🎼 Talk Talk: Spirit of Eden (1988)
Three consecutive albums, ranging from synth-pop to new wave from 1981 onwards. A string of hits, media exposure and touring, they were darlings of the record company.
In 1987 they went into the studio to further break boundaries and creative comfort zones. Vocalist Mark Hollis and producer Tim-Friese Greene went unorthodox in the lengthy recordings of the bands improvisations. Rumors of complete darkness in the studio, experiments with opium and battles of artistic direction were whispered about.
1988, the finished recording left the record company in chock. Lengthy pieces, some so silent you could barely make out the words. Some not so silent. No obvious singles. No hope for radio play. A lengthy studio bill and this is it? Mark Hollis was utterly disappointed that they didn’t “get it”.
This is by far the most emotionally charged album I have ever heard. Absolutely among the top five albums of all time. The purity and sincerity in the delivery of every word and note. Love and life, so impeccably illustrated. It sounds so alive and improvised, but it is actually the opposite. An elaborate mix of hours and hours of tapes by the masterminds Hollis/Friese-Greene. This is the genesis of post-rock.
In 1991 Talk Talk tried to push the envelope even further by starting their own record label. They released the follow-up, Laughing Stock, but the band fell short of repeating the geniality. It is a really good album, but in comparison it’s not up to the very high standards of its predecessor.
To say that enjoying Spirit of Eden is an acquired taste is probably true. An open mind, good headphones, dark setting, beverage of choice and uninterrupted listening is a good starting point. You will be rewarded!
R.I.P. Mark Hollis (1955-2019)
Buy here (digital download for MacOS, iOS, iPadOS): https://music.apple.com/se/album/spirit-of-eden/701395363
