Talk Talk - Spirit of Eden. LP [Half-speed remaster]

Talk Talk - Spirit of Eden. LP [Half-Speed Remaster]

Released all the way back in 1998 Talk Talk’s dense and sprawling masterpiece ‘Spirit of Eden’ was very much the catalyst for the post-rock genre, lighting the flame and inspiring many modern day greats like Sigur Ros, Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor to name a few. Its effect can be seen rippling as far as Chicago’s Tortoise, who would likely be a very different band if not for this album. The London four piece incorporated elements of jazz, ambient drones, dub and blues in a completely new way for the time, with their distinct version of prog-rock still sounding as fresh and vital as ever on this beautiful new half speed remaster. They manage to strike a deft balancing act of sorts between minimalistic grace and mass oversaturation and become true game changers.

This switch up from their more synth-pop adjacent roots during the early 80’s is the result of countless hours of painstakingly bringing together a multitude of tape recordings by singer-songwriter Mark Hollis & co-songwriter/producer Tim Friese-Greene. Each gentle moment being subtly sequenced to utter perfection, so much so that they often glide across the mix. ‘Spirit of Eden’ is a true marvel of pop music's ability to jump off into inspired and unknown territory and a key example of a band in the form of their life which sadly, in their major labels eyes would signal the start of the end of their career as a commercially viable band.

Spirit of Eden is such a unique record that dares to do everything all the time and manages to stick the landing with a grace and humility that's frankly insane given its sheer scale. Its chilly framework and rhythmic smokescreen remain a blueprint in pure creativity and time and time again this masterwork pushes the idea that remaining true to yourself is where the best and boldest art is made.

For fans of Sigur Ros, Tortoise & Spiritualized 

Tracklist

SIDE A
The Rainbow
Eden
Desire
SIDE B
Inheritance
I Believe In You
Wealth