[5] As Susan Borey wrote for Spin, the name means "black heads" in French, which they used to describe their hair color (like birds and not a complexion problem).

[5] As they explained to a writer for Spin, the band was a self-managed collective: Holt and Gage did public relations, Alexander did the finances, Bartell did record distribution and promotion, Kayon took care of graphics, and Frucci drove their truck.

[16] Writing during the same year in his book, Music Legends, Martin Keller calls the band "highly influential" and says they paved the way for Babes in Toyland and ZuZu's Petals.

[17] Billboard said in 1985:[9] Multi-talented, artsy but fun outfits like Têtes Noires can only add to the credibility and stature of women in rock.John Bush, writing for Allmusic, said their third album, Clay Foot Gods, "proved a disappointment, much more commercial than the first two LPs.

"[18] Spin said in 1987, however, reviewing the same album:[5] But don't think Têtes Noires are just a clever cover band skipping through a potpourri of styles; on the contrary, this gang has carved an original sound: stellar harmonies and sharp lyrics tempered with humor.