My god, someone please explain it to me. I never hear them mentioned amongst the greats.
Their style was so unique and they blended so many influences. David Byrne's voice was godly and could take you from pure aesthetic bliss to unsettling mania at will. Their lyrics were intelligent and artsy, cold and neurotic, tender and lighthearted. Their rhythms were always top notch and their funk level was off the charts.
Talking Heads are my GOAT. They have like 50 songs that I've played the shit out of. Their live performances are out of control. Alright, I think I've said enough.
If you've only heard "Burnin' Down the House" or their other hits, you seriously need to give them another chance.
"the better the singers voice, the harder it is to believe what they're saying" -Best quote ever, or am I just thinking that because I have a less than stellar voice? Also, per your post, I agree. They get a LOT of cred among those in the know, but among the casual music listeners, not so much. But hey, that's the level of success I would personally aspire to as an artist.
Who says they're underrated? Dealbreaker for me. I'd find some new friends. Good playlist by the way.
Agreed, Talking Heads are critically acclaimed but I'm not sure as to their level of popularity. It certainly doesn't match the quality of their music. At the least David Byrne is well known among people with a deep interest in music, especially following the David Byrne & St. Vincent album.
I meant no offense. I guess I'm getting old(er). Damn kids with their hula hoops and their Lady Gagas.
I've never heard them described as underrated. They get played on classic rock stations where I live all the time. That doesn't sound underrated. Sounds like they got the recognition they deserved. Sure, people aren't talking about them "today", but they aren't exactly making new music or touring or anything.Critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine described Talking Heads as being "one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the '80s, while managing to earn several pop hits."[3] In 2002, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Four of the band's albums appeared on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and three of their songs ("Psycho Killer", "Life During Wartime", and "Once in a Lifetime") were included among The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.[4] Talking Heads were also included among both Rolling Stone 's and VH1's lists of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".