|
| Walhello -> Knowledge Base -> CDs -> T -> Talk Talk The Party's Over |
| Talk Talk - The Party's Over Band: Talk Talk Tracks: - Talk Talk - It's So Serious - Today - The Party's Over - Hate - Have You Heard The News? - Mirror Man - Another Word - Candy Great Hint of What They Became Later Talk Talk is a group that defies conventional wisdom. This, their first outing, is an album that was derided as being not only derivative, but pretentious. Pretentious...yes. Self-absorbent...most certainly. The beauty of Talk Talk however must be seen through the progression of their music in its entirety. Upon initial listening, this disc could defiantly be dismissed as a typical exercise in 80s synth-pop. However, as time would have it, Talk Talk progressed as a band. With the ultimate departure from conventional pop wisdom that reared its welcome head during the group's last days, this presentation deserves a fresh look. The truth is that the critics of this album missed something the first time. Upon second glance, this disc proves not only that Mark Hollis had an ultimate vision, but also that he charted it from the beginning. Four fifths of this album is wonderfully indulgent. The other fifth is psychic...a demonstration of what was to come. Many believe that "Its My Life" was the first to showcase the future Talk Talk...this is inaccurate. This exercise showcases many elements that would be later found on subsequent releases. While listening to this effort, one wonders if the group had their future Vision with them all along...but was afraid to unleash their talent too early for fear of losing the opportunity to Express the true "Nature" of their being. Extraordinary, a perfect theme album Came out in 1982 when I was a senior in high school, and I listened to it over and over and over again. Seems at first like catchy New Wave synth stuff, a la A Flock of Seagulls; the single "Talk Talk" is the hook to start the album. But as you listen to the whole thing you realize it is an integrated work, sad with a haunting finale in the final song "Candy". The CD is short by modern standards (around 40 mins, maybe under), and it is distinctly 80s music; but one of my all-time favorite albums. Note that the CD unfortunately mixes up the playlist of the original LP release, which disrupts the "theme" album somewhat. Switch songs 3 & 5 ("Hate" should be #3, "Today" should be #5) to get the effect of the original. I don't know why they did that. A New Wave Gem Mark Hollis took Talk Talk from synthpop to art rock during the 1980's and this debut album was the most Electronic of them all. 80's fans will recognize the first track, "Talk Talk," the first single to get air play in America before "It's My Life" hit the top 40 a few years later. The track is a Powerhouse dance classic still enjoyed today. Other fast numbers to enjoy include "Today" and "Another World" while the title track evokes a darker, more mellow side of the band. Mark Hollis could give Bryan Ferry a run for his money on vocals, which shine throughout the album. Fantastic synths take you back to 1981 in delight. Talk Talk's second album, "It's My Life" is a perfect follow up to this album as a continuation of the Electronic style. By the third album, The Band matured even more including more acoustic instruments and guest musicians like Steve Winwood. Fans of early 80's synthpop must give this a listen. Fans of Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Japan and Ultravox would also do well to give it a listen. While I Love most of Talk Talk's material, this album stands out as a clear favorite. Too bad Hollis has called it quits. Buy Talk Talk The Party's Over at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.comJamster - the latest ringtones for your phone! |
