SPIRIT OF EDEN

It would be easy to dismiss this record as extremely tentative, sluggish and boring, if you didn't give it your full attetion. It's like there is not a note out of place, and I was amazed at how many instruments were used in this recording including trumpet, clarinet, violin, harmonica, aboe, bassoon , harmonium and many more. This is a complex, detailed and intricate record that seems to defy TALK TALK's earlier pop music.

Witness the guitar work in the opener "The Rainbow" at 2 minutes in that seems to be the first real signs of life in this song. Or the melody of piano, percussion and vocals that comes and goes in "Eden", and is contrasted with the fuller sound that includes guitar. Or the atmosphere that is broken in "Desire". The haunting lyrics in "Inheritance", that say "Heaven Bless You In Your Calm" throughout. Or the ambience of "I Believe In You". And lastly the organ and words in "Wealth", words that say "Take my freedom for giving me a sacred love".

This is the kind of album that requires patience, and the reward for that effort is well worth it.