LIVE AT MONTREUX 1986

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.

Sublime!

Not everything is bad these quarantine times, if music is present, we are almost automatically healed. My roomate and I have been enjoying our weekends watching full concerts of bands we love, si I had the idea of watching once again this epic, sublime and beautiful Talk Talk concert, after so many years in oblivion.

Talk Talk was an amazing band, Mark Hollis' voice one of a kind, one of my favorite ever, his passing last year made me feel so fragile, but well, he retired from music ages ago, which was a pity. Though I discovered this band with their last two albums, those enigmatic, experimental and post-rock oriented ones, my love for their previous stuff grew up with the years, and now I can say I practically adore each and every of their albums.

Montreux is also known for its epic festivals, bands and artists use to offer magnificent concerts there, and with Talk Talk there was no exception. Since the very first minutes we are trapped with its legendary title-track. "Talk Talk", with a superb 8-musicians line-up, Hollis, Webb, Harris and co., offered a heartfelt, delicious and classy concert. You can tell it by people's faces, they look so happy and crushed by the music, and of course, by Hollis' presence, because his voice is so deep, his amazing vocal range covered any kind of notes, and each note transmitted a diversity of emotions.

The addition of percussion gave a more vivid sound on stage, it was a wise decision, so in moments they were a highlight, in others perfectly worked as background, reminding me a bit of Talking Heads or even Roxy Music. Paul Webb's bass sound is amazing, he also helped with backing vocals, but I would like to highlight his importance not only in this live show, but in Talk Talk's history, because without his creativity, the essence of the band would have been lost. You just have to listen to some wonderful songs (some real hits) like "Dum Dum Girl, "My Foolish Friend" or the famous "It's My Life".

While watching it once again, I felt goosebumps, to witness Mark Hollis' voice and his always passionate performances made me feel completely emotional. "Living in Another World" is one of my favorite songs from the band, but it is also one of the best moments of this Montreux show, so to watch it again and remember its greatness made me feel truly happy. I think there are no weak moments in this show, but I would say "Does Caroline Know", "Give it Up" were also highlights.

The best thing is that when you think the band gave all their hits and all their emotions, they choose the disarming "Renee" to end the show. Whoa, what a performance, truly emotional once again, and the band really professional, what they shared on stage was wonderfully adopted by the audience, but also by us, the ones who watch the show.

Beautiful, a masterpiece! Long live Talk Talk.