Comments for Talk Talk, Laughing Stock

Who would have thought Mark Hollis could take Talk Talk to even greater depths of unclassifiable freeform. Perhaps EMI couldn't deal with it anymore. Too bad. While this album isn't quite up to par with Spirit, it's still quite profound. It's like some sweet (and sometimes bitter -- that grinding guitar miasma on "After the Flood"!) naturalist jazz with its hypnotic, gentle snares and cymbals. A rare accomplishment that has spawned imitation from the likes of Rain Tree Crow (more Spirit-of-Eden-esque, I realize), Bark Psychosis and Catherine Wheel.

An album of truly immense beauty, and musical depth. Myrrhman offers a gentle introduction, with Hollis'' vocal performance fragile, yet powerful. This grows into Ascension Day, based around heavy guitar chords, and a genuine latent energy throughout. Just as suddenly as it begins, this melts into After the Flood, possibly the most wonderful piece of music I have ever heard. Either side of Hollis'' brave one and a half minute feedback burst, is a superb contrast of strong vocal and vibrant musical backing. Taphead follows, again blending its introduction with the end of the previous track. Intense and heavy, it is another musical masterpiece, with a tremendous energy which reaches startling crescendos near the end. Again, in contrast, Taphead is followed by New Grass, a beautiful, 10 minute epic, which is followed by Rune II. Perfection ?

This release takes the music of "Spirit of Eden" even further. In a word: beautiful!