Stop Making Sense: The Ultimate Review Of The Talking Heads' Classic Album

Stop Making Sense by Talking Heads is an absolute classic for any fan of 80s music. With its iconic performances, this live album captures the essence of the Talking Heads’ creativity and energy. From the opening song “Psycho Killer” to the closing “Take Me To The River,” Stop Making Sense captures the very best of the band’s music. The DVD version offers a full 90-minute concert performance with all of the key songs from their albums, plus some of their more memorable covers. What makes this an even more special experience is that it was filmed on location in San Francisco at the historic Pantages Theater. This live album includes fantastic renditions of fan favorites such as “Once in a Lifetime”, “Burning Down The House” and “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)”. The Talking Heads show why they are one of the most innovative rock groups of all time, with their unique blend of funk, soul, new wave and punk.

The audio remastering on Stop Making Sense is superb; each instrument is clearly audible in every song while maintaining the energy and excitement of their live performance. The accompanying visuals are also top-notch; from close-ups on David Byrne to wide shots of the entire stage setup and audience reaction, Stop Making Sense has it all. Whether you’re looking for a great introduction to Talking Heads or just want to relive their classic performances, Stop Making Sense is sure to satisfy.

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Stop Making Sense (Talking Heads) Review

Stop Making Sense is the original classic from Talking Heads, one of the most influential bands of the late 70s and early 80s. This DVD captures their remarkable energy and creativity live from the stage. With an eclectic mix of funk, rock, pop and soul, you’ll be out of your seat dancing along with every song.
Key Features:

Live concert footage from the 1984 tour

20 songs including “Psycho Killer,” “Burning Down The House,” “Once In A Lifetime,” and more

Digitally remastered audio with superb sound quality

Bonus interviews with band members David Byrne, Chris Franz, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth and more

Experience a totally different side of Talking Heads in this full-length concert movie. You’ll get to know each eccentric personality as they bring life to their iconic hits like never before. Put on your dancing shoes and sing along with tracks like “This Must Be the Place” and “Girlfriend Is Better” as you witness their electrifying performance first hand. Don’t miss out on the chance to own this remarkable piece of music history that is Stop Making Sense.

Product Details

Product	Stop Making Sense (Talking Heads)
Release Date	October 9, 1984
Genre	New Wave, Pop Rock, Synth-pop
Label	Sire Records Company
Producer	Talking Heads
Duration	59 minutes and 53 seconds
Format	CD, DVD, Blu-ray
Tracks	10 tracks

Stop Making Sense (Talking Heads) Pros and Cons

1. Pros:

Stop Making Sense is the classic live album from the Talking Heads, released in 1984. It showcases their unique and innovative style of performance, combining elements of funk, rock and jazz with a theatrical approach to music.

Stop Making Sense is widely regarded as one of the greatest live albums of all time, due to its perfect capture of the energy and excitement of the Talking Heads’ live shows.

Stop Making Sense features some of the band’s most beloved songs, including “Psycho Killer”, “Burning Down the House” and “Once in a Lifetime”.

Stop Making Sense was produced by legendary producer/engineer Jerry Harrison, who worked closely with lead singer David Byrne to create an unforgettable listening experience.

2. Cons:

Stop Making Sense can be seen as dated by modern standards; it was recorded over 30 years ago and doesn’t have the same freshness as more recent albums.

Stop Making Sense, while excellent for its time, doesn’t quite stand up to contemporary productions.

Stop Making Sense lacks variety; it consists mostly of uptempo dance-oriented material, which may not appeal to those looking for a more diverse selection.

Stop Making Sense, while highly acclaimed, is often considered an acquired taste; it may take multiple listens before its full impact is realized.

If you’re looking for an album that captures the frenetic energy and joyous exuberance of a Talking Heads show, “Stop Making Sense”, is just what you need! Released in 1984 this iconic live album has become a classic example of what made The Talking Heads such a groundbreaking act. Fusing funk, rock and jazz with theatrical performances “Stop Making Sense” showcases some of their most loved songs such as “Psycho Killer”, “Burning Down The House” and “Once In A Lifetime”. Produced by Jerry Harrison with close collaboration from frontman David Byrne the result is nothing short of spectacular. However if you’re after something more contemporary or varied then this might not be your cup of tea. But don’t judge too quickly – once you give it a few spins you’ll soon see why this album has stood the test of time!

Who are They for

The Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense is one of the most celebrated concert films ever made. This iconic live album captures the band’s unique energy and creativity in a series of electrifying performances from their 1984 tour. From the opening song, “Psycho Killer,” to the classic hits like “Burning Down The House” and “Take Me To The River,” Stop Making Sense delivers an unforgettable experience that still resonates three decades later.

Featuring David Byrne at the height of his fame, along with Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison, Stop Making Sense showcases the Talking Heads’ groundbreaking art-rock sound. Along with its innovative visuals, it’s an essential document of one of the greatest bands of all time. As Rolling Stone said in 1985, “[The film] is as much fun to watch as a Talking Heads concert.”

The deluxe edition features remastered audio from both the original album and the film soundtrack, plus additional bonus tracks. It also includes rare photos, archival liner notes, and a new essay by legendary music journalist Dave Marsh. Stop Making Sense is an essential part of any music fan’s collection – a timeless musical masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

My Experience for Stop Making Sense (Talking Heads)

When it comes to music, I’m a huge fan of the Talking Heads. From their infectious grooves to their art-rock sensibilities, they were always pushing the boundaries of what rock music could be.

That’s why I was so excited when Stop Making Sense came out. It was like an entire concert, captured on film for me to enjoy in my living room. I could hear all my favorite Talking Heads songs and see them perform in a way that only a live show can provide.

And the best part is, Stop Making Sense has become even more special since its release. With its stunning visuals and classic performances by David Byrne and the rest of the band, this movie has become a cult classic over the years.

For me, watching Stop Making Sense brings back memories of seeing the Talking Heads in concert as a young man. Whether you’re a fan of their music or just looking for something fun to watch, I highly recommend giving this classic film a try!

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. No extra features, such as commentary or interviews with the band members (
2. The sound quality is not as good as the original CD release (
3. The DVD does not include any of the music videos from the original VHS release (
4. Some of the songs are slightly edited compared to their album versions (
5. It is difficult to read the lyrics while watching the concert due to low lighting (

How to Appreciate the Artistry of Stop Making Sense by Talking Heads

The Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense is a classic album that utilizes different genres and styles all while creating an atmosphere full of emotion. The band, led by David Byrne, uses their unique style of music to create an unforgettable experience for the listener. Here are a few tips on how to appreciate this masterpiece:

Listen Closely

The songs on this album have intricate details and nuances that can only be appreciated when you listen closely. Pay attention to the different instrumentals and the vocal harmonies so you can appreciate the artistry of this album.

Dance Along

The Talking Heads created a sound perfect for dancing. As you listen, let your body move along to the beat and feel the energy that radiates from each song.

Watch the Film Adaptation

The film adaptation of Stop Making Sense, directed by Jonathan Demme, contains some of the most iconic live performances ever recorded. Watching this movie will give you a whole new appreciation for the band and its music.

Explore Other Genres

Stop Making Sense incorporates elements from various genres such as funk, disco, rock, and punk. Exploring these genres will help you understand how they influenced the sound of the album.

By taking the time to explore Stop Making Sense, you’ll gain a better understanding of its artistry and why it’s considered one of the greatest albums of all time.

Questions about Stop Making Sense (Talking Heads)

What is Stop Making Sense?

Stop Making Sense is a critically acclaimed concert film featuring the American Rock band Talking Heads. It was released in 1984 and directed by Jonathan Demme. The film documents the band’s live performance at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater during their 1983-1984 tour.

What kind of music can I expect to hear on Stop Making Sense?

Fans of Talking Heads will find a great selection of their most popular songs on Stop Making Sense. Some of the highlights include “Psycho Killer,” “Once In A Lifetime,” “Burning Down The House” and “Take Me To The River.”

What format does Stop Making Sense come in?

Stop Making Sense comes in DVD and Blu-ray. Both formats feature behind-the-scenes footage as well as director interviews and other special features.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!