The Rise of Talk Talk: In Another World Book Review (Part 1)

#bookreview #talktalk #booktube Part 2 Summer is here:    • How Talk Talk Became One of Music's Most I...   Links to buy this book https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/bo... https://amzn.to/43afurg In Another World: The Four Seasons of Talk Talk - by Graeme Thompson As a long-time admirer of Talk Talk and someone who owns virtually everything the band has recorded, I approached Graeme Thompson's In Another World: The Four Seasons of Talk Talk with both excitement and high expectations. Having read most of the major books about the band—including Ben Ward's excellent study of Mark Hollis—I was curious to see what fresh perspective Thompson could bring to a story that has already been told several times. The book takes an unconventional approach. Rather than presenting a straightforward chronological biography, Thompson structures his narrative around four “seasons,” each corresponding to one of the band's later creative milestones: The Colour of Spring*, *Spirit of Eden*, *Laughing Stock*, and Mark Hollis's self-titled solo album. This framework largely bypasses Talk Talk's first two albums, *The Party's Over and It's My Life*. While Thompson describes *The Party's Over as a somewhat patchy record, I would disagree. Although firmly rooted in the electro-pop sound of its era, it contains strong songwriting and deserves more recognition than it receives here. My initial reaction to the book was mixed. The opening pages left me uncertain about whether I would enjoy Thompson's style. However, once I reached the first major section—“Spring,” focusing on *The Colour of Spring*—the book quickly became engrossing. What makes this section particularly compelling is the depth of detail devoted to the recording process. Thompson explores not only the music itself but also the musicians involved, the creative decisions made in the studio, and the practical realities of making a record. As someone with experience in music production, I found these insights fascinating. Readers less interested in the technical aspects of recording may not find every detail equally engaging, but there is more than enough broader context to maintain interest. One of the book's strengths is its ability to uncover lesser-known aspects of the band's history. The discussion of the touring period surrounding The Colour of Spring includes information that was new to me, even after reading other books on Talk Talk. Thompson examines the realities of life on the road, including the role of alcohol and drugs within touring culture, offering a candid and illuminating perspective without descending into sensationalism. The book's structure is another notable achievement. Thompson frequently pauses the main narrative to provide additional context and reflection. At one point, after discussing the first side of The Colour of Spring as if listening to the album on vinyl, he inserts a brief chapter with "now breathe,” stepping away from the album itself to explore related themes and background information. This approach creates a reading experience that feels thoughtful and immersive rather than strictly linear. In fact, the book almost encourages readers to revisit the music as they progress through its pages. I found myself repeatedly returning to the albums while reading, hearing familiar songs in a new light thanks to the context Thompson provides. At this stage, having completed only the first section, my verdict is highly positive. In Another World is a beautifully written and deeply researched exploration of Talk Talk's most artistically significant period. It is not a conventional biography, nor is it necessarily a book for casual readers seeking a simple overview of the band's history. However, for dedicated Talk Talk fans and anyone interested in the creative process behind some of the most innovative music of the 1980s and 1990s, it is an absorbing and rewarding read. Based on the strength of its opening section alone, this is a book I would strongly recommend. Ian J Cole May 2026 About Sinners Music We provide engaging videos about music, films books, theatre and art installations, We focus on making it easier for you to make informed choices about entertainment and music. we also run a record label, have a monthly Sinners Podcast and the Audiophile Radio Show. https://www.sinnersmusic.co.uk