VOL. 1, TRACK 3: TALK TALK, “TALK TALK”
It takes a certain kind of band to name a song after themselves. Talk Talk’s “Talk Talk” is, of course, the classic example, but the Living in Oblivion compilation offers up another gem (which we will get to later on): Living in a Box’s “Living in a Box.” But let’s start right where we are. Because it seems like Talk Talk has something they really want to talk about, here, in “Talk Talk.” Namely, that they don’t feel like they’re being heard.
Have you ever had one of those friends… or, worse, love interests…. who just yammers on and on and on about themselves, while hardly taking a break to let YOU into the conversation? Well, I think that’s exactly what Talk Talk is talking about here. All you do to me is talk talk… talk, talk, talk, talk…. all you do to me is talk talk is how the chorus of “Talk Talk” goes, and there’s not terribly much more to the song after that.
But the interesting thing here is the music video. Yes, the concept is kind of boring. The same severe, metallic prison walls encircling the band; no storyline; no extras; and certainly no video vixens to be found in this one. But the emoting…. it’s fantastic!
Lead singer Mark Hollis legitimately looks like he’s having an anxiety attack while he’s singing, which only furthers the urgency of the overall shut the fuck up! bottom line-message conveyed by the song’s lyrics. And the rest of the band members seem like they were totally game to get into the emoting spirit, too, which is great to see. Too often, everyone besides the lead singer in any given high-concept ‘80s video looks like a reluctant extra. But not these guys. Especially not Talk Talk’s drummer, who has a really interesting, dynamic haircut that centers around a ponytail.
I will give the video a 7/10 based on Hollis’ emoting alone. It’s a strong song, but his over-the-top facial expressions is what really does it for me. R.I.P., Mark Hollis; you had a lot to say, and you won’t be forgotten. Not if New Wave Parade has anything to do with it!
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