Byrne has let it be known that he is on the Aspberger Scale. The song speaks to realizing you are in/out of the moment. Everything could be new from this moment on, but you are programmed to chase after the beautiful house, the beautful car. Water flowing underground is the time passing unnoticed. This was all over MTV at the time, but never got old. He is buffeted by many hits, and surprising jerks, and has moments of clarity, but it is still the same as it ever was. My God, what have I done! Great reaction.
Yes, he did "come out" as having Asperger's some time ago. It does add some layer to watching his work over the years. It also says something about his tenuous relations with bandmates.
@@EdwardGregoryNYC His book 'How Music Works' is fascinating as Byrne describes not only his mental states, his physical awkwardness (which he turned into his very own dancing style), the band history, as well as delving into theories about music itself. Very interesting to say the least.
Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer in the DSM, but it’s cool if people diagnosed with it still want to identify that way :) Now people are just diagnosed as autistic. Asperger’s is really just autism with traits that are reasonably socially acceptable to Neurotypicals, or not too debilitating, so thought of as “mild”.
You absolutely need to watch the Stop Making Sense concert. Talking Heads are a truly amazing live band, and the concert film, directed by Jonathan Demme, is really amazing.
I think he cuts off the last syllables simply due to rhythm of the song. It’s hard get to the next line without cutting out those words/syllables. The fact that he has enough “space” to say the whole word “ground” on the last line of that phrase demonstrates this I think
David Byrne like yourself is a genius. He and the members of the Talking Head....give us Funk...R & B Alternative style Rock with Tribal movements and Choreography that is well planned and rehearsed whether it's a video or live performance. Using other world culture hand and body movements to describe the deep meanings of his lyrics. When a shaman or spiritual person is dancing or going into a trance as he is doing here they sweat and jerk many times as if the spirits from another world is possessing their body limbs. Ingenious!!!!!!!!!!!
Tina Weymouth, Talking Heads bassist was heavily influenced by SUZI QUATRO, the first female to front a band and played the bass. She appears with many female rock stars of the 70s/80s in the documentary SUZI Q. BTW --- that's a reaction hint.
Great reaction! I believe the "hand chopping" motion is him indicating how we break things up into pieces. This is my beautiful house, this is my beautiful wife. But really it's all just water. This idea of seeing the world through the lens of language instead of in its totality is a common theme in Talking Heads songs from this period, in my opinion. You'd love Remain in Light!
Toni Basil was responsible for the amazing choreography in this video... which is really outstanding! She is an amazing artist herself and has done choreography for so many artists. She is a singer herself with (reaction idea here!) the amazing huge 80's hit "Oh Mickey."
I think that video might be a slightly cut down version the song. There’s a breakdown with lyrics: Water dissolving And water removing There is water at the bottom of the ocean Remove the water Carry the water Remove the water from the bottom of the ocean
It was a remarkable song and video when released. It still is today. Same as it ever was... A lifetime ago, as a teenager, I taped it from the TV on to VHS, and watched it over and over (along with the wonderful Stop Making Sense). Many of Byrne's movements were taken from the autonomous, trancelike, jerking, almost possessed twitching of "tent revival" preachers. The religion of Capitalism promises luxury and comfort and status that, for many, never arrive. Same today ... same as it ever was.
David is brilliant, with interesting perspectives and approaches and concepts. To promote the Stop Making Sense concert/film he did an interview with himself. At one point he was asked about lyrics and he said something like “lyrics are a trick that songwriters use to get people to listen to music for longer than they ordinarily would” which is devastatingly true if you apply the thought to most songs you might hear on commercial radio today. Take the lyrics away and it’s only usable in an elevator where people spend less than a minute of their time.
I've been listening to talking heads since their first album when I was very very young. my older brother was a fan. I didn't know anything about the spectrum in my childhood but I think we all assumed he was an eccentric artistic genius... which he was 😊
My dad's always seemed to enjoy this one from the Talking Heads. My personal favorites besides this one would be Stay Up Late, Burning Down the House, and Road to Nowhere.
If you’re going to do Stop Making Sense (and I 100% wholeheartedly support the idea that you should; it’s arguably the greatest concert concept ever staged), I’d also recommend you check out David Byrne’s American Utopia concert movie, which is arguably the greatest concert concept ever executed.
The cutting off of the final words in a verse are simply a stylistic choice for this quirky song as far as I know, the hand on the arm represents time, these are my take on things, but I bought this as a 45 single back when it came out, so I know the song well :) Also as mentioned, produced by Brian Eno (ex-Roxy Music), you can hear him singing backup vocals in the choruses. I've suggested you listen to Brian Eno's first solo album Here Come the Warm Jets, maybe the track "Baby's on Fire"... do itttt! :D
Yes, please react to "Stop Making Sense"! It's one of the all-time greatest concert films! 👍😎 Incredible performance and I love how it starts with just David Byrne on an empty stage with a tape player and acoustic guitar. Then the intensity builds as each song adds another member of the band. You will definitely enjoy it!
I think I've pleaded with you before, to react to Stop Making Sense, so look forward to that! You won't be disappointed, believe me! I saw them live at Wembley, London in 1982 and have been a massive fan since the first album '77'. Best band ever...IMO. David is an extraordinary bloke, from designing bicycle racks/stands in NY, to winning an Oscar for the sound track of ' The Last Emporer', with Ryichi Sakamoto. Have followed and all he has done since Talking Heads, and believe me he's done a lot, you have plenty of years ahead to catch up, Daniel...I'm now 70 and have a14 year old son( also named Daniel) and he is a big fan to, took him to see DB when he was 18 months old,at a festival he was headlining the gig and Daniel slept through the whole show....!!
"Remain In Light" is a groundbreaking masterpiece. That, together with "My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts" by David Byrne/Brian Eno. Still ahead from any music being made today. Amazing.
This song is as good now as it was then. We didn't pay so much attention to the lyrics growing up in the 80s, it's just so original, funky, weird and catchy...we were into it
So glad you're enjoying the Talking Heads! David Byrne is a truly intriguing lyricist, as well as an amazing musician. Think you'll love Stop Making Sense. He's actually just a quirky guy 😅 it comes with the territory. No one imagines living like that they just suddenly find that they have, unwittingly. Great review Daniel !
@@richardctaylor79 I've worked with many autistic people and its effects span a wide range. I merely meant that his movements are not the result of a neurological disorder.
If you watch the videos behind Byrne, he's actually mimicking the movements in those videos. The hand-chopping movement is being done in the video behind him. Similarly, at the start, when he gets down on his knees and makes movements with his palms near the floor, that's being done in the video behind him.
These guys were at the forefront of the new wave movement (it wasn't even called that back then) along with groups like Blondie, the B52s, Elvis Costello and many others. If you were lucky, you might catch them at CBGBs or some other underground club back then.
David Byrne did a Broadway show called American Utopia. Honestly, Daniel, it is a MUST WATCH. It’s on UA-cam I think….The creativity is beyond amazing….the musicianship is superb…the energy is off the charts.
I’ve been a fan since the 1970s. The style of music is like syncopated rhythms, somewhat unexpected. Like watching DEVO perform Satisfaction. There are few artists who are unique as Talking Heads musicians.
In the mid-80s, David Byrne worked with Robert Wilson on "civil warS", which played in Cambridge, along with Wilson's memorable collaboration with Philip Glass, called "Einstein on the Beach". Both were a visual and aural treat. One of my favorites from Dave's collab was called: "In the Future". ua-cam.com/video/ngVGxYLRrZ0/v-deo.html Stop Making Sense is essential film and audio material. I love that vid of David running, tirelessly, only to step up and sing flawlessly. The man is in shape! And no, he doesn't have physical problems. I think this is just an extension of his "stop making sense" attitude toward dance and choreography. Refreshing because there is so much sameness in choreography these days, and nearly always. Twyla Tharp is exceptional. Check out her "Hair" work.
On behalf of hydrologists and groundwater geologists everywhere, I would like to thank David Byrne, Talking Heads, and Brian Eno for this song. Metaphor is well and good, but so is ground truth.
He has a show on Broadway called David Byrne's American Utopia. It is on demand on HBO. He does a few Talking Head's songs but mostly newer material presented in unique and fascinating way. Well worth checking out.
You're just hitting the jackpot all week for me! This is one of my favorite Talking Heads songs! Actually, this song was released in 1980, so it's 42 years old, so I guess you could call it an "oldie". BTW, I first heard this song and saw the video on that first day MTV aired! Thank you, Daniel! ;-)
I had to go back and listen for that cut off cause I'd never noticed it. I think wearing headphones, you hear more stuff that you wouldn't notice when this song came out, headphones were not such a big thing then, I still prefer not to use them. So. He might be saying stop? Anyhow, just wanted to tell you that he is as great in concert as he is in his videos. I mean with the oddness and goofy dancing. Speaking of "oldies"! Let me express my extreme gratitude to you for never calling my favorite music "old school". That expression makes me want to scream and slap faces.
Very nice! Did you ever listen to their song „Road to Nowhere“? I have it in my eternal jogging playlist, but of course it also has its deeper meaning. Also their bass player Tina Weymouth‘s band Tom Tom Club had that weird hit „Genious of Love“, it’s also worth to be checked out!
Good job Daniel. I was lucky enough to catch one of the dates on the Stop Making Sense tour and saw this performed live. 40 years on from it's release, still love the song and the lyric. And your comparison to the Kink's lyrics is spot on. I never though of those two bands as having any similarity, but, as usual, you teach me.
The David Byrne show called « American utopia » available online is the most amazing thing I have ever watched. It is pure genious. A chef-d’oeuvre as we sayvin my native language.
Talking Heads is a most interesting group, but if I can recommend anything by David Byrne it's his album with Brian Eno 'My Life in the Bush of Ghosts'. JustJP reacted to it and basically loved it. It's a very unique album. Also, I hope you react to more of Laurie Anderson from her album 'Big Science'. Both albums are really unique and are unlike most albums.
David Byrne made a movie called True Stories. It contains the music of the Talking Heads with certain songs performed by the Talking Heads. It also features John Goodman (Rosanne) in his first movie role and a performance by "Pops" Staples of the Staples Singers. It is a movie done in the style of the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour and the movie by the Monkees called "Head". I hope you will check it out. It is very entertaining and I am fortunate enough to own the DVD. No way I will ever part with it!
"Candide" is a satirical work written by the French philosopher Voltaire, an early proponent of equality, free speech, and elimination of capital punishment, way back in the 1700s. A very worthy read.
Lots of interesting comments here. I'd just add there's a "preacher" style to the vocal flow and phrasing. And the movements are, like some have said, choreographed and very influenced by modern dance. Think Twyla Tharpe or even Laurie Anderson or Kate Bush.
Note that the gesture(s) you're asking about are shown in the background of the video for a few seconds in their original cultural context, when they are first used in the video. I still don't know what they actually mean. As far as songs about modern suburban existence and the emptiness thereof, it would be interesting to put together a playlist of such musical commentaries. This song would certainly be on it. Another would be "Subdivisions" by Rush.
Maybe you liked them because Talking Heads wasn't a typical "pop" bad. Yes, they had mainstream hits, but they weren't "mainstream." They were just too talented to be ignored!
You might want to watch David Byrne doing David Bowie's 'Heroes' with Choir! Choir! Choir!, a sort of public a capella group. Even if you don't react to it on the channel, it's worth a look, and incredibly moving. ua-cam.com/video/w7HJZPlJn_U/v-deo.html
As you were saying Daniel, I think it's a good idea if you reacted, or just watched on your own the songs from the Stop Making Sense in order of how they are played in the movie. Look forward to it.
You noted that this song aired on MTv the day the channel went on the air. I happened to be an original employee of MTv (Manager of Finance) and for your info, the FIRST song was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles, which is a song worth reacting to. At that time, MTv was basically ALL music videos and music videos were taken pretty seriously in those days, and a lot of effort went into them. Nowadays, there is almost no money to be be made by selling digital music so only the top stars can afford to create top videos. Video did not kill the radio star; it merely wounded them. DIGITAL killed the radio star since music can now be so easily copied and stolen outright and royalties are so pathetic. As a musician, as well as an MBA in Finance, I have seen the damage done to the music recording business and how it has led to a devaluing of actual good music in favor of easily promoted "product". I enjoy your channel.
I wonder why the section, "Water dissolving, water removing. There is water at the bottom of the ocean. Under the water, carry the water, or remove, remove, remove..." is not part of this video?
It’s the Alt/National Anthem. “Remain in Light” probably their most experimental album and it’s a great album but All their albums are really great. “Remain” is my least favorite but this song is fantastic.
Byrne has let it be known that he is on the Aspberger Scale. The song speaks to realizing you are in/out of the moment. Everything could be new from this moment on, but you are programmed to chase after the beautiful house, the beautful car. Water flowing underground is the time passing unnoticed. This was all over MTV at the time, but never got old. He is buffeted by many hits, and surprising jerks, and has moments of clarity, but it is still the same as it ever was. My God, what have I done! Great reaction.
Yes, he did "come out" as having Asperger's some time ago. It does add some layer to watching his work over the years. It also says something about his tenuous relations with bandmates.
@@EdwardGregoryNYC His book 'How Music Works' is fascinating as Byrne describes not only his mental states, his physical awkwardness (which he turned into his very own dancing style), the band history, as well as delving into theories about music itself. Very interesting to say the least.
@@EdwardGregoryNYC Oh okay Asperger's... Here I was wondering wat Aspberger is lol
@@Ennello And I thought I corrected that. Thanks.
Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer in the DSM, but it’s cool if people diagnosed with it still want to identify that way :) Now people are just diagnosed as autistic. Asperger’s is really just autism with traits that are reasonably socially acceptable to Neurotypicals, or not too debilitating, so thought of as “mild”.
You absolutely need to watch the Stop Making Sense concert. Talking Heads are a truly amazing live band, and the concert film, directed by Jonathan Demme, is really amazing.
AMEN!!! What he said.
Its a literally one of the best live concerts ever filmed, especially the way it builds.
Best concert video ever!!
I think he cuts off the last syllables simply due to rhythm of the song. It’s hard get to the next line without cutting out those words/syllables. The fact that he has enough “space” to say the whole word “ground” on the last line of that phrase demonstrates this I think
You'd love Stop Making Sense. It's one of the best concert films ever made.
The beauty of perceived absurdity. David Byrne at his best.
David Byrne like yourself is a genius. He and the members of the Talking Head....give us Funk...R & B Alternative style Rock with Tribal movements and Choreography that is well planned and rehearsed whether it's a video or live performance. Using other world culture hand and body movements to describe the deep meanings of his lyrics. When a shaman or spiritual person is dancing or going into a trance as he is doing here they sweat and jerk many times as if the spirits from another world is possessing their body limbs. Ingenious!!!!!!!!!!!
Talking Heads "Burning Down The House",, "And She Was" & Last But Not Least,, Sarcasm At It's Best (Nothing But) "Flowers" (All Official Music Videos)
Tina Weymouth, Talking Heads bassist was heavily influenced by SUZI QUATRO, the first female to front a band and played the bass. She appears with many female rock stars of the 70s/80s in the documentary SUZI Q.
BTW --- that's a reaction hint.
Great reaction! I believe the "hand chopping" motion is him indicating how we break things up into pieces. This is my beautiful house, this is my beautiful wife. But really it's all just water. This idea of seeing the world through the lens of language instead of in its totality is a common theme in Talking Heads songs from this period, in my opinion. You'd love Remain in Light!
Toni Basil was responsible for the amazing choreography in this video... which is really outstanding! She is an amazing artist herself and has done choreography for so many artists. She is a singer herself with (reaction idea here!) the amazing huge 80's hit "Oh Mickey."
She did Diamond Dogs for Bowie. Amazing.
"Stop Making Sense"! Go for it, you won't regret it.
I like hearing Lost in a Supermarket by the Clash,
when I'm lost in a supermarket.
I think that video might be a slightly cut down version the song. There’s a breakdown with lyrics:
Water dissolving
And water removing
There is water at the bottom of the ocean
Remove the water
Carry the water
Remove the water from the bottom of the ocean
Should do "Life during Wartime", seems appropriate, all things considered. "This ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no fooling around"
He did it about a week ago.
CBGB!! Watch it!!!
@@Hartlor_Tayley Thanks
@@real_lostinthefogofwar you’re welcome
Definitely a winner. Know the song. Love the video. David Bryne is very animated.
The arm cutting gesture relates to an African dance, they perform.the same gesture, there was a link I clicked somewhere once I think.
Oh I just love this number. David Byrne is so cool. I was a huge Heads fan in the 80s. Great to see you posting this.
Daniel Daniel Daniel.
I’m 50 now. I had NEVER noticed the way he cut off the line. You’re a savant.
Such a classic. We used to always to that arm chop thing at dances. Boy the girls thought we were crazy. The rest of us knew the deal.
smile .. he reminds me of Peter Gabriel ... Sledgehammer ... i like this group .. and he reminds me of Joe Cocker also ..
It was a remarkable song and video when released. It still is today. Same as it ever was...
A lifetime ago, as a teenager, I taped it from the TV on to VHS, and watched it over and over (along with the wonderful Stop Making Sense).
Many of Byrne's movements were taken from the autonomous, trancelike, jerking, almost possessed twitching of "tent revival" preachers.
The religion of Capitalism promises luxury and comfort and status that, for many, never arrive. Same today ... same as it ever was.
David is brilliant, with interesting perspectives and approaches and concepts.
To promote the Stop Making Sense concert/film he did an interview with himself. At one point he was asked about lyrics and he said something like “lyrics are a trick that songwriters use to get people to listen to music for longer than they ordinarily would” which is devastatingly true if you apply the thought to most songs you might hear on commercial radio today. Take the lyrics away and it’s only usable in an elevator where people spend less than a minute of their time.
That was the single version of the song. The LP version is longer, so yes, some lyrics were missing.
David Byrne is a genius.
I've been listening to talking heads since their first album when I was very very young. my older brother was a fan. I didn't know anything about the spectrum in my childhood but I think we all assumed he was an eccentric artistic genius... which he was 😊
My dad's always seemed to enjoy this one from the Talking Heads. My personal favorites besides this one would be Stay Up Late, Burning Down the House, and Road to Nowhere.
If you’re going to do Stop Making Sense (and I 100% wholeheartedly support the idea that you should; it’s arguably the greatest concert concept ever staged), I’d also recommend you check out David Byrne’s American Utopia concert movie, which is arguably the greatest concert concept ever executed.
The cutting off of the final words in a verse are simply a stylistic choice for this quirky song as far as I know, the hand on the arm represents time, these are my take on things, but I bought this as a 45 single back when it came out, so I know the song well :) Also as mentioned, produced by Brian Eno (ex-Roxy Music), you can hear him singing backup vocals in the choruses. I've suggested you listen to Brian Eno's first solo album Here Come the Warm Jets, maybe the track "Baby's on Fire"... do itttt! :D
"The unexamined life is not worth living."--Socrates
Yes, please react to "Stop Making Sense"! It's one of the all-time greatest concert films! 👍😎 Incredible performance and I love how it starts with just David Byrne on an empty stage with a tape player and acoustic guitar. Then the intensity builds as each song adds another member of the band. You will definitely enjoy it!
I have always loved this song and video. The Talking Heads are in a class by themselves.
I think I've pleaded with you before, to react to Stop Making Sense, so look forward to that! You won't be disappointed, believe me! I saw them live at Wembley, London in 1982 and have been a massive fan since the first album '77'. Best band ever...IMO. David is an extraordinary bloke, from designing bicycle racks/stands in NY, to winning an Oscar for the sound track of ' The Last Emporer', with Ryichi Sakamoto.
Have followed and all he has done since Talking Heads, and believe me he's done a lot, you have plenty of years ahead to catch up, Daniel...I'm now 70 and have a14 year old son( also named Daniel) and he is a big fan to, took him to see DB when he was 18 months old,at a festival he was headlining the gig and Daniel slept through the whole show....!!
"Remain In Light" is a groundbreaking masterpiece. That, together with "My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts" by David Byrne/Brian Eno. Still ahead from any music being made today. Amazing.
First!!!!
Under the water….. carry the water…
This is an iconic song indeed.
This song is as good now as it was then. We didn't pay so much attention to the lyrics growing up in the 80s, it's just so original, funky, weird and catchy...we were into it
I think this is a truly profound song about being conscious that your life is finite, and it's a crime to waste any second of it.
So glad you're enjoying the Talking Heads! David Byrne is a truly intriguing lyricist, as well as an amazing musician. Think you'll love Stop Making Sense. He's actually just a quirky guy 😅 it comes with the territory. No one imagines living like that they just suddenly find that they have, unwittingly. Great review Daniel !
He's actually on the Autistic spectrum.... which is cool in itself, it shows that even if you are Autistic you can do anything...
@@richardctaylor79 I've worked with many autistic people and its effects span a wide range. I merely meant that his movements are not the result of a neurological disorder.
That gesture I think, is just a visual manifestation of “marking the time passing”….
😢
Lol until now I never realized he didn’t finish those words. Thanks a lot Daniel.. now I will notice it EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! Hahaha
If you watch the videos behind Byrne, he's actually mimicking the movements in those videos. The hand-chopping movement is being done in the video behind him. Similarly, at the start, when he gets down on his knees and makes movements with his palms near the floor, that's being done in the video behind him.
These guys were at the forefront of the new wave movement (it wasn't even called that back then) along with groups like Blondie, the B52s, Elvis Costello and many others. If you were lucky, you might catch them at CBGBs or some other underground club back then.
Eccentric kinetic genius
This would be a great album reaction Remain In light Talking heads just one masterpiece of an album ever!!
David Byrne did a Broadway show called American Utopia. Honestly, Daniel, it is a MUST WATCH. It’s on UA-cam I think….The creativity is beyond amazing….the musicianship is superb…the energy is off the charts.
I’ve been a fan since the 1970s. The style of music is like syncopated rhythms, somewhat unexpected. Like watching DEVO perform Satisfaction. There are few artists who are unique as Talking Heads musicians.
In the mid-80s, David Byrne worked with Robert Wilson on "civil warS", which played in Cambridge, along with Wilson's memorable collaboration with Philip Glass, called "Einstein on the Beach". Both were a visual and aural treat. One of my favorites from Dave's collab was called: "In the Future". ua-cam.com/video/ngVGxYLRrZ0/v-deo.html Stop Making Sense is essential film and audio material. I love that vid of David running, tirelessly, only to step up and sing flawlessly. The man is in shape! And no, he doesn't have physical problems. I think this is just an extension of his "stop making sense" attitude toward dance and choreography. Refreshing because there is so much sameness in choreography these days, and nearly always. Twyla Tharp is exceptional. Check out her "Hair" work.
On behalf of hydrologists and groundwater geologists everywhere, I would like to thank David Byrne, Talking Heads, and Brian Eno for this song. Metaphor is well and good, but so is ground truth.
He has a show on Broadway called David Byrne's American Utopia. It is on demand on HBO. He does a few Talking Head's songs but mostly newer material presented in unique and fascinating way. Well worth checking out.
Love this - it was the first Talking Heads record I bought.
You're just hitting the jackpot all week for me! This is one of my favorite Talking Heads songs! Actually, this song was released in 1980, so it's 42 years old, so I guess you could call it an "oldie". BTW, I first heard this song and saw the video on that first day MTV aired! Thank you, Daniel! ;-)
Yes! Please do Stop Making Sense! You will be thoroughly amazed. It's considered one of the best, if not THE best concert film ever done!
Talking Heads are an important band. Anyone who was anyone always kept one eye on what this band was up to.
I had to go back and listen for that cut off cause I'd never noticed it. I think wearing headphones, you hear more stuff that you wouldn't notice when this song came out, headphones were not such a big thing then, I still prefer not to use them. So. He might be saying stop? Anyhow, just wanted to tell you that he is as great in concert as he is in his videos. I mean with the oddness and goofy dancing. Speaking of "oldies"! Let me express my extreme gratitude to you for never calling my favorite music "old school". That expression makes me want to scream and slap faces.
Definitely in my top ten tracks of all time .. I never tire of it ❤️
I knew you'd love this one. One of the best songs of all time!!!
Very nice! Did you ever listen to their song „Road to Nowhere“? I have it in my eternal jogging playlist, but of course it also has its deeper meaning.
Also their bass player Tina Weymouth‘s band Tom Tom Club had that weird hit „Genious of Love“, it’s also worth to be checked out!
Had the pleasure of seeing his American Utopia after Broadway reopened. He did great covers of his Talking Heads songs and some original work as well.
The bouncing straight hand on the arm movement seems to mimic the African dancers shown behind him.
I really don’t know, what it means, but I dig it.
Good job Daniel. I was lucky enough to catch one of the dates on the Stop Making Sense tour and saw this performed live. 40 years on from it's release, still love the song and the lyric. And your comparison to the Kink's lyrics is spot on. I never though of those two bands as having any similarity, but, as usual, you teach me.
The David Byrne show called « American utopia » available online is the most amazing thing I have ever watched. It is pure genious. A chef-d’oeuvre as we sayvin my native language.
I always liked this song. Cool song
the gesture is part of a authentic dance movement of something like religious or spiritual dance from other nations
Talking Heads is a most interesting group, but if I can recommend anything by David Byrne it's his album with Brian Eno 'My Life in the Bush of Ghosts'. JustJP reacted to it and basically loved it. It's a very unique album. Also, I hope you react to more of Laurie Anderson from her album 'Big Science'. Both albums are really unique and are unlike most albums.
Picking good songs lately you are on a great run. This one is my favorite Talking Heads song if I had to pick one love you
You're so booked & busy these days congratulations 🎉
Check out his dramatic film “True Stories”, featuring T Heads songs. Their video for “Love For Sale” is a fragment of it.
It's been ages since I've seen this music video. It's the same as it ever was.
I always loved ( burning down the house) by the them
David Byrne made a movie called True Stories. It contains the music of the Talking Heads with certain songs performed by the Talking Heads. It also features John Goodman (Rosanne) in his first movie role and a performance by "Pops" Staples of the Staples Singers. It is a movie done in the style of the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour and the movie by the Monkees called "Head". I hope you will check it out. It is very entertaining and I am fortunate enough to own the DVD. No way I will ever part with it!
Great band - great track! Love this.
A good follow up reaction would be David Byrne & St Vincent - Who. A video reaction who be worth it because they both dance together in his style.
"Candide" is a satirical work written by the French philosopher Voltaire, an early proponent of equality, free speech, and elimination of capital punishment, way back in the 1700s. A very worthy read.
This song is a refinement of The Big Country from More Songs About Buildings and Food (the album before Remain In The Light). Check it out.
The gesture is borrowed from a clip of Indian dancers that is showed very briefly.
Lots of interesting comments here. I'd just add there's a "preacher" style to the vocal flow and phrasing. And the movements are, like some have said, choreographed and very influenced by modern dance. Think Twyla Tharpe or even Laurie Anderson or Kate Bush.
Note that the gesture(s) you're asking about are shown in the background of the video for a few seconds in their original cultural context, when they are first used in the video. I still don't know what they actually mean.
As far as songs about modern suburban existence and the emptiness thereof, it would be interesting to put together a playlist of such musical commentaries. This song would certainly be on it. Another would be "Subdivisions" by Rush.
David went to Lansdown High School about 20 minutes from where I went to school. No wonder he’s so weird 😁
When you get into yours-30s and 40s, this song will make a great deal more sense to you.
I’m hooked
I was into alternative stuff in the '80s,but for a "pop" band Byrne's lyrics were amazing! 🏴
Maybe you liked them
because Talking Heads wasn't a typical "pop" bad. Yes, they had mainstream hits, but they weren't "mainstream." They were just too talented to be ignored!
The “chopping” gesture comes from the footage of the folks behind him in the video.
loved it. thanks
Also - I'm a caver... there IS water underground. And a lot of it!
You might want to watch David Byrne doing David Bowie's 'Heroes' with Choir! Choir! Choir!, a sort of public a capella group. Even if you don't react to it on the channel, it's worth a look, and incredibly moving.
ua-cam.com/video/w7HJZPlJn_U/v-deo.html
As you were saying Daniel, I think it's a good idea if you reacted, or just watched on your own the songs from the Stop Making Sense in order of how they are played in the movie. Look forward to it.
Because it doesn't matter what one has it is still the same in the end you will not be talking anything with you when you pass on.
Life is what happens to us while we are busy making other plans.
- Henry Cooke
3:27 to take a breath
Stop Making Sense is maybe the best concert film of all time. Wait, did I say maybe?
Time is not linear. It is a series of moments strung together moving at different speeds depending on its intensity. Chop chop chop...
You noted that this song aired on MTv the day the channel went on the air. I happened to be an original employee of MTv (Manager of Finance) and for your info, the FIRST song was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles, which is a song worth reacting to. At that time, MTv was basically ALL music videos and music videos were taken pretty seriously in those days, and a lot of effort went into them. Nowadays, there is almost no money to be be made by selling digital music so only the top stars can afford to create top videos.
Video did not kill the radio star; it merely wounded them. DIGITAL killed the radio star since music can now be so easily copied and stolen outright and royalties are so pathetic. As a musician, as well as an MBA in Finance, I have seen the damage done to the music recording business and how it has led to a devaluing of actual good music in favor of easily promoted "product".
I enjoy your channel.
I wonder why the section, "Water dissolving, water removing. There is water at the bottom of the ocean. Under the water, carry the water, or remove, remove, remove..." is not part of this video?
Did you notice that music video version of song omits a verse?
It’s the Alt/National Anthem. “Remain in Light” probably their most experimental album and it’s a great album but All their albums are really great. “Remain” is my least favorite but this song is fantastic.
If you watch Stop Making Sense, make sure to get yourself a high quality copy of the film. Theres a blu ray. It's well worth it.
No Doubt. Dude you gotta cheak out Stop Making Sense. The movie!
the attitude towards the vocal performance and timing might be the key.
Check out "My life in the bush of ghosts" It's
its about a mid life crisis wrapped in a panic attack...
By David Byrne and Brian Eno
The Talking Heads really has their own thing going. They came out of CBGB's but they really aren't punk. Guess it's a wonderful mystery.