LAUGHING STOCK

The transition between Spirit Of Eden and Laughing Stock may not have been as apparent when compared to the band's dramatic transition from commercial pop to gorgeous Art-Rock but I personally feel that this album is a lot more experimental and evolved than anything else in Talk Talk's catalog.

The period leading up to this release was definitely I difficult one for the band since they received a law-suit from their previous record label who pleaded that their previous record, Spirit Of Eden was not "commercially satisfactory" and it's understandable that the band would start to show signs of fatigue.Still they managed to transfer those feeling into the music and the results speak for themselves.

This is a much darker album in terms of mood and style. It's hard to pick any song highlight here since they all follow the same basic pattern, but Myrrhman, Ascension Day and After The Flood are the ones that stand out the most for me. It's just a very unique album in every possible way!

***** star songs: Ascension Day (6:00)

**** star songs: Myrrhman (5:33) After The Flood (9:39) Taphead (7:30) New Grass (9:40) Runeii (4:58)

Total Rating: 4,14