Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 11:09:23 +0000 From: David Thorpe Subject: Press Release: Talk Talk - London 1986 Hello, here's a press release I received today. I particularly like the bit in the third paragraph which seems to infer that it's possible to "withdraw from the [commerical] spotlight...with...wholehearted conviction and artistic integrity". I must try that one someday. Release Date: 8 February 1999 Label: Pond Life Catalogue No: PLVP001CD Format: CD May 1986: TALK TALK's eight strong touring line up reached the London Hammersmith Odeon after an extensive trip across Europe. It turned out to be their last London show. TALK TALK were at the peak of their commercial popularity, and their performance was as immaculate as only bands who have played together and know their material intimately can achieve. By this point TALK TALK had released three albums: <> (1982), <> (1984) and the extraordinary <> in March 1986, which had provided the first recorded evidence of the major development in main man Mark Hollis' musical ambitions. TALK TALK were by now in a period of transition highlighted by the freedom and semi-acoustic tracks 'April 5th' and 'Chameleon Day' on <>, the most commercially successful album of their career. No longer content to work within the restrictive confines of mid-eighties pop, TALK TALK were about to embark upon a musical journey that would end, six years later, with the remarkable <>. There are many bands who have chosen at some point in their career to withdraw from the glare of the mainstream's spotlight, for whatever reason. But rarely have any done it with the wholehearted conviction and artistic integrity of TALK TALK. Although <> contained 'Life's What You Make It', 'Give It Up' and 'Living In Another World', it also contained indications of the direction that the band would later embark on. 1988's masterpiece <> was then followed by their final album, 1991's wildly ambitious <>, released on Polydor's specially reactivated jazz subsidiary Verve. These would be albums of such complexity that live gigs were unimaginable to Mark Hollis and his colleagues. No longer satisfied to stretch the parameters of contemporary pop Hollis, alongside producer and co-writer Tim Friese-Green, has spiraled off into the hinterland of the avant-garde with mind boggling results. It was during their memorable transitional stage that LONDON 1986 was recorded. Drawing on material from <> and <>, LONDON 1986 offers a document of eight wonderful songs that sound as emotive now as they did years ago. But in their treatment of the older material it also presents a wonderful insight into the way the band were developing their sound. TALK TALK offer a fluid and organic performance, Mark Hollis' enigmatic and distinctive voice as evocative as ever and the band filling out earlier songs such as 'Tomorrow Started' and 'It's My Life' with a warmth and depth that adds a whole new dimension. As an introduction to TALK TALK, LONDON 1986 is indispensable. Placing the band on the bridge between commercial acceptability and impassioned artistic endeavour, the album offers a superb starting point from which to explore the work of one of the 80's most important bands, and also an awesome opportunity for fans to indulge in new interpretations of classic material. The incredible critical response afforded to 1998's debut solo album by Mark Hollis was as much a testament to its fine music as to the high regard in which TALK TALK are now held. LONDON 1986 provides the perfect opportunity to discover how TALK TALK evolved into one of the most influential and highly regarded acts of the last twenty years.