Talk Talk vocalist Mark Hollis reportedly dead...

[Michedelic]

No official confirmation, and certainly no cause of death yet, but even though demise rumors take on a life of their own, it does't look good...
Mark Hollis, lead singer of Talk Talk, dies at age 64, reports say

 

[Michedelic]

Gotta say, initially, I didn't think of them one way or another, in the classic MTV era they were just another UK synth pop band. There were so many groups like that, although their stuff was catchy; more interesting than Flock Of Seagulls, less bombastic(and more genuine)than Duran Duran, in same league as Real Life, Men Without Hats, and the like. But, 'Spirit Of Eden' and 'Laughing Stock'? Wow, some growth there, moody, atmospheric, in the realm of some of David Sylvian's solo work. Of course, the record company hated it.

 

[Picton]

Sad. I just heard this.

It's My Life was much better before No Doubt got ahold of it. RIP.

 

[Ultradust]

Very sad to hear the news.

Mark was one of the great musical visionaries of the 20th century who dared to ignore the record label and take an unfettered journey inward, rather than to out-cheese the pop industry. I'm convinced that the not often admitted influence of The Spirit of Eden, Laughing Stock, and to a lesser degree the self titled solo album on many current artists will be likely recalled and talked about for many years to come.

 

[justBrian]

"But, 'Spirit Of Eden' and 'Laughing Stock'? Wow, some growth there, moody, atmospheric..."

Nailed it right there. I would add The Colour of Spring, too...

 

[SteveCS]

This is really sad news. Hollis was one of those once-in-a-generation visionaries that I am proud to have shared some of my time on earth with.

 

[Michedelic]

"But, 'Spirit Of Eden' and 'Laughing Stock'? Wow, some growth there, moody, atmospheric..."

Nailed it right there. I would add The Colour of Spring, too...

Yeah, you're right, that was the transitional album. Quite a support cast on that one; the two latter albums had a bit of a "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" vibe, and no wonder as Steve Winwood was on a few tracks of "Colour...".

 

[jerry]

The Colour of Spring is one of my favorite 80's pop albums.
Fly on Mark.……………………………...