Talk Talk and Mark Hollis - Living in Another World

Talk Talk and Mark Hollis - Living in Another World Oct 17, 2017 7:19:54 GMT

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Post by stefancrosscoe on Oct 17, 2017 7:19:54 GMT

Oct 17, 2017 4:41:17 GMT Eva Yojimbo said:

Nice introduction to the band. I just started listening to them earlier this year and instantly fell in love. The Colour of Spring is a perfect art-pop album; an impeccable blend of catchy and haunting. Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock are simply two of the most exquisite works of musical art of the 20th century, and perhaps the two most spiritually transcendent works from a "pop" band I've ever heard. Mark Hollis's starkly beautiful and tenderly intimate solo album isn't far behind, either. As much as I love them, I just can't listen too often because they're so emotionally draining; like the pop equivalent of Mahler.

Thanks.
It is impressive to see how far away they went within just a few years of time, from being an "ordinary" pop-band and then to be making something completely else.
As a fan of Pink Floyd I was very happy when I "stumbled" upon an old article or maybe it is taken from a interview long time ago, where it was great to learn of how much Richard Wright loved and complemented Talk Talk/Mark Hollis and specially The Colour of Spring:

"The simplicity of the songs and Mark Hollis's voice make this album just incredible. The first tune, Happiness Is Easy, says it all - nothing but a bass, a snare and a weird chord. That's Talk Talk all over, great songs and simplicity with a twist. Pink Floyd have never done anything that straightforward, except maybe Wish You Were Here, because I tend to put a lot of sound colour into the music. In some ways this type of stuff is much more brave, because there's absolutely nothing to hide behind. Why does it touch me? Hard to say, but it's got the feelgood factor, which all my favourite records have. I wouldn't choose anything that didn't make me feel happy."

Agree about Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock, stunning music and not something that I play too often, on a daily basis as I think those are best rewarded when played in the right mood or situation, while The Colour of Spring is one of very few favorite records that I never go tired of, and as Richard Wright wrote above, it has that feel-good vibe going (even thought some of the lyrics on that record might not agree with me), and I feel happy and in good mood when listening to it, while their last two studio albums as you said it so well, they are more emotionally "demanding".

Oct 17, 2017 4:41:17 GMT Eva Yojimbo said:

I will slightly disagree with you here; it's true the '97 remasters aren't Loudness War brickwalled, but the originals are still significantly better. In fact, they're some of the best-sounding, most dynamic pop albums I've ever heard, and it really makes a difference on music like theirs that plays so much with loud/soft structures. The remasters would be fine for any casual fan, but any hardcore fan should check out the originals if possible (like through discogs).

Thanks for letting me know.

I only have their 97 remasters and I ended up re-buying The Colour of Spring last year, only to learn it was the 97 remasters, re-released a few years back, so maybe it is time to for a little upgrade in my music collection.