TALK TALK

Before they had anything remotely prog related going on, Talk Talk was an 80's romantic synth-pop band who's influences can be traced back to Japan, Ultravox, Duran Duran and many others. The more commercial offshoot of the post punk generation.

While the main bulk of this album is hard to sit through, there's an inherent charm about some of these songs though, especially Talk Talk is a pleasant opener and one of the better of the many upbeat bubblegum synth-pop songs here. The Party's Over is equally straightforward and inoffensive in its arrangement but one cannot ignore the song writing qualities of this band and the startling poignant vocals of Mark Hollis. Just like all post punk, this stuff has loads of atmosphere, obviously. Also Have You Heard the News and Candy are an interesting listen for lovers of atmospheric rock songs.

One would wish all artists in the hit parade could write quality pop like Talk Talk did on this album.

The band had grown up since the debut and had become more serious about everything, especially composition and production are a huge step up. The album has classic hit parade anthems like Dum Dum Girl, Such A Shame and It's My Life. Also The Last Time and Call In The Night Boy probably fit in that list but are obviously way too happy for me. With Renée and Tomorrow Started, the album has two songs that absolutely floor me. They do not only have a sincere deep melancholy, but also the musicianship and arrangements are much more sophisticated then anything they had done so far. This has nothing ado with synth-pop anymore.

Things were turning in exciting directions for Talk Talk. Their professionalism and integrity would make them do another big jump ahead on the next album.

I've heard very few albums accomplish what Talk Talk does here so easily, and with so delicate a palette of sounds. "Laughing Stock" is like the collective souls of artists and lovers laid bare; breathlessly beautiful and elegant, its minimalist and occasionally rousing songs paint a mood which will strike to the listener's spirit.

Largely instrumental, the ephemeral structure of these songs will challenge many listeners, but it is never, ever boring. "Laughing Stock" doesn't follow the template of most contemporary post-rock groups, but instead explores the open space, pulling out emotions through a variety in instrumentation and effects which often times feel improvised. "Experimental" could describe it, but "artistic" would be more apt. Mellow rock beats sometimes appear to fill the space, punctuating the soundscapes with memorable landmarks along the way. Hollis' sparse vocals are unique and soulful, fitting into the melancholy tapestry excellently. The whole effect is a wonderfully understated and engaging meditation. Highly recommended for anyone seeking something emotive, creative, and fragile; this album sets the mood wonderfully.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: 4 Style/Emotion/Replay: 5

There is nothing better than listening to this album on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It really sets a great mood for the day and after that you're free to go about your day feeling refreshed and ready for the next working week. The three part "The Rainbow/Eden/Desire" is a great composition although I personally prefer a little track called "Inheritance", it's just too beautiful to put into words. "Spirit Of Eden" took me a while to digest but two years and 30+ spins later, I consider it to be one of my top 50 favorite albums!

***** star songs: The Rainbow (9:09) Desire (6:57) Inheritance (5:23)

**** star songs: Eden (6:34) I Believe In You (6:10) Wealth (6:43)

Total rating: 4,53

This album captures the band in their transition phase playing the greatest hits from their two previous albums. Most of the tracks from "It's My Life"-album are improved greatly in the live stripped-down setting. Still I most of the "hits" tend to stick out too much and aside from "It's My Life" most of them sound less exciting here. The two previous lines might contradict each other but hopefully my rating system will sort out the confusion.

***** star songs: It's My Life (6:29)

**** star songs: Tomorrow Started (7:52) Life's What You Make It (4:31) Does Caroline Know? (7:36) Living In Another World (7:05) Such A Shame (9:01) Renée (7:45)

*** star songs: Give It Up (5:55)

Total rating: 4,01

This was a definite improvement to the previous release. While most art/progressive bands went from art to a more commercial sound Talk Talk followed in the steps of The Beatles and decided to do a couple of experiments on this album. "Life's What You Make It" is probably the most recognized song from the batch, just like "It's My Life" from the previous album, but it's by no means the best one! I tend to favor the longer tracks especially album closers "Chameleon Day" which then slips into "Time It's Time". Thanks to the more commercial sound of the first part of this album "The Colour of Spring" still managed to become a commercial success upon its release and the record company never realized the transition that has began. So when the next album arrived they never saw it coming!

***** star songs: Living In Another World (6:58) Time It's Time (8:14)

**** star songs: Life's What You Make It (4:28) Chameleon Day (3:20)

*** star songs: Happiness Is Easy (6:30) I Don't Believe In You (5:02) April 5th (5:51) Give It Up (5:17)

Total rating: 3,84

The early Talk Talk albums contain a few stand-out gems, but they also tend to have a great deal of lesser tracks. Such A Shame and It's My Life are two true Talk Talk classics and there isn't really much more to say about them so you'll just have to hear them for yourself! While songs like Does Caroline Know? and Tomorrow Started work a lot better in their stripped down versions on the live London 1986-album. One thing that really makes this album non-essential are the more dated tracks like It's You and Call In The Night Boy.

***** star songs: Such A Shame (5:43) It's My Life (3:54)

**** star songs: Dum Dum Girl (3:52) Renée (6:23)

*** star songs: Tomorrow Started (5:59) The Last Time (4:24) Does Caroline Know? (4:41) It's You (4:42)

** star songs: Call In The Night Boy (3:48)

Total rating: 3,59

I had no hesitation chasing down this DVD , as my palm was itching upon reading a rather glowing review here on PA by 'daniel 1974nl', a clear omen that compelled me to go the extra mile. I am totally unashamed and even snobbily proud of my devout Roxy Music fascination as it kept me always firmly in line with my severe prog tendencies through 4 decades (and my prog collection seems to be the envy of the uncivilized world!) and I have many Roxy inspired offshoots that I deeply enjoy ( Japan, ABC, Simple Minds and Talk Talk) . While perhaps their smash single "It's My Life" may be perceived as a huge turnoff to some prog fans, truth is that Mark Hollis is a huge talent (as proven by his latter, more ambient and brilliant material) and this DVD amply proves why the adulation is fully deserved . The hit single was OK by my strict standards but I was immediately seduced by some other songs on that album, namely Renée, Caroline Knows, DumDum Girl, the magnificent Call in the Nightboy, Tomorrow Started, Such a Shame, It's You and deeply impressed by the sterling tracks from Color of Spring, Life is What You Make It and Living in Another World. The DVD Live in Montreux (the prestigious Swiss musical event in that gorgeous Swiss town on the lake) is a spellbinding visual document that demonstrates the prodigious voice of Mark Hollis, who turned out to have influenced a few prog microphones ( Jan Robert Ohme of Gazpacho and Steve Hoggarth of Marillion, among others) and his hypnotic intensity displayed in a live setting! Wow indeed! Yes, it's somewhat poppy but the stellar crew on hand shows some superb chops, namely guitarist John Turnbull, the 2 keyboardists Ian Curnow and Rupert Black and the 2 percussionists (Leroy Williams and Phil Reis). Bassman Paul Webb is a groove meister and mad drummer Lee Harris really gets into it; watching their intensity is as overwhelming as the whole Hollis experience. As I know this material inside out, I cannot remember the last time I sang through an entire DVD, foot stomping, hips weaving and eyes bowed in ecstasy. Even savvy, experienced proggers like yours truly need a little fun and just plain enjoyment from time to time, you know! Even the most über-progger has his personal fun records (not telling anyone BTW!) This is quickly turning out to be one of my finest "off the wall" purchases and I certainly do not regret it. I can Talk Talk all night glowingly about this delirious visual document but in one word, seek it out and you will be swayed. A breakaway overtime winner , 5 Swiss Rolexes.

Where most bands started their carrear with more experimental and lesser acvessible tracks....like Genesis, King Crimson, Yes, Pink Floyd and more recent Porcupine Tree. Talk Talk went completely in the opposite direction...I guess its not everybody's dream to fill footballstadiums and sell millions of records...A rare example of a band that rather created true art if you ask me.

Now...many have commented on the fact that Talk Talk took a really radical turn in style...or perhaps it grew gradually...but I believe it was always there. The studio albums sound indeed pollished and like potential Sky Radio tunes...especially on It's My Live and The Colour Of Spring.....but live it always was a whole different cup of tea...Judging the the way all this pollished potential hits are played live.....there was some great emperimenting already added....Perhaps live what really challenged them and was where they really were showing what they really were and wanted to do...Listen do London 1986 and Live At Montreux 1986.....which both are really great.

Laughing Stock is along the experimental path....resulting in songs that are incredible beautifull and suddle...much like Tomorrow Started and Renee that reminds you much more of the work of Davis Sylvian, Japan or Fripp's Soundscape like creations...I thought...the 2 long songs both were extremely beautifull, touching or perhaps even haunting.

The ling with Radiohead is already made a dozen times...but I'd like to add another to that and that it the Hogarth era Marillion...many of the suddle pieces resemple great equalty to the work of Marillion's more suddle work...sometimes I even thought...is it Hollis or is it...Hogarth that I hear here...

Another work that should be respected.....it's nothing but progressive and daring if you ask me...Not prgressive in the traditional meaning of the word...all of them moved in the other direction...but certainly trying to break borders and clear new ground here.....

Give it a few tries.......I think......

I already had a taste of Talk Talk's live capabilities in 2000 when they released London 1986.....Already totally overblows by the the live capabilities......turning song that already were masterpieces into even greater pieces.......But with this concert....the bar has been raised even higher........what an incredible performance...........that more than ever before shows the importance of Talk Talk's influence on modern music.....I frequently had to think of Radiohead for example.....The link between this 2 bands is more than ever clearly visible.

Just as with London 1986 there are no weak songs here, but only masterpieces...its a gig that buildsb on highlight after highlight.....pushing all the way up to what probably is one of their most touching and sensitive songs....Renee....Played in a tight, deeply emotional and mindblowing version that is sending shivers down my spine.....This goes for all the songs.....that are played here....Tomorrow Started.....Living In Another World....all of them add alot to the orginal ersion of the songs..time after time showing a much more experimental side that often reminds you more of The Cure in their middle years, or Radiohead......the solo's, distoptions and sound effects are heavy all over the gig.......but mostly during a version of Such a Shame (check out that bassline after aprox 5 min....totally awsome).....that is played here in a much longer version (8.30 min) that is resulting in some heavy jamming.....especially the last 3 min...are amazing....the version is very much the same as on London 1986, but now they are playing an accoustic guitar over the end....that jams up quite tense....creating an even better version....

All in all a totally mindblowing concert that comes highly recomanded....Great great sound by the way...but from Eagle Records's Montruex releases we are not expecting anything lesser....

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