LONDON 1986

This live recording captures the band in a very interesting period of their career. This was Talk Talk's transition phase where the band have already determined their future actions on Spirit Of Eden while still performing their greatest hits from the two previous albums.

Most of the tracks from the album It's My Life are greatly improved upon in this stripped-down live setting and the minimalistic approaches are already audible here. Still most of the so-called hits tend to stick out too much and aside from the wonderfully performed It's My Life, most of them sound less exciting in comparison to the well produced studio counterparts. My two previous lines might contradict each other but hopefully final rating will sort out any confusions.

Either way this is a great prequel to the two next albums from Talk Talk since it features all the essential material from the two previous albums performed in a way that fits much better with the band's later style. An excellent addition to your collection after that you've heard Spirit Of Eden and Laughing Stock!

***** star songs: It's My Life (6:29)

**** star songs: Tomorrow Started (7:52) Life's What You Make It (4:31) Does Caroline Know? (7:36) Living In Another World (7:05) Such A Shame (9:01) Renée (7:45)

*** star songs: Give It Up (5:55)

Total rating: 4,01