LAUGHING STOCK

There's nothing better than hearing a band evolve and change over short periods of time - even if it's not for the better. Talk Talk are one of these bands, where 'Laughing Stock' sounds a million miles from their debut album in '82.

This is clearly a more mature album than their earlier releases, but just not as exciting. The splinter group 'O-Rang' do a far better job for me than this album. That's not to say that 'Laughing Stock' is bad. Far from it. Ian Hollis' vocals sounds great, being very suited to this type of music. The space used between players is fantastic and it's got an original sound that could only be attributed to Talk Talk.

Despite the huge number of contributors on this recording, with instruments such as flugelhorn and violas utilised it all seems strangely flat. And I can't say I'm a big fan of those horribly tinny and raw sounding drums. Also Tim Friese-Greene's organ sounds ugly.

But hey, at least they made an effort, unlike most.

A nine year recording career which ends with the wholly acceptable 'Laughing Stock'. It's just a pity it wasn't their best. 'The Colour of Spring' is the one for me.

Oh well... at least there's less of that horrible Harmonica on this one.