 |
| 1988 cd |
release date: Sep. 16, 1988
format: cd (2003 remaster) / vinyl + dvd (2012 reissue)
[album rate: 4,5 / 5] [4,28]
producer: Tim Friese-Greene
label: Parlophone (EMI) - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: 1. "The Rainbow / Eden / Desire" (4 / 5) - 2. "Inheritance" - 3. "I Believe in You" (4 / 5) - 4. "Wealth" (4 / 5)
[ in memoriam: rehearsal tape ]
4th studio album by Talk Talk following 2½ years after The Colour of Spring (Feb. 1986) is the band's final studio release of new material on EMI, and it's literally 'something else'. In the aftermath of the '86 album Talk Talk had experienced a stronger popularity but at the same time frontman Mark Hollis had no desire of the implications of stardom - actually he found out that he didn't want to tour anymore - a decision which ultimately had deep consequences for the band that basically ended up being a Hollis and Friese-Greene project with the latter only taking part as co-composer and never officially entering the projct. All tracks are co-written by Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene as was the case on the predecessor, but the style has evolved to something completely new. The first track is divided into three parts, which have been merged into one composition on the 2003 remastered version where it has a running time of more than 23 min - originally the entire A-side on the vinyl issue. Comparing the debut to this, is like listening to two completely different bands, but by following the band's stylistic progression through its second and third albums it makes much more sense. The style is like a natural development of what they were looking at on The Colour of Spring, and what they have produced here is music in a style that wasn't given a term until a decade later: post-rock, although, that specific term and style may lead to another discussion. There are slow progressive art rock and jazz rock elements, but that's far from telling the whole story. It's a play with composition from a new perspective, and both Hollis and Friese-Greene took inspiration from jazz and classical music. And that was not what fans and music lovers expected from a band, who had recently released an album of international interest.
By music critics, the album was met by lukewarm reviews and an almost total rejection from record buyers. The label, EMI, felt that the band neglected its contractual obligations by recording something 'so anti-commercial' and even tried a law-suit against the band at court but [thankfully] the label lost the case. However, as a consequence, the band's contract with EMI was terminated. By the end of the year, bassist Paul Webb left the band.
I recall, I also felt 'betrayed' by a band that I had other hopes for. I actually purchased the vinyl album shortly after its release, but never really listened to it - or: I tried, but I never came even close to thinking anything positive about it - that is, back then. About another three years later, I actually resold the album in a pile with other gems, in trade for quick cash, so I could afford one or two new albums [gosh, what stupidity!]. I guess, the sound and style of this was way ahead of its time - not many were prepared for it, and neither was I.
From a modern perspective, the band, and Mark Hollis in particular, are now praised for the ground-breaking musical content, which has inspired post-rock artists like Sigur Rós, Mogwai, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor a whole decade later, but surely without Talk Talk and without Spirit of Eden and the successor, the music by these later artists seems rather unlikely. As much as I hate to admit it, I would perhaps have rated this 2 / 5 stars back in '88. Today, I find it a 4,5 album, and yes! I eventually got myself a new 2012 reissue on vinyl. And I have to add, the 2012 pressing is better than the original 'cause EMI made some poor vinyl pressings in the late 80s, which also is the case with the band's final album.
A highly recommended album!
[ allmusic.com 5 / 5, Sound 4,5 / 5, Q Magazine 4 / 5 stars ]
1988 Favourite releases: 1. Chet Baker Memories: Chet Baker in Tokyo - 2. R.E.M. Green - 3. Talk Talk Spirit of Eden
 |  | |
| org. vinyl cover (same as 2012 reissue) | 2003 remaster |
