More Songs About Buildings And Food

Some bangers, no complete clangers, just a bit of album filler, more than made up for by Thank You, Found a Job, Take Me To the River and The Big Country. Two guitars hard at work.

A fun, hyperactive set from Talking Heads. It’s got spiky riffs and an anxious and twitchy energy. The band keeps things moving — one relentless rhythm moves right into the next. This is a good album, though not a great one in my book. But it does have their classic version of “Take Me to the River.” 3.5

Talking Heads are really cool. David Byrne is really cool. I've always felt like a connection with this sound and all of it's idiosyncratic "I'm making music to express myself and I don't care where the style takes me". I love that they have had a new resurgence and younger people are getting to hear them because I think they are really unique. When I hear this album it makes me realize that if I was born in this era I would have been a huge fan. I would have grown up with this record. "The Big Country" sounds like a Neutral Milk Hotel track- a band of paramount importance to my maturing musical tastes as i was growing up. It's a great record. 4/5!

Talking heads are classic but this album wouldn't be my choice, I think the preceding and two following albums are far better. I would probably rank this as my 5th favorite TH album but that is still far better than most albums. Never going to complain about listening to Talking Heads as they are one of my favorite bands.

A well-known band, with unknown songs. Was this a debut album? Not according to Wikipedia. Well, what are you supposed to do with it then?

Vas-y le post-punk des années 70-80 de merde là.

Thought I would like it more than I did

DNF, I'll come back to this later

Enjoyable, can't say I know much taking heads but it was a fun listen

Not familiar with Talking Heads but think this is funkier than I expected. Tailed off a little towards the end but pretty good. Will be giving this another listen.

Tina Weymouth: I owe you an apology. I wasn’t familiar with your game. 🔥 Music wise: fine. Trebly-rhythmic guitar got to be a bit too much. Not much interesting going on with drums. Not a fan of the vocals. I’m not a lyrics guy, can’t really comment on that. The “take me to the river” cover was really fun. Seemed a groovy side-step from their main vibe that really fit. Really liked the closing song country/slide guitar vibe. I think I most enjoyed the stuff that was a bit of a departure from their main “sound.”

I don't get it

I obviously did not pay this one enough attention when it came out. Wow!

Fucking Jesus, man. Good record

Nice stretch for a change. Solid album. I feel like it gets you right to the edge of being too repetitive without going overboard. Listened to it again immediately. 4 stars.

It kind of sounds like early versions of Talking Heads songs I'm familiar with. But...even preliminary Talking Heads is good music.

A solid, enjoyable Talking Heads album where they aren't in spooky mode too much at all. The only song on this that really grabs, me, though is The Big Country.

Жить в субурбии менее полезно, чем слушать такие блестящие альбомы. Один из лучших клоузеров, что я слышал за последнее время.

More songs that aren't any good. Other than the Hit Songs, this album isn't worth listening to. Favorite Track: "Take Me To The River".

no se no lo escuché estaba escuchando Breach

Hard to top Talking Heads 77 but they easily did it with this masterpiece. Brian Eno's production brings out the darkness and alienation in the lyrics. So many great songs but my favorites are "Warning Sign," "Found a Job," "I'm Not in Love," and, of course, "Take Me to the River." They even explore other genres with the r&b/gospel of "River" and country with "The Big Country." Those lyrics are pretty harsh on flyover states of the US but it's just another case of Byrne feeling disconnected and alienated from other human beings. Hard to pick a favorite Heads album but this one is way up there.

A perfect album, zero missteps, and one of my favorites of all time. One common theme thats hard to miss in David Byrne's songwriting is the narrator's fascination with human behavior, but complete inability to understand or relate to it. That's all over this one, and that sense of alienation contributes to the tense yet wonderfully cathartic release of energy in the music. I love pretty much all Talking Heads releases, but this one and Fear of Music have that incredible punkiness to them that just elevate them for me. And Take Me To The River is maybe the best cover ever. This is the one I'd recommend to new fans

7/10

eh

First half better than second but the whole thing is awesome

It was good but also a little weird. Interesting overall. Favourite Song: The Good Thing

very interesting, quite enjoyed this but unsure if its a 3 or 4. will come back to this

I really should like talking heads but I just can’t get into them.

Absolutely not vibing with this one, no connection.

Much like their debut I still feel like Talking Heads are wayyy milder and less weird compared to their contemporaries. If I wanted an actually weird band of the same ilk I could listen to Devo, or The Contortions, hell No Wave was a better source of that

I really like this record. It's the first one they did after '77, so it's a perfect blend of their early more punk-leaning style and the more wacky and funky style that was to come. If David Byrne was more of a curmudgeon asshole and shouted in his songs more this would 100% be a no wave record. There's four Talking Heads records on this list, all the first four records. I would've loved to see Speaking In Tongues on this list and would've sacrificed Fear Of Music for that one, but I'm a pretty big Talking Heads fan so they're kind of all great.

Næs album, Talking Heads natl goated en hef ekki stokkið voðalega mikið í þá áður, en þetta er ekki besta platan þeirra en voða fín myndi ég segja.

david byrn’s singing is the culprit for low rating here

I was never a big talking heads fan but this album was better than expected. Not as many weird interludes.

I like the Talking Heads, and I REALLY enjoy this Al Green cover

Adoro Talking Heads, uma das minhas bandas favoritas. Mas no meu ranking pessoal de sua discografia, este disco se encontra bem baixo até. Seu maior problema é não ser muito memorável. As canções são ótimas. Adoro as melodias construídas aqui, há algo magnético na simplicidade e na execução perfeita dessas composições. O baixo de Tina e os vocais de David são, como de costume, os highlights do álbum. Cada faixa é um universo. Este é o tipo de disco que você precisa ouvir com atenção, se não as nuances passam batidas. Acho que essa é, simultaneamente, a maior qualidade e o pior defeito do álbum. Como eu havia dito, nada aqui é super memorável. Faltam aqueles refrões chicletes ou aquelas passagens grudentas como as que aparecerão em seus discos posteriores. Mas o que está aqui é de fato, muito satisfatório e desafiador. Uns grooves cintilantes e absurdamente progressivos. Acho incrível como conseguem tecer texturas complexas com elementos tão simples, especialmente simples quando comparados com o que virá mais para frente na discografia do grupo. Mas a partir daqui, eles abriram as asinhas. 4.5/5

TALKING HEADS! But just before their trio of masterpieces

Excellent !

Not my style. It's chaotic and disruptive, which I normally don't really mind but here it's just too jumpy. Combined with a singing style that I really do not like, shrill and pitchy, this is just not my thing. This album just didn't stand the test of time, would not listen again

The music is nice but the choppy singing is really bad. Nothing I will listen to again.

Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: The Good Thing, Take Me To The River (lol) I didn't give this album enough time to cook in my brain. I only got in two listens and I was occupied with work, so, with the exception of the culturally-pervasive "Take Me To The River", nothing really caught my ear in terms of thorough enjoyment. I had Tom Tom Club's debut album 100 albums back, and enjoyed it enough, even though I am not too keen on New Wave. I have tried to get into the Talking Heads a couple of times in the past. I am familiar with Psycho Killer and Burning Down The House, both of which I very much enjoy. In some ways, I am glad I got one of their albums I've never really heard before (again, besides the infamous Take Me To The River). I have nothing bad to say about this album, but I am not in love with it.

Tight and dry. Claustrophobic? There is a quality to the Talking Heads sound that has always put me off. And David Byrne’s voice is fine for a few songs but maybe not a whole hour. It’s fine. THREE STARS

Another great effort from talking heads maybe not as good as the debut but still pretty much on par. Take me to the river is great so is Found a job and The Big country 8/10 Favourite: Take Me to the RIver Least Favourite: Stay Hungry

Álbum bem competente com alguns momentos de brilho. Celest x Versekeys Ultra-Sense Planet.

Supongo que tras una década muy intensa, el mundo necesitaba música que no dijera nada y así surgió este grupo. Vaya estupidez de música y vaya cantante más anodino.

Good!

solid as always

This is the kind of thing I was hoping for from this challenge!! I know Talking Heads from their singles, but this was my first full album experience—and it blew me away. The quirky energy, tight grooves, and Brian Eno’s production make every track feel fresh and inventive. “Take Me to the River” is a standout, along with "I'm Not In Love" and " The Big Country" (all added to my liked songs on Spotify!), but the whole album is a weirdly joyful ride through Byrne’s anxious, architectural world. It's not ll about David Byrne though. The band’s interplay is razor-sharp, with Tina Weymouth’s basslines and Chris Frantz’s drumming locking into grooves that are deceptively funky beneath the post-punk surface. After 46 albums, this is the first one that I don't already own that I now need to own on vinyl.

Talking heads... Nooit van gehoord. Hoop niet dat dit nu een podcast is vermomd als muziek album. We gaan het meemaken! Okeee begin is zeer veelbelovend. Zang is niet fantastisch maar erg lekkere melodie. Al met al luisterd het zeer fijn weg, al springt er ook niet echt een nummer uit voor mij. De zanger zijn stem is... interessant. Ik heb mij er niet aan ge ergerd iig. Ik twijfel tussen 3 en 4 ster.. Maar neig dan toch meer naar de 3 omdat ik niet het idee heb dit album te onthouden.

Fun album

A very cool and fun entry in the Talking Heads catalogue.

One of their better albums. I still think Speaking in Tongues is the album everyone needs to hear before they die by Talking Heads, and of course Remain in Light. This one is solid though. 3.25 / 5 stars

Extraño y muy divertido. Siempre será un gusto descubrir algún álbum de los Talking Heads que no se había escuchado antes. De comenzar y no saber qué demonios se está escuchando, siempre tienen un as bajo la manga para ponernos a bailar o dejarnos interesadísimos esperando con qué nueva locura van a salir Byrne y compañía. Muy buen rato.

ei antanut

More please

Wow! Pleasantly surprised. Let the girl be with the girls Stay hungry Thank you for sending me an angel There are touches of velvets, garage rock and funk and its very enjoyable.

A very fun, energetic, and clever album. It took me two listens to get, as it wasn't as catchy as the other Talking Heads songs that I've heard before, but on the second listen, I got more into the energy of it, and the sarcasm of the lyrics. One of my brother's all-time favorite bands is Talking Heads, so I've been looking forward to getting their albums and finally checking them out, and this did not disappoint. 4/5.

It's alright. Its Talking Heads, so you know what you're getting into. Catchy, but all the songs kind of run together.

Later albums are better, IMO, but if you want to hear American post-punk, this is where to start.

Bro… this not even a good talking heads album. I like Take me to the River and I’m not in love.

Their second album. Post Punk / New Wave. With Our Love is a decent track. Also the drums on this one at one point reminded me of The Sideboard Song. I wonder if Chas n Dave will appear on the list, Ha ! Very nice production on this album. Funky, catchy tunes. The Girl Wants To Be With Girls is another good track. A solid album, liked it.

Thank You For Sending Me an Angel is my favorite song from my favorite album from my favorite New Wave band. The Talking Heads saved me from both 70’s soft rock and the scourge that was disco. I remember the joy of listening to The Good Thing for the first time, so unlike anything I’d hear before. So positive, odd and joyful. A masterpiece.

these guys are so fun

it was ok just not for me 2.5

Lots of familiarity with Talking Heads' later discography, and also their debut, which I'm pretty sure Dad had on vinyl rotation for many years. Hadn't heard of this one, though, despite having heard Take Me to the River thousands of times over the course of my life so far. Finding myself getting closer and closer to my inevitable Intense Talking Heads Phase. Favorites: Warning Sign, The Girls Want to Be with the Girls, Artists Only, I'm Not in Love. EXTREMELY danceable and grooveable - you can hear the kernel of the later sound starting to germinate. I love how weird David Byrne is as a vocalist - trite but true. Something so refreshing about it every time despite his being such an iconic voice - I'm growing weary of cursive singing, I think. Would spin again gladly.

I wasn’t into Talking Heads in their heyday but I’ve warned to them since. Really enjoyed this album

Not their best album

Not my favorite talking heads album. That's it

I liked the first track, but I kept thinking it sounded like Roy Orbison’s I Drove All Night. For me, that’s no bad thing. It descends into weird musical theatre after the first two tracks, which is not what I expect from post punk bands. This is the direct line to Franz Ferdinand, and I prefer their sound because David Byrne’s vocal style is very annoying. As influential as Talking Heads are, I would have preferred to the hear more songs BY building and food.

Eh

This album is the single best argument I have ever heard for the fact that I need to listen to more albums in their entirety instead of individual songs. No single song on this album immediately became a favorite, but the whole experience was amazing. Start to finish, this was incredibly enjoyable. My favorite thing that music can do is to incept one person's emotions onto other people. Normally with David Byrne, I feel emotions while listening but can't put my finger on any single emotion that comes through powerfully. This whole album was like that, but in the best possible way. I felt many things while listening.

First off, exceptional title. Second, Talking Heads is just feel good stuff. The album flows nicely and is quite relistenable. And there's better Head to come! Top tracks: "The Big Country," "With Our Love," "Take Me to the River," "Stay Hungry"

God the Talking Heads are so fun. This would have been such a fun album to listen to in the late 70s, sneaking out of the disco and into more progressive rock dance music. David Byrne's voice is one of the most unique in music, and it shines here against the rest of the band's expertise. Eno's hand is on every track and it rules. Fun stuff for sure. Better than a 3, not quite a 4, we round down.

--Thank You for Sending Me an Angel...nice opener with a driving beat --With Our Love...it's definitely a TH song but I don't care for it --The Good Thing...the interplay of the bass and synths is great --Warning Sign...hmm, this sounds like it was made up on the spot. musical improv --The Girls Want to Be with the Girls...synths are the stars here. Lots of nice sounds going on --Found a Job...one of my favorite bass grooves --Artists Only...really like the drums on this one. Other than that this is just kind of there --I'm Not in Love...great opening riff. closes with a sick jam --Stay Hungry...nice synths at the end but it's mostly filler --Take Me to the River...I'll take the Al Green version, thank you --The Big Country...boring and long

They have some songs but overall they don’t do it for me. This one didn’t have any songs.

Hard to rate them I always feel like David Byrne is a few steps ahead & waiting for the rest of us to catch up (the love is real, met him in an elevator once & almost died trying to keep my cool).

I'm such a fan of people like David Byrne. He's edgy, whimsical, and uniquely him. I can see those Scottish/New York roots shining through.

Because their catalog is so consistently brilliant and some songs are better known in their later live iterations when they could really stretch our - this one may not get the love it deserves. Bottom line - it deserves a lot of love. Funkier and groovier than their debut. The studio truly enters the chat (thank you Mr Eno). Jagged edge abound but there is also plenty of ambience as a counterpoint. Feels like this could come out today and find a place. Singular.

Eccentic, but marvellously eccentric!

TH is always 5 stars in my book.

I can't blame anyone for not liking Talking Heads, the lead singer is on tune MAYBE 10% of the time. That being said I didn't mind this album! It was fun

Yeah I love this band so much. Fantastic album not my favourite from Talking Heads but class nonetheless 4.8/5.0 Best Song: Take Me To The River

It’s not my favourite talking heads albums if I’m honest, it’s good, but I don’t even reach for this album, some obvs highlights like take me to the river and the big country

Super great! I think found a job is in my Mount Rushmore of talking heads songs, what a fucking number that is. Def want to get more into this album!

WOOHOO! Forgot about how much this album slaps wow. Talking heads is nuts so consistent and so good. Proper 4.5.

Some nice moments and instrumentals, but I couldn’t get into this one. Vocals weren’t super engaging. May get a better rating on a second listen in the future.

Täyttä Talking Heads -laatua, eli aivan paska. Sääli kun ei voi antaa nollaa tähteä, siis oikeasti 0/5

Hyvää musiikkia mutta lauluääni alkaa välillä ärsyttämään. Kuuntelin pätkissä, joten oli ihan hyvä, mutta en ois varmaan kyennyt kuuntelemaan koko albumia putkeen

More thoughts about More Songs About Building and Food: 1. If you can’t groove to this rhythm, I fear your groover is broken. 2. If you have only heard “Take Me to the River” you haven’t heard this album. You have heard one of the lesser tracks. It’s great, but it’s part of the tempo change that helps you cool down after all that’s come before. 3. The last song, “The Big Country,” is satire at its wittiest, catchiest, and quirkiest. 4. Jerry Harrison was in Modern Lovers before Talking Heads. I highly recommend checking out their self-titled, ahead of its time album if you want another window into early alternative/punk inspired (of course) by The Velvet Underground. 5. Each of the first five Talking Heads studio albums should be on this list, not to mention Stop Making Sense. And the film SMS - oh the joy! Five out of five stars, fully deserving each one

Nothing places you squarely in the modern western world and makes you feel comfortable and displaced at the same time like “More Songs about Buildings and Food.” The range of emotions anyone may feel throughout any given day are musically expressed as naturally as work tension and family disruptions with delightfully relevant effect. For every note you ever sang in rage along with Joey Ramone and Sid Vicious, you sing right along with David Byrne except that it seems more personal, probable, and poignant. Musically, this album features a delightful variety of style without compromising its purpose. In fact, its diversity of sound seems to its purpose. Byrne’s outlook on life and work leave no stone unturned to refreshing effect. Whether belting out an anthem of hope or waxing eloquently about where one needs to make a home, Byrne and the band connect immediately through voice and music. The most joyful thing for me, however, is that for the first time in a long time, all of the catharsis I enjoy through listening to music finally feels more tangible. I may not be up for toppling a corrupt government or taking down big corporations or other institutional giants, but I feel like I can tackle cleaning my own house, enjoy my family, and start to build something meaningful… maybe even produce a new TV show, or finally feel good about moving into the city. This review is for Kenny. He knows far more about Talking Heads than I do, and because of him, I enjoy their music as well.

Awesome

I mean, this is fine. It's fine. None of the songs caused any reaction from me, though, they might as well have been white noise. I have heard enough Talking Heads from this list and the singhh-errrss!! Ooopp!! -- thensuddenlyveryquiet yelping vocals are starting to grate.

Fun..but not too fun

I should really be listening to talking heads more

Boring

Some good ones. Nice palatable album unlike some of their other things. Classic

Objectively not their best album, but sure, Talking Heads rule anyway. No standouts besides Take Me to the River. I like The Good Thing too.

It's the Talking Heads. Fine, not for me.

Kan nog vara deras bästa och mest låtstarka album.

I was hoping to like this a little more but it just doesn't quite gel with me right now it seems! It is fun, but there's not much I'd listen to more regularly from it. Maybe in the future?

I wish this album had just a bit more going on! It's good, but never hits great

Nothing but bangers. David Byrne had the sauce, what else can I say

I’m not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, some cool instrumental things going on. On the other hand, the singer annoyed me quite a bit. I think it really hit its stride in side two, with I’m Not In Love being my fav.

Consistently fun with some TIGHT grooves, and just the right amount of weird in the vocals to match the funk of the band. As a first time Talking Heads listener, I can say that there was not a single miss on this one. Great stuff! Also surprised to see Brian Eno here doing songs about buildings and food? I thought he only made music for airports 🤔 Standouts: Found a Job • Artists Only • I'm Not In Love • Stay Hungry

I know objectively that this is a good album by a great band, but they range from "mildly annoying" to "pretty good" and spend more time on this album at the first end of that range. Their schtick has always worn a little thin on me and this album is missing the great bass from Remain in Light.

I want to like Talking Heads. I feel like people with my music usually likes Talking Heads a lot, but it just doesn't click for me.

i wouldn't live there if you paid me

Just not my thing, but this rating feels disrespectful.

Just ok

Talking Heads. Formed in 1975, did the ultimate concert film/live album and their final tour by 1983, split fairly acrimoniously in 1991. Way ahead of many others. This album showcases how the band definitely influenced the singer - and actually also how the singer was sure to outgrow the confines of the band at some point. As an album, though... Bit of a mixed bag as a lot of the production and vocals are still a bit unrefined somehow.

7/10

First half sounded fine but I just didn't care for it, second half was much better, more aggressive and energetic sounding, enjoyed it and the classic take me to the river.

Great band from the 70’s-80”s. Great music. Still greatly even today. One of those timeless bands.

This Talking Heads was a bit too early for my liking. It was too new wavey. A high 2, rounded up to a 3.

Quirky funky-new wave, punk adjacent album showing the music that the Talking Heads would takeover very soon.

Nicht meins…

Love

When your friend says they heard of talking heads, they only heard the single "Once in a lifetime". When they say they are fans it's because of this album.

yep! it's talking heads favorite songs: with our love, the good thing, found a job, i'm not in love

hear my voice move my hair i move it around a lot but i dont care this and remain in light are very easily 2 of my favorite albums ever, i never really get old of them and will happily put them on whenever.

It was alright, didn't really vibe with any of it.

The Talking Heads are like The Beatles to me - I can’t tell what makes one better than another. Not to say that they don’t sound different, but I really just think they’re all great. I loved listening to this album as I always do.

By this album Talking Heads were a polished alternative rock band. It fact they are probably the original alternative rock band. This album has one song after another offered up by bands smooth grooving sounds. Take Me To The River tops the list of these.

5/10 album. Nothing extra-ordinary, nothing awful.

Talking Heads are always a treat. Byrne and Eno make for such a good combo

These guys don't click for me

okay! can we get some more talking heads in here!

Ganska bra men vissa låtar kanske var lite tråkiga. Men många låtar som var bra och som man kände igen. Roliga teman och lite mer groovy är jag trodde talking heads var

I liked "The Big Country" but besides that it was a slog to get through. As soon as I think I'm enjoying the song it becomes funk/jazzy and gets significantly worse.

Oh we are so back ! I am a big fan of dark lyrics put to moderately upbeat music (The Smiths being my ultimate fave example of this). Unknown Pleasures is in my opinion, one of the most influential albums to come out of the 70's. After listening fully, which I haven't done since I was a teenager, I'm seeing the album in a very different light, Unknown Pleasures represents the rage, the anger and the frustration. It's Ian's fighting against his feelings, not quite wanting to let go, but not really having any strength to keep going. In my opinion it's a bit colder and more isolated than Closer, Its minimalistic stripped back nature is creating such a bleak feeling. The production is incredibly seductive and attractive in a strange way. With a lot of reverb on the whole mix, the dynamics between Stephen Morris' stellar echoey drums and Peter Hook's addictive bass lines are leading the mix, while the disoriented eerie guitar riffs are surrounding it and creating its isolated cold atmosphere with plenty of feedback. Lyrically the album is immensely tortured , with Ian going head first into themes of loneliness, religion, death & depression (my favourite cocktail). I really enjoyed relistening, although it has set my weekend off in quite a strange way. 3/5 (A full point lost because I hate listening to men complain on my Friday morning) - HF xo Joy Division is one of those bands I heard people talk about but never listened to myself so I'm going into this with an open mind. Opening track has everything of the 70s Brit Pop/Rock formula, opening with a memorable bassline, monotone lead vocals and high tone distorted and almost haunted guitar, iconic for it's time but leaves me little bored. Lyrically dark and with a tone that leaves each track eerily tortured and with an air of doom about it. I can see why folk enjoy this band and I enjoy aspects of it however it leaves me a little underwhelmed overall , don't think I'll give this another listen tbh 2.4/5 MTW Think it’s fair to say that this album fucks, it fucks hard. I haven’t listened to this from back to front in like 5/6 years probably and I actually think I like it more then I did when I first heard it. The bass tones on this album from start to finish are just delicious, great atmosphere throughout, it’s a dark dingy album and it just goes full force into that. Lyrically I think it’s fine, but maybe too much complaining from Ian, have a gaviscon and run a bath dude you’ll be fine by Monday. Standout album of its time and will definitely re visit next time I want a wear a black trench coat and walk menacingly through winter weather. 3.6/5 FTW

Some of their songs really have a disco vibe without the funk. Overall, I like the disco x rock combo. Not really my type of music, but I can see why they'd be a hit in their time.

It was good, but not good enough to encourage me to dive into any more..

Dug a lot.

Хороший альбом для фонового прослуховування: рівний, але з непоганою музикою. Вокал набагато глухіший за інструментал, через що увага зміщується, тому не думаю, що цей альбом має для мене більший потенціал, ніж бути у вухах, коли я роблю щось інше.

I like the Heads and their angular, abstract, arty approach but other than Speaking In Tongues I usually just dip into their earlier albums for their better known originals. This doesn't really have any of those songs/singles though, so it largely passed me by, but reappraised here. Seems to get stronger as it goes on, from the B-52s ish Artists Only through a couple of LCD moulds and templates then veers off in another direction for the Al Green and Big Country closers.

Fabulous find. I really enjoyed this throughout. Finished on a real high with The Big Country and its slide geetar. I need to explore more TH

After listening to a few whole Talking Heads albums I've come to the conclusion that I THINK I like them more than I actually DO. Stop Making Sense is all I really need. And it has a better version of Burning Down the House on it.

Some highlights…

sorry Mr. Byrne.

Serious question: what's up with guys in music with the timbre of a garbage disposal who can't hold a fucking tune deciding to front a band? Secondary question: what's up with the fanbases who somehow encourage and actively support this shit? Tertiary question: how the fuck does their work end up on a list of awesome-tactic albums you should waste your time listening to before the merciful release of death? Fuck you David Byrne. Fave songs: - - -

I think I like this album? The vibe overall is good even if the songs didn’t all vibe with me. But overall good.

This album grew on me though is somewhat overshadowed by their other stuff in my mind.

Incredible art pop album

Not bad. Probably needs a few listens to truly appreciate it.

Cracking album, brilliant cover version of Al Green's 'Take Me To The River'.

the live set from the expanded edition is worth checking out

It's an ok album, the cover version is the highlight though. You can see which direction they were heading.

A lot of interesting parts of songs, though oddly I wouldn't say I "enjoyed" this that much, but am intrigued enough that I need to relisten multiple times

“Hear my voice, hear my voice.” Okay but what if I don’t want to? Definitely prefer the instrumentals and production to the sub-par vocals.

3 Talking Heads on this list (so far), 1 is pushing it, clearly the author was a big fan.

Pretty good, having only listened to psycho killer it sounds exactly like id expect the rest of their catalog to sound

And... another Talking Heads album. This is the 4th time that I have had to go through these and they genuinely always just don't do anything for me other than occupy the time it takes to finish their album while not offending too much. The first appearance with "Fear of Music" was the highest rated with a 2.5, with the rest all hitting a 2. This trend will continue to a degree with this album receiving a 2.5/5 but still being bumped to a 2 as it doesn't do enough to warrant an above average rating. Here's hoping that we have finished this quadrilogy...

Theres too many Talking Heads albums on this list but I vibed with album. 3.5/5. Raising to a 4.

A great second album is a very rare thing. One with a hilarious and self-aware title is even rarer. These guys don't get enough credit for their sense of humor. A lot of reviewers will focus on Brian Eno but I also hear a more confident Jerry Harrison contributing more, where '77 sounds a lot like the original trio did. Found a Job plays a prominent part in many life choices I make and the circular guitar/keyboard line at the end is to me a programmatic representation of the virtuous cycle that comes from a well balanced life. That may be a bit overboard but also purely as a matter of music it consistently captivates me over the 40 or so years I have been listening to it. Artists Only and Stay Hungry are other ones that have and continue to shape me. Reflecting back, it's odd how often I notice myself singing Stay Hungry to myself, especially considering that this is the likely most I have ever discussed the song. Do the work you want to do. Actually do it. Don't get obsessed with the consequences, for if you consistently approach it sincerely and with the beginner's mind, the outcomes will take care of themselves. Those are the life lessons a teenager got from this album, obviously from the lyrics but also in hearing a band not afraid to go deeper into what makes them weird - zero other bands were doing what these guys were doing - and just get better at it and don't look back. Also, Tina Weymouth is the most underrated bassist in rock n roll.

I'm a bit disappointed to realize that this collection focuses exclusively on Talking Heads' early albums, and really just the debut album (de rigor with this project) and then the three Brian-Eno-produced albums. There's nothing wrong with any of these albums, but it's a bummer that we don't get anything after 1980 from a band that definitely had some evolution over the years. And as much as it's fun to hear their iconic "Take me to the river" (which I had never realized was an incredibly good and unique cover of Al Green's original), it seems like the collection would be stronger with a post-1980 album in place of this one (say, "Speaking in Tongues" or "Little Creatures"). Aside from "Take me to the river," I also particularly enjoyed "Warning signs", "Found a job" and "I'm not in love". And I liked the photomosaic album cover, as well as the quirky album title. Overall, though, this seemed like decent-but-not-great Talking Heads fare; I enjoy listening to them, but there wasn't all that much that screamed "don't die yet!" to me.

Of the first four Talking Heads albums, two are terrific and one, Remain in Light, is a masterpiece. This is the other one.

Fun but repetitive

3.5 08.01.2025

A great album on headphones.

I like Talking Heads more than I thought I would. They're right on the edge of "too weird". Of the two weird goofball bands from this era, I like them better than Devo. I like Fear of Music better so far. David Byrne's delivery is so distinctive that it sometimes makes all the songs feel like one big piece rather than separate songs. Stay Hungry is not a good song. The basslines sound like the 80s, Blondie and the Pretenders. The cover of Al Green's Take Me to the River isn't as good as the original, but I love a totally unique cover over even a really well done approximation of the original. And they lose me with the snobby as fuck lyrics to The Big Country.

Nothing stood out

Tipiche canzoni alla Talking Heads, gruppo che non ho mai approfondito oltre Psycho Killer, ma che adesso ascolterò sicuramente meglio

I knew talking heads via stop making sense. I enjoyed this from start to finish.

Wow, that was pretty annoying. I'll give it to them that it is far from generic, but it definitely wasn't enjoyable either. Favorite song: Take Me to the River

1-7/10 fajna funky pioseneczka 2-7/10 jak wcześniejsza, basik fajny 3-7/10 4-7/10 dalej fajna muzyka 5-6/10 najgorsza piosenka na razie ale nie jest zła 6-5/10 mid 7-5/10 downfall coś czuje 8-7/10 nvm dalej groovy 9-6/10 10-7/10 11-6/10 Mega mi się podobał bass w tym albumie, najlepszy nowo falowy album jaki słyszałem możliwe żę powrócę.

Amazing album, incredible song writing!

David Byrne’s vocals really dont sit well with me for a full album. One or two songs is fine but over the length of this album they started to jar by the time i got to ‘The Girls Want To Be…’ I quite like the music though, although again it gets a bit too samey over the course of the album. Given this ‘take me to the river’ is a welcome gem toward the end of the album, as it forces something a bit different on both fronts. Big country is also a strong song, just a shame these are stuck at the arse end of the album

If you asked me to imagine what Talking Heads sounded like, it would probably be this album. I enjoyed listening to it, and was familiar with some of the tracks, but it was just missing something for me - I don’t know what that something is, but their output during the 80s has always been my preference over their earlier stuff.

I feel like I should really absolutely love Talking Heads - I do really like the music and I enjoy the lyrics, I'm just never fully sold on the vocal delivery. And I get that David Byrne's singing is really their USP so replacing that would really be taking away what makes Talking Heads, Talking Heads. It's definitely a "me" problem. That being said, their cover of Take Me To The River is obviously fabulous and I enjoyed everything else, just not as much as I wish I did. 3/5

Shocked by how many of these songs I don't know...digging it as expected.

David Byrne is like the annoying manic theater kid who thinks it’s his job to entertain everyone when you just want him to shut up and go away. The music and band is fantastic though.

Thoughts before listening: One of Talking Heads best from their heyday. I love everything TH put out, and this album is no different. Lots of classics on this one. Review: So, on this listen, I can say that this actually isn't necessarily my favorite album by TH. Its not bad, but it lacks the stone cold classics of an album like Remain in Light. I also feel like the songs on here exist in better versions on Name of the Band is Talking Heads and Stop Making Sense. That being said, there are definitely some bangers on here and this is overall a strong release, especially so early in their career. 4-stars

4/5 loved this album back in college

Joyful, groovy, not the best talking heads album, but still a talking heads album.

Didn’t catch my attention but not bad

Love Talking Heads!

Toca hoy una banda que adoro. Siempre vuelvo a ellos por Remain in Light. A veces, seguido. Otras, cada meses o años. Y qué decir del genio de David Byrne que no se haya dicho más que tengo que ver su película. Urgente. Pero vamos a éste disco, del que no recuerdo mucho pero me alegra que esté en el reto. Bailable y único como todo de esta banda desde sus mixturas, todo maridando perfecto con la voz tan particular de Byrne. Muy bien para una juntada o para levantar una mañana estática. Hasta mañana.

It was ok

Good

David Byrne doesn't sing. He barks all the verses. Instrumentals were obnoxious. Almost comedic. If you tell me "More Songs About Buildings And Food" was a parody album, I will believe you.

Ik geloof dat ik dit wel goede muziek vind maar het is ook een beetje standaard 70's (sorry!)

This was a good sounding album that could be placed in the mid-2000’s

Só dou cinco estrelas porque não posso dar 10!

vibe

I don't know how to rate this as it's so very itself and I've heard bits around for my whole life probably.

It was okayyyy, not my fav genre unfortunately

An album of all Talking Heads songs is a bit aggravating, I'm not gonna lie. They have a fun, quirky sound that makes for listening to some of their hits a cool experience, but listening to mostly mediocre tracks, trying to find the one that kinda hits, is a bit of a chore.

Some funky tunes but David Byrne's delivery is a constant struggle 😐

Not catchy enough for me. Also tough when the best song is a cover!

Good fun! Listened several times in the day

4 good songs, the rest was alright enough

A little disappointed by this to be honest. Given how revered they seem to be among music lovers, I struggled to find much exceptional about it. It’s good, very listenable, but ultimately a little bit average

Expected to like this more

herky jerky white boy funk

This is just great - One of their best albums

I am a huge Talking Heads fan, however, I do think this album is a little weaker than some of their later albums. If I was in control of this list I would have switch this and their first album with Speaking in Tongues and Stop Making Sense. There are some really good songs here still, specifically the second half. Low 5.

I don't know how to describe this other than it's just an incredibly fun album. None of it was particularly groundbreaking, it was just simply fun. I have to pick one for the playlist. The obvious choice would be "take me to the river", but I think I'm going "I'm not in Love" . I just really enjoyed that one.

Not sure what to make of this album. I like Talking Heads. They're weird without being annoying.

It has grown on me. Quite interesting

Je n’avais jamais écouté ce band (sauf leur tube Psycho Killer, très bon), mais j’en avais beaucoup entendu parler : à cause de Brian Eno, évidemment, mais aussi à cause de l’influence du chanteur, David Byrne, sur Adrian Belew. Je n’ai pas été flabergasté par mon écoute, mais je sens un intérêt à réécouter, à m’intéresser un peu plus attentivement à ce band (c’est vrai que la deuxième moitié était plus captivante).

Annoying on paper, great in execution. Awkward, clipped, and smarter than most bands ever get. You don’t have to like it to admit it’s solid.

If you like Talking Heads, you'll like this. Choppy, quirky, layered, interesting lyrics.

This must have sounded crazy in the 70s

Some of the production isn't too bad, I might like the songs with a different singer and/or lyrics. For example, I vastly prefer the Lorde cover of Take Me to the River. I just can't do it with Byrne's voice and phrasing.

Talking Heads bring a marvelous ‘70s energy. The bass lines are nice and meaty, the synth and guitars drive the song with wacky, crazy energy, and Byrne’s vocals perfectly suit the cocktail. Found A Job is one of my favorite Talking Heads songs because of how much is going on. The big kick drums with the chorus, the frenetic solo, the strange lyrics; it all works together to create pleasant strangeness. I’m Not In Love has a great drumming performance, and I also quite like the guitar and banjo (?). The Big Country surprised me, with the bluegrass steel guitar.

So so

It's great, but still this must be the least exciting of their albums. I'll be looking forward to all of their other albums on this list.

It's good

Never a big fan. Something about his voice.

we got some more of that quirky and eccentric new wave rock music from talking heads. our ol' pal brian eno is back, helping with production. compared to their last album, this album has a stronger emphasis on that somewhat alien type of dance rock music we'd see from the likes of devo and oingo boingo. this second album is much more refined than their first. these guys are stereophonic mad scientists with sound, it's all over the place but it's written by very intelligent people. those basslines walk around the block like nobody's business, those beats NEVER stumble. a beautiful tornado of early new wave goodness.

Hard to understand why this album, or band it self, is so highly rated. For me, it's just bad singing and mediocre songs. Later album have interesting arrangements, though, but not this one. No for me.

Just dont like talking heads very much

I did not enjoy this. Could not stand the vocalist. It did nothing for me all.

Nije ovo ko fear of music ili remain on light ali je svejedno fantastično i ima take me to river, jednu od najboljih obrada ikada

Fav songs: entire second half of the album This is the TH I've been waiting to hear. Debut album fine. This is great and still not their best.

Fantastic! 5/5

*Love the Talking Heads. *Only song I knew was taking me to the river. RATING - 7/10

This is actually more like a 3.8 in my opinion. Solid album but not even in my top 3 from them.

I love you david byrne. faves from this: the girl wants to be with the girls, artists only, take me to the river, and the big country

wazzup losers, i bet u thot id h8 this

Certainly not good, but also I clocked several hours as a child singing "Take Me To The River" along with a mounted fake bass. That song is a banger.

Felt like it was a very good album, some incredibly relatable songs

Some good Some 💩

I like the talking heads… obviously I’ve heard their hits before but i’ve never listened to one of their albums

Siempre será entretenido escuchar a Talking Heads

Have definitely heard this band before but this was the first time listening to this album. Will have to listen to more!

2 star

1. Found A Job 2. I'm Not In Love 3. Take Me To The River

I know multiple songs already so it must be a part of the zeitgeist

kinda nice, 3.5

So weird. So fun. So funky. So odd. So unique. So quirky. So silly. So... Talking Heads. From their least to most critically acclaimed works, Talking Heads has a style that is just so Talking Heads, no other artist/band can ever replicate or duplicate because none of them are as weird, fun, funky, odd, unique, quirky, or silly as these four. And for their second album, they can only go up from here, and they did.

Хороший альбом, но, конечно, лично для меня - наименее любимый у них. Оказывается, его спродюссировал Ино, о чем я не знал до сих пор. Лучшая песня - Take Me to the River.

Never listened to him before, enjoyed it

Quirky and entertaining but no matter how many times I listen to Talking Heads I feel like I just be missing out on something... They are always held up as legends of their time and despite obviously having some really high level creativity I never quite see the brilliance that I feel like other people rave about. This was fun to listen to but I don't think I will search it out again.

Talking Heads were always a band I felt I should like, but I never really clicked with their music beyond the singles I heard from time to time. That changed a couple months ago. I’m not sure what changed exactly, but they finally made sense to me and they became one of my most listened to bands. I love the funky guitar and the focus on the rhythm section. Such a unique sound. I find it surprising that these guys were regulars at CBGBs because they don’t quite fit my image of the bands I thought played there

Not an album with a ton of stand out tracks, but overall such a solid listen. Hypnotic, funky, weird. The closer, the Big Country, is a beautiful track and the rare song with a laugh out loud punchline.

This was getting a strong 4, as it begins and ends with two of my favourite Talking Heads tracks. Now I reckon this is their most consistent album. 9/10.

Интересный, странный, вымученный, словной семплированный, но приятный.

🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

ehhhh 2/5

Maybe I'm not as into the Talking Heads as I thought I would be. This is my second album of theirs on this project. Its ok. I love Byrne and his style, but I just wish the songs were more interesting. This is the Talking Heads' second album, and I think the first was better. I found it pretty hard to hear the lyrics on a lot of this mix actually. The guitars are pretty good, baselines rock, as usual, but not much else really stands out to be honest. Standouts were "Found a Job" "Stay Hungry" "Take Me to the River" Overall, its not like its bad, its just totally average in my humble opinion. There were some good tracks on the back half of the album, but nothing to really sway me away from an average rating, so another 3/5 for me.

Started out ok, but it grew on me as I listened through. Thank You For Sending Me An Angel was really repetitive, I was worried the album was going to be a slog. With Our Love was also kinda eh. But then The Good Thing came in and saved the album. From there, the album continued fairly nicely. The Girl Wants To Be With The Girls was pretty fun. Had a lull towards the end with I'm Not In Love and Stay Hungry bringing it down. But then Take Me To The River comes on, so much fun! The Big Country is a nice chill ending. Hard to rate, almost a 2, but it's got enough to pull it up to a 3. Best song: Take Me To The RIver

I love Talking Heads. They are probably one of my 5 to 10 favorite bands/artists of all time. While Talking Heads 77 is great, I think this was a huge step forward and is at least a borderline masterpiece. It’s a weird, fun listen every time.

I'm liking this one more than I thought I would. 3 Stars

Quirky,clever everything you want in a Talking Head album. The cover of Take me to the River is so good you think that it is a talking head song. I like the band a lot and this is a good example of why

Enjoyed this, but it didn't grab me to the same degree as Talking Heads 77. 6/10

I absolutely love this. The songs are so distinct and arty, the sound so rich, and if funky danceable art wave is a thing, this is it. Their cover of “Take Me to the River” is a highlight.

Better than Coldplay

Couldn't get into this one. Instrumentals were decent, but the vocal work was not hitting right. It was an okay listen overall, but it's not a strong 3.

One of my favorite bands of all time. Only one really famous song. Two if you count Big Country. Still classic sound

Fun and summery. Good for walk to work, felt kinda nostalgic

Never heard most of these songs but enjoyed most of them. He's a vibe...this ain't their best.

Talking Heads has way better ones... it's okay

Love the nervous, anxious energy this album has. Not the best talking heads album but still great, opening and closing songs are amazing.

Not *their* best album, but nonetheless fantastic

I like it.

an interesting experience

Just utter perfection. If ‘77 was a breakout of nervous energy, this masterpiece showed this band had depth, had craft, and had bigger dreams than CBGB. An utter classic among any number of classics from the Talking Heads.

Not really into this era of music

😂😂😂 this is so refreshing, absolutely groovy and weird record. David Byrne's vocal delivery is so original. The genre is totally new to me and I love it

Fine.

I like the faster pace and sound of the electric guitar but I don't love the lead singer's delivery. I know that's kind of his thing but it's not mine.

I know Talking Heads but did not know this album, aside from Take Me To The River. This album is undeniably Talking Heads with their rhythmic sound and style. The album is very good. While none of the individual tracks stood out after the first listen, I would listen to the full album again for sure.

Dork rock, I like it

Nem olyan jó mint gondoltam

Yes Stop Making Sense is one of my favourite documentaries. No I don't really like Talking Heads. I contain multitudes.

4/5

funky that got a little more tolerable as it went on

They didn’t sing about food as much as I would’ve liked.

A good album, but not the best of his albums, the second half is better than the first, the production is amazing

This album has some of the smoothest transitions I’ve heard in a while. The way the tracks flow into each other feels intentional and energetic. It blends post-punk with a very unique funk sound that gives it its own identity. The production by Brian Eno adds an experimental edge without losing the groove. I give it an 8/10.

Yessss

Great album. Not my absolute favorite talking heads albums but extremely good. Byrne's "alien anthropologist" lyrics are at an all time high on this one

More Songs About Buildings and Food didn’t leave a huge impression on me overall, but I’ve got to give credit where it’s due. The cover of “Take Me to the River” is definitely the standout — groovy, weird in the best way, and a clear high point. The rest of the album? Honestly kind of forgettable. Nothing bad, just nothing that really stuck with me after it ended. That said, one thing I do respect is how ahead of its time it sounds. For something released in the late ’70s, it doesn’t feel stuck in that era. It still has a modern, quirky edge that a lot of newer bands try to emulate.

I don’t like most of the songs he’s barely audible over the music but the musics good, the musics very bouncy, not for me. The singer doesn’t sound very good in my opinion. I did like take me to the river though it was different. I also didn’t mind the alternate thank you for sending me an angel 3 stars

Take me to the River is definitely the standout here. Talking heads albums just get repetitive after awhile.

It is not my favourite Talking Heads album, yet, I still have so many notable songs. Considering I own the majority of the Talking heads catalogue, i would certainly buy it if I came across it. it is a solid 4, probably a 4.5

Very good

Not my favourite Talking Heads. I think this is a step backwards from their first album and the collaboration with Eno winds up making this whole album into a bit of a bland mess. Musically it’s not bad at all but the vocal mix is muddy and Byrne sounds like he’s singing on the other side of a bathroom stall, nothing is clear and it’s all echoes.

pretty shit

I love the initial inaccessibility of this music. Angular, lyrically arcane, devoid of melody but intricately structured. I can hear Captain Beefheart, Sparks and Eno-era Roxy Music, all delivered with David Byrne’s energy and total commitment. I’ll be back to this one again.

I simply couldn't bring myself to stream this so I pulled this off my shelf and absorbed this in analog on my trusty turntable. What can I say about this that hasn't already been said? It's quirky and sounds nothing else which is what I love about it. Top notch songwriting propells this into being one of the greatest album ever created.

This was pretty fun! It just seemed like an energetic, bright sound coming off this whole album. Its kinda funky and weird but overall enjoyable, the vocals were the only thing dragging this down for me.

One of my favorite TH albums. It also helps that it’s the foundation for Stop Making Sense. Every song is filled with such energy and creativity, coupled with Byrnes yelping and you get an album that’s fun to sing and dance to. And what a closer with The Big Country! He sure hates flyover states!

Thank You for Sending Me an Angel // The Good Thing // Found a Job // Take Me to the River // The Big Country

Great record. So fun a danceable!

Like a wave, starts strongly, dips, comes back up, then ends back in the dip. Some tracks are too much, over played and a little onanistic.

Always love some Talking Heads. Probably not their best work but still enjoyable. Includes Thank You for Sending Me an Angel, Found a Job, and Take Me to the River. David Byrne's singing can get a bit laborious. 6.75/10 (3.375/5)

i have mixed feelings about this one... At times it got me thinking; does all Talking Heads songs sound the same? But also every time I got bored the next song pulled me back in, a perfect middle ground i think.

Very good! I loved the overall vibe of the album. You can definitely tell that it’s an earlier Talking Heads album but in the best way.

Classic Talking Heads. So very, very good!

Fun album with plenty of toe-tappers, but I’m afraid that as of now, that’s mostly what the Talking Heads are to me. Nothing that stands out as particularly strong

A STRAIGHT LINE EXISTS BETWEEN ME AND THE GOOD THING It's the fourth-best Talking Heads album, all the live versions of these songs on Stop Making Sense are superior versions and it's still a fucking masterpiece. Get ready to dance and be agitated. Finally, as a rebuttal to Mr. Byrne: I wouldn't live in New York City if you paid me to.

I always thought the Talking Heads were kind of irritating, but I really liked this album. Positive & poppy, there's some other influences in here. The rhythm provides a reliably steady foundation, allowing everything else to dance around a bit.

nice energy, but forgettable

Not my favorite TH album. I think that perhaps it's the more straight laced attitude of some of the arrangements, but I do like the dancible side to the sound.

I like some Talking Heads, I don't care for them enough to seek out any of their music. I did learn that Warning Sign is not a Local Natives original song though!

I wouldn't live there if you paid me

Petty good

Sounds like the Talking Heads. But generally unremarkable