"The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads" is a live double album by the American new wave band Talking Heads, released in 1982. The album features recordings from various live performances spanning from 1977 to 1981, capturing the band at different stages of their career and showcasing their dynamic live energy.
The album's title reflects the band's quirky sense of humor and their penchant for unconventional naming conventions. It also underscores the collective identity of the group, with Talking Heads being known for their collaborative approach to music-making.
Divided into two parts, the first disc features recordings of the band's early performances as a quartet, with David Byrne on vocals and guitar, Jerry Harrison on keyboards and guitar, Tina Weymouth on bass, and Chris Frantz on drums. These performances highlight the band's minimalist punk and new wave sound, with tracks like "Psycho Killer" and "Take Me to the River" capturing the raw energy and angular rhythms that defined their early work.
The second disc features recordings of the expanded Talking Heads lineup, which included additional musicians such as Adrian Belew on guitar, Busta Cherry Jones on bass, Bernie Worrell on keyboards, and Steve Scales on percussion. These performances showcase the band's evolution towards a more expansive and eclectic sound, incorporating elements of funk, world music, and avant-garde experimentation.
"The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads" received widespread acclaim from critics upon its release, with many praising its dynamic performances and the band's tight musicianship. It remains a favorite among fans of Talking Heads and is regarded as one of the definitive live albums of the new wave era.
