Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense Soundtrack (

Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense Soundtrack (1984) cover

Buy on Amazon Play and download Soundtracks

Rating: 8.70/10 from 19000 votes
Tags: live in concert recording
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Stop Making Sense

Title in Italiano:

Stop Making Sense

Title in Português:

Stop Making Sense

Title in Français:

Stop Making Sense

Title in Türk:

Stop Making Sense

Title in Deutsch:

Stop Making Sense

Synopsis

Stop Making Sense opens as lead singer David Byrne walks out onto an empty stage holding only an acoustic guitar and a portable cassette tape player. He introduces the first song, "Psycho Killer" by saying "I want to play a tape." As the show progresses, Byrne is accompanied by the rest of the members of the band as well as some guest performers. Tina Weymouth is the first to appear for the song Heaven. Then Chris Frantz appears for "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel" and Jerry Harrison for "Found a Job". Instruments and equipment are gradually brought out onto the bare stage during the first few songs and the entire group is brought together for the band's big hit, "Burnin' Down the House".

The film offers us a glimpse inside the mind of lead singer David Byrne through the progression of the songs and stage effects. In a self-interview included in the film, Byrne talks about the physicality of music and that it doesn't have to make sense to the mind if it makes sense to your body. Director Jon Demme's use of wide angle shots to give the viewer a sense of being in the crowd as they are able to view the whole stage and all of the performers at once. Unlike many concert films and videos, which use more quick-cut editing techniques in an MTV-like fashion, much of Stop Making Sense uses lengthy camera shots to allow the viewer to examine the performances and onstage interaction and the limited amount of crowd shots, which only appear at the end of the film, allow the viewer to make their own judgments about the film.

The film is a great look at one of the leading bands in the New Wave movement of the late 70s and 80s and is a must see for any fan of Talking Heads.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense
Psycho Killer
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Heaven
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Thank You for Sending Me an Angel
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Found a Job
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Slippery People
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Burning Down the House
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Life During Wartime
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Making Flippy Floppy
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Swamp
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
What a Day That Was
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Once in a Lifetime
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Genius of Love
Tina Weymouth: Writer
Tom Tom Club: Performer
Girlfriend Is Better
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Take Me to the River
Talking Heads: Performer
Al Green: Writer
Crosseyed and Painless
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Gilfriend Is Better
Talking Heads: Performer
Genius Of Love (Tom Tom Club)
Talking Heads: Performer

User reviews

Edward Hill
10/10

Each song is performed with such passion and precision, drawing the audience into a mesmerizing musical journey that is both captivating and exhilarating.

Carol Mitchell
1/10

I personally felt that some of the songs in the film, such as Found a Job, did not translate well to a live performance and lacked the energy and charisma that made Talking Heads such a beloved band in the first place.

Betty Garcia
1/10

I also found the lack of audience shots throughout most of the film to be a bit isolating and disconnected, as I prefer concert films that capture the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd. The focus on the band members and stage setup, while unique, left me wanting more engagement with the audience experience.

David Allen
10/10

The way the film showcases the evolution of the stage setup and the band's collaboration is truly mesmerizing, adding an extra layer of depth to the already brilliant music.

Timothy Martinez
7/10

Director Jon Demme's innovative use of wide angle shots provides a immersive experience for viewers, allowing them to feel like they are part of the crowd witnessing the magic unfold on stage. The film effectively captures the essence of Talking Heads' music and the New Wave movement, making it a must-watch for fans and music enthusiasts alike.

Timothy Hill
5/10

The film's use of wide angle shots and prolonged camera shots immerses the viewer in the concert experience, allowing them to appreciate the band's music and onstage chemistry. Director Jon Demme's approach of minimal crowd shots enhances the focus on the band's performance and interaction, giving the audience the freedom to form their own interpretations of the film.

Ronald Perez
8/10

The band's performance in Stop Making Sense is a captivating journey that showcases their musical prowess and unique stage presence. David Byrne's solo introduction with just an acoustic guitar and cassette tape player sets an intimate and raw tone for the show.

Jennifer Jackson
8/10

The gradual introduction of band members and instruments adds layers of complexity and energy to each song, culminating in a powerful rendition of Burnin' Down the House that highlights the band's signature sound. Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison each bring their own dynamic presence to the stage, creating a cohesive and electrifying performance.

Michelle Gonzalez
6/10

Stop Making Sense offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative mind of David Byrne and the evolution of Talking Heads. The film is a must-see for fans of the New Wave movement, providing a visually stimulating and musically enriching experience that showcases the band's talent and innovation.