Thursday, January 17, 2008

The Coolest Album You've Never Heard


It is rare that something new is unearthed for me -- enter "Talk Talk" and Spirit Of Eden. This is one of the most moving albums I've ever listened to -- again and again (as I work on my latest Project, "Harmony Gates"). It has been my muse.

Talk Talk began in 1981 as a synth-pop band (not my style). They were best known for the hit "It's My Life" (later reborn by No Doubt). Then in 1988, Talk Talk released Spirit Of Eden. It was totally different then anything they'd done before, and it was a commercial disaster, effectively ending their mass popularity.
Spirit Of Eden was recorded in darkness. It's improvisations fuse Jazz, Rock, Classical, and Ambient Soundscapes. It is an intensely spiritual work, and is alternately tranquil and rousing, evocative and unsettling.
Mark Feltham's "fusion harmonica" work is astounding.

5 out of 5.

Inheritance
Nature's son
Don't you know how life goes on
Desperately befriending the crowd
To incessantly drive on
Dress in gold's surrendering gown
Heaven bless you in your calm
My gentle friend
Heaven bless you