Full album reaction for Aja out on Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/55622332 Feels good to hit more talking heads, especially from this live performance!!! What’s next to hit from them?! 🔥🙌🏻
This is gonna be a boring response, but anything from Stop Making Sense because the versions from that movie are always better than the album versions. If I were to choose two more from SMS, I'd go with "Slippery People" and "Girlfriend Is Better".
Guys, I have been waiting for you to do Aja for ALL THE MINUTES - but I can't get into your patreon!! They won't let me reset my password. I just wanted to see your faces during Steve Gadd's drum solo!!! I'll keep at it.
PETER GABRIEL is the guy you want for live theatrical performances. Interesting stage presence and also some of the best music videos ever ! Truly fun. "Sledgehammer" is good place to start. As far as THE TALKING HEADS my clear favorite song is "THIS MUST BE THE PLACE (NAIVE MELODY) " which had a mild resurgence when the Ryan Gosling movie "Lars and the real girl" came out in the mid 2000s. Great song.
David Byrne is one of a kind. He’s like if the weirdest, nerdiest kid in school moonlighted as the cool, charismatic leader of a funk band. I’m so glad you guys are finally going to watch this incredible film.
This happens before the midway point of the movie. The final trio of songs - Girlfriend Is Better, Take Me to the River, and Crosseyed and Painless - is absolutely stunning. You've only scratched the surface of the movie so far. You definitely want to see the whole thing.
Often in the midst of the chaos of the Talking Heads it is easy to forget that Tina Weymouth is truly an amazing bass player that lays the foundation for their music, often providing the "melody".
she is one of the reasons I taught myself to play bass. psycho killer is probably the first song I learned. her style is very different but her, McCartney and John Paul Jones are 3 of my favorite bassists. Byrne treated her like shit and that's ultimately what broke the band up. apparently he's a real asshole.
@@mikewoodrow5878 The theater near my old place outside Boston played The Last Waltz, Gimme Shelter, and this, Stop Making Sense, in a 3 shot. This one closed out the night and people were going nuts in the theater, kind of like it was just a real Talking Heads concert.
@@sydhamelin1265 I used to love those double and triple bill movie theatres. Heavy Metal/Wizards or Kids Are Alright/ Quadrophenia or Monterey Pop/Woodstock “nights slash mornings”. Those were the days. Peace from Toronto!
"Life During Wartime" is a *deadly serious* song wrapped in an *incredibly fun, life-affirming* groove. The same could be said of many Talking Heads songs. This band, simply, was comprised of lyrical and musical genuises, and as shown here, they were one of the best live bands ever (with crucial help here from Parliament-Funkadelic's great keyboardist and other top-tier musicians).
@@ericwillison1389 lol. Not sure, i do not remember you from another channel. but i am guessing we have talked before from your comment. Not too weird, there ain't that many good ones. We are probably about the same age. I am 55.
This film is one of the weirdest great things ever captured on film, by a masterful director. I would say just go into it cold, and move with the experience. Catch the lyrics later. Talking Heads are a complex art thing, so you simply cannot absorb it all in one go. They are unique. The clubs they mention were the New York scene they played in early days, while building a cult following.
Yes a dive bar they used to live on top of pretty small venue that had everything from country to punk I saw the Ramones there a couple of times 10 songs in a half hour CBGB Country Blue Grass Blues a lot of people that were or would be famous used to hang out there.
This band was a huge influence at that time. Movie soundtracks, clothing style, the slightly frantic vibe of those days. David Byrne is still performing. He’s a phenomenal artist.
To Andy's comment about them dancing during the video: It came off as joyful but they were running (mostly running in place), in line with the lyrics about trying to escape etc.
And the drum claps sound like explosions and gunfire, which "startle" the protagonist as he sings, while the keyboard solos are almost like air raid sirens.
Still remember David Byrne on Letterman describing the opening song where he is by himself. He had programmed a beat into a boom box and every time the drums hit, he does this violent full body twitch. Letterman looks at him and says "You may need a complete check up."
Arguably the best live concert video. I saw this when it came out and the entire theater was dancing almost through the entire movie. Nothing but joy and smiles.
I disagree. Stop Making Sense is a great concert film, possibly the greatest, but it's not Taking Heads at their best live. The concert in Rome in 1980 is far superior, less 80s, much more raw and dangerous sounding. That version of Crosseyed and Painless is much better.
@@ptolemyauletesxii8642 You can't disagree. Both of my statements concerned personal preference. There was no objective fact for you to disagree with. But thank you for sharing your opinion.
@@throwabrick Then why didn't you tell Bob he can't agree? I was actually disagreeing with Bob, to be fair, but it was my mistake not responding to his comment.
Some friends took me to see this movie in an independant theatre in Melbourne Australia. I was 24 and just discovering Talking Heads. We sat down and watched the previews, then the movie started. 50 people, including us, got up and moved to the front, and danced for the whole movie. Was an awesome experience I'll never forget.
"They are weird but in such a cool way." Congrats Alex, you just described the Talking Heads perfectly. This was an outstanding reaction gents. Psycho Killer next.
They've done two Talking Heads songs and haven't really liked either of them. Psycho Killer, a demo version, and Burning Down the House. They need to hear more from Fear of Music and Remain in Light. Those might make them Talking Heads fans.
"This Must Be The Place" where David explores the uneasiness of getting married and settling down. All the doubts that come with it..."I guess we must be having fun".
Finally. This is what we've been telling you guys. You gotta *experience* Talking Heads not just listen. They are performance art, rock, punk, funk, dance, all rolled up into one. And yes the energy is maintained pretty much the entire movie. The band is unbelievable, and the brilliant eccentricities of David Byrne is mesmerizing throughout. Total command of the stage. Definitely do it on Patreon. Give me a reason to come back (even though I have the movie). Would love to see your reaction.
“Stop Making Sense” is maybe my favorite concert film ever. David Byrne’s attention to detail is so exact that even the mic stands were painted flat-black. Truly a magnificent film - would be a great reaction Patreon moment.
"Stop Making Sense" has been praised as one of the best, if not THE best concert films ever made. And don't get too hung up on the lyrics, guys, you can usually make out what he's singing. Yes, they're fun, creative and often provocative, but it's really all about the vibe.
You have to watch Stop Making Sense even if you don't review it, what a great show! Seeing David Byrne in the Big Suit is priceless. And Tom Tom Club, two for one!
It was such a chaotic time, the tail end of the 70's erupting in messy spatters into the 80's. It was a constant state of catch-up, your hair was wrong, your clothes were ill-fitting and out of place and music was changing by the hour. What was cool yesterday was hopelessly passe the next. All of a sudden, people started popping up with boatloads of money, all shiny and glittering and dripping with gold. It was a drug fueled, manic frenzy and you could try to keep up or be lost by the wayside. This song perfectly encapsulates that time.
"This ain't no party, this ain't no Disco, this ain't no fooling around". No truer words have been sung....ha ha. "Burning Down The House" is my favorite from them.
All Talking Heads performances are entertaining like that. Burning Down the House is my favorite, but Once in a Lifetime or Psycho Killer are great tracks.. and yes you always need to read their lyrics. Great songs.
Found this concert about a year ago and find myself revisiting every month or so. Simply brilliant! Don't get caught up watching David too much but listen to the great music the band is putting out. Thanks for posting! I love it!
The Talking Heads are the "Quintessential 80s Alt Band That Started in the 70s". They truly defined (and kinda led) that cutting edge, alt-rock aesthetic of the heady 1980s.
The original nerdy hipsters I was at one of these shows at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, December 1983. It was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. The seats were empty, because everyone was up on their feet dancing.
I was just in Hollywood last week! Got family in Orange County and the San Diego metro. We had an auction to attend in Hollywood so stayed there for a few nights. Got to see a concert at the Troubadour! I was so excited. Historic night club.
@@burmajones803 That’s really great Eric. Yessir. The Troubadour was where the Laurel Canyon folk pop scene was buzzing back in the sixties. A lot of artists played there. I saw a few shows there in the eighties, but I don’t remember who I saw. My excuse is I saw so many concerts in Hollywood, I forget which venues I saw which artists at. Example, I always mix the Whiskey-a-Go-Go up with the Roxy, which are on the same block on Sunset Strip, and a tad bit similar interiors. Fun times!
"Stop Making Sense" is definitely in the top five, maybe even top three best movies of a single band performance live. However it's Martin Scorsese's "The Last Waltz" that is the film that set the bar really high. Very different musically and atmospherically then this, but came first and is equally remarkable. The Simon & Garfunkel Live At Central Park is far less cinematic than these two, but I know many friends that would vote for it as it too is another great show registered in film, that marked a moment in time for many people.
@@marcribe6483 Yes, there's an element of taste here. I've seen The Last Waltz and I would never argue with someone putting that as the best. Stop Making Sense was so riveting. It was like an unforgettalbe experience. To me it will likely always be the best.
@@RonD108 Yes, we are talking about something subjective like "top favorites". Just would like to add that I did see both movies in the cinema at the time of release thus taking part of all the atmosphere and relevance of its time. I imagine that this factor might help weigh in favor moreso than taste itself. I mean, I have more Talking Heads records than The Band records. To my mind its not about how much I'm loving the band. It's about the impact made at the time and on me in particular. Still very subjective and there is always some level of taste involved, be it musical, cinematic, or what-have-you. But like I said in the beginning, Top 5 if not Top 3; both of them. So we're not so far apart either. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay well.
so glad you'll be checkin out the movie...David is a genius in his own quirky way...he once wired an abandoned warehouse and tied it all into a keyboard so you could literally play the building like an instrument...a performance artist/master musician....spot on gents....peace
Lyrically, many of Talking Heads songs are stream-of-consciousness....Life During Wartime being a possible exception....but everything is compelling. You won't be disappointed by the rest of Stop Making Sense!
I saw them in NYC when they had just started as a trio, David on acoustic guitar . I visited their loft. It as on Christie Street. It was a HUGE empty concrete room. Two sheets hanging from the ceiling made their bedrooms . I even told David that I wanted to join Talking Heads. He and I jammed in his tiny railroad apartment shortly later, and I was so nervous that I totally blew it, coulda been Jerry Harrison. It still haunts me.
They start with just David Byrne doing Psycho Killer and add extra people for each song, and I think they just disappear towards the end so it's just him again. Directed by Jonathan Demme
I saw this movie in the theater the weekend it came out. Full surround stereo turnt all the way up. The infectious on screen energy totally transferred to the in-theater audience. One big party! Everyone came out grinning bopping and feeling like we had been to a live concert.
David Byrne - so often weird, always cool. My daughter, who is 37 now, saw Talking Heads in concert maybe 10 years ago in New York and she said it was the best show she had ever seen, and she's been to a LOT of shows.
If you wait a couple of months to watch the greatest concert video ever filmed you will ask yourself, "why the hell did we wait so long?" The concept is like nothing you've ever seen before and each song shows the genius that is David Byrne. Visually, aurally and conceptually, this concert stands at the very peak of the mountain of live performances.
Definitely the movie is the way to go with Talking Heads. When we had a film festival here, pre Covid, Stop Making Sense was played on the giant outdoor screen to open the festival each year. People came to see it and dance along. Often the same people every year.
@@Ivehadenuff Really? You think? I dunno man, the first verse is about selling weapons on the down low and hearing violence going on nearby. Doesn't sound like "band tour" reality, to me..
@@brianegendorf2023 listen again “This ain’t the Mudd Club, or CBGB’s (two dive bars inNYC that many famous bands played at the start of their career), I ain’t got time for that now”. I used to go to CBGB’s. It was gross and the band room was worse.
@@Ivehadenuff Yeah, but when you frame it with the rest of the lyrics and how many times he's changed his appearance and gun fire and not being smart to be near windows.. that one line is just mean to indicate that what he's doing is serious business and not having fun..which going to a concert would be.
I was there! They were my favorite band in the late '70s-early '80s. The expansion of the band from a four-piece to about a 10-piece came as a shock to everybody in the audience. I had seen them numerous times before that. David Byrne was very entertaining. Best song: The Great Curve.
I was a college student in the early 80's. We all feared that the world would be destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. A lot of punk/new age music reflected that. At the same time, we were all about dancing and partying as an escape. So it wasn't unusual for songs with doomsday lyrics to have a great dance beat. I saw the Stop Making Sense concert movie in the theater. All my friends were blown away, and we played the album nonstop.
Stop Making Sense is a must watch. I first saw this at the Avon at midnight back in 1984. I went in knowing just a few songs by Talking Heads. Everyone was dancing in the aisles and rows. I went in a certain kind of musician, and left a changed one. Left as a total fan. Opened my mind not only about music and rhythm, but breaking the mold when it comes to stage shows. I love this band. Thanks, guys.
I got to see David Byrne solo in concert once in a small club in Dallas, and I got to stand right up front and center about 20 feet in front of him and on the same level as the stage. It was like he was doing the concert for me. Incredible.
The keyboard player from Talking Heads and the drummer from The Cars got their start in a band called Modern Lovers, you should definitely check them out at some point "Pablo Picasso", "Road Runner" or "Astral Plane" would be good starting points.
The song, while lyrically talking about "life during wartime" is metaphorically about life on the road as a touring band, doing major shows, changing hairstyles to fit trends, being "large then life" and not really being yourself but the "star". Sleep during the days on the tour buses, work nights doing the shows. They aren't a "small" band anymore doing clubs (CBGB's) in their home town, but doing big shows all across the USA. Stay away from windows to avoid photographers, so busy they don't have time to do what they love (listen to music, write music, etc...). Lots more metaphors in the lyrics comparing being in a touring band to being on the run during a war.
Have seen David Byrne 3 times, in late 90s, then about 6 years later, and lastly about 2018. All 3 are among the best concerts I've seen. First time I saw him the percussion section was like 6 people and totally blew me away with the latin-inspired stuff they were doing. Last time there was no kit, the drums were done like a marching band drumline. Weird in a cool way is right!
Thanks for giving Talking Heads another chance. Loved watching this. The movie Stop Making Sense, where this clip is from, has been a midnight movie classic in theaters across the country since the movie came out in the mid-80s. In lots of places the film ends up becoming a dance party, which is why it's still shown in theaters today. Check it out at a theater if you ever get a chance.
Your 2nd comment: "Where do you go from there ... where do you start before there?" pretty much sums up Stop Making Sense. I'm a theatre director and watching this movie early in my career taught me so much. This song appears about 1/2 way through - and without giving it all away, your question is basically the premise of the movie. You'll see how they start, and how it builds. The takeaway is an invaluable lesson in artistic composition, regardless of medium. Absolutely brilliant movie/performance.
You have to do the whole thing on Patreon. You'll see they have lots more. It's completely choreographed - Chris Franz had to drum based on a click track because the final film is a composite of several performances.
Going into the 80's my favorite groups were Talking Heads, Cars, Dire Straits mainly. Also loved Huey Lewis, Bon Jovi, Springsteen,Pat Benatar, Madonna, Joan Jett
Glad you turned the echo off after the Patreon pitch! Talking Heads with that echo running would have given me flashbacks, lol. Tina's bass was really bumping here.
Thank you for playing this video! This is one of those bands that fell through the cracks in my 50+ yrs long musical journey. Of course, I loved their “hits” from the radio, but never took time to listen to their albums and certainly not any films. I will find and watch this whole movie and will likely begin listening to Talking Heads albums. Can’t wait to get started……
🤯 I'll never forget seeing them in the early 70's at CBGBs singing "This ain't no Mudd Club or CBGBs", 😂 we all shouted back "YES IT IS" which made David smile! 😏 #TrueFact IZIMBRA was my 1st Talking Heads 45', cause it was on CBGBs jukebox! 🤦🏿♀️ I'm old 🤷🏿♀️ do they still have jukeboxes in bars? 🤦🏿♀️ Im real old... 🐰
I saw the heads when they toured building this show up. David climbed up on top of a stack of speakers at one point, realized they were not strapped down (he was probably 15 feet up in the air), he smiled and started dancing from the waist up for a couple of seconds, then carefully climbed down. Without a doubt, best concert I've ever seen.
Had the pleasure of actually being there during this filming. Got my boyfriend tix for his birthday. (A happy accident that his gift is now memorialized on film. 😊🎂)
I saw a concert on this tour and it was the most amazing experience, between the music, staging, energy. Then, a year later we heard there was a feature motion picture of the concert and I've been able to relive that experience over and over!
Glad you guys got to this. This was one of my favorite songs as a teenager The energy level of the concert is amazing. As for the lyrics. They are from the perspective of urban terrorists David Byrne will often give unusual perspective in his lyrics much Randy Newman or Warren Zevon. Also the drummer and the bass player are married. They had a side project called the TomTom Club. A couple of those songs show up in this concert. As for reading lyrics ahead of time it might not be a bad idea. If you can do a little research on the songs without hearing them. But most of all just enjoy the party.
I saw this tour outside of Detroit in an open air theatre and it was the greatest concert I have ever seen. I'm old and I've seen a s"*;load of concerts.
