Note: For this year’s project, I’ve taken on the challenge of reviewing 100 new (to me) records. This is the latest in that series, and was suggested by On Repeat reader William Collen. These deeper dives are normally only available for paid subscribers, but I’ve dropped the paywall for this edition. If you’re enjoy it and would like to read more, please consider a paid subscription.
My favorite track on the album is "After the Flood". The density of the arrangement is astounding; it took me years of listening before I noticed certain parts. Although it is nine minutes long, it doesn't feel tedious at all; on the contrary, it feels much shorter than it actually is. The lyrics "shake my head / turn my face to the floor" express a strange emotion of shame, and the following extended noise solo almost feels like a wordless cry from the heart. Brilliant. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Quite a lot going on for those who are willing to be patient and allow multiple listens to absorb this album's richness.
Hey Kevin, I'm a regular substack reader but found you in the outer wilds of the internet via a search for "Taphead" by Talk Talk. Finally tracked you to here which is a safe space for me :).
It's 1.45am, I'm doing my work thing, and I like some vinyl when I'm coding. It forces me to stand up every 25 minutes which isn't much but betters 8 hours of numb spotify streams.
Anyway someone had given me the Talk Talk LP.
And I really like this track. It does bring a radiohead premonition, but also has the subtlest (beautiful) jazz backing, and a maybe-talktalk-exclusive sound that reminded of those "animals and pouting dude" videos they made when I was a kid. Very empty and sad yet beautiful and uplifting. I think it's a special song. (Maybe a top ten IML, at least for now. )
Haven't looked at your other writing, but looking forward to doing so
The instrumental version of this album would be perfection.
My favorite track on the album is "After the Flood". The density of the arrangement is astounding; it took me years of listening before I noticed certain parts. Although it is nine minutes long, it doesn't feel tedious at all; on the contrary, it feels much shorter than it actually is. The lyrics "shake my head / turn my face to the floor" express a strange emotion of shame, and the following extended noise solo almost feels like a wordless cry from the heart. Brilliant. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Quite a lot going on for those who are willing to be patient and allow multiple listens to absorb this album's richness.
Hey Kevin, I'm a regular substack reader but found you in the outer wilds of the internet via a search for "Taphead" by Talk Talk. Finally tracked you to here which is a safe space for me :).
It's 1.45am, I'm doing my work thing, and I like some vinyl when I'm coding. It forces me to stand up every 25 minutes which isn't much but betters 8 hours of numb spotify streams.
Anyway someone had given me the Talk Talk LP.
And I really like this track. It does bring a radiohead premonition, but also has the subtlest (beautiful) jazz backing, and a maybe-talktalk-exclusive sound that reminded of those "animals and pouting dude" videos they made when I was a kid. Very empty and sad yet beautiful and uplifting. I think it's a special song. (Maybe a top ten IML, at least for now. )
Haven't looked at your other writing, but looking forward to doing so