LAUGHING STOCK

It just really amazes me how TALK TALK went from a pop band selling tons of records to this, almost the complete opposite. It's like Mark Hollis purposely did this to distance himself from TALK TALK's early work, or maybe this is a progression which started with "Color Of Spring", developed even further with "Spirit Of Eden" until becoming the finished work of progressive art in "Laughing Stock". Progressive music indeed ! Besides the traditional instruments we get viola, harmonica, harmonium, cello, clarinet, flugel horn, trumpet and more.

"Myrrhman" is very slow going with reserved vocals and many instruments that come and go. "Ascension Day" is more alive as percussion, guitar, bass and other sounds lead off. A fuller sound a minute in then vocals come in as it settles back. Some organ later. "After The Flood" opens with keys and some atmosphere. It's building until drums and organ join in. A steady beat is the result. Vocals before 2 1/2 minutes. It gets a little avant and noisy after 4 minutes.

"Taphead" starts slowly and quietly as fragile vocals join in. Not much going on until horns make some noise 3 minutes in. It settles again. "New Grass" opens with steady drums as other sounds come in including vocals. "Runell" opens wih guitar as piano comes in. A dead calm before the vocals come in.

I would check out "Spirit Of Eden" first, if you like it then try this one.