in a way--it's a revamped "P.S.A.", a song they were playing on the 1986 PAGEANT tour and which morphed into "It's the End of the World as We Know It."

R.E.M. on IRS was transcendental. R.E.M. on Warners--better-than-average pop for its time.

You can go to their official site and hear a snippet of "Leaving New York." I hate to judge a whole song on 40 seconds, but it has all the oomph of an England Dan & John Ford Coley song. Actually less.

I continued buying their discs out of habit until Up, which I waited to find used. I should unload it as there is so much about it that irritates the hell out of me. I finally broke the habit by not buying their last (Reveal.) Having also heard their tepid anti-war song "The Final Straw" which is supposed to be on the new one as well I can't see picking it up either. Aw well, as you say, the I.R.S. years were transcendental (meanwhile the Warner stuff is just taking up space.)

A couple of months ago I traded for a few more '84 shows. Ahhhhh, now there was a band!

The are a couple decent songs on Up (Why Not Smile, Walk Unafraid), but the rest of it is pretty lame. Reveal just sucks - bad.

I saw these guys last fall and they were pretty entertaining - even played stuff off Chronic Town. So, I was encouraged by the thought of a new record. Their site seems to be down, so I have not listened to their latest snippet. Sadly, I suspect the "puddle of crud" take is probably right.

The odd thing is that all their records go to no. 1 in Europe - Americans seem to be the only ones who don't "get it"

[7/4]

I just picked this up this afternoon and I'm digging the 2nd disk with Belew now. Killer shit.

I missed this the first time even though I'm a big '80's Crimson fan.

[Eric]

I just picked this up this afternoon and I'm digging the 2nd disk with Belew now. Killer shit.

I missed this the first time even though I'm a big '80's Crimson fan.

Yeah, I got into 80s King Crimson because of Belew's involvement with the Heads

I got this yesterday and it really is great stuff. Really a perfect introduction to "classic Heads". You get to hear a full side of the early "quartet Heads" band and a full side of the "Afro-funk blow-out Heads". I would have loved to have seen the 2nd band live in their prime with Belew wailing away

[7/4]

Belew hit my radar when he showed up in Zappa's Baby Snakes.

He was great in Crimson. I remember seeing them at their 1st US Discipline gig at the Savoy in NYC. We got there just as the band was going on, so we ended up in the top balcony. And way down there is Belew facing the amp, twiddling amp knobs

and manipulating the guitar, getting sheets of feedback. And I thought "Is this guy the new Hendrix?"

[Eric]

Belew hit my radar when he showed up in Zappa's Baby Snakes.

He was great in Crimson. I remember seeing them at their 1st US Discipline gig at the Savoy in NYC. We got there just as the band was going on, so we ended up in the top balcony. And way down there is Belew facing the amp, twiddling amp knobs

and manipulating the guitar, getting sheets of feedback. And I thought "Is this guy the new Hendrix?"

Of course all his solo albums from this era are out-of-print ...

[7/4]

Belew hit my radar when he showed up in Zappa's Baby Snakes.

He was great in Crimson. I remember seeing them at their 1st US Discipline gig at the Savoy in NYC. We got there just as the band was going on, so we ended up in the top balcony. And way down there is Belew facing the amp, twiddling amp knobs

and manipulating the guitar, getting sheets of feedback. And I thought "Is this guy the new Hendrix?" 

Of course all his solo albums from this era are out-of-print ...

Lone Rhino and Twang Bar King were released as Japanese imports, but I don't know if they're still in print.

[Quincy]

Belew hit my radar when he showed up in Zappa's Baby Snakes.

He was great in Crimson.

No need to speak in the past tense (unless you don't like their more recent work.)

On August 31st they're putting out a DVD of the '82 Three Of A Perfect Pair and The Noise VHS tapes (along with some extras.) They also recently released a DVD of 2 different shows with their more recent line up. They also have a Philadelphia '82 coming out on CD through the Collector's Club (which nowadays doesn't require a prepaid membership.)

Lots of stuff happening at Dicipline Global Mobile.

In 1982 I was taking a summer school physics class at the U of I in Champaign. My lab parter was Adrian Belew's brother-in-law (Adrian lived in Champaign for a little while.) Unfortunately this uh, "inside link" didn't result in me getting to hang around with Belew or Fripp or anything else. One of the few autographs I have is my copy of Lone Rhino that I got signed at a record store sometime that year. Adrian wrote a bubble over the rhino which says "hello eric, from adrian" (that's my name, which somebody had taken here . Quincy is my old hometown) while a bubble over Adrian says "bark bark."

[7/4]

Belew hit my radar when he showed up in Zappa's Baby Snakes.

He was great in Crimson.

No need to speak in the past tense (unless you don't like their more recent work.)

After KC and those two solo albums, he didn't do too much for me until after y2k.

With Construction of Light, the humor returned.