Customer Reviews

No Talking Just Head

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent CD. Collaboration with a number of vocalists adds an unexpected variety and livliness. The Heads reminisce about the old days when they were four and Talking, but they have most definitely moved on to compelling new ground.

I bought this album nearly three years ago, and I find I still listen to it. The only other talking heads album I can say that about is "speaking in tongues", and frankly, this is better. I loved the Talking Heads, but now I want more Head! No kidding, I hope they make another album, 'cause I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Hopefully the Talking Heads ex-Byrne had no intention of making a Talking Heads album, because this bears no resemblance to one. It is, however, a very solid album containing some strong songs. The list of guest vocalists reads like a who's who: Johnette Napolitano, Michael Hutchence, Debbie Harry, Andy Partridge, and Gavin Friday among others. In many cases these guests contributed the lyrics as well as their voices. This disc stands up well to repeated listenings.

No, this is not Talking Heads without Byrne. And I love Talking Heads and Byrne's solo efforts. But there is something very solid and appealing about this interesting CD. In fact, I'm listening to it right now, and it makes a regular appearance in my CD 6-pack.

My only question: will they make another?

testing your limits...this cd starts out with the brilliant emotional "Damage I've Done" with brilliant vocals. This song will stick with you and ahunt you. It does me even after all these years.

Other highlights are Debbie Harry in 2 spots.

Although alot of this music is brilliant and works...some just doesn't...but that doesn't mean it's bad. This cd is just varried...and alot of care went into it. If you don't find a song you like...the next may affect you.

I personally would love to hear more songs like the opened....I highly recccomend this cd for risky, commercial edgy music!

This is an edgy album not typical of other Talking Heads material. There are several songs not recommended for young ears. I am a surgeon and enjoy taking music to the OR with me. I considered taking this but balked because I was afraid some of the lyrics would offend sensitive ears. Otherwise, this is an excellent choice.

I miss the Talking Heads. And this album is a good reminder as to why. I just wish David Byrne would have allowed the rest of the band to make more albums.

A pretty good album showcasing the 3 Heads without David. The music harks back to The Talking Heads Golden year and remainds me of Tom Tom Club at points. It goes to show that DB was not all in the band. Most of the vocals are by women like Joneette Napolitano from Concrete Blonde. Good party groove music for all serious talking head fans. Recomend checking out Jerry harrisons Casual Gods as well!

This album, the very concept, sounds like heresay to any Talking Heads fan. Why would a Post-Punk nostalgia act resurface without it's interesting and strangly charismatic leader? Well, why not? The Talking Heads sound is updated for mid-nineties with a greater emphasis on drum loops, groove basslines and funky stabs of guitar chords. However, the initial draw probably would be the guest stars like Richard Hell, Michael Hutchence, Gordon Gano, Andy Partridge and Debbie Harry (twice). The album begins with the dreary and overlong "Damage I've Done", and into the mellowdramatic/cheasy horn infested "The King is Gone". But after this, you are treated to Debbie Harry brilliantly immersed in trip-hop beats (title track) and Richard Hell's funky "Never Mind". The next standout is "Don't Take My Kindness for Weakness", featuring Black Grape's Shaun Rider. From its deceptive intro, it rocks through the verses in a manner unparalleled through the rest of the album. Another standout, love it or hate it, is "No More Lonely Nights", as the soft spoken lyrical delivery belies the sometimes funny, sometimes inane, often disgusting subject matter. Oh well, keep the lyric sheet closed and enjoy the music, it is still quite entertaining. Also worthy of note is Gordon Gano's dark, moody contribution "Only the Lonely", which is definatly not a Roy Orbison cover. "Punk Lolita" gets a little grating after about three minutes, "No Big Bang" is slight, "Blue Blue Moon" drags and "Indie Hair" ,the only true failure, just plain, well... sucks. Overall, the twelve well excuted songs by the aged and leaderless Talking Heads proves to be a worthy purchase not only for fans, but also for casual listeners or those looking to dance to something different, and, of course, those who just want Head.

When I bought this CD, the sleeve told me not to confuse this with the Talking Heads. In fact, I was not even aware of the connection (besides the name) until reading the other reviews. This should not be surprising, since I was never a huge fan of Talking Heads.

The CD is excellent. This was not immediately obvious the first time I heard the CD. Nor even the second. But over time, the power and impact of the tracks became progressively more obvious. Especially as the lyrics become more explicit. Each song presented itself to me at a different time, never considing.

Each track is heavily influenced by its respective guest vocal. This gives the entire CD a variety that keeps it interesting over repeated playings. But this is not a "sample" CD either. There is a consistency of the tone and attitude that seems accidental but was probably painfully intentional.

You can play the CD in either an active or a passive mode. In fact, I find myself switching between them more often with this CD than any others that I have. The authors cover a wide variety of emotions. Each listener's reactions to the music will vary from light-hearted foot tapping, to black humor, to serious phychological reflection. Every listener's reaction will be different to any given song, depending on their own background and fears.

No Talking Just Head makes a statement. It makes a lot of them. Sometimes it is explicit, and sometimes ambiguous. But you won't find Michael Stipe or Natalie Merchant preaching The Next Great Cause from the pulpit. Their purpose was to say something more fundamental about the human condition, and that is what can make this scary.

But it doesn't have to be heard so seriously. In the background, it is just good music. Sometimes it is catchy, sometimes smooth. Although the material on the CD does not have the stuff of the J-Wave Hit 100, it may actually be remembered and cherished 20 years from now.

I came to write this review because I wanted a new release. I am still waiting. I will buy it in a moment, but I am not certain we will ever see one. With the format of using guest vocals, I am not sure that The Heads can replicate what made this one so successful, while appealing to the same audience. I hope they succeed.