RIP Mark Hollis

Absolute master. Whenever I feel my compositions are too extra I put on Talk Talk to be schooled in making space.

19 Likes

Amazing artist.last 3 albums are masterpieces.one of the greats

1 Like

5 Likes

A big loss. His solo album is one of my alltime favorites. Whats left now is silenceā€¦

3 Likes

I saw there very first ever live performance. I also helped promote their first album working in the record industry. Mark wad a one off. They started out mainstream and went their own way. A genius songwriter. Cant believe it!

10 Likes

Iā€™m ashamed to admit Iā€™ve never listened to it. Will remedy that later.

1 Like

Undoubtedly one of the most amazing, intense pieces of music ever conceived ā€¦ how this album was made and everything about his story only adds to the wonder of it, itā€™s a privilege to listen to this, but you have to listen to it to get the journey and the dynamics and the rawness, itā€™s sublime and peerless - the whole album is a masterpiece, but this side is the one to try

Iā€™m a huge fan of Milesā€™ Sketches of Spain, apparently Hollis was too and Iā€™m well into post-rock which this is now recognised as being the forebear of - but this is one of a kind, an intense year in the studio improvising, often in darkness, itā€™s so (and usually too) intense

you have to respect what he stood for, what an example, to prioritise family over this talent, not that many know much about him

what a voice :heart:


donā€™t listen on a phone or skip through if youā€™re new to this - pay it respect, it will grip and drain you, this is the real stuff


16 Likes

Amen. It doesnā€™t make any bit of sense that way.

3 Likes

Listened to Spirit of Eden this morning. Huge loss

1 Like

The Story Behind Spirit of Eden is great. Thanks for the link

2 Likes

For those who will listen to Hollis one and only solo-album, itā€™s even more important than with ā€˜Spirit of Edenā€™ to care how you listen. Take your time, sit and focus for it on your best listening place. And enjoy. The best way to honour this loss.

1 Like

Listening right now this solo album in my living room on speakers and its shockingly brilliant ā€¦ so full of peace and tender, sonically also amazing crazy arrangements of woodwinds and brass, great opening piano track ā€¦ bass and drums woow

2 Likes

The chapters in Phil Brownā€™s book, ā€˜Are we still rollingā€™ on his work with Talk Talk are a wonderful read. [the whole book is in fact].

Truly awe-inspiring music. I always held out hope that weā€™d here more someday.

2 Likes

Spirit of Edenā€¦

What an album

2 Likes

Never heard this beforeā€¦ Wow! What a beautiful piece of work.

1 Like

Sad loss, ā€˜Spirit of edenā€™ is one of my fave albums, actually finally bought it on vinyl only a couple of weeks ago. Iā€™ve never actually listened to his solo myself, will have to check it out.

1 Like

Now I have to drag out my .O.Rang albums.

1 Like

One of the main inspirations for the past 15 years of my music. A true genius of sparseness and restraint.

Iā€™m actually tempted to put a call out for submissions to a Mark Hollis tribute compilation; not covers, but tracks inspired by his work. Anyone interested? I have a few unfinished tracks already floating around (one actually called ā€œHollisā€) that I could work into something.

Those albums are very much essential listening, even though Hollis wasnā€™t involved. Fields and Waves is particularly close to my heart, especially the tracks Jalap and Seizure. I really wish theyā€™d released/recorded a third album.

2 Likes

Yes, I should have probably been more clear that Hollisā€™ death has me going back to not just Talk Talk, but other offshoots.

2 Likes

This is why I absolutely love this forum. I hadnā€™t ever listened to Spirit of Eden before today, and itā€™s a masterpiece. Every note, voice, drum sits right where it should, and itā€™s beautiful.

Sure, the forum has taught me loads about my Elektron boxes (and other wonderful gear), but I appreciate that we, as a community, can come together here and spread love for something so incredible.

9 Likes