FIRST TIME HEARING Talking Heads- Once in a Lifetime Official Video REACTION 

"Weird and unusual but very entertaining..." That's the definition of Talking Heads. This is what you get when Art students form a band.

40 years later and I'm still identifying with this damn song.......same as it ever was....

David Byrne and Talking Heads are a unique musical phenomenon. The live show “Stop Making Sense” is a brilliant performance. I recommend reacting to the performance of “Life During Wartime” from it. 👍🏻

I got to see David Byrne perform in a rather smallish club in Dallas a long time ago, and there was a pit filled with people below his stage and an upper level that was almost exactly even with him. The pit was only about 20 feet each direction, so my spot on the rail in the upper area had me almost exactly eye level with him and about 20 feet away for the entire concert with no one else between us. You can't get any better than that. He did about half the show as Talking Heads songs and the other half solo songs, and it was just amazing.

The Talking Heads really needs a deep dive. Burning Down the House is a great next choice.

David Byrne was a master of visual art along with his other numerous talents & you could always expect his videos to be extremely entertaining, not just mindless eye candy like many of the time were. Many fantastic songs here for you to explore as your other subscribers have mentioned. Great music, great fun, many surprises!

These Nerds were brilliant!

"Early greenscreen" so early it was a bluescreen.

You'll love their Studio version of "Psycho Killer", "Life During Wartime" "And She Was", and "Take Me To The River". Thats lead singer David Byrne, yes, creative. Chris and Tina from the group formed The Tom Tom Club and their song "Genius Of Love"

Talking Heads, yeah, even consider when it came out... the chorus groove is pretty timeless, but the artsy, angular anti-pop approach in the verses, man. I mean: a verse repeating "same as it ever was" over and over is brilliant and an indictment.

Talking heads are one of a kind band.Nobody sounds like them.Frank Zappa is the same way

Welcome to the world of the early days of MTV! Talking Heads are a band with David Byrne (who's the lead singer and the only member in the video) and they're mostly part of the New Wave genre but with the fusion of Art Punk, Funk and African. And you definitely on point with the meaning of the song!

Got to see them live "Stop Making Sense"

Look at the rhythmic concentration of how he's talking and moving in off coordination to the music. Pure genius....

I saw them live in 1979 and there live performances are second to none.

We pretty much asked the same questions, when they first came on the scene. What IS this? We don't know, but we like it.

This is from their masterpiece 'Remain In Light' album, and it's only the fifth-best song! If you are interested, you should hear the studio album. It is an art funk construction so far ahead of it's time it still sounds modern. It's not African, but they've sure been absorbing Fela and James Brown. They got their hands on some synthesizers, electric guitars, and invited some cool friends with percussions and maybe drugs. They can do uneasy trance, or ecstatic release what-the-funk, and it's all candy to the ear; a primal, rhythmic experimental future sound. The Great Curve might be the most realized, but opening song Born Under Punches really sets the stage. I think they only made one other official video from this album, but I strongly suggest hearing the songs first on their own-it's quite an experience. Here's a warm vinyl rip, but there are digital remasters also.: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0iTP__XSSx8.html Once you've understood what's going on, there's this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LqTyfMDnK-k.html There's no official live video of this era (yet!), but there are some decent dubs from European tv broadcasts that were rapturously received when they hit You Tube. This was state-of the -art rock music in 1980, ten giant leaps ahead of what was in the charts. Savage Space Funk Art. Church. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GwWW742T0Wc.html The concert film Stop Making Sense, filmed several years later on the Speaking In Tongues tour, documents an astonishing show. They've buffed the afro-psychedlican rock into a more disciplined, if still unique, and at times house-rocking funk. The visuals are the other joy of the movie. There is much clever choreography and stage design and lighting, but the photography and editing of the movie itself makes sure it routinely-and deservedly- is on any serious Top Ten Rock Films list.

love your reaction, they are creative genius and undefinable, it was a gas to live through them in my 20's

I think the song is about bizarre fate. One day you could have loads of luxuries. The next day, you could have nothing but problems.

Welcome to Talking Heads! Always innovative and quite a ride! 😺🖤

First saw this video on Second City Television.....didn't know what to make of it other than the fact that I wanted to see it again......always felt he was singing about a mundane existence that we never expect to fall into and yet we end up there anyway

“Life During Wartime” is a Talking Heads classic!!!

It's probably considered early new wave. I call it considerably brilliant.

just one of the best songs by the talking heads

I saw them play live at the Narrara rock festival outside Sydney Australia in 84 I think it was, he was just as entertaining on stage. Started with just him on stage and a guitar then slowly added all other pieces of the band in darkness all covered in black. The festival was washed out.

Thanks for your reaction! It's good to see an open mind when it comes to unfamiliar art - of any kind. Also benefits yourself as the more you're open to, the more you'll enjoy. Win win! The bass line reminded me of something you might want to check out - Peaches by the Stranglers from 1977. Love from the uk. Stay safe xx

This is an example where pop music becomes art.

New Wave maybe? His live performance of this song in LA is wonderful. I think you are right on the interpretation.

That was it! Is this your first Talking Heads reaction? Hope there's more. Their live shows are SPECTACULAR.

3:29 Legend goes, the Talking Heads were having trouble marketing their first album, so their music producer, Brian Eno, told everyone it was "New Wave" -- a genre he invented on the spot -- and the name has stuck ever since.

their live stuff is very entertaining.

The song is about going through life as if living in a trance. The flow of time (water) can't be stopped (even underground it moves). The ground may look static and unmoving, but under it things are happening you aren't even aware. It doesn't matter if you live in a shack or mansion, by living every day as it comes, you fall into the monotony of repetition (same as it ever was). Everyday blurs into the next. In a moment of lucidity, you realize, "Did I make these choices, or were they chosen for me? Have I really, truly, lived my life?" Or in other words, a life lived on auto-pilot can't be said to be a life lived. The beat is somewhat unique in that the musical instruments aren't in synch. When you focus on just the beat you can hear it. Identify the bass guitar riff, once you've identified it, you should be able to hear how the drum beat happens just before or after by a split second. This creates an effect where you feel like something is off but you just can't place it, and so you just learn to accept it. But once you actively listen for it, you can't unhear it. This goes perfect with the songs message. As for the video and vocal presentation, it brings to mind a TV evangelists performance. The movements are the jerky spasmic movements of people under the influence of self hypnotism caused by repetitious ritual movements or words. The listener can feel the power of repeating a phrase when he repeats over and over again, "Same as it ever was." You can sometimes feel your own mind zoning out when listening to it. The videos shown behind him are rituals and repetitions seen in other cultures, so it's not something only people in western cultures do, nor even something new, and is deeply connected to the human condition. Sorry for the long break down, hope this explains the brilliance of the song.

"Oh look where my hand was".....how hilarious!

Your facial reactions are priceless! React to Burning Down The House, And She Was,Road To Nowhere.

David Byrne is a genius.

409!! David Byrne is arguably the hippest person ion the planet!! I guess THs were part of the new wave or new music He had a new show he toured just this year. Stop Making Sense is one of the top 3 concert films! Don’t miss it!

Yes- the talking heads are still hard to define. A few years after they broke up, I saw David Byrne play at a bar, Toad’s place in New Haven Ct.- Toads was a famous small bar venue where legendary bands (who filled arenas and stadiums) would come to play- the Stones, Dylan, U2, Madonna- all A list, bands. To see those bands with only 250 people packed in was wild. I’ll never forget David Byrne’s performance- odd, quirky, unusual- but you couldn’t not watch every move and motion he made. Of course his band was first class, and the music ( all Talking Heads stuff) was great. One of the best concerts I ever saw- his stage presence was nothing like Robert Plant’s, Mick Jagger’s, Jim Morrison’s, Jimi’s or Bono’s - but it was as compelling. 25+ yrs later, I still am blown away by it- unforgettable.

Early 80s. We called it new wave

Into the blue again, after the money's gone -- such a genius lyric -- your security is lost, you've got to sink or swim, suddenly your fate is in your own hands, and it's moment by moment till you get back on your feet - but such opportunities, such open-ended chance to change your life!

You are different to most reaction channels and this video is a good example of that. Because you are so musical yourself, and an artist in your own right, you allow yourself to react with such passion and intrigue as you hear something for the first and many people, even on camera, would hide that from the world for fear of appearing too much like themselves. But you do that so well and that is what makes this channel joyful for fellow music lovers. I really enjoyed this reaction, and this is not a song I’ve heard for a long time - thank you.

Okay, you need to hear Weird Al's "Dog Eat Dog", his ode to the style of Talking Heads.

It's really hard to put The Talking Heads into any category. They made their own category.

This was one of the first (if not the first) music video of the MTV era to not just be a kind of ad for the band but to be an experimental art piece.

This is one of the most iconic music videos of the early MTV era. If you watch MTV in the early 80's you would know this vid.

This song is from a great album called "Remain in Light", produced by Brian Eno and released in 1980, that marked a big change in direction for the band. The quartet layered in many sounds that needed a larger band to play live. The band added a keyboard player starting on this LP who stayed for a few years; that guy was Bernie Worrell, from Parliament/ Funkadelic. Surprise! Plus, for the band's 1980 tour they added lead guitarist Adrian Belew (who also played with David Bowie, King Crimson, Laurie Anderson, and many more), and a number of other musicians. There is some great live video on RU-vid from that tour. Apparently the business suit and the gestures and phrasing in this video were intended to both mirror and subvert what singer/writer David Byrne saw of TV evangelists. And yes, this is green screen on the cheap from 40 years ago! Since the end of Talking Heads, Byrne continues to make music and tour, including plenty of Talking Heads songs in his shows. Here is video of his most recent very creative, and ongoing tour - interrupted by the pandemic. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Utf8CldTtIY.html

He was channeling preachers with his look and movements in this video. He watched hours of films to mimic them.

They were really hot for a time and brought in New Wave. It gets complicated. I was 20 perfect timing for me.

Check out Thomas Dolby Hyperactive. The video and the artist was way ahead of the times. Not to mention just trippy as could be.

I saw them in concert at the Police Picnic ...yes...the Sting police....back in the 80's ...great artist....his visuals almost as good as the music...his bass player is fantastic as you will find out....she knows her rhythms ...

David is a consummate performer, his live shows are art

Loved the expression on your face I almost fell off the couch. Always loved this song. great show

David Byrne (lead singer of Talking Heads) is currently in a Broadway show that's streaming on HBO called 'American Utopia.' It's wonderful. As is his film 'Stop Making Sense' which was directed by Jonathan Demme and utterly worth your time.

Great music combined with performance art equals brilliance.

I went to Virginia Commonwealth University where Halloween was a big deal, and the band they booked for the university’s Halloween dance in 1977 was Talking Heads. I was there. (Not bragging, just old!)

Thanks for the reaction! Talking Heads had one of the best concert movies...Stop Making Sense...any song from that is fabulous! I see them as performance art.

This is such a brilliant ahead of its time album funky as hell.

Byrne knew that in some "future" age his work would be a target for "hearing it the first time" response and got in first with his response to them hearing him for the first time! The guy was a genius and all the "first timers" have no idea what he was doing! 😉

My two favorite Talking Heads, "Burning Down the House", & "And She Was!"

performance genius...love it !

Excellent theory of the message in song!!!! I love your joy in the quirkiness factor 👍👍❤❤

David Byrne's hit Broadway show "American Utopia" was just on HBO, directed by Spike Lee, including a very moving cover of Janelle Monae's "Hell You Talmbout." "Stop Making Sense" is one of the great music films. The music is just as current today as it was then.

Keep going! This is all Music History! More T.H.!!!!

MTV 80's classic!

Choreography by the legendary Toni Basil!

Love the Talking Heads!!!👌👍✌️😎

The genre is called “WAVE”.

Remain in Light, a classic Talking Heads record.

I used to watch this video on PBS in 1978 or 79 before MTV Music Television. And also they would play like concerts and other videos like Bohemian Rhapsody on PBS before MTV. My absolute favorite I think is you can watch either the live version of them doing life during wartime in 1981 and 1983. Either one they are both very entertaining very good and energetic.

A classic! Love me some Talking Heads!

Back in the day was called New Wave

Any songs from Speaking in Tongues by the Heads ... "Pull up the Roots" "Slippery People" ...all are super funky.

I love this song.

Byrne watched recordings of various faith healers and evangelists and copied their movements for his dance in this video.

You get into sales..very good at it!

O man I can't believe I watched that again it took me 30yrs to stop humming " same as it ever was" I did everything I could to not like the talking heads. But the hook gets you..dam u scribecash..lol love gotta goooo😜🤪🤗

This song was in down out in Beverly Hills they just got into rock roll hall fame

Thanks, I enjoyed that

Yes, $cribe, this *is (was) a band* (a 5 piece band even though David Byrne is the only one seen in the video). They were among the *first* #NewWave bands (having formed in 1975 in NYC). The other members are Jerry Harrison (guitar), TINA Weymouth (bass), Chris Frantz (drums), and Brian Eno with the synth arrangement. Tina & Chris are still touring with their alt/synth band *The Tom Tom Club*-- I bet you'd love THEIR song "Wordy Rappinghood".

Yeah, you are on track.

This track was much sampled by the hip hop community back in the 80's 🎶🤩🙌👍

"Burning down the house" is fire !!!

I’m from Rhode Island. These guys went to Rhode Island School of Design. Always have to get a plug in for my tiny state 👍

your smile makes me smile

I wish I could hear this for the first time again.

Let me be one of the first to request you doing a react to the full concert "Stop making Sense" (there is a whole documentary on that show), after seeing how quickly the rhythm of the song and band got you, i have to suggest that concert. "Stop making sense" is a full concert and might be a bit too long for a single video for you, so i suggest you do record it in full and then chop it up as a series of videos. You really would sell yourself short if you dont check out that concert, it truly is one of the best concerts the 80's has to offer (and the 80's had a LOT of amazing concerts, this one tho, is top 5 easily) Thnx for the react and upload Scribe :)

Hey, Scribe. You know what's really nice about your channel? I feel like I'm discovering new content right along with you. You have such an amazing personality that, when I want to discover something new, I always come here. Why don't I go to other people's channels? Because, quite simply, they aren't you.

Talking Heads were one of the original 70's NY punk bands before punk became synonymous with loud fast and violent

More Talking Heads, please.... Girlfriend Better (Stop Making Sense concert), Psycho Killer (boombox), Burning Down the House, Nothing But Flowers, and Sax and Violins, with a side of Lifetime Piling Up. Talking Heads blends pop, punk, funk, and world music into their own synthesis of musical goodness. Enjoy.

This a great song

Have you seen the recent David Byrne performance on SNL? So much fun!!

Fun fact. The dancing was choreographed by Paula Abdul.

you must both watch and listen to something off of Talking Heads live performance Stop Making Sense to really understand how incredible this band was. Take Me To The River, Girlfriend is Better, Psycho Killer, Burning Down the House or literally any of the other songs. One of the best concerts ever filmed, you can't go wrong.

Imagine Wierd Al having fun with this. You assessment is correct.

Try watching some of the live performances, they are even better, just pure energy.

React to these Talking Heads songs: Life During Wartime (Live), Girlfriend Is Better (Live), Burning Down The House, This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), Slippery People (Live), Road To Nowhere, Take Me To The River (Live), Crosseyed and Painless (Live), Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On), Psycho Killer, Making Flippy Floppy, Heaven (Live), I Zimbra, And She Was, Wild Wild Life, (Nothing But) Flowers, The Great Curve, and Listening Wind.

Your interpretation of the lyrics is the same as mine. My fave line is, “How do I work this.” I think they were going for a cheap look on purpose, like with that rubber water.

If you haven't seen it by now, you should check out one of their earlier his Life During Wartime, but the live stage performance concert from the movie stop making sense which was alive concert movie a number of years later and it just killed, the whole concert in the album and the associated concert movie just killed. It's not only a great song but you will get a glimpse into how insanely talented this guy was and his band was just phenomenal. And energy is just unbelievable. But he basically writes poetry and often plays kind of a paranoid character or a lost character trying to regain touch with the world. So of course it functions on two levels, just like this song. And in life during wartime, on a literal level, it's about life in a war zone like what's happening in Ukraine right now for example. But then it functions as a metaphor for everyday life. At some point it's no longer a party, it's no longer about joking, life is tough and you have to fight through it like being in a war zone. I pretty much love everything they ever did.

state of human existence same as it ever was blazing once in a lifetime

The after disco and before New Wave genre. I think he helped usher in kind of a New Wave genre.

I will never understand what this is about no matter how much I try but it trips me the heck out