Reviews
‘The sign of a truly great band is their ability to defy the ebb and flow of fashion, patiently awaiting rediscovery. Since their dissolution in 1991 Talk Talk have occupied a special space in the hearts of many. Their decade-long creative arc saw them morph from a precocious pop crew to progressive innovators, with their beguiling output drawing on folk and jazz and spawning post- along the way. Spirit of Talk Talk is a rich reflection that immerses the reader into the world of Mark Hollis and co. Contributions from those inspired by the band are legion: members of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Marillion, Japan, Arcade Fire, plus writers, DJs and academics all wax lyrical alongside an excellent biography by Chris Roberts (of this parish), plus Q&As, archive material and artwork by band collaborator James Marsh. … not since The Beatles did a band evolve so completely before disappearing to seal their legacy perfectly. This then is a fitting tribute to some true enigmas.’
Classic Rock Prog
‘★ ★ ★ ★ The first Talk Talk biography is a thing of beauty – your Deluxe Edition even comes in a clamshell box – that explores the group’s bewitching music and James Marsh’s striking cover art. Lacking any input from the estranged band members, it’s still flush with new information. The group’s associates share memories of a 1986 German tour, where everyone got tipsy on Long Island Ice Teas and fooled about on the set of TV war drama Das Boot, but also of the tense sessions for 1991’s Laughing Stock, Talk Talk’s revered but commercially calamitous swansong, recorded amid nervous and marital breakdowns. With contributions from famous admirers, including Guy Garvey and Sir Peter Blake, it should send any reader dashing back to the music, celebrated here by Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry for “each note sounding as if it’s being played for the very first time.”’
Mark Blake, Mojo
‘Spirit of Talk Talk has been lovingly compiled with unqualified enthusiasm and meticulous research. It is the most comprehensive retrospective look at the legacy of one of Britain’s most important, influential and inexplicably underrated bands. Long overdue and unmissable.’
Alan Wilder, Depeche Mode/Recoil
‘This book will give any Talk Talk fan a fascinating insight into just how far reaching their influence has been on current artists, I can’t wait.’
Olly Knights, Turin Brakes
‘Fans of Talk Talk unite! This is an incredible book on the band … I will be helping to support this, and I really hope you will too!’
Jason Lytle, Grandaddy
‘Wonderfully evocative’
Pierre Perrone, The Independent
‘Got the book today and what a great job you have done with it. A beautiful book. Congratulations.’
Luke Rhinehart, author of The Dice Man and contributor to the book
‘Just received the wonderful book … Exquisite in every way … To be treasured.’
Martin Ditcham, percussionist on The Colour of Spring, Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock, and contributor to the book
‘Just wanted to say what a fantastic job you have done on the Talk Talk book, does justice to the band and the music.’
Mark Davies, London
‘★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Simply the best, best book ever. I can’t believe I have it in my possession. I actually cried at one point when reading it!! Sad but true! A work of beauty, just like the band and their music. What I would give to see them live again.’
Stephen Burke, Merseyside
‘★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The greatest book I have ever bought on a music artist – ever.’
Eric Alper, Canada
‘★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Well-written, engaging and beautifully illustrated, Spirit of Talk Talk is a worthy memorial to the extraordinary music it celebrates. The book has been thoughtfully planned and lovingly put together, providing a much-needed history – and celebration – of the band. Highly recommended.’
Jo Balmer, England
‘★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Simply a great work and a perfect item to own!’
Nerino Toldo, Italy
‘This exhaustively comprehensive tome is not only essential reading for experienced Talk Talk fans, but a brilliant example of how capturing and cataloguing a band’s spirit - and one that relies on mystique – doesn’t destroy the myth, but enhances it. … The perfect companion and retrospective to the band’s music, and like all of Talk Talk’s albums, you won’t want it to end.’
AlNewstead, Amazon.co.uk
‘This book is so incredibly well crafted, so stunning looking, so interesting that you can’t help but praise all people involved in its making. … Completed with wonderful pictures and artwork from the great James Marsh, lots of interviews and information, this book is really an exceptional document, not to be missed by anyone who loves… not just Talk Talk music, but music per se.’
M. Davide, Amazon.co.uk
‘Stunning in every aspect.’
Michael J. Reid, Amazon.co.uk
‘Thank you … the best Christmas present I will have this year.’
Linda Emmett
To add your review to this page, click here.
