Search - Talk Talk :: Spirit Of Eden

Talk Talk's present to Eternity

Brent Funderburk | Starkville, Mississippi USA | 10/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Talk Talk's "Sprit of Eden", Laughing Stock" and Mark Hollis' solo album form a progressive triad into deep, restorative contemplation. The next step would be Absolute Silence (note caps). I daily, since that last note in '98, await this next album.



So many things are oxymoronically called "instant classics" , but the test of time is ticking, and after some 20 years

Talk Talk's great investment, not so enthusiastically rewarded at the time, is paying off. These three creations, plus '86's "Colour of Spring", communicate that music and musical artists can GROW; can continue to tread the radiant edge of the abyss, and can transcend into numinous new worlds.



In fifty years- in 100 years- what will be still heard from the late 20th C.? The arc of listening to these sublimely subtle, radiantly pared, blissfully crafted recordings whisper to me, daily, as they just get better and better, that Talk Talk's late, great work will be recognized, will still be relevant.



These are my favorite things to hear, save Nature's din, my wife's voice, or God's (holding out for this).



I hestiate after 57 years of life as an artist, musician (of sorts), record store guy, listener, and teacher, to issue extreme judgment- but I hearby wish to declare:



"Sprit of Eden", "Laughing Stock", and "Mark Hollis" are three of the most significant musical works of art made in the last fifty years. This is infinitely simple art. Almost impossible. I hear it almost killed them to make it!



WHAT WOULD MY LIFE BE WITHOUT THESE?



(Thank you, TT. You have brought so much Beauty into my life. Inspired, I make, as well. "Heaven bless you.")



But don't try to discern this on first listen. Give it at least twenty years, please.





Let's hope that Mark Hollis and talented Talk Talk members look hard at making music again.



Please contact me- I want to sing in that numbah- I'll be very quiet!"

Powerful and Emotional

Jodepi | Boston, MA | 07/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's been a few years since my dear mother lost her battle to cancer, and a long stretch since I reflected on the loss and had an emotional moment.

The other day, I decided to play Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden - as background music really. I was counting on the slow, quiet tempo and rich sound to soothe me as I banged away on my computer.

By the fourth track, I was holding a picture of my mom, sobbing like I had never done before. Don't get me wrong... I'm not trying to convey that this music will evoke feelings of misery and heartache. Not at all. I'm just saying that this masterpiece of work reaches deep and tugs at the human emotion. Whether it be a glorious, personal moment that you're experiencing, a moment of reflection, or one of doubt and dark despair, the music of Spirit of Eden (listened to in the right setting), has the power to touch the soul and push the tide of emotion.



The technical perspective? In short, the production of Spirit of Eden is of the highest quality, and the artistry and arrangements within each track are unique and magnificent."

All time top 10

Dirk E. Howland | Wisconsin | 03/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have read through multimple reviews and I dont really think I could add much that hasn't already been put out there. I was pointed to Spirit of Eden as my first encounter with Talk Talk back in 89 and it hit me like few pieces of music have before or since. It truly does defy classification and must be heard to be understood and appreciated. If you are looking for something emotional, introspective and intense...ready your ears and run don't walk to get this outing!



On my all time top 10 desert island list"