Released on this day 40 years ago, 17 February 1986, The Colour of Spring is the third studio album by English band Talk Talk, written by Mark Hollis and producer Tim Friese-Greene.
The Talk Talk albums that came before it had much more of a synthesized pop sound, synthesizers are rarely featured on the album, being replaced by guitar, piano, and organ. This was a turning point in sound for the band and personally I believe for the better on listening back to them.
“I Absolutely Hate Synthesisers”: In a 1986 interview, Hollis was blunt, stating, “Beyond that, I absolutely hate synthesisers… if they didn’t exist, I’d be delighted” (unknown source)
There are some great guest musicians on this album including Robbie McIntosh of The Pretenders on guitar and Steve Winwood who played organ on Living in Another World, Happiness is Easy and one of favourites of theirs I Don’t Believe in You.
On July 11 1986, Talk Talk recorded an 87 minute performance ‘Live at Montreux’ at the Montreaux Jazz festival in Switzerland during their Colour of Spring Tour. The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland has hosted legendary performances across genres since 1967. Iconic bands and artists include Deep Purple (eight-time headliners), Queen, Muse, Radiohead, Wu-Tang Clan, The National, Kraftwerk, Massive Attack, and Status Quo.
The festival used to be featured on British TV, with songs not entire performances being shown, it was my first introduction to Talk Talk. My first actual purchase being Natural History in 1990 but is soon picked up the back catalogue. The Colour of Spring being a true favourite due to its end to end pure emotive quality.
It was the band’s only appearance at Montreux. It was documented during their final tour before becoming a studio-only project, making it a rare, high-quality visual record of them live. The performance was highly regarded for its artistic depth, contrasting with the band’s often reclusive nature.
Album Tracks
Happiness Is Easy
I Don’t Believe in You
Life’s What You Make It
April 5th
Living in Another World
Give It Up
Chameleon Day
Time It’s Time
This is a review as printed in the NME on 22nd February 1986. I’,ve been a reader of the NME for years but i have to disagree with this review. It is pretty damning of Mark Hollis’s voice and the music itself calling it Dull and having a Moribund ((of a person) at the point of death. Approach.
While this opinion and others like it have disappeared into the ether, The Colour of Spring stands as a testiment to the voice, the great lyrics and the beautiful melodies and overall songwriting of a quiet genius who did his talking through music.
