Fear Of Music

Experimentelle LP mit für seine Zeit innovativen avantgardistische Rock und Creative Sound. Leider wirken einige Stücke sehr provokativ und tolle Arrangements wie z.B. „Heaven“ or „Memories Cain‘t Wait“ sind leider die Ausnahme.

I’d give this a 3.5, I think it has some potential. I will have to give this another listen.

Much better than I remembered it to be.

The building blocks of a lot of weird music I pike better than I like this.

While I am a fan of Talking Heads later albums, this is too weird and sometimes repetitive for me

meh

It’s okay not wild about it.

Some songs were great, some I found myself wanting to skip to get to the good ones.

Will be coming back to this one. I liked it but needs more listens

7/10 First TH album I’ve heard, none of the big tunes so went in blind. Pleasant surprise. Sounds really fresh for a 70s album Lyrics and delivery by Byrne excellent and witty Loved the fact that the rhythms were essentially disco But in the end maybe a bit musically monotone for me, not a huge range of style Can totally see the influence this has on jangly art-rock. Lots of stuff still sounds a bit like this Best: Memories Can’t Wait

My first Talking Heads experience. Why I thought the album was average, I’m excited to dive more into their discography after listening.

I have known and loved several of these songs but never heard this whole album before. Knew the ones from Stop Making Sense and the greatest hits collection. I was glad to hear the album in its entirety but still am a fan mostly of just the songs i knew before. The album feels a bit dated and while I can appreciate the creativity, I couldn’t get into many of the other songs.

Compleclex, a bit experimental but not bad. Annoying at some point

Kind of psychedelic. Tried to like it but just okay.

SO FRENETIC. Would be good for cleaning the house or dancing out some feelings.

Meh

I don't really like the Talking Heads. I find the music structure interesting but the overall sound abrasive and without flow.

War mir relativ unschlüssig. Ist zwar musikalisch nichts super Besonderes, aber die Lyrics waren witzig und es war dann doch recht kurzweilig.

Not for me

Kinda funky but overall not that exciting

Typical Talking Heads music. Some good songs. I like Life During Wartime.

Brilliant instrumentation. Vocals bearable at 3rd listen...

Started off so good, and then.... What do these guys have against animals anyway? Three nosedives out of five 👃👃👃

Wilder Genre Mix, aber viel hat klare Handschrift von talking heads. Viel Funk und upbeat. Loved: time during wartime, muss nochmal gegen alternate Version vergleichen Deezer link: https://deezer.page.link/2ErEQ3mKYQuudbaH6

sei lá, não me pegou

Fine, albeit somewhat unremarkable. Still not a Talking Heads convert.

not my fav talking heads album but the eerie vibes were there

Found this slightly odd but really listenable - not sure I'd go nuts on playing this one again but will check out more by the artist for sure

Von den bisherigen Alben das, was man sich am besten geben konnte.

Melancholy

I wouldn’t say this is their best effort, but I still had a great time grooving to it.

always a fan of Talking Heads! but I loved listening to This Must be the Place after this album more than the actual album, a little underwhelming but still upbeat and energizing! glad to have heard it

Knew a few songs before but nothing that well. Ranged from good to kinda boring.

Mind // Heaven // 3.5/5

Favorite Songs: Life During Wartime Mind Air

Alright album. Nothing really sticks out but I did add one song. Probably a 3-3.5/5

It's a hard sell in the modern age but there was literally nothing that sounded like this in 79 which is cool. I like this, I do, but I have to admit it's just not very good a lot of the time. When its great it's fantastic. 7/10

Admitiendo su valía, este grupo no es para mí. O tal vez es que no me acaba de hacer gracia el post punk y soy muy muy selectivo con la new wave. Puntuación en estricta escala de disfrute. La voz a veces me saca de mis casillas.

It's hard to hate on David Byrne because he is so authentic and so interesting. This particular album is not really one of my favorites, but I do enjoy aspects of it, particularly the drums and his signature vocal style.

I listened to "Fear Of Music" back-to-back with "More Songs About Buildings And Food," which we received nearly 350 albums ago. I'm kind of shocked how much I enjoyed them? In spite of David Byrne's vocals? I say in spite, because they're too weird right? Or is the oddness of the vocals fitting with the rest of the off-kilter presentation? I had surmised that the Talking Heads were too avante garde for me. Too artsy. Too weird for weirdness sake. But I actually found myself pleasantly surprised. Byrne's vocals work some of the time, but most of the time they just don't get too in the way of some interesting experimentation that manages to walk the tightrope of tolerable and sometimes exciting strangeness. I put this one slightly below "More Songs About Buildings And Food."

JBZ alert.

I never really listened to New Wave. "Cities" is probably my favorite on the album. "Life During Wartime" is also weird and wild. Brian Eno co-produced this with Talking Heads. His wikipedia page said, "A self-described "non-musician", Eno has helped introduce unconventional concepts and approaches to contemporary music." You can hear that in this album.

Ok

ehh

I love this style of pop, generally enjoyable and simply ahead of its time for the sounds it was able to produce without hitting that "sci-fi" or over the top synths 70's and 80's pop frequently hit. enjoyed paper, cities, life during wartime, memories can't wait, leaning like a 3.6ish/5, some major L's especially at the end and ones he didnt sing

David Bryne

The Talking Heads - I've never loved them, I've never hated them. I'll listen to them (or not) but it will probably be by someone else's choice or by circumstance. This album was OK, it didn't really make any strong impressions on me either way.

Some songs feel like they lull a bit. I like the album overall, as who doesn't like the Talking heads. This album has interesting sound choices and good orchestration but I find at times it gets too slow and almost feels like I am trying to get it to pick up the pace (songs like Drugs specifically, there's a lot I like about the song but find myself waiting for more until 4 minutes in???) Maybe I relisten to it later and my opinion changes, but for now I'd say I don't feel super strong about the album in either direction, I definitely lean more on the side of liking it, but might just need to give it a few more listens. I just feel what this album does well, I can find it far better in some other places. But it's highs do hit at times, and I feel kinda torn. Overall not a bad liisten, something I might grow to love.

I like a lot of the instrumentals and some of the lyrics. I hated Animals though it does seem like it inspired Paramore’s Running out of Time. In general I liked a 80% of each song but then sometimes things got too weird for me.

Werd ineens halverwege goed? (Wat zz top had moeten zijn)

Good for … background music

A really fun, experimental sound with this one. Can't say it's something I'd listen to on repeat, but some of the songs really stood out and will absolutely make it in my rotation. Paper and Air are both great. Heaven is a favorite. Solid 3/5 stars.

It's a good groove

Interesting

Classic

3/5

Seems fun and upbeat. Not a massive fan of it so far. It’s kinda funky and weird.

Decent but didn't really catch me with anything

Funky, strange, not super feely, but would be good if looking for something new.

Unique for its era, didn’t grab my attention as much as I wanted. Very solid album and could hear how it’s influenced music today. Didn’t hold my attention too well. Will have to listen again at some point. Love the weird off best style that seems to becoming a norm in music I listen to

Good album but not my cup of tea.

I like Tina Weymouth’s bass, Chris Frantz’s drums and Jerry Harrison’s guitar. David Byrne - the more you look, the less he has to say. His book on music is worth reading and rereading. But there are at least three better talking heads albums that are more representative. Apparently this is highly regarded but I don’t see the appeal. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think it’s worth a place here. The more I see this list, the more I feel that dimery is trying to impress, rather than illuminate or educate.

I always loved the stuff Talking Heads released as single but their deep cuts are pretty quirky. Good fun but I’m not sure I would like to live there

I Zimbra is groovy as hell. Paper Air Need to relisten but really vibed with this album. Honestly would be a 4/5 off of gut feeling but there were some duds in the end so likely a 3/5

Late 70s (sounds like 80s) rock (post punk?). Yeah, I like it, though It may sound monothematic. 3.4.

not exactly my cup of tea but easy to listen to and partially enjoyable

This is the first great TH album. In particular, this stands out for its versatility and quirkiness, while remaining a great piece of art. "Remain in light" is better, tho, but many bands wish they released an album like this. (I don't like numeric ratings, I just give 3 to anyone)

This album makes me scared

https://youtu.be/zLk6bUvS6Ic?si=M_uO2c8Ata2fpNoW

Very high energy. Creative. Loved Memories Can’t Wait. May have been a 4 for me on a chiller day.

Best song - Life During Wartime

Very Talking Heads sounding but didn’t impress me as much as Remain in Light (2.5/5)

Great

unhinged, atmospheric, funny. a guy and a band that are unabashedly themselves. favs of the bunch: i zimbra, mind, animals

Chanteur bancal

Will take time to get into this. Feels more like a groove and a feel than identifiable great songs at first listen.

Didn't grab me.

Great to listen to some old favourites whilst working, like 'Heaven'. 😊

Good sound but too much of the same on every song

Good, mellow, not something I feel the need to return to over and over.

Well, that's a specific music. I like David Byrne, but this album is tough)

This is another album that I was very worried about coming into listening to because I was recommended "More Songs About Buildings And Food" and disliked it. While this album was a clear step up in both songwriting and instrumentation it kept some of the core values that I disliked about More Songs. It still has those intentionally awkward sounding vocals I hate and some awkward instrumentation. The best way I can describe it is "More Songs About Buildings And Food" was sort of the Big Bang Theory of albums. They intentionally are doing awkward things because they think it is funny but when you look at it on the outside it is just sort of obnoxious. "Fear Of Music" is more akin to The Office. A much more grown up and sophisticated (at times) version of "More Songs About Buildings And Food" with more consistently entertaining songs and better sounding vocals for the most part. "Heaven", "I Zimbra", "Cities" and "Drugs" are great songs in general not just great new wave songs which is a much lower bar. "Heaven" in particular is sort of what I think a band like this could be but instead they choose style over substance. I am all for experimentation but I am not going to praise something just because it is experimental. For instance, "Paper" and "Drugs" are examples of experimentation that I think work really well and both are enjoyable and interesting to listen to whereas "Animals" and "Air" fail immensely in their experimentation. Songs like "Animals", "Mind" and "Air" are somewhat annoying songs that I would love to never have to hear again. Overall much improvement but the bad songs on this are pretty unlistenable and even in the good songs many of them keep the obnoxious vocals. 7.5/10

My knowledge of talking heads doesn't stretch much further than the MTV rotations of the early to mid 80's. They have been a band that I enjoy here and there but never seek them out. I was curious when this album came up and was excited to listen. I am on the second to last song and I did enjoy the listen, nothing is going on my playlist but I don't regret the experience.

Very much a late 70s/early 80s album in terms of sound. Not bad, but not the most exciting thing I've ever listened to. 6.5/10.

Definitely eclectic, but also tells a good story. Musically similar but also dissimilar to their other work. Experimental, even for them.

It had some good tracks that I enjoyed

High 3

I owned it once .. loved it then and it’s still good 3.7

Felt very chaotic and a little jazz like. Sometimes just felt like noise rather than music. Have a feeling with repeated listening I might understand and enjoy it more though.

1001 talking heads albums to listen to before you die

No es tan ochentero, es algo que Bowie podria haber escrito

The album was alright. It was the beginning of that 80s sound. I have had several Talking Heads albums and dthis is on par with the other ones.

It's good. Wished I liked the Talking Heads more than I do.

okay album, enjoyed it overall.

it's good but not my fave

ei kuunneltu koko albumia putkeen... viisunrypälettä silloin tällöin keskellä päivää. huom. haittaa objektiivisuuteen, yleensä positiivisempaa vaikutelmaa näin. paha tapa. britannia post punk new waveahan tämä on joten melkeinpä ylärima rajattu kolmoseen tässä vaiheessa... ei viehätä tämmöinen liikaa. silti, ihan kiva. ylärima alas, bk on paras..... It's funny to listen back and realize what was considered 'good' music back then. Repetitive, off-key, monotonous vocals; Clangy but cheesy guitar riffs. To be fair, it's still better than the over-produced, auto-tuned garbage that we are forced to listen to today. i think this guy just hates music life during wartime

If i liked this genre i would have enjoyed the album for sure.

Not a huge fan

I’ve listened to this album 4 times. I black out every time because I have no idea where i stand. It’s not great but not bad. It’s not fast or too slow. It’s not boring but not very musically interesting either.

This one just didn’t click for me. Might have been groundbreaking when it came out but to me was just repetitive and rambling. I think I just don’t like Brian Eno

Not my favorite talking heads album, but a good listen. The singing is a bit more enthusiastic but a bit less melodic than other albums.

Second album by Talking Heads on this list, after a very entertaining "Remain In Light". As a predecessor to that record, "Fear Of Music" put a lot of hopes in my heart. Opening song would push this hope even further, but the rest of the album turned out to be average and not noteworthy at all. Talking Heads style was very prominent, but ultimately it wasn't yet cohesive enough to create a great composition. Bit of a disappointment, its not the greatest album in their discography.

No outright hits on this one, but overall a good album. Flew by as I was listening to it and didn't skip any. Nice start to the week.

I know what it means to have a fear of music. For example, I'm afraid to listen to more music from Talking Heads because I thought the first album was so bad. But hey, this one is more akin to the second we heard, and actually a bit more enjoyable, so maybe these guys aren't so bad after all. I'd love for them to claw their way up to a five-star album from me, but that would take quite a bit. For now, I think this album's pretty good. Some cool stuff going on for sure, and David Byrne's voice didn't bug me at all. What was I afraid of again? Favorite tracks: Paper, Life During Wartime, Electric Guitar. Album art: A little green stamp of the band and album name over that classic black metal pattern, the kind of thing an 8 year old would want on every surface in a garage. It looks a lot tougher than these guys or their music. 3.5/5

kinda mid tbh

It was OK. Not great, not bad - just OK.

I like Talking Heads singles and David Byrne. The sound is quite distinct but this album didn’t really grab me. Not quite a 2 but a low 3

It was pretty solid Not my favorite, I'll have to get used to the vocals, but it was better than the last one

bops :)

This Album was pretty good. Talking Heads is just one of those bands that are reliable, their music is different and a lot of the times doesn't have many words in them but I think that's okay it's pretty interesting honestly. The whole album did kind of blend together for me, don't know if there were any stand outs but it was all good so why not give it a listen if you enjoy either Talking or Heads.

Decent got a bit bored by the end though

We can recognize that it's really good, but it's just not our thing.

Rock psicodélico raruno. Ni fu ni fa.

As always, I feel I should like this more than I do.

I was disappointed by this because I wanted to really like this a lot more, given so many artists I like are influenced by Talking Heads. Instead, it was mostly just a pretty solid new wave album, with a couple of pretty funky numbers like I ZImbra and Cities both of which were great. Maybe this is a grower type of album.

David Byrne sounds like a gag act, but he’s not—these songs have a secret depth to them. I enjoyed this album, actually.

Mellow album but couldn't get into it

6/10 Oubliez l'entièreté de l'album, mais ca avait l'air de bien s'écouter

Is there some slogan The Talking Heads have similar to Primus Sucks? Anyway I enjoyed this, if it wasn't a little long

Had I been born a decade earlier, The Taking Heads would have been my favorite band. The music here is great. But it's constrained by the cruft of it's era. Way to much reverb, to sparse of instrumentation. It's missing some key things to really make it pop.

Very unusual but compelling. It's very hard to balance "weird" with "enjoyable" but Talking Heads seem to be able to walk that line. Not really my thing but I get it. 3.5 stars

Probably my least favorite Talking Heads album. I love them, but never was into this one too much.

I LOVED Heaven, but the rest of the album... not sure it hit that great?

the talking heads are a good band and their clean, jangly guitar is fun. they get a little overhyped, but this album has pizzaz. “electric guitar” is a standout.

This was pretty similar to the other talking heads album but with significantly less catchy songs. Overall it was still good and I enjoyed it. It has a decent 80s precursor for the sound that came during that decade without t being gimmicky. Overall I wouldn’t revisit this album as much as the one that came before it. 6.5/10

Likely not their best, it’s sandwiched between two classics in their discog. You can tell the wheels are turning and the songwriting is fairly strong but not quite up to the highs of the former or latter.

3+

Mieux aimé que Talking Heads 77, mais ça reste le son que je connais du band, je n'ai plus grand chose à rajouter à ce point. 6/10

This was a pretty good album, I enjoyed David Byrne's vocals and there were some nice bass-led songs. Wouldn't seek it out, but would listen again.

Not bad but overrated

Great entry by the Talking Heads - plenty of funk/afro-inspired rhythms in this one make it a very catchy album. The production is good, the songwriting is good and it's overall just a solid collection of songs. I should really have nothing bad to say about this album and yet it's somehow a bit forgettable. I feel like I'm not alone in this opinion, as none of these songs top any list of Talking Heads best tracks. Fav Tracks: Mind, Life During Wartime, Air, Animals

I prefer Remain in Light, but will probably give this another listen.

This album is fun, whimsical, and groovy. "I Zimbra" is a killer opening track. Love the energy in the percussion and vocals. In "Mind", track 2, I love the lyric "I haven't got the faintest idea" and how it turns into a synth-like sound at the end of the "a" vowel at the end of "idea". That is super cool. Really enjoyed throughout. I think David Byrne is a treasure. I don't think it has that many hits on it, and the bands true standout tracks are on other albums (like Psycho Killer, Once in a Lifetime, Burning Down the House, etc) which has kept this from being slightly higher rated for me.

for a 70s album sounds contemporary sofar.

Kinda rush listening cause I was super busy… Talking heads (specifically David byrne) has always been a toss up for me on whether I loved them or hated them. This album helped bring me a little closer to thst answer. Although some lyrics were a little silly, I did enjoy this album. 👍 air.

This album was kind of all over the place stylistically. You could tell there was some definite experimentation going on here. You have some more traditional rock songs, some funkier ones in the middle, an African influenced track to start the album, an everything in between. Despite this, the talking heads are still able to stamp some of their staple eclectic sound on all of them. This in combination with the singers quirky vocals make for interesting music to say the least. While others revel in their unique sound I tend to find it off putting at times. In my opinion the melodies suffer on most songs due to the vocal style and doesn’t necessarily leave me itching to relisten. That being said a lot of the instrumentation here is super cool and I do like a good amount of the songs. The first half is MUCH stronger in my opinion. I’m sure remain in light is on this list so I’m glad it gave us this one first. Beat tracks: mind, I zimbra, air Tim’s Most Memorable Melody (new recurring segment) (MMM for short) : I NEED SOMETHING TO CHANGE YOUR MIND🎶

The point where Talking Heads started to fall into their own groove and decide what kind of band they would be. Eno is ever-present throughout.

Huh. I hated Talking Heads 77 but felt like this had some bop to it.

didn't like first track or vocals but wasn't bad- 5/10?

Ojämnt, men har sina ljusa stunder.

Pretty good background

Underwhelming

Этот альбом мне понравился больше чем Remain in light, он отчасти более забавный какой-то, вокал местами неожиданный, но в этой энергии что-то есть отдельно отмечу трек electric guitar, это какое-то безумие...

So this is what all the other songs on that one hit album sound like.

3.5

It’s not bad and it’s a very David Byrne style album which I don’t mind - but at the same time it’s not very memorable and not something I’d return to.

I've tried to listen to the Talking Heads before and I'm never that into it. The album is fine. I like the sound and tone of all the songs but it never draws me in.

Standard talking heads 2.5.

Enjoyable

At times frantic, other times dreary. Lyrics sometimes existentialist, sometimes nonsensical. Feels like the band doesn’t want the album to be pinned down. “Air” & “Heaven” are ones to listen to again.

Surprisingly good.

This was ok, not one I’d keep in my library but it wasn’t bad. David Byrne is amazing but it felt too much like poems over backing music.

3/5 I really liked the first song, and the rest just blended in together. It wasn't horrible screechy guitar or voice so I leaving it at a neutral 3.

Not bad! Kinda funky and upbeat and not as bad as I expected. Don’t know if I’d listen to again but it’s not because I hated it.

I liked this album more than I was expecting to.

Fun and weird instrumentals. The guitar work is fantastic. Lyrically hilarious at points, other points oddly serious given the upbeat music like Life During Wartime. That and Animals were my favorite tracks. I just don't like his voice and I don't know why.

Very new wave. Like Talking Heads.

Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Heaven

Groovy and quirky

Talking Heads from Rhode Island, USA. This is their 3rd album and they have FOUR albums on the 1001 list. Initial Impression: Singles: -------------------------------------------------- Life During Wartime (#80 USA) I Zimbra (#28 US Dance) Cities (Did not Chart) Standouts: Life During Wartime Others: Drugs Rating: 3/5

The highs on this album are quite high, but the large majority of it didn't move me very much. Favorite track: Life During Wartime

Fear of Music was fine. The bass was consistently pumping through the mix with unique lines. That was probably the most enjoyable part of the album. You can tell everyone is very talented, but not really my flavor. Favorite track- I Zimbra Least favorite track - Electric Guitar

I like the Talking Heads, but this album was so uninteresting and homogeneous. It felt like it all blended together (and I did 1.5 listens). This isn't necessarily a bad quality though. That makes the album very easy to listen to when working. The music is groovy and mostly stays out of the way. Not super interesting, but I'd listen again.

I think I like talking heads but this didn't really grab me

No hits on here for me.

Spacey Rock with some psychedelic sounds.

FOM oh.

Not even their best album

I liked it, particularly how it sometimes sounded a bit like Bowie. Found it fun and varied

As much as I love Talking Heads, I'm not sure this was my most favourite albums. On the whole I really enjoyed it, but there were a few I was more ambivalent about. Its funny, because the ones I like I LOVE then I'm surprised how unbothered I am about others.

Good stuff!

Good, but my favorite parts are always the fleeting guitar.

Thought it was solid, had some nice instrumentals. Vocals weren't amazing but overall fairly mediocre

Meh, other stuff is way better.

Definitely has some good songs, maybe if I was in a better mood I’d give it a 4

Decent album. Realised I'd not heard much outside of their first album, will be going back and listening to more.

Enjoyed it. Doubt i would go back though

I like Talking Heads but this album eludes me. I like the songs(Life During Wartime is a personal favourite) yet the album as a whole doesn’t gel…. Strong 3

Love talking heads songs but their albums are mostly okay. Solid album. But nothing spectacular.

6,5/10

This didn’t turn out to be my favorite Talking Heads album. Fear of Music is indeed loaded with Fears. It may not be music that is the object but many frightening aspects of life in the late 20th century. There is a deep paranoia at work, bordering on panic, that pervades the entire album. I had previously felt that one of the great things about Talking Heads music is how it all seemed to grow out of a fervent drive to dance and almost frolic in one’s own unique weirdness. Fear of Music sounds unyieldingly manic. As the lyrics of Life in Wartime say, “This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no fooling around.” The urge to dance is discarded in favor of despairing for the mess the world is in, maybe right to the point of digging a hole to survive in while the world goes inexorably to shit. Pretty fucked up album, really, but also really successful at getting the madness across.

This Talking Heads album was a turning point for the band going from a clean pop-rock-new wave-punk sound to an expanded, rhythm-based experimental sound. Eno's influence is all over the record it widened the scope of sound of the band with mixed results. There are a couple of classic TH songs on here and you can't deny they are a "better" band, but I tend to have more songs from their first two albums on my playlists.

Not one of my favorite Talking heads albums

I struggle with Talking Heads because I'm not a fan of David Byrne's voice. The rest of the band are great though, especially that rhythm section. Despite that, I could resist picking up a signed copy of 'How Music Works' from Rough Trade when I was over in London years ago. Also kinda sad it all ended so acrimoniously for them.

Look, I've never got them as an album band and I'm probably too old to start now.

Probably one of their weaker efforts, this comes after the initial excitement of the first two albums bursting with jittery post punk/new wave style but before they got together with Eno for the genre busting Remain in Light. All sounds fine but nothing really sticks out and it seems the change in direction that was to come was the correct decision.

I love the musical genius that is David Byrne. This however is not his best work. I am constantly disappointed that Speaking in Tongues is not included in this book, its my favorite of the Talking Heads albums. Stop Making Sense is also one that should be included, but that is something that should be watched instead of just listened to. All that is not to say that I didn't enjoy this album because I did like this album. I think I'd only put two or three of the songs as essential to knowing the Talking Heads. Just a lot of deep cuts.

While I like the talking heads I don’t think I’ve ever heard a single track off of this album. It’s definitely a talking heads album with all the weirdness but this felt a little more psychedelic or something idk

didnt get to finish this, but the first 2 songs were good. i’ve always loved the art fags tho so maybe i’m biased … - yesterday was fabulous, did some “networking” and put myself out there a little more. today is less good, everyone here is so cliquey and exclusive. i don’t remember it ever being like that. it makes me sad to think i don’t have a group and no one wants me in theirs. ik it probably shouldn’t bother me so much, but it does. wish people weren’t so awkward

This was the first time I've listened to this album. I appreciate the direction they moved in with the innovative sound, but overall this isn't something I'll continue to experience.

I Zimba - Samba music Mind - hypnotic... single? Paper - disco punk... marillion dramatic vocals ... catchy but repetitive (SOLID TRACK) Cities - ska punky... Ffo - Black Country new road, yard act .... (SOLID TRACK) single? Life During Wartime - jazz bluesy intro... hip shaking track... Memories Can't Wait - Vocals very Gary Numan vibe... lovely bass tone... (SOLID TRACK) Air - mad synth parts... Morrissey vocals Heaven - slow ballad... David Bowie vibe...(SOLID TRACK) Animals - Idles vocal... mad guitar tone... Electric Guitar - mad... Heavy abrasive Drugs - slow math rock... beautiful strings.... The Maccabees soaring solos... very experimental... deranged... (SOLID TRACK) Artwork - Fits the sound of the record... metallic rock... Rating - 3/5

Okay

Started off unsure but ended up adding a few songs to my playlist.

A very fresh, innovative sound for 1979. They were never afraid to try different sounds: all while sounding like the Talking Heads. (Franz Ferdinand is cut from the same cloth). This was a nice listen.

mas ou menos, tem musicas bem esquecíveis mas outras legalzinhas

Not really my kind of thing. Relatively interesting, musically at least, and can hear the influence on loads of bands and artists. Sounds very 80s, which I guess means it was ahead of its time 3 🌟

I can appreciate their body of work and sound but I just wasn't that big a fan of their music, save a song or two. This album wasn't really it for me. 7/10.

Weird / oddball, very talking heads, catchy but no must-listens imo

Not my fave of their albums but some good stuff

I love myself some Talking Heads - this album was a little rough though. The whole album felt formulaic. Tina's bass was nice, as always. not much else to say. Life During Wartime is classic.

Wacky and I'm glad it exists. It has its moments but not something I'd want to hear all of the time. Favorite track: Cities

paar heel leuke nummers!

synoniem voor tof

Beter als verwacht maar kan er nooit enorm van genieten

Could get into this more.

Meh.

Standard new wave album by the Talking Heads. I didn't read much about the album before listening but I remember the first time going through this there were at least two other talking heads albums that were on the list. Maybe I am missing something but still not sure why they have so many entries.

I like Talking Heads, but none of these tracks really gripped me in a way that some of their other stuff does. Still, a decent listen.

'I, Zimbra' non male, la seconda torna già sui livelli che non mi piacevano. Godibile comunque. 'Heaven' devo ammettere che è molto bella. L'ultima boh. 3

Sounded very 'world music'- a bit samey but nice.

It was ok

Not exactly their best

Nice, nothing particularly stood out.

Overall didn't enjoy it, and yet I can see why it's influential. Good to have heard, probably won't revisit.

Ok album

idk man I don't understand this band, don't hate it but it's not my thing

Not too bad, not as good as remain in light

Enjoyed this much more than…checks notes…the other Talking Heads one that was AOTD recently. I particularly like Drugs. Probably as it’s under Eno’s influence more than other Heads’ output. Parts of this - unsurprisingly - put me in mind of Bush Of Ghosts, which is no bad thing. I played this twice and enjoyed it both times.

Interesting album of the time

It's fine but I don't really get the appeal.

Mixed bag of some of my favourite songs by them with a lot I don't particularly feel anything for. Definitely don't love this as much as some.

i wanted to like this more than i actually did. i guess i went into this thinking it would be pure and catchy new wave. to be fair, this album isn’t bad! i listened to it several times and couldn’t find it in me to love this album. there’s some great, interesting beats here (“i zimbra”) and i love singing “this ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco,” but that just wasn’t enough. i wonder if it’s because byrne’s vocals are rather soft. still a good listen, but it’s rather average.

I have always put Talking Heads squarely in the "new wave" genre, but one thing I noticed with this album in particular is that the band, at least at this point in time, had way more funk and disco influences in their music than I realized. I Zimbra was a very unexpected but pleasant opener; I listened to that track several times. Overall, I really dig the bizarre rhythms that are used by Talking Heads. I think the band's vocals fit the progressive take on music, but sometimes those vocals come off as more hypnotic and monotonous than anything. I found myself really enjoying the first half of the album, but was kind of bored with the second half.

Okay

I've never much liked this band, but it was OKAY.

3*

Nothing special

I like the Talking Heads, but this was nothing special. The first track (I Zimbra) is super catchy, though. 6.5/10.

Je tiens à prendre les devants suite à l'événement s'étant produit hier. J'ai en effet brisé l'un des commandements du générateur par erreur, contre mon gré. Vous n'êtes pas sans savoir que je possède plusieurs générateurs pirates, que j'ai déjà évoqués dans de multiples reviews d'albums. Or, l'un de ces générateurs a présenté un dysfonctionnement, et m'a généré automatiquement l'album Heroes de David Bowie. Mes générateurs pirates sont conçus pour ne me donner que des albums ne figurant pas dans la liste de Robert. Pensant le système infaillible, j'écoutais cet album, sans me douter qu'il figurait dans la liste des 1001 albums à ne surtout pas écouter avant qu'ils soient générés. Après quelques minutes d'écoutes, je reçus immédiatement un message de robdenayer, m'invectivant d'un "Eh mais t'écoutes Bowie là ?!". Je compris immédiatement que j'étais dans l'erreur, et avouait directement ma faute à Robert. En revanche, je ne compris pas comment rob avait pu être alerté aussi rapidement. Je vérifiais donc les réglages de mon générateur pirate, et y découvrit un virus, déposé là par un hackeur du nom de "RobCrusaders". Je fis donc rapidement le lien entre ce hackeur et l'ignoble rob, et clarifiait une deuxième fois toute la situation à Robert. Ce dernier se montra magnanime: il générera seulement une liste de 5 mauvais albums à la suite en guise de punition, et me fit jurer, pieds et poings liés, que cela ne se reproduirait plus.

While I've always enjoyed a lot of their music, the Talking Heads always felt a little like they were for much cooler people than me. And this album really felt like a set of deep cuts from their œuvre. Too cool for me. I felt the first half was fine, but I had a hard time getting through the second half. I think a little more time might help me out, but I didn't have it to give today.

Meh. Very British and mostly good beats and jamming. I liked the Electric Guitar song because of the riff/beat. Overall would not listen again except the one song that I liked. Mind is actually pretty decent tho. The alternate version. I like the songs that are clear and less busy.

Poppy album with a unique sound and character

Not bad. I can see the appeal for this group and album. Not fully my cup of tea.

This was average. Nothing bad about it, but nothing outstanding about it either.

Listened Before: N Old Talking Heads! Sweet! Pros: A few catchy ones in there. It's fun to hear where their sound originated. Overall a solid album though. Really liked Life During Wartime. Cons: Sometimes a little bit TOO experimental for me. "Drugs" in particular.... Although I'm not sure what I expected with a title like that! Added to playlist: Life During Wartime

The Mid-to-Late-70s-Bowie-Vibes are strong with this one, without reaching Bowie's level. The music is quite experimental here (Brian Eno's influence), but not enough tracks stand out. Nice album, which I don't absolutely have to listen to again. 3/5.

The best of this album IMO: - Drugs It's okay. Nothing memorable in my opinion, except Drugs. Mmm, drugs. 2.7/5

3.5/5. This was a difficult album for me to rate because I actually enjoyed it but it wasn’t a 4. I thought it was different enough to be fun but not amazing.

Talking Heads. They're a tough one for me... I'm glad this one came on a weekend so I've been able to listen multiple times; I just knew I wasn't going to connect on first listen and I definitely didn't. There's this weird dichotomy I've found with Talking Heads (and most definitely on this album) of sounding rhythmically worldly yet stilted at the same time - very pronounced to me over the first few songs especially. For example on "I Zimbra" the opening cut - my first instinct was that it was/is too repetitive/boring. But that's also my Western perspective - there's a hypnotic element which seems reminiscent of African beats. Perhaps this is the point - this band forces me to step outside of what I'd traditionally think of in terms of a pop music structure for a song. Rhythms and chord progressions that don't resolve in a traditional sense (e.g. both "Mind" and "Paper") initially are frustrating to me but I start to "get it" a bit more each subsequent listen. The second part of the album starts to drift back into more-accessible structures (e.g. "Heaven") and there are a few tunes on here that I'm familiar with (esp. "Life During Wartime" and "Memories Can't Wait" oddly enough initially through Living Colour's very cool cover version...). This is one of the weirdest "3" ratings I'll give. I kind of think there's a ton to unpack here, yet I still can't fully connect with some of the frequent atonal aspects of it. I think in the end very often with Talking Heads...I very much appreciate the skill and composition yet I can't connect emotionally with them. It feels like a total copout but they're a good "sure I'll listen to them" band for me. 7/10 3 stars

i zimbra - so vibey 4/5 mind 3.5/5 paper 4/5 cities 3/5 life during wartime 3.5/5 memories can’t wait 3/5 air 4/5 heaven 4.5/5 animals 3.5/5 electric car 4/5 drugs 3/5 73% overall!

Estilo propio de los 80, con un pop un tanto comercial y canciones con una misma secuencia. No destaca en nada en particular. Se deja escuchar sin más

3,5 Will listen again to: - I Zimbra - Cities - Life During Wartime - Air

Not really my kind of thing. Relatively interesting, musically at least, and can hear the influence on loads of bands and artists. Sounds very 80s, which I guess means it was ahead of its time

Very unique for 1979.

Sådan semi..

Made me dance and enjoyable to have on in the back ground but wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it again

Sounds like if David Bowie was trying to be Pink Floyd. It’s fine. Songs are fine but nothing stands out.

Rock psicodélico raruno. Ni fu ni fa.

Not bad. I think this is because of Brian Eno's involvement.

I zimbra is the best song here. The vocal are off-putting. 3/5

joa ganz gut ne

2021.11.10 cities life during wartime memories can’t wait heaven

Some stand out tracks, but I still think talking heads 77, remain in light and speaking in tongues are more cohesive and listenable.

I enjoyed and got a bit bored by this in equal parts. Has some good ideas and is fairly fresh sounding, but some parts just go on too long.

Good.

good album, not my favorite Talking Heads but definitely listenable

Good album, actual score 3.5

My dislike for David Byrne aside, this is a great TH album. Very future driven. 3.5/5

Good stuff, but a bit jarring, and not many of the classics on there.

Não tem jeito, sempre ficava a expectativa da próxima música a tocar ser psycho killer. Mas mostrou de onde veio Life during wartime.

Doesn’t have their best singles, but scrapes a 3

First listen. pretty good.

Interesting electric sound but wished the songs were a bit catchier and diverse

With this album, I confirm my first impression that I only like the hits from Talking Heads and not of all of their songs. The album is not bad for me but is absolutely nothing special. I'll keep the hits in my playlist, but I'll probably forget almost all songs from this album tomorrow.

eh. Not my thing. 3.2/5

Brilliant in places but a bit hit and miss. Still a very interesting and enjoyable listen overall.

Very enjoyable in parts but honestly unlikely to revisit.

No doubt this music was innovative at the time. It sounds quite fresh even now. However, I can't listen to it for pleasure, mostly because I don't like David Byrne's voice.

pretty solid, definitely an experimental rock sorta vibe, I dig it

Inte riktigt min stil, men intressant och fanns några låtar jag gillade. Bästa låtar: Life During Wartime I Zimbra Cities

Twas okay, i like air.

I kinda don’t get the hype, but it was pleasant enough.

Not terrible, not great

I found the album pretty average no song stood out didn’t love it or hate it 3/5

Kinda boring

good

I only listened to the first few tracks and gave up

have heard a bajillion times, 3/5

Good clean sound and lyrics

This was okay, but not my favourite Talking Heads album.

21st July 2021 Listened mainly in the morning on another scorcher of a day. Quiet week this week but super busy with training at the FT. I enjoyed this more than the other Talking Heads I listenee to I think. This one was really fun, had some world music disco vibes.

This is the second Talking Heads album we've had. Released two years after the other one. I rated that one a 4, but feel like this one is a lot less interesting, a lot less fresh. It's not bad, but not good enough either.

Ieder jaar begin ik de Talking heads meer en meer te waarderen. Volgend jaar dus 4 sterren

Mooi plaatje

Liked it. Not as good as Remain In Light

I think this one comes down to whether you personally like Talking Heads or not. I happen to be a fan, but amidst the limpid guitars, rinky-dink chord voicings and Byrne's near-hysterical yelp, there's something missing. Where's the snap and urgency, I wonder? Still, not without its highlights, especially the murky churn of 'Memories Can't Wait'.

“Fear of Music” by Talking Heads (1979) With clean and crisp percussion and electronic effects, this music sounded new in 1979. It still works, even if only for a non-serious listen. Talking Heads sounded LIKE robots, but now we have REAL robots making music, so a bit of contextualization is in order. New Wave mocked convention, so we have to laugh along to appreciate it. The lyrics are generally good, prompting occasional speculation and eyebrow-raising—but nothing deep (“Animals” is fun). Compositionally, this work is flawed by needless and ineffective repetition of short phrases—you could get a complete sense of the music and the lyrics by editing out three fourths of the tape. But the exploratory chord structures and progressions are intriguing—a definite plus for this album. Lead vocals (David Byrne) are very weak (“Air” is atrocious), even when lapsing into the all too frequent atonal ‘conversational’ mode. The album is very well produced (Brian Eno); except for the engineering of the lead vocal, but Eno didn’t have much to work with. Bass guitar lines (Tina Weymouth) are very well composed, arranged, and performed. Actually, the bass is the musical highlight of the album, making it a good selection for a long road trip. Good, but in no sense a classic. 3/5

J’aime bien l’album, mais c’est special. Pas monstyle vraiment . 3

dandy

Rock rarito.

2

So far this album is better than 77, listening to them back to back is very interesting. Still have the consistent rhythmic thing going on. Their use of electric guitar almost exclusive for high riffs is super funky, especially when you layer in all the laser noises. The song "electric guitar" is just objectively bad though.

Didn't really like it, but it wasn't bad.

Despite the fact my brother plays guitar in a Talking Heads cover band… and their band is called Fear of Music… I’d never listened to this whole thing before. I mostly liked it! The back half especially. But anyway, if you’re ever in Richmond, VA go see Fear of Music. They’re good. Maybe skip telling my brother I’d never heard this album until 2021. Thanks.

3

meh-- samey

Funky music. 80's vibe. ok.... 2.5/5

Not very deep lyricis. Weird in a good way.

Es una gran disco, pero no me engancha muy cabrón. Lo puedo escuchar 24 horas seguidas y sigo sin saber cómo calificarlo. A diferencia de otros discos inescuchables o que a la primera ya sabes qué pedo.

5/10