Talk Talk - Montreux 1986

July 11, 1986; Casino de Montreux, Switzerland. Watching this performance is not unlike watching Stop Making Sense in that it doesn’t seem possible you’re witnessing a band--clearly in their element, both confident and fluent in translating their compositions to a live setting--that will play fewer than 10 more dates and then quit the concert stage for good. Whereas Talking Heads from there would continue along a path of a more radio-friendly sound with their subsequent studio releases (Little Creatures through Naked), Talk Talk would do the absolute opposite (Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock). Here at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Talk Talk were touring behind their third LP, The Colour of Spring, a collection of eight songs as vibrant as its title would imply. Like Talking Heads on their final tours (sorry, I can’t help myself but for drawing unnecessary parallels), Talk Talk in '86 were playing with an expanded live band, adding five musicians to the stage with them to achieve a full and nuanced concert sound. Mark Hollis, forever a vocalist beyond belief, sounds divine.

I enjoy streaming concert recordings on my TV at home for either active viewing or invigorating the room while I do chores. I'll periodically share more live performances that I've treated my ears & eyes to for these purposes.