The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads

The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads
2004 2-CD reissue cover
Live album by
ReleasedMarch 24, 1982
RecordedNovember 17, 1977 – February 27, 1981
Genre
Length
  • 81:37 (original album)
  • 156:30 (expanded CD release)
LabelSire, Rhino (reissue)
ProducerTalking Heads
Talking Heads chronology
Remain in Light
(1980)
The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads
(1982)
Speaking in Tongues
(1983)
Singles from The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads
  1. "Life During Wartime"
    Released: 1982
  2. "Love → Building on Fire / I Zimbra"
    Released: 1982 (France)
  3. "Take Me to the River / Air"
    Released: 1982 (Netherlands)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Blender
Entertainment WeeklyA
Mojo
Pitchfork9.2/10
Rolling Stone
The Rolling Stone Album Guide
Spin Alternative Record Guide8/10
Uncut
The Village VoiceA−

The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads is a double live album by the American new wave band Talking Heads, released in 1982 by Sire Records. The first LP features the original quartet in concert and radio recordings in 1977 and 1979, and the second LP features the expanded ten-piece lineup that toured in 1980 and 1981.

Though a decent commercial and critical success upon release, The Name of This Band was somewhat overshadowed by Talking Heads' subsequent live album and concert film Stop Making Sense. However, it went on to attract greater retrospective acclaim, with critics remarking on its importance in documenting the band's artistic growth.