Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. The result is both the best career-spanning snapshot of and single-purchase introduction to Talking Heads-- odd accolades for a live record-- and a treat for longtime fans.
  2. Uncut
    100
    Terrifically thorough. [Nov 2004, p.131]
  3. Mojo
    80
    It's too taxing for the less intense of the band's admirers. [Nov 2004, p.127]
  4. A caterwauling hunk of avant-garde precision.
  5. Rolling Stone
    80
    In the 1977-79 half of Name, nearly every song beats the studio version. But the 1980-81 disc is the prize, as the Heads take their lofty concepts to the stage with a ten-piece band. [2 Sep 2004, p.147]
  6. The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads is not only a vital document of an important, groundbreaking band on their way up, it's one of their best albums, easily surpassing Stop Making Sense.
  7. This is no cynical cash-in; every new track adds gestalt to an album which in its original incarnation was pretty damn great to begin with.
  8. The second disc... is the sound of a band at the height of its powers, employing a ten-piece band and backup singers, and exhibiting an absolute mastery of its material.
  9. Blender
    80
    The momentous band [on the 1980-81 disc] stretches out and jams, both celebrating and escaping the band's trademark anxiety. [Sep 2004, p.158]
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Captures the punk attitude, brittle R&B vamps, and quirky lyrical trips of their early years. [20/27 Aug 2004, p.123]
  11. A terrific and long-overdue reissue that's sure to satiate established fans as well as the new converts it hopes to earn.
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 64
  2. Negative: 5 out of 64
  1. TravisF.
    Feb 18, 2008
    7
    This album is good but certainly not a 93 out of 100 or an 8.9 average review by other listeners. Perhaps a 7 but not even the best Talking This album is good but certainly not a 93 out of 100 or an 8.9 average review by other listeners. Perhaps a 7 but not even the best Talking Heads album released, let alone one of the best albums released in the last six or seven years. Full Review »
  2. Mar 20, 2016
    10
    This is Talking Heads at their peak, definitely a must have and one of the best live albums of the 80s. Stop Making Sense is overrated THIS isThis is Talking Heads at their peak, definitely a must have and one of the best live albums of the 80s. Stop Making Sense is overrated THIS is their best live album. Full Review »
  3. Jul 25, 2013
    10
    This record is everything that is great about Talkin Gheads. Fantastic performances and great stage banter transport the listener back to theThis record is everything that is great about Talkin Gheads. Fantastic performances and great stage banter transport the listener back to the good old days of the lat 1970's and early 1980's. Full Review »