More Songs About Buildings And Food

8/10

Yeah yeah gimme some talking heads! Liked it a lot!

Solid 8. Consistently impressed with Talking Heads' discography no lulls. Highlights: Thank You For Sending Me an Angel; Take Me to the River

Really different. I like it

First time listen to this mostly high energy Talking Heads record with a driving beat could be the best thing I've ever heard from them. Sure I'm still not a fan of David Byrne's nasally voice and it does grate by the end, but that aside, this was a bit of a revelation for me. Standout track : I'm Not In Love

Talking Heads' second album builds upon there first. Great vocals from David, instrumentation is solid. Not really anything super significant in their discography. Still a great record, good sequencing, goes down easy.

No doubt this is in the top of all time. A band that borrowed the Blues, for sure, but made it great in this set of songs. The new wave that came out of New York at that time produced some stunning music and laid the ground for many other changes in pop. This is beautifully quirky, sparse before they really hit their groove and the songs became top tier but still a great album.

Sprøde, sjove guitarfigurer der minder om The Strokes (det er nok den anden vej rundt).

Talking heads, what more to say?

It's something

Any talking heads will get 4/5. Although this is far from their best - it’s still brilliant

Above medicore album by a great band.

They are a little out there ut always a good listen

Fun stuff, very bouncy and quirky

80/100

New one to me. There are better TH’s albums but it is great.

So people really like this? Like unironlcally? I don’t get why anyone in 2023 would want to listen to this.

A pretty great album but quite handily the weakest of Talking Heads’ impeccable first-five-records run

Released in 1978, "More Songs About Buildings And Food" marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Talking Heads, the pioneering American rock band led by the enigmatic David Byrne. Following their acclaimed debut album "Talking Heads: 77," this sophomore effort not only solidified the band's unique sound but also showcased their ability to experiment and innovate within the rock genre. The album's title itself is a clever nod to the mundanity of modern life, and it sets the tone for the lyrical content throughout. From its inception, Talking Heads was known for their intellectual and often abstract lyricism, and "More Songs About Buildings And Food" is no exception. The album explores themes of alienation, urban living, and the monotony of everyday life, all set against a backdrop of post-punk and new wave musical sensibilities. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel," which opens with a burst of energy and introduces us to Byrne's distinctive vocal style. His frenetic, almost neurotic delivery adds depth to the lyrics, making them feel simultaneously absurd and profound. The song's catchy hooks and quirky percussion elements make it an instant earworm. Another highlight is the band's cover of Al Green's "Take Me to the River." Talking Heads manage to infuse their own distinctive style into this soulful classic, giving it a fresh and playful twist. The track demonstrates the band's willingness to embrace diverse musical influences and incorporate them into their sound. The album's production, helmed by Brian Eno, is a testament to the band's willingness to experiment. Eno's influence is particularly evident on tracks like "The Good Thing" and "Found a Job," where the use of layered synths and electronic textures adds a sense of modernity to the band's sound. Eno's presence contributes to the album's overall sense of innovation, pushing Talking Heads beyond their comfort zone. "More Songs About Buildings And Food" is a cohesive body of work that flows seamlessly from one track to another. The album's pacing is expertly managed, with frenetic tracks like "Warning Sign" balanced by introspective moments like "The Big Country." This balance keeps the listener engaged and showcases the band's musical dexterity. While "More Songs About Buildings And Food" may not have enjoyed the same commercial success as some of Talking Heads' later albums, it is a pivotal release that captures the band at a crucial moment in their creative journey. It is an album that dares to explore the mundane and the absurd, marrying thought-provoking lyrics with innovative musical arrangements. In conclusion, "More Songs About Buildings And Food" is an essential addition to any Talking Heads fan's collection and a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of post-punk and new wave music. It's a testament to the band's artistic vision and their ability to push boundaries, both lyrically and musically. Decades after its release, this album continues to resonate and inspire, reminding us that there are always "more songs" to be sung about the world around us.

Some albums have riffs that just speak to me. The Big Country is one of those songs, and the Talking Heads seem to have quite a few of them.

Took me several cycles through it to appreciate the energy and vibe. It is a bit challenging as it is certainly not standard pop melodies, but with David Byrne's staccato singing style on top of quirky driving beats and some eccentric flourishes. The more i listen to it, the more i appreciated it.

Talking Heads are so influential, even when this is not their best album. So tight too.

liked it! Opening song and the back half of the album was great. A couple of songs were a bit "weird" and not melodic enough for my taste, but that's par for the course with my experience with Talking Heads. Overall a fun listen

The album that showed the world that Talking Heads weren’t a one hit wonder and were in fact a very special band. Tracks like “I’m not in Love” were so original bringing the funk to punk. The twin guitars backed up my the tightest backbeat. Not even their best, but you could include any of the bands albums and I wouldn’t be disappointed.

Oh I really like this one

I really like Talking Heads but am not familiar with this album at all! Take Me to the River holds a special place in my heart, and is really well produced! The Good Thing and Warning Sign are both great songs. I like Found a Job as well! Overall, really liking it! I think probably a 4/5 for me.

I like this a lot, it’s nice and pop-dance-y but with enough unique 80’s synth rock riffs to keep from being boring. Having only ever heard Psycho Killer (and not liking it much) I didn’t expect that from the Talking Heads but was pleasantly surprised. Their cover of “Take Me to the River” was also very good.

I've got a soft spot for Talking Heads. This wasn't my favorite album by the band, but I still enjoyed their irreverent sound.

I feel like if David Byrne sang for any other band, it would sound awful. But, the talking heads somehow make it work. Solid.

I should really know it better

not my favorite Talking Heads Album but still good

Lil weird but honestly time flew

HEY I LOVE DAVID BYRNE BUT I AGREE W U GUYS THE SONGS DO GET MUSHED INTO EACH OTHER LIKE MUSH. HOWEVER HIS LYRICISM. MAKES ME FORGIVE THAT A LITTLE BIT. THIS ALBUM IS NOT AS GOOD AS THE OTHER TALKING HEADS ONES THO. THANKS

Quite liked this one. Not amazing, bit pretty damn great.

nice

Talking heads are my kind of weird rock.

For some reason I’ve never heard of this album, lots of good stuff on here

I enjoyed this a lot! The instrumentals were amazing.

Very good

I had lots of fun with this. Great drums, bass and crazy David Byrne vocals. I must be in a good mood this week because I'm giving another 4.

Pretty nice album

Tasty

I am a fan of this band but I don't think I had listened very much to this particular album, so it was great to hear it all the way through, probably a first for me. Such an innovative and interesting group, and at least to my ear, they always manage to draw me in, engage my listening brain, and keep it going. Their sense and use of rhythm are particularly intriguing to me. Very skilled on their instruments, too, and they also weave in some great harmonies and melodies. David Byrne's signature vocal delivery rings clear on this album, too. Overall, a truly enjoyable listen. Thanks for reminding me how much I like the Talking Heads, dear ol' 1001 Albums project! Related note: I recently read David Byrne's 2012 book, "How Music Works", and it's excellent. I highly recommend it.

This is a good album. I like but have never loved Talking Heads. There are songs of theirs that I really love but I'd say the rest I could take or leave. I know David Byrne is a great songwriter and they're very influential but I have a hard time giving this one full stars because personally it's not all for me. If there were half stars I'd go with 3.5 but am rounding up because there are some really great tracks on here. Standout Tracks: Thank You for Sending Me an Angel, I'm Not in Love, Take Me to the River, The Big Country

Fun little album. Very, very funky. Not bad for day 1!

Great album, no sophomore slump here.

3.7/5

BL: I love talking heads, they’ve been with me my entire life due to my parents putting me onto Once in a Lifetime at the age of maybe 7 or so in the car. Remain in Light is one of my favourite albums of all time - but I’ve never listened to this one, so let’s see. AL: I liked it a lot. Doesn’t hold a candle to remain in light but still a very fun listen, Byrne is quirky and clever as ever. FT: “Artists Only”, “take me to the river” “The Big Country” 4/5

They’ve always had a consistent sound.

Really good album. It blows me away this is from the 70’s. They were so unique.

I haven’t listened much Talking Heads earlier, but this is definitely a great album based one listen

Just my kind of band

Fun & weird

listened

Maturing towards fear of music

Definitively music from a brain far from ours

As a little kid I didn't know that "Take me to the River" was actually an Al Green song. I thought David Byrne wrote it. I love his cover so much. I don't know that the rest of the album is as solid as most other Talking Heads albums but I appreciate that they're never content to rest on their laurels and always pushing to connect with the audience in new ways and remain relevant. Would go 3.5 if I could.

This album doesn't have any of the group's best songs but the build at the end of "Found a Job" and inventive cover of "Take Me to the River" shows that the Talking Heads are serious musicians, and not just "quirky" art students. The influence of disco on rock and roll can be heard in a lot of the guitar playing here. David Byrne's singing is not always my favorite, but it is certainly distinct. The back half of this album is stronger than the front half in my opinion.

I really liked the bass lines and percussion on this album - a lot of interesting stuff happening. The vocal delivery here is just so odd, yet it doesn’t feel too out of place with the music, which is a feat of its own. I ended up being quite fascinated with how it all works together. Standouts: I’m Not In Love; Take Me To The River.

it’s a talking heads album of course it’s gonna be good

Talking Heads songs almost all sound the same to me, which is fortunately a groovy and fun vibe that I can get down with

This is a solid selection of songs. Brian Eno produces, and i can definitely hear it. Tight, fun songs, and still ahead of its time for a 70s album. Not bad.

ja leuk. kan nog op me groeien denk ik

Everytime I've heard the talking heads I've liked them. Kind of band that I think I'd have loved at the time if I was around. Slightly dated now but still good stuff. 3.5*

Very cool record, with grooves for days. Lot a lot of obvious singles, but a great album nonetheless. 8 out of 10

Enjoyed this a damn sight more than the debut. Mood and the fact that today I played this from decent speakers would've played a part, but the songs are better, there's a flow to the record, and it's a lot less stiff. David Byrne sounds more interesting, and the band's killing it. Am surprised, as the debut near-convinced me they weren't for me.

Pretty good.I enjoyed all the songs but none of them really stood out to me.I enjoy the talking heads .

‘More Songs About Buildings And Food’ rattles along over its two sides. It’s slightly more punk than funk, but it’s still groovy, as the Heads signpost the direction they would head towards on subsequent albums. There’s lots of highlights here, a few being ‘The Good Thing’, ‘Found A Job’, and ‘I’m Not In Love’, as well as their superb cover of ‘Take Me To The River’. A really enjoyable forty minutes.

4/5. I want to give this a 5 just cause of the uniqueness but some are definitely skippable, especially the last song. It still bops though and is a fantastic record nonetheless. I never realized how integral the instrumentation was to Byrne’s voice, they work so well together.

4/5

Wonderful stuff. The highest 4 I’ve ever given

1978 "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel" (track 1) is a keeper Has "Take Me to the River" which is a classic "The Big Country" is a great change of pace and is makes me think of Neutral Milk Hotel (was probably an inspiration)

Talking Heads; nothing and noone sound quite like them. This is sometimes a very good thing, but also sometimes not. This album does have some great music on it - but are Talking Heads overrepresented on this list? Yes, probably.

A fun new wave, dance-rock album with a ton of driving rhythms and arrangements. Tina Weymouth’s bass lines sounds are killer! The whole album sounds tight. Standouts: Thank You for Sending Me an Angel, The Good Thing, Warning Sign, The Girls Want to Be with the Girls, Found a Job, Take Me to the River, and The Big Country.

Goed album, prima luisterbaar, origineel bovendien. Maar niet je van het.

4.25

David Byrne can take me to the river any time he wants.

I don’t recognise any song titles on this album, but when I’ve looked into Talking Heads I realised there are a fair few songs that I do actually know. They seem to be one of those bands where everybody knows a bunch of songs, but you might not necessarily know that you know them. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Take Me To The River, The Good Thing This was a fun album to listen to. The sound is fairly consistent from song to song while still being different enough to sound interesting. Take Me To The River was really enjoyable - I’m 99% certain I’ve never heard that song before, and yet there was still a twinge of familiarity that I can’t quite place. Perhaps it sounds like something else, or perhaps it is just a very catchy song that it feels like I knew all along. Despite all of the above, I’m not sure that there was anything here that makes me want to listen again. It’s a little like those films where you’re glad you watched it, but you’re glad you rented it rather than bought it.

It's the third or fourth best Talking Heads album, but it's still great. It has at least four classics on it. That's not bad for a low ranking one.

I really really liked this one, to me it’s as good as remain in light as it’s much more consistently solid than that album but there’s not the same highs as well 4/5.

Very cool new wave. Funky, great lyrics and vocals. I like this a lot!

This was the beginning of the Eno era. I see this album as hitting at batting practice and Fear of Music was hitting the home run.

Me gustó, pero no tanto como me gustaría. No se si es porque la melodía simplemente no busca ser más o si no es tan bueno como creo que es. Ya lo escuché varias veces y, aunque sí que me gustó, no me parece la gran cosa. En general, creo que es bueno, aunque es algo repetitivo, la mayoría de veces, no es tedioso o molesto. Lo disfrute un poco más las últimas veces, por lo que espero que le gane más afecto con el tiempo. Por último, pienso que el álbum es bueno y estoy algo confiado con que me gustará más mientras más veces lo escuche, por lo que, aunque ahora mismo no estoy seguro de si darle 3 o 4, lo más probable es que en un futuro me arrepienta si le dejo las 3.

Legendary album. Not something I’d listen to a lot, but I could jam “I’m Not in Love” all day.

good album very classic talking heads vibes and of course take me to the river is one of their all time bangers

I like the talking heads. The only thing that turns me off about "Take Me to the River" is that it was so overplayed on the classic rock stations of my youth.

Ich mochte es aber es war nicht atemberaubend. 3,6/5

Bei weitem nicht das beste Talking heads album aber trotzdem sehr solide. Strong 7/10

todos los discos de talking heads son god

no es mi favorito solo porque son todos buenisimos

The Talking Heads make great music. You can hear what made them great: Existenzial lyricism combined with paranoia and absurdism too - without forgetting about the humor. Musically the later albums are more interesting.

Love the percussiveness of the vocals with the bass. I slept on Talking Heads for too long.

A beautifully put together collection of songs. This just got better and better as the album went on. I have been a fan of their other stuff that I’ve heard. Such a unique style.

1nd best talking heads album

⭐ Thank You for Sending Me an Angel

Talking heads but funky 4.3/5

Everywhere I look, I see Brian Eno helping to produce incredible albums. It's neat to find out that he had a big influence on the sound of the Talking Heads and their use of polyrhythms. This isn't my favorite Talking Heads album, but it's definitely great 4/5

It was good, I could never get into the talking heads sound tho

There are a lot of sleeper songs on here, such as "Artists Only", "I'm Not in Love", and "Found a Job". You can hear the Eno in this album, and it's very good because of it. A gripping mix of punk, new wave, and art rock this album belongs in the collection of any music fan. A great album, but not the best Talking Heads album out there.

Good album, with a varied sound Saved tracks: The Good Thing, The Girl Wants To Be With The Girls, The Big Country, Stay Hungry

achievement from this list - I am into the Talking Heads now

Lovely stuff 4/5

Hadn’t heard this album before but really enjoyed listening to it, made my afternoon at work more enjoyable

Never heard any of these songs before, but enjoyed this listen. Of the 3 Talking Heads albums we've now heard, I would say More Songs About Buildings And Food and Fear Of Music are both better than Remain In Light (although from looking at the global ratings, that's somewhat controversial)

Talking Heads is a band that changed everything for me after hearing Remain in Light. This is the beginning of their amazing four album run with Brian Eno, although the thing that really elevates this from their first album is the way that Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz embrace dance music, moving the whole sound to a funkier place. This is not my favourite Talking Heads album. It might not even scrape into my top five (depending on whether you count bootlegs or not). But a bloody great record it is, and it is great to hear a band with a really fresh outlook finding its feet, and looking out to the future. And you can dance to it!

I only really know Take Me To The River off this album and right there that's a track that gets me to 2-3 stars...and overall this is a good listen...so going 3.5 stars, but it looks like 4.

A very good album, it's not like my style, but i like it 7/10

They haven't fully developped into the totally alien new wave entity that they would become, but they're getting there. But the songs are strong and Eno's presence already indicated that they would become something really special.

Pretty cool, but have you heard of their other albums?

Love this band, not their best at all tho

The recipe for the songs that make up this album: -Find an annoying guitar licks and strum it to death -Complement this with some goofy or weird sounding synthesizer accents. -Sing the lyrics with an ironic, crazy and edgy voice tone. Well, that's a nice recipe.

Their style is so unique, you can't confuse them with anyone else. I like how some of the songs blend into the next. Overall very good. I can just imagine Byrne's dance moves. Fave track(s): With Our Love, Warning Sign, Artists Only

Already listened

Robotic, alien funk. I think it'd be kind of hard for someone to be introduced to this as their first Talking Heads record, but as someone who's already very familiar, I love it. A few songs sound a little bit the same until it hits the fantastic "Take Me To The River" cover. Favorite tracks: "Take Me To The River", "Found A Job", "The Big Country"

Great vocals with very high re listen value lyrics. The rhythms are excellent as well.

Mieux que le premier, plus maitrisé au niveau du chant, ça part moins dans tous les sens. Quelques titres accrocheurs (genre The Big Country)

20 years ago, when I started my grown up job, got my first paycheck and thought I was rich, I promptly purchased half of the Talkking Heads discography. I thought they were a band I would certainly get into and just maybe, they might become my favorite band of all time. But, I found their best known singles weren't very representative of their overall sound. I wasn't ready for the full diversity of their quirkiness. They were too spastic for me and have mostly sat on the shelf along with too many others I thought I would get into. This was not among the albums I purchased back then, but I can confidently say I would not have gotten into it. Thankfully, things, people and tastes change and this is fantastic to me now. I wish I could point to the artist(s) that pushed the envelope for me and brought the Talking Heads inside the fence. Maybe it's the way music has evolved and I'm yearning for a new "new wave". These guys were innovative in a way that was new, weird and still sounded good amidst the unfamiliarity. This album is short of a 5 for me as it's short of nearly all the tracks being standouts. Still a great album and I'm glad it's here. 1 = bad 2 = average 3 = good 4 = great 5 = outstanding

Developing that syncopated beat.

It's four stars and a really good four stars.

Third and final Talking Heads album on the list - not even 200 albums in! I do find this selection a bit odd and would have chosen both Fear of Music and Speaking In Tongues over this one. Or maybe just include all of them, I wouldn't mind. On More Songs About Buildings And Food, Talking Heads are as tight as ever. Listening to 'I'm Not in Love' you get the feeling that the band is one large organism with each limb working in perfect unison. But there are individuals. The pulsating 'With Our Love' is peak Byrne with a crisp guitar sound and classic Byrne vocals with lots of phrasings. Weymouths bass is incredible on the whole thing, but especially shines on 'Warning Sign'. I think what is missing for me on this album is enough time and space for the songs to develop. We see a bit of this on 'Found a Job', where the track is given the time needed to evolve and create some of the grooves that would fill up the next two records.

Not the album I would’ve picked for the last of the three Talking Heads albums on this list - but that doesn’t make it any less great. Byrne is on fire throughout the entirety of More Songs About Buildings And Food (A+ title by the way) and Frantz and Weymouth are equally amazing! There’s not a bad song on this; but there’s a couple I would have loved for them to dive deeper into. The length is almost perfect - but for once I wouldn’t have minded this being a bit longer!

I liked it more than I thought I would. Fun album.

This is my kind of weird. At first, I was going to comment about how familiarity with the material alters these reviews as I wasn't sure how I'd react to this album if this were my first time listening. But then, I remembered that I was all-in on this record from the first time I heard it, back when I was 12. I had seen Talking Heads play "Take Me To The River" on SNL in 1979 and this was among the first LPs I ever owned. So, I guess I just like this music. Still, couldn't quite get to a 5-star. Why? Not sure. I think it's almost baked into the music, the artistic, consciously demented delivery makes this a bit too experimental, which means not every song lands — or maybe not every part of every tune does. But there's a vision here, quirky and off-kilter as it is, and this band is solid and the material is great. David Byrne gets most of the attention, but Tina Weymouth is a badass, and Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison contribute mightily — this is a band and album that succeeded because of its individual parts aligning. Love it. Was happy to see this come up in our feed.

In an era where every punk or new wave band tried to create an identity with spiked haircuts, wearing leather, chains, and combat boots, the Talking Heads look normal if not nerdy. But they stood out musically. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to it but wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.

Great collection of tunes. The Talking Heads always sound like themselves, which is sometimes an advantage and sometimes monotonous. I liked this groove enough to get over it the whole time.

I need to listen to this album more than I do, I also seem to gravitate to Speak in Tongues and Remain in the Light. Great album!

Such a great record that continues to showcase the lyrics, vocals, guitar, and keyboard of a truly unique and ground breaking band.

The Talking Heads are great. This is a great album.

I really like listening to the Talking Heads. This album is one I need to listen to more. The Take Me to the River cover is great.

Cool

I have enjoyed listening to more than just the singles.

Always loved Talking Heads. And this album displays their punk origins.

Such a great album by one of the top 10 bands of the 20th century. 4/5

None of the songs I know them for, but I really liked it overall.

This great, not the talking heads best album but still i very much enjoy this album

Omg cabezas que hablan

Ett steg upp från 77

The awkward raw nervousness of their debut is traded for a more polished stilted nervousness. The quality music remains intact.

Pretty good!

Innovators

4.75 What a wonderful album. Sonically pleasing, the instrumentation is varied and unexpected. Standout track: Take Me To the River is an obvious choice but Thank You For Sending Me An Angel is one of the best album openers of all time

Really leaning into this staccato delivery. Artists Only grabbed me. This album is a great Talking Heads album, so I would revisit it. But a very reasonable person could just as easily pass on this. A fun listen, but not one to sell you on the Talking Heads imho.

Più interessante di quello che mi aspettassi.

Talking Heads is truly a genre. Any song of theirs, whenever it comes on, is immediately identifiable as them, even if you’ve never heard it before- and if it ends up being someone else, you can always say, “wow, they sound exactly like Talking Heads” and everyone will nod in agreement. Which is a polite way of saying all their songs sound the same. That lets-call-it-consistency is on full display on this CD. Until the last track it basically sounds like one long song. Typically I find that kind of dull and I did not consider myself much of a Talking Heads fan. But this CD is just so infectiously fun that I can’t help really enjoying it. Their singer is not very good, but their drummer really is, and this CD is very tight rhythmically and much more rhythm- vs melody-driven. That’s not my style but they absolutely make it work. And the big thing is just that this is so fun and joyous.

Definitely a talking heads album. Great vibes. Still weird. Fun vocals and good spirits

Pretty Good

Two solid songs, rest is general decent background to listen to. Take me to the river & big country.

just a solid talking heads album. they rarely miss.

I’m a big fan from just about all the way back, and especially of the earlier catalog through Speaking in Tongues. This album kicks off so hard that I feel like it can’t quite carry that energy through the whole thing, but it’s all good songs and absolutely sticks the landing.

Fun talking heads album, not as good as their best work ,but fun nonetheless

W talking heads

Definitely some good songs, and I think I could give 5 stars to a different talking heads album. Just something about this falls a little flatter than I might like

Starts off like normal rock, but as the album progresses the song become hectic. The vocals start making no sense and the instrumentals get louder in a way. I like the main sound of the album and I like the transitioning from basic rock, to unhinged, then back to a sad song.

Enjoyed the opener a lot, lots of future influence within the Talking Heads and this album is not an exception. The vocal inflections of the lead singer remind me a lot of Keith Strickland from the B-52s, the iconic exaggerated inflections really give the Talking Heads a unique sound. Overall, I enjoyed this record quite a bit, but it isn't the greatest thing I've ever heard. Not bad at all for the first record on the docket, I'd give it a solid 7/10

Fun and funky songs for the mildly alienated. Disco for art students, but way better than that description sounds.

Great album

Good album. Maintains the talking heads feel with varied sounds.

The songs that I will listen to a lot are "With Our Love", "Warning Sign", "Found a Job". I really like the Talking Heads: always have, always will. And this was a good album. However, their repeated song structure wears a little thin when you are listening to them an entire album at a time.

Great. Does not reach the heights of Remain in Light but is a necessary step that is unique and interesting in its own right. No hits as such though there are certain riffs that provide hooks. Favourite track so far is Warning Sign.

Really enjoyed this,

Early new wave.

This is such a funky and fun Talking Heads album. Classic Byrne bouncing around, seemingly having fun, but technically sound!

Catchy, boppy, fun to listen to. The production is top notch, so many interesting details.

19th August 2022 Listened during the day on Friday. Getting things together for Meg and Em’s wedding in London over the weekend. I love Talking Heads, this process has really hit them home for me. This is perhaps their most “accessible” album? Rockier and less experimental than others but no less for it.

TALKING HEADS ARE LEGIT. Such a cool band that I never really listened to.

I found this to be a lot of fun! Atop a bedrock of itchy, manic anti-funk we have a load of ideas and textures that all come together nicely. 'Found A Job' is a delight. This album also happens to contain one of my favourite ever covers - I don't think there's a better version of 'Take Me to the River' out there.

Favorite song: Take Me To the River

Not their best but it’s still Talking Heads

Solid, but not their best

Not their best, but still good. In my collection

The first half is kinda slow starting, but once you hit Found a Job, it all changes and hits a great crescendo with Take Me to the River and The Big Country.

Need this in vinyl. Fantastic.

Couldn't fit a fag paper between this and Remain In Light and luckily I don't need to. My favourite between the two depends which mood I'm in, and this caught me in a favourable one. I love how lost Byrne sounds. Despite the boldness of his statements, he doesn't know how he wants to live, work, or love. He's merely figuring his shit out by trying on different looks. Having blast while he does it, too, if the dance-oriented grooves and Velvets-y scratched guitars are any indication. Plus his most bonkers vocals ever.

Before "More Songs...", I was only aware of Talking Heads from their most popular mainstream songs, none of which are present on this album, making for a pleasantly new listening experience! After finishing the album, I can definitively say that I am a big fan of the band's frenetically quirky style. On first listen, a few tracks don't stand out as distinctly from the others as I would have liked, but the album flows with such a consistent upbeat energy that it was never boring. I suspect my opinion will only become more favourable on repeat listens. It's also very cool to hear the obvious influence on some of my favourite modern artists like Modest Mouse and LCD Soundsystem in Talking Heads' sound. It's a style that holds up amazingly well over 40 years (!!!) later. Standout tracks: "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel", "Warning Sign", "Found a Job", "Take Me to the River" and "The Big Country"

4.5 very tight and high energy with amazing songwriting( as always)

Not there best album… but still great. The funk, the groove, the esoteric lyrics… enjoyed!

Aweomse, love the heads. Little rockier than remain in light

Tina does what tina does. That punchy short scale bass goodness. Some really interesting songs and guitar playing. Some times the guitar tone is a bit harsh but i think thats on purpose. Got some absolute classics on here

Very good

Can't go wrong with a bit of Talking Heads. Not their best but still great

Lovely stuff

LP

6/23/2022 - ALBUM #147 Today's Album: "More Songs About Buildings And Food" by Talking Heads - Boy am I glad to get to a Talking Heads album on this generator! I've heard many of the hits from them but I always had a feeling the listening experience of one of their full albums would be a treat, and it absolutely is. The production feels so clear and real, with each instrument coming through super crisp and it helps that each member of the band is just absolutely killing it from front to back. The bassist especially cought my attention for being really meolidic, even when the beat is fast and wild. I really have grown to love David Byrne as a vocalist and this album feels like it was early on enough for him to have a pretty straightforward approach with it. I just love the way they construct their songs as well, with enough space for the band to really let loose and create some really unique, but accessable grooves. The last minute of the song I'm Not In Love is a great example of this. I also think they do a really good job at making really accessable songs too like with the really cute guitar riff in The Good Thing and the amazing blues groove on Take Me to the River. I also really like the flow of this album, with a lot of tracks feeling like they intentionally start with a similar sound to the last track, while still maintaining diversity amongst the track list. Overall, I think this album was a fantastic introduction to the talking heads, showing off the early song-writing of David Byrne and the amazing instrumental chops of the whole band. Give this one if you like a few Talking Heads songs and really want to dive into an incredibly well presented and cohesive project. Highlights:  Thank You for Sending Me an Angel, The Good Thing, Warning Sign, Found A Job, Artists Only, I'm Not in Love, Stay Hungry, Take Me to the River, The Big Country Score:  8/10 No one does it quite like Talking Heads

Not their best but still very enjoyable and groovy

Highlights: Thank You for Sending Me an Angel, With Our Love, Found a Job, I'm Not in Love, The Big Country

another first full album listened to by a band that i apparently liked. great stuff, and shame on me

So much musical talent, it's just taken me a long time to get there.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Take me to the river

I like this album. Somehow it has a simplicity to it that's unassuming and makes it pleasant to listen to. Also seems more straightforward than an album like Remain In Light, which I honestly enjoy more from Talking Heads as a band. There are some certified bops on this record!

Long time fan of Talking Heads but never listened to this album. Take Me to the River is a standout track with some other highlights being Stay Hungry, and The Big Country.

In 1977, the Talking Heads had a vague idea of their sound but nothing was really cemented. In 1978, the Talking Heads had Brian Eno. I can't overstate Eno's influence enough. A distinct focus on rhythm and leaning into David Byrne's distinct style as a frontman leads to More Songs About Buildings And Food being a more polished, focused sound for the band compared to their debut album. I think it's a great step up and the first true album that is the Talking Heads' signature sound. Iconic.

Talking Heads are the best weird band in the world. Just look at the album title. This album has some big songs and some great, underrated tunes too.

Good

Delightful.

4 stars. Very danceable, and less avant-garde than I feel some of their later stuff is

The thing about Talking Heads is that it's just always a fun listen. I think in my younger days I would have hated it, but now I'm always happy to hear David Byrne being a total weirdo. This was a fun album, with good funky bass and guitar rhythms to David's unusual delivery.

Très intéressant, définitivement à réessayer et essayer les autres albums de Talking Heads.

Surprised I liked this so much as I wasn’t fond of their other album. Good job Talking Heads

Very good work

I’ve long been a fan of this album and this band!

Really good! I don't know why I never listened to The Talking Heads earlier in my life. Somehow I missed them early on, but have really loved them the past few years. Of course I love "Take Me to the River".

Not my favorite TH album, but still has some great tracks and I still love Byrne's voice.

Good album loved the baselines plus I’ve never heard them before

Gotta love some Talking Heads. They're one of the few new wave bands I was familiar with before starting this project. Post-punk, but not miserable, and often delightfully abstract! Right up my alley... Fave track - "Take Me To The River", perhaps, or "The Good Thing"...

Listened Before? N Talking Heads! I like these guys. Pros: I love the sound. They're good at what they do. This early stuff is even better than their well-known things. Cons: Can get repeaty at times. If you're not in the mood for the sound of one song, you won't be in the mood for any of them. Added to Library? Y Songs Added to Playlist: Found a Job, Take me to the River

Talking Heads, before David Byrne began to act like he was some kind of music genius. Fabulous from the first to the last minute.

noice!

Lembra The Doors.

Awesome album! Love it.

02/05/22

A good album, original and well made. I personally don't enjoy the style, though.

“The tension between Byrne's compulsive flights and the sinuous rock bottom of the music is the focus.”

Well I love Talking Heads, they make me reminiscent for a time I was not a part of. Plenty of bangers on here including the Big Mouth Billy Bass song. I was so delighted a few years ago when I found out TH covered that song.

I am a fan, though I prefer to later albums, this is pretty good

4.5….Always loved their music and it only got better after this album

So far it is one of those that I liked the most, because it has a more metallic sound so to speak, very Industrial for the types of instruments that are playing. I think it's pretty good, quite nice, maybe one of the ones that most resembles my style of musical taste.

The band banished solos permanently and anchored rhythms very clearly. The production is meticulous and you can feel the "touch" of Eno implemented in some songs. (7/10) FT: Found a Job, Take Me to the River

I like the Talking Heads and this album. It seems odd that this particular album is on the list though - they have a couple more popular albums with bigger hits.

For a band that I like as much as Talking Heads, I'm surprised that I was only familiar with one song on this album, "Take Me to the River". "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel" has the potential of becoming a new favorite track for me, and "Found a Job" was a reminder (but not a surprise) of what Tina added to the band. This album sounded like the Talking Heads, and there's definitely room for this album to grow on me.

The Talking Heads being the Talking Heads. I can tolerate them to a point, but David Byrne just annoys me. 3.5/5

Excellent sophomore effort. A band finding their groove. 4 stars.

Only reason I’m not giving this a 5 is because I’m reserving that rank for at least two other TH albums. Still at least a 4.5 for me

really enjoyed the album. surprised at how much actually. only one really well known song, but the rest of the album filled in nicely.

Primera col.laboració amb Bryan Eno i començament de la trilogia clàssica de la banda. Disc complexe, ple de racons a descobrir en noves escoltes, sense grans singles però un conjunt molt ben tramat d'arranjaments i harmonies

Very good, but not my fav Talking Heads. A few hits though!

I liked this one! I hadn’t heard most of the songs and I thought I knew a lot of talking heads. Didn’t know Warning Sign by Local Natives was just a cover of Talking Heads.

Amazing album. Probably Talking Heads' third best album. 8-9/10 1. The Good Thing 2. Take Me to the River 3. The Big Country

A solid step up from what was already a fantastic debut. Their sophomore album squeezes out a little more catchiness, fun, and memorability that their first album lacked a smidge. I really enjoyed this, it comes very close to a 5 for me, but a few “good not great” tracks at the beginning of the album hold it back for me.

Good cruising album in my mind, definitely bouncier than the earlier sound and more filled with fun.

Yep a classic, for sure!

One of my favorite bands of all time. This record is ok but things really take off for me with their subsequent efforts (starting with "Remain in Light"). While Brian Eno is producer on this record, it feels like his impact on the sound is minimal. Almost as if the band had already written and arranged the material and Eno wasn't able to flex as much. That all changes on the next record. This is probably also the last record that features the core founding members, front and center. After this, Byrne starts bringing in aux instrumentalists ad nauseam. which is great. But, as an example of the tight four-piece that Talking Heads had become, this is The Record. The cover of "Take me to the River" is my favorite version of the song. Guitar interplay in "Artists Only" is wonderful. And, the version of "Found a Job" on "Stop Making Sense" is the moment in that film where things really start getting good. So, I appreciate the song for that reason.

didn’t like at first but good

10/24 Upbeat, danceable pop. Standout Tracks: The Girl Wants to be With the Girls, Found a Job, Artists Only, I'm Not in Love, Stay Hungry

another talking heads - have weird guilt about my continued lack of effort getting into these guys

Hard to complain about a talking heads album. it is not as immediate as something like fear of music, but still a great album

R u talkin talking heads 2 my talkin head? I generally prefer these early TH albums to the obvious mid-career ones. This and 77 feel the most frantic and paranoid, as if everything was done in a take or two. Also, the Al Green cover rules.

Not my favorite Talking Heads album, but still very good!

Goed album

There wasn't much I disliked about this album, although not many songs I can list off the top of my head. The overall vibe was something I'd check out again. Very versatile.

Probably my favorite THeads album. The opening song; Thank you for Sending me an Angel is in my personal top 5 TH songs and Take me to the River may be my favorite cover song ever. Besides those two high points the album is consistent from beginning to end. Thanks TH for sending us this album 4.5 🌟

Another excellent album by Talking Heads. This is their first collaboration with Eno in a series of perfect (or near-perfect) albums. Starting this album, the sound gets funkier, and Byrne's voice gets a lot weirder and more aggressive, best seen in the sexual frustration in "The Girl Wants to Be With the Boys" and critic annoyance in "Artists Only." Through the atmospheric synths and Byrne's accompanying delivery of the lyrics, the stories he tells are clear and imaginative. Being an Eno collab, there are awesome synth moments like the end of "Found a Job." Ironically, I thought their big break track "Take Me to the River" was their weakest track (I like Al Green, but it's not punk and it doesn't have the full charm of funk). I thought "The Big Country" was pretty funny and the parodic use of country tunes, and I love how they used that song to open their shows in the midwest or south. Most tracks don't stand well on their own except for their impressive moments, but together they make for a great album experience. I felt their collaboration improves vastly to perfection starting in the next album.

This was pretty good! It wasn't the most memorable tbh but I enjoyed it and saved it for later!

what an awesome look at their early days. i've always loved covers, and take me to the river is no exception. (al green!)

“More Songs About Buildings and Food” by Talking Heads (1978) The title is a big clue. Of course there’s no mention of either buildings or food throughout this entire album (mostly boy/girl evocations) until you get to the final track, which is all about the contrast between the city (where they build buildings) and the countryside (where they produce food). This is a great example of the use of obscurity to draw the listener in, and this last, climactic track is the closest you’re ever likely to get to New Wave Country/Western. This ultimate theme of the urban/rural distinction is more than just demographic curiosity. Remember, ‘parody’ does not equal ‘joke’. Think Soviet Union in 1933 or China in 1960. Mass lethality. But this is an American band, these Talking Heads. And so there is something to celebrate when songwriter/lead ‘vocalist’ David Byrne says “I wouldn’t live there [in the country] if you paid me.” He has the freedom to choose. That’s what’s “big” about “The Big Country”, where folks that produce the food sustain the people who build the buildings. For a fee. Then he trails off in the finale (“goo goo ga ga”), leaving the listener wondering who’s being infantilized. Maybe it’s all of us. This not deep, but it does provide opportunity for meaningful reflection, which is high praise for popular music. And by the way, if you’re sucked in into buying the “Bonus Edition” (2005), this artistic structure is ruined. The album is well produced (Brian Eno), and marks a significant advance over their immediately preceding debut album. The use of backing vocals definitely improves the sound (especially by Tina and the Typing Pool on "The Good Thing"). The head-bobbing, danceable rhythms showcase once again the gifted Tina Weymouth on bass (“Found a Job”!). She gleefully abandons the standard 1-4-5 thump-a-thump for some fine countermelodies and signature chromatic riffs. She’s really good. Ya gotta listen on studio headphones (none of those “earbuds”), and flatten the EQ. Clean and playful guitar. A fine listening experience. I could play “Songs About Buildings and Food” all day, and probably will. 4/5

A great album which starts as it means to go on. The classic Talking Heads rhythms propelling David Byrne's lyrics along at full pace. The funky element of the band is at the fore throughout. A band at the top of their game.

Had these songs stuck in my head all day after listening. This is one I have underrated in the past in favor of other TH albums, but it's definitely up there with the best.

Such a good album sometimes I think it's my favorite Talking Heads album. 4.5 🌟

Die wiederauflage ist etwas zu lang.

Pretty good

The beginning of their dance style. Sounds almost like Devo in places.

Second album by a band I never consciously listened to. This is also an era in musical history I never really paid much attention to. I still believe that most generations tend to listen to their contemporaries, so there's nothing inherently strange about that. "The Good thing" stands out. "Take me to the river" is a bop

Još jedan odličan album Talking Headsa. Moguće je da mi je u top 3 njihovih albuma. Dosta razigran album, pozitivne vibre.

A solid Talking Heads album, but lacks a real kickass track. 8.0/10

Ну че тут говорить, одна из моих любимых групп эвер. Причем стала таковой на ракетной тяге всего двух альбомов. Остальные я послушивал постольку-поскольку, но слишком сильно не проникался. Песни про здания и еду к ним тоже можно отнести, но здесь, на мой взгляд, группа показывает максимальную вариативность и экспериментальность, что было не слишком-то присуще дебютнику, на мой взгляд. Позже на альбомах Remain in Light и Speaking in Tongues эта формула будет совмещена с поп-ориентированностью и позволит нам получить две великих пластинки. Ну а это скорее разогрев, впрочем 8 вполне легитимно поставлю

Thank You for Sending Me an Angel, The Good Thing, Warning Sign, I'm Not in Love, The Big Country - норм темы. Found a Job и Artists Only - какофония душная. Остальное вроде приятно-слушабельно. Напрягает подход к вокальным партиям, из-за которого порой кажется, что вокалёр только уловил ритм и просто хочет что-нибудь спиздануть в микрофон. Наверное, это дохуя экспериментально и концептуально, но ведь без всей этой шляпы группа тупо внятнее и приятнее звучит. Да и мозгоебучие звуковые диссонансы особо приятностей не доставляют. Но если отбросить это всё - вполне неплохое музло, которое, сложись иначе обстоятельства, вполне мог бы слушать. Не сейчас и не в этой жизни, вероятно, но мог бы.

Well more into this than I was expecting.

A compelling album, complex and at times challenging listen. Let’s going on and lots to enjoy and demands further listens.

Chill AF 4

Talking heads are such an interesting band. I both really love them and also never listen to them.

Ooof made me minge tingle

Headddddds

No hits on the album so I was worried, but been dancing all through it. Funky.

I liked this! I actually listened to it twice while doing homework because it was groovy and chill. Didn't seem to take itself too seriously. 4+

I only recently started diving into the Talking Heads catalog after watching Stop Making Sense. I had only known the hits but there’s so much more to them.

8

Noch deuten sich die ganz großen Würfe nur an, werden skizziert, daher wirkt vieles noch prototypisch, anderes wiederum großartig zu Ende gedacht (z.B. „Stay Hungry“). Was jedoch ganz klar ist: Zeitlosigkeit - mehr als 40 (!!!) Jahre später könnte dieses Album durchaus so aufgenommen werden. Visionary 3.5

I really like the first song and there are some great moments throughout. I got kinda tired of David Byrne over the course of an entire album but the upbeat and zany songs were generally fun to listen to. 2021 really is the year I actually listen to Talking Heads.

J’aime lemson du groupe. Mais çe n’est pas memorable. Les tounes sont entrainantes et je n’ai pas vu le temps passe, a s’ecoute bien 4*

Great album. Some really bumpin tracks.

Pretty great early Talking Heads. You can hear their future sound blossoming mixed in with a lot of funk riffs.

The Talking Heads do a thing and they do it well. I enjoyed many of these songs though none of them really knocked my socks off. Between a 3 and 4, will round up.

I liked the groovy vibe. It was a good listen.

I always think of I'm Not In Love as a Toadies song, it was fo funny to hear the original.

Live is better

Awesome Talking Heads album. Lesser known tracks, as well as some greatest hits. Good energy, definitely can understand the influence they had on Trey/Phish. Highlights: -Thank You for Sending Me an Angel -Take me to the River -Stay Hungry -The Girl Wants to Be with Girls

You can hear the first notes of new wave and synth-punk in this album. Great stuff.

Great introductory album to Talking Heads for someone that hasn't heard much of their material beyond singles. Highlights Byrne's weirdness without being overbearing. Didn't pay enough attention to track names to give fave/least fave

I absolutely should love this I really love the talking heads and I have yet to hear this album thank you 1001 albums

Short, sharp, tight funky. Take me to the river is an all time cover. Brian Eno is a genius

Enjoyable with interesting vocals, not a genre I'd typically choose to listen to but I do think I got something out of it

Great album with a unique sound without going overboard with instruments. Love the bass lines and guitar riffs. Drums aren't bad too. Cool album but not absolutely killer songs. High 3.5

It's the talking heads, who doesn't love them. Imagine the mountains of cocaine that fuel this odessy.

All around fun album, would jam to again. Good for low key gathering

Artsy.

Way better than the other album I listened to! Solid nice vibes, bouncy and light with a few bangers. 4 cuz it’s better than the last lol but I’m being generous

Fun album.

an 8. Cool

These guys are so much fun

Wasn’t terrible but not that memorable either. I can’t remember any of the songs even though I listened to it yesterday but I remember that they didn’t sound bad

Some tracks are good. Some tracks not so much. Very mid.

Still not getting the Talking Heads bug like I thought I would. Didn’t hate it but found it a bit janky 6 / 10

Very fun record I can see how they influenced alot of modern indie and alternative rock, even a bit of post punk style

Нормально в целом

A great start to their sound.

I love Talking Heads and some highlights here but generally this is not their best.

This album makes a good on the road music to listen to.

Okay. Not bad.

Velkendt lyd og ok hele vejen igennem.

Like everything with David Byrne - weird but good. Fun album.

I love TH. But this early? Maybe not as much… 3 Boolean: true?