Talk Talk 'New Grass (Edit)' (Pond Life, 2001; orig. 1991 Verve single) (Talk Talk mp3)

When Talk Talk emerged with their fourth album ('Spirit Of Eden') it was in some ways a progression of the gospel, blues and jazz influences exhibited on the previous album ('The Colour Of Spring'). However, 'Spirit Of Eden' and the following album 'Laughing Stock' fully embraced those influences, disregarding totally the verse-chorus-verse approach or any sense of polishing the sound for pop consumption.

Instead, flow, build and feel are prioritised within a wonderfully organic, close-miked small group sound. It recalls David Sylvian's excursions into jazz ('Blue of Noon', for example) or, going further back, 60s British Jazz like Stan Tracey, Michael Garrick or even the jazz-inflected folk of Pentangle.

This edit of 'New Grass' is a b-side from the 'Laughing Stock' era (the album presumably named in honour of their previous label EMI). It comes in on a gently propulsive cymbal patter, the brushed drums creating a platform for gorgeously languid guitar and well-judged piano chords. Double bass dances away, adding to the mix without cramping the space, and a lovely organ part washes around the edge of the sound. It ebbs and flows through a full nine-and-a-half minutes and is totally immersive, developing subtly but steadily with the players moving in and out of focus as the mood demands.

'Spirit Of Eden' destroyed the band's relationship with their record label and 'Laughing Stock' was one of only two further albums to have been released since by Mark Hollis (the main songwriter and vision in Talk Talk). Nevertheless, both albums represent an utter artistic triumph and they have proved to be a massively influential band (Elbow for one, the more expansive sections of Suede's Dog Man Star', the wonderful Bark Psychosis to name but three).

Utterly enchanting and two of the most highly recommended albums that I'll ever write about.

Download Talk Talk 'New Grass (Edit)' (Talk Talk mp3) (Divshare)