"Living in Another World" by Talk Talk
"Life's What You Make It" by Talk Talk
"It's My Life" by Talk Talk
It's official: Talk Talk is my favorite band. It's undeniable at this point. They crafted five flawless albums that can make me dance or make me weep. Lately, Mark Hollis is saving me. His music restores my soul and makes me passionate about life again.
Also, I recently had the honor of introducing a few people to Laughing Stock, my favorite album and a sacred work of art. Knowing that I led even one person to the album will always be a highlight of my life.
I'm not sure I was fully alive or fully myself until I discovered Laughing Stock. It felt like unearthing a lost part of myself. I have reached for it many times over the years, including in the hours after my mother's death, and it never fails to rescue me.
Mark Hollis was a genius. I wish I could tell him all the nights I've put my headphones on and listened to Laughing Stock and felt my soul expand. There is no work of art that moves me more.
But I also hold reverence for their entire catalog, including the earlier pop hits. I've been watching some of their live concerts from the 1980s and dancing to "It's My Life," "Living in Another World," and "Life's What You Make It." Mark gave us so much. I will miss him forever.