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Talking Heads — Television Man
Album: Little Creatures
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 527









Released: 1985
Length: 6:08
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I'm looking and I'm dreaming for the first time
I'm inside and I'm outside at the same time
And everything is real
Do I like the way I feel?

When the world crashes in into my living room
Television man made me what I am
People like to put the television down
But we are just good friends
(I'm a) television man

I knew a girl, she was a macho man
But it's alright, I wasn't fooled for long
This is the place for me
I'm the king, and you're the queen

CHORUS

Take a walk in the beautiful garden
Everyone would like to say hello
It doesn't matter what you say
Come and take us away

The world crashes in, into my living room
The world crashes in, into my living room
The world crashes in, into my living room
The world crashes in, into my living room

And we are still good friends...(Television man)
I'm watching everything...(Television man)
Television man...(Television man)
I'm watching everything...(Television man)
Television man...and I'm gonna say
We are still good friends...and I'm trying to be
Watchin' everything...and I gotta say
We are still good friends...You know the way it is
Television man...I've got what you need
We are still good friends...I know the way you are
Television man...I know what you're tryin' to be
Watchin' everything...and I gotta say
That's how the story ends.
Comments (69)add comment
But they were very fashionable, weren't they?

Oh boy.

I guess that means alot to some people. 
Posted 9 months ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
I like the Talking Heads but this one is a stinker.
Posted 10 months ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
Just a comment, but there seems to be alot of Talking Heads songs being played.

In my opinion, the band was good but not great, especially to justify over-playing of alot of their mediocre songs.

  
Posted 10 months ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 wadoflove wrote:
Wow, in 2009 this song triggered a whole bunch of people! What happened then? 



MTV stopped playing music videos & went with the  Guidos of Jersey Shore instead!  LOL!    
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Wow, in 2009 this song triggered a whole bunch of people! What happened then? 
Posted 2 years ago by wadoflove    [ Reply ]
 rickhoran wrote:

I agree 100%. i am starting to believe the other posters when they say RP plays too much THs, and I am a fan of them. Most of this CD is weak and should be avoided.
 
And She Was, Perfect World, and Road To Nowhere are just three that shouldn't be avoided.

Posted 15 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
 rickhoran wrote:

I agree 100%. i am starting to believe the other posters when they say RP plays too much THs, and I am a fan of them. Most of this CD is weak and should be avoided.
 
Funny. I've loved the Heads since Fear was released. I think this album is one of their best efforts.

But like me mum said: That's what makes for horse racing.

Posted 15 years ago by krich58    [ Reply ]
 pyxxel wrote:
Very weak effort by them - I much prefer their other material and I don't mean just the commercially successful stuff.
 
I agree 100%. i am starting to believe the other posters when they say RP plays too much THs, and I am a fan of them. Most of this CD is weak and should be avoided.


Posted 15 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
The most over-rated band in rock history - and that's saying something.
 
I was going to say the exact opposite.

Posted 15 years ago by sans    [ Reply ]
Very weak effort by them - I much prefer their other material and I don't mean just the commercially successful stuff.
Posted 15 years ago by pyxxel    [ Reply ]
more yuck from byrned-out
Posted 15 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:

Yeah especially compared to Allanis Morissette who's music you rate a 10. *giggle*

 
Baba? That's a fine little tune and she had the smarts - like a lot of other modestly-talented stars - to hire the best backup band that she could afford. See also: Sting.

BTW, it's spelled "whose" in that usage.

Posted 16 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
 zuu111 wrote:
A lousy album and flat song from a band that provided much better and exciting work before this last offering.
 
They released True Stories and Naked after this, and while True Stories was at best a modest improvement, Naked was a real return to form.

But yes, this was a disappointment, and "Television Man" was surely one of the least interesting tracks on this record.


Posted 16 years ago by twp    [ Reply ]
 Egrey wrote:
the call and response really bugs.
 

I totally agree...{#Doh}
Posted 16 years ago by hestnoro    [ Reply ]
A lousy album and flat song from a band that provided much better and exciting work before this last offering.
Posted 16 years ago by zuu111    [ Reply ]
nagsheadlocal wrote:
The most over-rated band in rock history - and that's saying something.

Yeah especially compared to Allanis Morissette who's music you rate a 10. *giggle*

Posted 16 years ago by vit    [ Reply ]
The most over-rated band in rock history - and that's saying something.
Posted 16 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
Why the whining guy david byrne it's a MUST in RP .... arghhhh
Oscar 
Posted 16 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
Come to the conclusion the only Talking Heads song I enjoy is the song about the parking lot. The paradise song.
Posted 16 years ago by Kittee    [ Reply ]

Great work from the band.


Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
the call and response really bugs.
Posted 16 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
kaosmonkey wrote:
As a man who really enjoys Rush, I understand just how wacked out it is to criticize the sound of any band's singer... But there's something just snotty enough in David Byrne's voice that makes me want to slap that stupid grin off his face...
Stop making sense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
Krispian wrote:
Television, drug of the nation...
Now that is a great song! Disposable Heros of Hiphoprocy!
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
rocco1207 wrote:
If RP would EVER play something from the first two albums you might understand how great they were - this song shows how they lost their ideas and energy toward the end.
I don't know, I think this is a pretty solid track. Maybe it doesn't have the artsy cache of their first 4 albums, and sure it sounds polished, but this is still great music. Everyone (including me) tends to judge new artists against the rest of the pack, whereas established acts get the extra scrutinty of comparisions to their best work. But sometimes this unfairly diminishes above-average music. Just relax and enjoy!
Posted 16 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
As a man who really enjoys Rush, I understand just how wacked out it is to criticize the sound of any band's singer... But there's something just snotty enough in David Byrne's voice that makes me want to slap that stupid grin off his face...
Posted 16 years ago by kaosmonkey    [ Reply ]
RongoTBurg wrote:
This album marked the Heads transition from being brilliant rock/funk/world musical innovators (before Creatures) to being just a pretty good band. Most bands could be happy with Little Creatures, but kind of sub-par considering what these guys are capable of. Shoulda kept that Adrian Belew, Steve Scales, Bernie Worrell lineup together forever.
Yeah, I see what you mean. The band went from artsy to poppy. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing - David Byrne sure sounded like he was having a blast recording Little Creatures.
Posted 17 years ago by spunkyboy62    [ Reply ]
shakitten wrote:
It's funny...I keep hearing people say what a genius David Byrne is. But whenever I hear him, I always hear an ADHD kid on Mountain Dew who keeps making annoying, incessant vocalizations for attention. Just my opinion....
If RP would EVER play something from the first two albums you might understand how great they were - this song shows how they lost their ideas and energy toward the end.
Posted 17 years ago by rocco1207    [ Reply ]
shakitten wrote:
It's funny...I keep hearing people say what a genius David Byrne is. But whenever I hear him, I always hear an ADHD kid on Mountain Dew who keeps making annoying, incessant vocalizations for attention. Just my opinion....
I love all things Byrne. It takes every kinda' people, no?!
Posted 17 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
minimole wrote:
Christ, this is awful. Self indulgent crap. "na na na na naaa". Give me a break Bill ...
It's funny...I keep hearing people say what a genius David Byrne is. But whenever I hear him, I always hear an ADHD kid on Mountain Dew who keeps making annoying, incessant vocalizations for attention. Just my opinion....
Posted 17 years ago by shakitten    [ Reply ]
too much d byrne on RP
Posted 17 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
minimole wrote:
Christ, this is awful. Self indulgent crap. "na na na na naaa". Give me a break Bill ...
I was tappin' my toes until the na na na...... threw me off, ugh.
Posted 17 years ago by felix_the_man    [ Reply ]
Christ, this is awful. Self indulgent crap. "na na na na naaa". Give me a break Bill ...
Posted 17 years ago by minimole    [ Reply ]
coloradojohn wrote:
... DAMN THAT TELEVISION (what a bad picture!)...
Now THAT tune is absolutely GODLIKE... this one only a 9 unfortunately
Posted 17 years ago by slugore    [ Reply ]
this just kind of bites. It is simply not very good and too dated to the era. zzzzzzzzzzzzz ho hum..........tedio us
Posted 17 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
I don't know. My brain is wired for talking heads. I don't hear it played anywhere else. Depending upon my mood, it can be a background music or something to party with.
Posted 17 years ago by ????    [ Reply ]
This album marked the Heads transition from being brilliant rock/funk/world musical innovators (before Creatures) to being just a pretty good band. Most bands could be happy with Little Creatures, but kind of sub-par considering what these guys are capable of. Shoulda kept that Adrian Belew, Steve Scales, Bernie Worrell lineup together forever.
Posted 17 years ago by RongoTBurg    [ Reply ]
Krispian wrote:
Television, drug of the nation...
As Mr. Morrison said, back in '70, on American Prayer: "Do you know we are ruled by TV? TV Death which the child absorbs... Death well the mystery which makes me write... I'm tired of dour faces staring at me from the TV Tower... I want roses in my garden bower, dig?"
Posted 17 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
Wasn't there a television repair guy character on SNL in the seventies?
Fridge. Norge.
Posted 17 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Wasn't there a television repair guy character on SNL in the seventies?
Posted 17 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
Bill loves Byrnin down the house.
BYRNIN' DOWN THE HOUSE! Love it! Brilliant! and DAMN THAT TELEVISION (what a bad picture!)...
Posted 17 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
desertbecca wrote:
Love the Talking Heads and Radio Paradise but they sure do get played a lot here...
Bill loves Byrnin down the house.
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
kazuma wrote:
DAMN THAT TELEVISION!...
Television, drug of the nation...
Posted 18 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
VooDooChile wrote:
I didnt hear it, I'm usually pretty sensitive to that kinda thing...
Yep, heard it again this time around...with about 15 seconds left in the song. Really wierd. Decent tune for me. Not the world's biggest TH's fan.
Posted 18 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Atrail wrote:
What is it with Radio Paradise and Talking Heads. I have to disconnect every time this band comes on cause it is just painful to listen t; which is way too often cause you play them way too much. This is my only complaint against the station as a long time listener, but it is a big one!
I imagine they are a big source of your large # of 1 ratings? Given that is your most common rating, perhaps you've got the wrong channel? Sadly, tho, given that you seem to have polarized preferences with no middle ratings, I doubt that any station will suit you.
Posted 18 years ago by cmrump    [ Reply ]
doin' the chair dance ---!
Posted 18 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
Atrail wrote:
What is it with Radio Paradise and Talking Heads. I have to disconnect every time this band comes on cause it is just painful to listen t; which is way too often cause you play them way too much. This is my only complaint against the station as a long time listener, but it is a big one!
Was it really necessary to copy and paste this post on every Talking Heads song on the playlist? Take 2 and relax.
Posted 18 years ago by pigglywiggly    [ Reply ]
Atrail wrote:
What is it with Radio Paradise and Talking Heads. I have to disconnect every time this band comes on cause it is just painful to listen t; which is way too often cause you play them way too much. This is my only complaint against the station as a long time listener, but it is a big one!
I guess it takes all kinds. When I hear the 'Heads, I click on the song and give it a 9 or 10. Peace brother!
Posted 18 years ago by bobrk    [ Reply ]
What is it with Radio Paradise and Talking Heads. I have to disconnect every time this band comes on cause it is just painful to listen t; which is way too often cause you play them way too much. This is my only complaint against the station as a long time listener, but it is a big one!
Posted 18 years ago by Atrail    [ Reply ]
Love the Talking Heads and Radio Paradise but they sure do get played a lot here...
Posted 18 years ago by desertbecca    [ Reply ]
Another song, like the Turtles' "Happy Together", that ends in a Picardy third. Habitues will recognize this thread...
Posted 18 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
One of TH's most bland tracks ever! Where's Eno? Boston circa 80...The Neats rocked!
Posted 18 years ago by guiguy    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhhhhhhh... first Michael Hedges, and *now* one of the Original "Alternative Music" bands!!! Back in the 80's, in the Boston area, you could say; "I listen to WFNX." and that spoke alot about who you were... I'm sure there are similar stations around the country... but "Alt Music" really used to be "different".... sigh. Great song, ground breaking band, ha ha ha ha ha- my five year old twins are now clapping and stamping and going "La-la-la-laaaa-la!" Hahahahahahahahaaaaa.... Jesus, I'm getting old.... ;)
Posted 19 years ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
mmmm hmmm Big Drums of the Gated Reverb Eighties
Posted 19 years ago by pope183    [ Reply ]
DAMN THAT TELEVISION! Wait, that's the other song. The one I REALLY like. But I do like this one, and it's about the last time that Byrne really cut loose with one of those great, wackyass guitar solos (albeit a super-short one) that were all over the early albums.
Posted 19 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
I thought this sounded familiar. Time to get the vinyl out & show it to the kids...
Posted 19 years ago by babygirl614    [ Reply ]
WONDERFUL! now i have to go dig this album out...
Posted 19 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
I LOOOVVEE the Talking Heads... I would do anything to see them back together and live!
Posted 19 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
Roverfish wrote:
I'm afraid I'm still waiting to get keyed in...20+ years and counting. Some of their stuff hits the mark for me, some doesn't. This sounds terribly derivative, especially for a band that has produced such original work. But, I'll heed your advice and pick this album back up for another go-round. Also, maybe it's my playback, but it sounds like the tempo gets slowed down artificially or because of a tape defect toward the end of the track. My imagination, or do others hear it?
I didnt hear it, I'm usually pretty sensitive to that kinda thing...
Posted 19 years ago by VooDooChile    [ Reply ]
Nice guitar and bass.
Posted 19 years ago by Fenderbelly_Bodine    [ Reply ]
VooDooChile wrote:
This album turned out to be critical in my musical education. Before it came out, I have to admit, I just didn't "get" the TH. I was too conditioned to "classic"-style rock. With this album, I finally was keyed into what these guys were doing. It opened up the whole rest of their catalogue for me (Fear of Music is probably my fav TH album)...
I'm afraid I'm still waiting to get keyed in...20+ years and counting. Some of their stuff hits the mark for me, some doesn't. This sounds terribly derivative, especially for a band that has produced such original work. But, I'll heed your advice and pick this album back up for another go-round. Also, maybe it's my playback, but it sounds like the tempo gets slowed down artificially or because of a tape defect toward the end of the track. My imagination, or do others hear it?
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Dig that big ole kick drum.
Posted 19 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
awesome. more of this sort of music please. well established, eclectic and accomplished musicians!!!!
Posted 19 years ago by jerseygirl    [ Reply ]
one of my favourite albums of all time...great stuff
Posted 19 years ago by rush-2112    [ Reply ]
Dang. I think I actually HAVE this album. On cassette? Must be. Completely forgot how much I liked this track. Thanks for reminding me, Radio Man!
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
This album turned out to be critical in my musical education. Before it came out, I have to admit, I just didn't "get" the TH. I was too conditioned to "classic"-style rock. With this album, I finally was keyed into what these guys were doing. It opened up the whole rest of their catalogue for me (Fear of Music is probably my fav TH album)...
Posted 19 years ago by VooDooChile    [ Reply ]
Vastly underrated album. Nice cut, plucked from obscurity!
Posted 19 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
Schmackdown wrote:
I practically wore out my tape of Little Creatures, but I never got a copy on CD. Unfortunate, because it's a very good album.
It's a terrific album, but very short as I recall.
Posted 19 years ago by KevDogRedux    [ Reply ]
I love TH, but I still can't believe they decided to do any "na-na-na-na-na-na-ing".
Posted 19 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
I practically wore out my tape of Little Creatures, but I never got a copy on CD. Unfortunate, because it's a very good album.
Posted 19 years ago by Schmackdown    [ Reply ]