Comments for Talk Talk, Spirit Of Eden

One of my best friends, If I had to take one track with me...I wouldn't have to choose.

I'm 30 now, and "Spirit of Eden" along with "Laughing Stocks" remains to be one of my deepest impressions of pop music. Being Russian, I never knew the words of lyrics (although nowadays I could understand them), but it was total feeling of inner beauty of the music and the voice that has overwon me and keeps fascinated by these recordings all the time.

Although Colour of Spring won me over by a hair with its stronger melodies, this album is also a masterpiece. A bit shocking upon first listening, especially for anyone who was thinking along the lines of "It's My Life", but repeated listenings reveal it to be a beautiful statement of human condition (not a concept album though!) via Mark Hollis' incredible, soul-baring vocals. Sit back and enjoy the rich aural interplay of so many instruments ebbing and flowing in pure freeform ecstasy. Phew, can you tell I'm taken by it?!

For me, Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock are inseperable in their intricate beauty and brilliance. Presented as a musical suite rather than a collection of tracks, this album flows impressively. It stands naturally between Colour of Spring and Laughing Stock, in that there are still hints at chorus and melody in this album, particularly on the first three songs which form a 22 minute epic by blending together. The more outstanding moments are Eden and The Rainbow, although I could never tire of any of the six tracks, each are so varied and unique, yet sit naturally as part of the album. I cannot reccomend an album more than this. If you are to buy just one more album in your life, make it this one !