It's Good To Talk Talk (Natural History: The Very Best Of Talk Talk - Talk Talk)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Natural History: The Very Best Of Talk Talk - Talk Talk
Date:	17/09/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: solid pop

Disadvantages: dated

Talk Talk were at the height of their fame in the eighties, famed for a handful of radio friendly hits. They benefited from having their music used in tv adverts a few years later, which resulted in a few reissues.

Their sound is best described as a mix of Duran Duran, OMD, Level 42 and Howard Jones. This album contains 12 of their best known songs.

'Talk Talk' is a magnetic piece of music with thunderous drum work and a stealth like synth powering through. The vocals are delivered with a fine flourish and lead singer Mark Hollis really allows his voice to explode on the chorus. It is catchy and a good start to the album. 'My Foolish Friend' is more subdued, with a considered vocal and a steady rhythm to calm the nerves. His voice calls to mind Simon Le Bon in parts, especially on the end of notes. The song is alright, without being that assertive.

'Dum Dum Girl' came out of 1984 and is a sprightly little song, with engaging synths, creating a mellow backdrop for Hollis' resonating vocals. The verses are verging on the melanchonic, but a gripping chorus picks up the mood.

'It's My Life' is a treat, a ravishing pop song which has some vivid synths and such a strong message in it too. It fills me with confidence and pride whenever I play it and always makes me feel better about myself.

'Give It Up' takes us into 1986 and finds the group continuing the successful blending of deep gamely vocals with strident synths. It is not as instant as the aforementioned, but some pleasing enthusiasm on the chorus from Hollis adds lift. 'Life's What You Make It' is a rather bleak affair, with depressing chords and a sense of greyness about it. His vocals manage to reflect the downbeat mood of the song and you are left feeling quite tired by the experience.

Talk Talk are well worth checking out if you like your eighties pop music.

Summary: nostalgic