Search - Talk Talk :: Asides Besides

Happiness is easy

Christian Buckley | Washington State, United States | 02/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the more artistic and least appreciated bands of the 80's, Talk Talk created some brilliant and hauntingly beautiful tunes, although with each successive album they drifted further from the pop sensibilities of their early hits, `It's My Life' and `Talk Talk.'



Talk Talk is one of those bands that people either loved or hated the vocals. Mark Hollis has a nasal tenor voice. It's a unique voice, to be sure, but just not for everyone.



There are two aspects to this collection: first, of course, is the collection of extended versions, remixes, and demo versions. Yes, many of the songs on disk one appear on other collections, and on the extended play vinyl for each single. What makes this collection special is really disk 2, with demo versions of Talk Talk, Mirror Man, and Candy, and a variety of versions and a couple new songs that don't appear on any other release. For a collector, this is a must have.



The other reason I like this collection is the insert. The booklet contains the artwork from each single, as well as pictures of the band at each phase of the band. Just a really nice touch, and well worth owning."

I'm Really Diggin This CD

Rude Boy 1979 | Today I'm in Ybor City | 07/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My Talk Talk days start in 1982 when they were warm up for Elvis Costello at Orlando. The auditorium was 1/4 full for the warm up and I wish I had moved up front as I did for Costello (who was amazing, played it seemed like 3 hours). Talk Talk really had me wanting to move my feet with music from their first album (to bad I didn't have a date :-( ). I got the "cassette" (yes those days, lol), and played that thing out (actually traded it from a guy for I think a Duran Duran tape, lol). I was hooked on that first album "The Party's Over", but really found a strong groove that continues 20 years later with the discs "It's my Life" and "Colour Of Spring", I also bought "Spirit Of Eden" but was like wow, I'm not into this at all. Sans present day, I am looking for their first disc after missing it for 20 years after the tape wore out and discover "Asides, Besides", what a great investment! For me now I have all the Talk Talk I want, this disc has all the songs from "Spirit" I enjoy plus alternate (which I LOVE) and remix tracks (interesting, some better than others) of my favorite 3 discs. I could recommend this for someone looking to invest in only one cd from the group that this be the one and for Talk Talk fans its great material to augment the stuff you already own and have probably listened to for 20+ years like me. Since I have gotten this collection a couple of months ago, I havn't really played the originals, it's that good!"

For What It's Worth...

wetwaterwalker | Indianapolis, IN USA | 01/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"DISCLAIMER: I am not very objectionable when it comes to Talk Talk. They are my drug of choice. I love to hear Mark sing in every style he gives (paraphrasing from For What it's Worth!). However, having said that I will try to give the most impartial review of this album that I can. This album is a must own for any hard core Talk Talk fan. Whomever put this together had us in mind. This is full disclosure from a band that was/is very private. Highlights include: every verison of their hits you could possibly want. And, songs that it pains me to call B-sides. My personal favourite moment happens at the 2:30-ish moment in It's Getting Late in the Evening where you hear the clank of a falling guitar that Paul tripped over, and a Mephistophelian snigger from Mark. Bear in mind that althought the downloadable version gives you instant gratification, it comes with no liner notes!"