IT'S MY LIFE

Two years on, and Talk Talk return for their second album with an enhanced line up. The most significant change is the arrival of keyboard player and producer Tim Friese-Greene, who replaces Simon Brenner.

While still firmly rooted in the 80's synth pop scene, "It's my life" offers definite indications of the prog direction which the band will follow in due course. There is a certain deceptive simplicity here which disguises some far more complex thoughts and ambitions. The singles and potential singles are still very much in evidence, but even these simply ooze class and refinement. Take "Such a shame" for example. On the face of it, a melodic pop song with a killer hook. Dig just a little deeper though, and we find a carefully crafted number with superb instrumentation and a vocal performance that others can only aspire to.

Songs such as "Dum dum girl" (dumb name!) and the title track follow a similar pattern. I do not pretend for a moment that they are in any way prog, but they will appeal to many of us who enjoy prog.

"Renee" is probably the clearest hint of the direction the band will soon find themselves embarking on. This downbeat, melancholy number features Mark Hollis in the style he suits best, the floating synths and beautiful melody combining to create something unique and powerful. "Tomorrow's started", which was released as a single in Holland, has a similar feel.

Some of the later tracks on the album are less successful, with the likes of "Call in the night boy" tending to recycle the same ideas one too many times. This is though another fine effort by Talk Talk, and one which offers a template for sophisticated pop.

The remastered CD sounds excellent, but is once again devoid of bonus material. This becomes even more frustrating when the booklet actually includes an illustration for the non-album single "My foolish friend" released in 1983.

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