Take Me to the River - Talking Heads | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@troilusand]

And it's not just that you've got the exposure to this great music, it is that you are actively listening to it, appreciating it, and formulating your thoughtful analysis. Love you guys.

[@scottingram7634]

The only thing that could have been better for you guys is if you had lived it like a lot of us did, but we're just glad to see you appreciating it the way we did back in the day. Happy New Year!

[@marcribe6483]

Oh! An Al Green cover today. The Heads dress the song in a different shade but without screwing with the original melody thus keeping its evocative magic. I love it. I'm sure you guys will dig it too.

[@herbertragan5849]

Al Green loved it too.

[@skiprockjr.6881]

I absolutely love the original. The Talking Heads version is fantastic too. Same thing with The Staple Singers cover of Life During Wartime. Both versions are great. It's rare where I like both versions around the same. I usually prefer one much more than the other.

[@_Booker_DeWitt]

I had no idea it was a cover. This is why I like reading the comments.

[@jeffking4176]

It’s a rare thing that a cover is as good or better than an excellent original. This is an example. 📻🙂

[@59jdubya]

Delbert McClinton has great bluesy version.

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, you’ll love their “Once In A Lifetime”, “Girlfriend Is Better” and “And She Was”!!! David Byrne is one of the most creative singer/performers you’ll find.

[@pocketleopard]

Adding Psycho Killer to this list.

[@surlechapeau]

@@pocketleopard they reacted that song, but it was not the good studio version. see it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6qlkICIjZuGjKM

[@pocketleopard]

@@surlechapeau ty, will chk it out

[@mllang-zy4vl]

@@pocketleopard They've already done Psycho Killer.

[@surlechapeau]

@@pocketleopard you're welcome

[@BigMacIain]

Tina's bassline is downright dangerous. There's no other word for it.

[@lauraaskew3410]

Agreed! Tina is an amazing bass player. I love, love Slippery People and (Nothing But) Flowers.

[@burmajones803]

One of the best five American bands of all time, imo. I think their music was so far ahead of its time that it still sounds fresh today and will still sound fresh in 50 years. Talking Heads Remain in Light is worthy of a full album listen. The Great Curve is a monster of a tune!

[@joelliebler5690]

Although they are very good either you have not been exposed to some of the greatest bands from The U.S.A. Or are very young. Bands like CHICAGO, STYX, KANSAS, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Tom Petty and The Heartbeakers, Blood, Sweat and Tears, The Eagles, and so many more I would put over The Talking Heads who had a handful of good tunes. I would put them in my top 300.

[@adamp2029]

I’m 53. American, and a huge music fan and musician. I’d take the Talking Heads over any of those bands you mentioned. By a lot! Though I loved Styx back in 7th/8th grade.

[@Mr05Chuck]

@@adamp2029 I’m 69, so obviously I am wiser than everyone. And I think there is no accounting for taste. So I will turn the other cheek and say we all would come up with different top fives. And none of us would be wrong.

[@fredinaz]

@@Mr05Chuck love this comment!

[@adamp2029]

I suppose if I were to rank my 5 favorites, it would go: 1. Steely Dan 2. R.E.M. 3. Wilco 4. Elliott Smith 5. Tom Waits Though my top 5 from anywhere would have Steely Dan (still at #1) as my sole American entry.

[@jamesbolton9752]

As I rapidly approach 73 not only am I grateful for being able to experience a lifetime of great music from about 1956 until present, today's technology allows me the privelege of seeing others not so fortunate as myself experience it as well. It's gratifying to see current generations appreciate and not dismiss what came before them. Thanks.

[@monaestrada6256]

I'm approaching 78 Quickly! Still digging David Byrne's moves ...

[@edw4664]

Well put.

[@AncientActivist]

We were very lucky! ❤

[@markanderson2145]

I recommend "Life during Wartime ". Also "Burning down the House". "Psycho Killer" is MUST.

[@AjaxCaper]

All three are on the channel! Woohoo!

[@aileenturrietta7553]

Your comment about being grateful Andy doesn't compare to the fun you guys have given us. These songs have memories and meaning to a lot of us and watching you feel the way we did is awesome. David Byrne Rocks!.

[@cherinoelke]

Well put, Aileen. ✌💜

[@alansmith7626]

I was about to try and say the same thing! We know the songs but to watch someone here for 1st time is such a joy!

[@aileenturrietta7553]

@@alansmith7626 Great minds😎

[@karenduell1027]

Absolutely!

[@mscommerce]

Very well put! Exactly how I've felt about Andy and Alex the last two years I've followed them! Thank you!

[@rpmfla]

I went to a Talking Heads concert way back in my undergrad days. To start it all off, the stage was empty. David Byrne entered stage left with a guitar slung around his neck and carrying a boombox (do people still know what that was?). He got to the front center of the stage, set the boombox down, pressed play, and started the first song. It was a very long time ago but I think it was this song. After a minute, another band member walked out and took their place, joining in on the song. Then after a bit the next band member strolled out and joined in. This proceeded until everyone was on stage (I think they wheeled out a platform with the drum set/drummer on it on last). They all then proceeded to play the rest of the song to a roaring applause. What a way to start! Definitely one of my top 5 concerts ever.

[@dixiechatty958]

I saw that tour also. One of the best shows I saw in the 80's.

[@christopherryan7178]

I also saw them in the early 80’s.. same show, stop making sense tour .. amazing

[@OronOfMontreal]

In the early 1980s, the Talking Heads was the ultimate college radio band. REM was a close second.

[@chrisbauder3327]

Being a guy who was growing up during the '70's, I fully embraced AOR and Prog, but couldn't stand punk/new-wave UNTIL...I heard this song, and I did a total embrace of everything. Talking Heads are the BOMB!

[@bradlandis7]

I fall into the same category. My sisters were older and huge into Classic Rock. My friend let me borrow his soundtrack to Repo Man 1985 and my mind was blown. I started to listen to the USF college radio new wave/ punk radio show around the end of 1985 and I was hooked.

[@robgrano6814]

Same here. I was 17 when I saw them do this live on SNL and it literally changed everything for me musically.

[@thirty2wins]

Tina Weymouth is an amazing bassist!! The whole song hangs on her tight pocket!

[@donmanuel7868]

The talking Heads great version of "Take Me To The River" should come with an advisory label that reads : "Warning: This Song Will Cause Stink Face While Listening!"...!

[@gaijin5]

Talking Heads 78' "Take Me to the River" cover of Foghat 76' "Take Me to the River" cover of AL Green 74', singer, song writer. All are fantastic! 🔥🔥🔥

[@danmayberry1185]

40 years later: Tina Weymouth's iconic Psycho Killer bass line emerges on Selena Gomez' Bad Liar, 2017 (Byrne likes it, Tina doesn't). 1 week ago: Byrne and Miley slaying a Bowie classic for New Year's. These guys are royalty.

[@Shadowrider1872]

Talking Heads, always a favorite.

[@allisonreed7682]

Hey, @John H! Happy Friday!

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Andy! Thanks, Alex! 💎 #AndyAndAlex #TalkingHeads #TakeMeToTheRiver

[@bobbabai]

A Talking Heads song that makes me cry every time: "This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)"

[@christopherryan7178]

Naive melody was My wedding song !!!

[@TwinMillMC]

Talking Heads were in a class of their own. Great assessment by the way 🤹‍♂️

[@tjtampa214]

Love the low gear. I certainly remember this one. 🎵 🥂 💜

[@tanyaroberson9629]

When I was in college we used to dance to Talking Heads along with the B-52s. The sound is different but both were quirky.

[@TinoScott]

Talking Heads.. I forget how awesome these guys are sometimes 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@brianorzel1873]

David Byrne is the mad scientist of music! "And She Was" is another one of my favorites.

[@salinagrrrl69]

Saw this performed on SNL 79? First time I heard a minimalist lead guitar solo. I LOVED IT!

[@flor9389]

It’s what turned me on to them

[@nickgacsal6931]

“Once on a lifetime” is a must listen

[@leftybass5860]

“In”

[@thefloatingrock]

Jerry Harrison on keyboards (JH was from the Modern Lovers!)

[@fleurdelis2976]

This was my favorite by them and I'm glad you guys appreciate The Talking Heads. They were the soundtrack to a great time in my life so hearing them always makes me happy. They were huge during the MTV years. That was a time when the videos that the bands were putting out were as important as the music and no one did it better than The Talking Heads. Happy Friday everyone!

[@rocketrabble6737]

Never "The Talking Heads" no definite article required.

[@TahoeNevada]

My mom’s favorite Talking Heads song!

[@yvrkid7070]

I love watching you grow up to the music I grew up with.

[@doncarlton4858]

The absolute monarchs of New Wave! When someone asks "what is New Wave?" I play them Talking Heads!

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Since this is a cover, it's a great example of the unique choices that set the Heads apart. The vocals, as you describe as hitting the "frail" notes, are a choice not many artist would choose. It's David allowing himself to be himself and allowing his quirky nature to rule the day. That with Brian's direction and Tina's inspired bass line, make this a whole new animal from the original. One of your commentors mentioned how groundbreaking this sound was. It's something that's hard to appreciate when you approach a song 40 years down the road, but so many of the tracks you hear on your channel stood out in their day because they sounded like nothing that came before - Beatles, Zeppelin, The Heads, The Ramones,... that's one thing that unites these bands is just what an impact it made to hear something completely fresh.

[@billalbritton4972]

Love the way the Heads lay back on this number.

[@MrDeadstu]

I agree with Andy, The Talking heads are just good.

[@827dusty]

Remember the novelty item in the early 200s of a wiggling fish on a wooden Plack that sang this song when you touched it? That was the funniest thing I have seen in years.

[@LyndaHill]

So good. My word for them is rollicking.

[@nyrocks5580]

As I mentioned in the chat, I feel like the Talking Heads go over better when you listen to several songs in a row and get into their quirky groove. In addition to all the songs they did on Stop Making Sense, one of my favorites is Cities.

[@maggieshevelew7579]

Great song. Great album (“Fear of Music”).

[@teknikel]

I love Cities and love that album.

[@randomperson-dy6kj]

@@marktait2371 Phish does a mean cover of Crosseyed and Painless, as well. In 1996, the Remain in Light album was their “musical costume” for Halloween. It was badass. They absolutely slayed The Great Curve.

[@joannparker1977]

Talking Heads is always a trip.

[@vaskylark]

You know you're right, you probably wouldn't have heard this brilliant song today had ya not sought it out on this channel. That's sad to me because as someone who was born in '69 I grew up as a teenager hearing Talking Heads on the radio. I'm realizing how lucky I was to experience all the 70's and 80's bands that I both saw live and listened to first on radio then bought the records. Good job!

[@itsmadfar]

Never tire of hearing you guys wrap your heads around the music that brought me up! The experience is much appreciated!

[@bigglesharrumpher4139]

Rowing on the Wanganui river (NZ) in the late 80's, listening to Talking Heads, our rowing mate the 'Indian' and his cool antics.....bus trip to lake Ruataniwha for the rowing championships listening to this song....

[@coreym0]

I love the Talking Heads so fucking much. I do prefer the Stop Making Sense version but the studio one is fun too.

[@toddg3268]

Love that you guys appreciate the tunes of a bygone era and keep it alive! You say that you listen to so much great music that it’s unfair. Imagine getting in your car, turning on the radio and hearing song after song of this quality. So unfair and we didn’t even realize it. Keep bring us these great reactions!

[@reneemoriconi7003]

I loved this song when it came out, i think i was in 8 th grade..

[@mikeferris408]

1 of the greatest songs ever recorded........ and... SAME AS IT EVER WAS!

[@steveshute3810]

This is one of the most creative and special bands of all time.

[@DreamsSketcher]

Oh, glad I finally got to hear this version. I only knew this from that flopping singing fish people put on the wall.😊

[@Manageode]

🤣🤣🤣

[@stephenpaxman6180]

awesome classic from the 80s

[@ericredlefsen5554]

Jerry Harrison was the secret sauce in that band.

[@AjaxCaper]

"Man with a gun" 🎶 a pretty girl, can go anywhere.... 🎶

[@stevenator0281]

I saw them on SNL perform this song and was at the record store the very next day. They have been my favorite band since 1977. Thank you for reacting to this masterpiece.

[@jamesmichael5475]

I also liked the Talking Heads version, but Hard to love this quite as much after listening to the AL Green version.

[@njchenault]

You understand their interpretation without fist hearing the Reverend AL Green. Many of your stylistic comments on the performance were there in Green's original. Both versions in heavy rotation in my play lists

[@gl2700]

Heard this song on the radio in 79 and went to the record shop to buy the album. Put it on and the entire record blew me away! Still listening to the Heads. My son performed some Head songs on stage. So proud!

[@thomasripley1548]

One of the songs done by the commitments in a great comedy set in Ireland I beleive.....

[@kdavies3105]

My fav THs tracks are: Psycho Killer (it's all about the bass line), Burning Down the House, Road to Nowhere, Once in a Lifetime, Wild Wild Life & As She Was.

[@Maisie9798]

Thank you!!!!!!! I've been requesting this song 4-ever!!!!!!! Next: And She Was

[@technoforever888]

Dug this song the first time I heard it and believe the Talking Heads were so creative and cool, doing it great justice, imho.

[@jimclark5454]

A bit of trivia: the album cover is actually an art piece by David Byrne and is made up of 576 individually shot Polaroid pictures

[@Eric4471066]

This song was The Talking Heads' first Top 40 hit. The song peaked at the #25 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the early winter of 1979. Hearing the awesome vocals of David Byrne as the front man and lead singer makes me happy. A great banger of a song indeed!!! Originally, this song was co-writtened and sung by r&b singer Al Green back in 1974.

[@tomschoepen]

Yep, true. This fantastic song is not written by Al Green alone: Lyrics: Al Green - Composers/Music: Al Green *and* Mabon Lewis "Teenie" Hodges. At the Royal Studios in Memphis, where I was recording with him and his two brothers Charles and Leroy, Teenie told me the story of the song from a to z, just six months before he died. So sad.

[@gmcsrbosavl6964]

So crazy that young musicians feel like they would never have come across the Talking Heads if they didn’t have a KZbin reaction channel. Emblematic of how much the world has changed and how the abundance of info and access has somehow resulted in less natural discovery in some ways.

[@kima.4268]

I was at the Hollywood Palladium when the live show was filmed. Red velvet seats, no smoking (which you could do back then), no food or beverage allowed. But, we did get to watch a great concert where, if I remember correctly, a few songs were done twice. Fun show.

[@marklozano493]

How anyone could NOT like this song is beyond me. First time I heard this song was live on Saturday Night Live. I was floored by the musicality. Layer upon layer and waiting for what's going to happen next. Freaking masterpiece. The rake he does on his strat... geez. What a song... nufsaid.

[@gs8191]

I always found it ironic that Al Green did the original, the man who would later become an ordained minister, as an up-tempo almost rocker, but it was the Heads who brought it to church, the feeling of being taken to river to be reborn.

[@mlacy6532]

This Al Green written song was also recorded by Delbert McClinton. I would suggest checking out some of Delbert's self-written songs.

[@edvonblue]

The name of this band is Talking Heads is the best live album of all-time. Way better than Stop Making Sense, yet no one really talks about it other than true Headheads. Cross into that world and you will never view the world the same again.

[@marktait2371]

yeh ed agree i have the expanded rhino 2 cd version has the entire 81 show as you probably already know sense ok also have original double vinly so glad heads agreed to work with rhino to compile all the music on 2cds good liner notes by andy zax and mag. reviews

[@bedazzled64]

This is the music I grew up with and everytime this came on, my great car system got cranked and it sounded SO GOOD!

[@xlerb_again_to_music7908]

Excellent reaction - great band! And you're right TH are wonderful; see Stop Making Sense every year - on first release saw at cinema; by 20 mins in the audience was out of their seats dancing!

[@JustMe-ks8qc]

I didn't know it at the time, but when I was listening to Talking Heads non stop on my little red Walkman back in the day, I had actually reached my peak coolness. No one else knew it, either. My coolness was imperceptible.

[@harriotteworthington3147]

I’m currently in hospital, recovering from a ruptured aorta & ruptured rescinding aorta (ya, as bad as it sounds, both fatal conditions). Dudes, you are making Life joyful again. Glad to still be part of your community, hitting your vids posted the last two weeks this morning is the best therapy!

[@AjaxCaper]

I hope your recovery is smooth and fast!

[@argusfleibeit1165]

Congratulations on surviving such a treacherous health event. May the rest of your life be peaceful and joyful.

[@donnakubiski5572]

Like I said in the comments in the poll I am not a big Talking Heads fan, but I do love this song. I'm glad it won.

[@susanklasinski1805]

Pretty sure Al Green was busting in on the upper right corner. This is a cover of his song, and the T Heads did it justice. This is the song that broke Talking Heads and made them a household name

[@tjj300]

I think Psycho Killer was their breakout song.

[@susanklasinski1805]

@@tjj300 This was their first to crack the Top 40

[@themoviedealers]

In the New York area, they were on the rock station HEAVY since their first single in 77, since they were considered a hometown band.

[@tjj300]

@@themoviedealers My hometown market. Psycho Killer got a lot of airplay before they went national.

[@m.y.o.b.724]

Much more to discover from the Talking Heads, like "Burning Down The House", "Once In A Lifetime", "Road To Nowhere", "Wild Wild Life", and so on.

[@lynda3860]

love talking heads one of my favourite bands from 1977, so many good albums

[@timlazuka1658]

About a year and a half prior to this cover (and it's a great cover) Foghat did a more up tempo cover - well worth the listen.

[@susandege321]

Nothing better than a Talking Heads live show

[@alanhynd7886]

Maybe would have left this track for the Al Green version and gone straight to Once in a Lifetime for Talking Heads? It's kind of their signature track for me.

[@daveking9393]

Enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@425TOM]

I remember Talking Heads doing Take me to the river live on SNL back in the 70s. Incredible performance.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

This and “Road to Nowhere” are fantastic.

[@jonahpedersen5429]

One of my all time favorites

[@kimberlyreese6425]

I think I found my new favorite channel. I couldn't have been more lucky to have parents that loved and respected music the way they did. My first concert experience was in my living room, with 100's of vinyls laying on the floor and 3 foot speakers!!

[@bigbow62]

The Stop Making Sence cassette lived playing in my 86' IROC during the sweet summer of 86' ... & A big thank you to all the ladies that road shotgun during that wild-n-crazy summer..... WOW !

[@dianegoldeneye7363]

I wasn’t sure you guys would like this. I’m so glad you did. Fantastic! You guys are the best. I really mean that. So much appreciation for really listening to our suggestions it’s so much fun to watch you guys hear it for the first time. Ty XXOO.

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

My favorite version of Al Green's amazing song.

[@scooterbaby1]

Saw these guys several times early 80's at The Stage West in Hartford Ct. which then became The Agora Ballroom, so good live.

[@Ldastro]

American New Wave at its' finest. So much more Heads to hear. Life During Wartime, Road to Nowhere, Don't Worry About the Government, Girlfriend is Better, This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody), and of course Burning Down the House. If you haven't hit any of those besides from the movie, I hope you do soon.

[@allsorts9909]

Such a great cover from my favourite album by them. Sort of blends punk and funk like many uk bands did post punk

[@sherryheim5504]

When this band first appeared on radio, I was kind of pushed back, not sure I really liked them (both the Talking Heads and DEVO were pushing music into a different direction), but very quickly I started loving everything they did. The singer has a very unique and interesting voice. I love this song.

[@markgatica12]

This song was my gateway to TH back in 1978. Within two years they became my favorite band and remained so throughout the eighties. As much as I love their live renditions, this is one of the few songs where I prefer the original. Thank you for listening.

[@strngenchantedgirl]

Also check out the Al Green version. I grew up listening to this one and didn’t even know it was a cover until well into adulthood.

[@rabies7290]

Your sheer delight in discovering new (old) music makes me very happy.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Got to see Talking Heads about a month before they filmed "Stop Making Sense", and when they played this song, the crowd was in a frenzy. Obviously one of the favorites of most people there, along with about ten other songs they did that night.

[@lynne5322]

I accidentally ended up in the movie/documentary. (All audience had to sign waivers at the door.)

[@moniphil]

You need to listen to songs from the Top 40 at the time and the original version of this song to realize how groundbreaking and original it is.

[@cazgerald9471]

I don't remember the original (Al Green) being on the radio but I do remember Syl Johnson's version being played - it was his beggest hit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYXSiZqCqJp-ndE

[@moniphil]

@@cazgerald9471 Thanks. I really wasn’t familiar with the history of the song other than it was an Al Green song. I guess I always thought it was one of his early songs from back in the 60s, and I didn’t know it because I was too young in the 60s and radio had forgotten it. I just looked at the song’s Wikipedia entry, and I was wrong. I didn’t know it was only 4 years old at the time the Heads released it and I’d never, to my knowledge, heard the Syl Johnson version. Johnson’s single reached #48 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1975, and #7 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart. It wasn’t released as a Green single. Apparently, the record company, Hi Records, did not release Green's track as a single, but instead passed the song to his labelmate, Syl Johnson. Of course, when it first came out, I thought it was just a great and different sounding (especially the vocals) song by this new band the Talking Heads. I’m not sure when I learned it was an Al Green song. Thanks to you and A&A for inspiring me to learn the history.

[@cazgerald9471]

@@moniphil I looked it up too. I didn't really know Syl Johnson's name, but when I listened that's definitely the version I remember being played on the radio.

[@taylortyler1867]

Y'all needa do more _JOURNEY!!!_ "Stone in Love", "Girl Can't Help It", "Who's Crying Now", "After the Fall" (my favorite), "Separate Ways", "Send Her My Love", "Anyway You Want It", "I'll Be Alright Without You", "Feeling That Way/Anytime". _SO_ many to choose from.

[@CorePathway]

Ummmm, this is a Talking Heads video? 😂😂😂

[@taylortyler1867]

@@CorePathway Ummmmm, What's that got to do w/ my comment

[@CorePathway]

@@taylortyler1867 I love me some Wheel in the Sky as much as the next guy but I found a comment about Journey jarring when in ‘Born under Punches’ headspace. You may as well have posted “I like tacos”, it felt that random.

[@taylortyler1867]

@@CorePathway I'm sorry I didn't fit your comment structure (in _YOUR_ headspace).I'll try to do better.🙄 Btw, I _DO_ like tacos. Get outta my head, man!!!!😉

[@CorePathway]

@@taylortyler1867 This, kids is how you do it; well-played, sir.

[@bazzer124]

This is probably my favorite Talking Heads tune. Everything works so well - bass, guitar, keys, percussion, and vocals are all just right! Qu'est ce c'est and all that jazz. Cheers....

[@vanessalore9942]

Now you guys need to some live Journey with Steve Perry. One of the greatest voices ever

[@fairalways]

I used to deliver pizza to my hero David Byrne in NYC. Incredibly shy guy.

[@catbutte4770]

I am SO excited that you two really enjoyed, "Take Me to the River" by Talking Heads! 😻

[@msmrsro]

The whole Stop Making Sense album is worth a listen or movie viewing in its entirety. Summer of 84 soundtrack for me.

[@waynesmith7410]

9:38 "How much did they borrow?" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHinaZSHZ6x-qJI they borrowed a lot, but also added a tremendous amount.

[@edmartin4414]

check out the live version- they put on a hell of a show !!!

[@experi-mentalproductions5358]

This is my favourite Talking Heads album.