The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads

[Big Al]

I got my copy over the weekend and this is pretty disappointing to these ears. I shoulda stuck with the studio albums.

Where to start? Byrne’s singing, which is so much more controlled in the studio, is just short of maniacal live. I understand that’s part of the charm, but it’s lost on me. And how about the fact that there’s not much difference between these songs and their studio counterparts? Maybe a bit of a change of tempo, but beyond that, not much else.

This will come as blasphemy to some, but disc two is worse than the first, especially when the full band hits the stage. I’ve never been a fan of backup singers, and this album is no exception. And for a band this size, I was expecting some fireworks from the live tracks that the studio versions couldn’t match; at least, that’s what I kept hearing about. Turns out the studio albums had it right all along!

Just my opinion, of course. I’m sure there are others who are gonna love this stuff. I’m just not one of ‘em.

Anybody want my copy? $20 including shipping or a half-decent trade takes it away. E-mail acrearick@hotmail.com or PM me.

[gdogus]

Sorry, Al - I really wish it had worked out for you.

As for me?

WOW!!

The Name of This Band is Talking Heads is everything stunning I remember about the original LP release, and (with the added material) much more.

My God.

  Quote

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?

Listen to me now, and listen good. Get this album.

Edited August 28, 2004 by gdogus

[Big Al]

Cool! Glad ya like it! I sold my copy to a fellow board member, and he's "happy as can be." B-)

[PHILLYQ]

I had never heard this album previous to this release on disc, and I have to say that the first disc was a bit underwhelming. the songs are good, but ouside of Tina Weymouth's bass playing it didn't float my boat.

Disc two was a totally different ball of wax. The combination of extreme telecaster abuse by Adrian Belew and a much stronger rhythmic bent really made the tunes come alive.

[7/4]

  PHILLYQ said:

Disc two was a totally different ball of wax. The combination of extreme telecaster abuse by Adrian Belew and a much stronger rhythmic bent really made the tunes come alive.

Me too, but Belew played Strats back then.

[PHILLYQ]

  7/4 said:

  PHILLYQ said:

Disc two was a totally different ball of wax. The combination of extreme telecaster abuse by Adrian Belew and a much stronger rhythmic bent really made the tunes come alive.

Me too, but Belew played Strats back then.

I sit corrected, it was Strat abuse.

[BruceH]

For those who already had the vinyl release, how are the bonus tracks? I hear there are SIXTEEN of 'em! If the extra stuff is veryd good, it may justify buying the CD version.