Had The MOST RIVETING 1 Hit Wonder of the 80s…Then QUIT MUSIC To RAISE His Kids | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the most underrated band or artist of the 80s? One that doesn't get the credit it deserves?

[@peterd.9978]

OMD

[@christineml1476]

XTC Jesus and Mary Chain would be a close second.

[@thetitleisours1]

ELOY and Duke Jupiter

[@stephenbrown4211]

China Crisis

[@brentcox7772]

Loverboy??🤘🔥

[@nadaworldrecords]

The fact that Talk Talk are widely known as a one-hit wonder is sad because their whole discography is critically acclaimed, their Montreux Jazz Fest is legendary, and Mark Hollis a true artist. Their sound evolved so much by the Laughing Stock LP

[@ExKingFelix]

One-hit wonder. They were an album band, and they progressed like a prog band with every successive album. And most importantly, their music gave chill bumps and moved me to tears. Especially things like "It's getting late in the evening" and Side Two of Spirit of Eden. Spirit of Eden is like Joy Division's Closer to me -- As much as I love side 1 of both records, I could immerse myself in side 2 of both records, and both of them weave a spell. They saved the best for side two.

[@OnlyGoodMusic_]

It doesn't even make sense to call them a hit wonder, "Such a shame" was a massive hit throughout Europe.

[@juanferreira5931]

RIP Mark. "I Believe In You".

[@stumurmer01]

The evolution of Talk Talk from The Party's Over (1982) to Laughing Stock (1991) is nothing short of astounding. Spirit Of Eden is now quite rightly regarded as an all time classic and their fans among the industry range from Robert Plant, Pink Floyd, Tears For Fears, to Radiohead, Elbow and Blonde Redhead. Mark Hollis was truly a one off.

[@Vortigan07]

I couldn't agree more, an absolutely astounding musical evolution, unlike any before or since. It took me a long time to "get" Laughing Stock but once I did and it all fell into place, wow!! For me, Mark Hollis was a legitimate musical genius who arrived, did everything he wanted to do, worked out his vision and then, once completed, quietly left the stage without fuss or fanfare. May he rest in peace 🌹

[@richh650]

It's My Life, would cause me to always stop and listen. What a voice and gorgeous song....

[@Brokenhill42]

I was waiting for this episode! I named my son Hollis after Mark. 'Spirit of Eden' is one of my all time favorite albums. And "Living In Another World" is one of the greatest pop/rock songs EVER, IMO.

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Wow. He died at 67 which means he really made the right call in spending time with his family. Be thankful for everyone you care about that is still in your life and be extra thankful for those you have in your life that are in their 80's and beyond.

[@megguardio5676]

Unfortunately he was only 64..

[@andyquelch5754]

In my opinion, one of the greatest singer/songwriters during my lifetime. A true genius. A lovely tribute to his memory. Thank you.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Nothing but respect for anyone that puts family first. While it would have been nice to hear more of his heart and soul, I'm sure he lived out his days in peace.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Exactly! What a great guy!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Family is very important. So is mental health.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 could not possibly agree more.

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Mark David Hollis, creative Genius

[@AI_Surfer]

The songs 'Talk Talk', 'It's My Life', and 'Such A Shame', are absolute 80s gems.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

All three songs are worth multiple listens.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

I’m a new wave fanatic - those songs are absolute new wave gems.

[@ignoblesavage5559]

i'd put Life's What You Make It at the very top of that list... it's a song i liked a LOT when i heard it first in the 90s, and even more when a girlfriend sent a mixtape with that song in 1991. those opening notes just do something to you...

[@ronaran8420]

Happiness Is Easy Spirit I believe in You

[@martinarscott3524]

I'd add 'Today' to that list, it never gets a look in which is a shame, it's my favourite of the 4

[@ericjohnson5227]

Thanks for doing a bit on Mark Hollis. Genius. You mentioned that many people perhaps didn't even hear of Mark's passing. I cried when I heard. Soundtrack to my life for a couple decades at least - loved the late Talk Talk as much as the early Talk Talk.

[@trinaq]

I don't blame Mark Hollis for stepping out of the spotlight. Fame isn't for everyone, and as long as he's happy, that's all that matters.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right! Thanks Trina!

[@Whisper_292]

Amen!

[@dkimuk]

I'm sad to let you know that he died of cancer nearly 5 years ago. He retired early so that he could spend more time with his family and it's wonderful that he got to do that. Such great music, but respect to him for putting his family and well being first.

[@theuprights1954]

Exactly right. I toured all over the country with somewhat famous artists for years and hated it. Now I write and record my own music full time. I'm happier now than I ever was trying to be a 'rock star'. Music is life. Stardom is unnecessary.

[@babayaga1767]

i'm a musician who has had some regional fame. it sucks. i've had fans find my house. people come up to you and call by name and think they know you. they get angry when you're not exactly the way they fantasized about. i walked away too. i can only imagine what it's like on a global scale. people like MJ or Prince, fuggedaboudit

[@ccl005jn]

The fact that he died relatively young, makes his choice even more perfect. Family is all there is at the end of the day. Love your channel.

[@tornicade]

He treated music like an addiction . . That type of family commitment is rare amongst those who have tasted success in the music industry

[@tedbecker4051]

So much respect to anyone who chooses to put family first, especially someone in an industry in which that is the exception.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Makes me love him even more.

[@lfd_eng9219]

Didn't know that he stepped away to take care of his family. That makes him even more amazing in my book. Family first should be everyone's goal. Great background as always Prof!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What a caring man.

[@robertcringle4865]

As much as I like "it's My Life" I love "Life's What You Make It" a bit more. The Color of Spring is a perfect album. RIP Mark Hollis.

[@bmljenny]

I remember being mesmerized by the video for “Life’s What You Make It” with all the busy nighttime woodland creatures.

[@simonmason8582]

"The Colour of Spring" here in the UK.

[@rachael_grey]

That's my favorite as well. Just an incredible song. The rhythm just hammers.

[@MalMotorDedo]

Their discography is amazing, mainly the last 3 albums! Laughing Stock changed my life!!!!!

[@GianmarioScotti]

The Professor's love for Mark Hollis is evident, and it gave this video presentation of Hollis' life even more power and authenticity.

[@otaku1524]

Not surprising. Both Mark and the Professor are dads. Much respect to dads!

[@billthecat6764]

Many thanks for covering Mark and Talk Talk. I have been a fan for 40 years. Never tired of listening to their music over the years and still appreciate every note. RIP Mark

[@colin_a]

Spot on, Mark was brilliant.., such a shame we lost him so early..

[@levthederg]

The book "Mark Hollis: A Perfect Silence" is the only biography that I ever had the interest of picking up. Hearing his music for the first time and then learning that he straight up left the music industry and limelight entirely until he passed is what left me wanting to learn more about him and his music. The book really is just a goldmine of information, really. I would highly recommend anyone who wants to learn more about him to give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

[@michaeltowner1748]

Thanks - ill look for it

[@daniellindell2026]

Mark sounds like a good man who left this world too early. I'm sure he had his family around him when he passed. Thanks for another informative episode!

[@cvan7681]

The color of Spring is one of the finest things ever recorded! The moving solo from "I don't believe in you" is incredible.

[@lorrieoiler1878]

Oh my goodness... this made me cry. One of my late brother's favorite songs; we lost my brother in 2019. My brother loved 80s New Wave/ synth pop, and he always noticed small nuances. His favorite part of this song is the "crash" as the song opens. Love Mark's voice... so beautiful and passionate. Thanks again for another awesome tribute to a truly amazing song, band, and singer!

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤ It's My Life is a very underrated song from the 80s. Love Talk Talk.......... the 80s had music for everyone's taste. A home run today, Professor! Thanks for this. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ProfessorofRock]

Well said! Are you ready for Christmas Roger?

[@rogerdeahl9629]

@ProfessorofRock Yes Sir I am. This shapes up to be thr best Christmas 🎄 in probably 15 years. If I don't get to talk to you in the next week, Have a great Christmas also! 🎄

[@jakeolthof]

Summer of 84 I saw Berlin, Talk Talk, and Bang Bang play in Manteca California.

[@marktait2371]

yeh agree roger friend dj gave me a copy of the original.45 single has a really cool extended version he played in clubs good bside also worth having if you can find one

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Just a lovely song.

[@laurat1129]

“It’s My Life” has always been one of my fave ‘80s songs, perfect tune for my teen years. Beautiful voice, ethereal melancholy sound, also loved the exotic, far away video. “Life’s What You Make It” is another fave w/a similar theme, obvs, but the latter resonates even more so with me now at 50+. Never knew much about the real meaning of the lyrics or Mark Hollis himself, but nice that he really did live his own life and chose his family. Sorry to hear of his passing, but his prescient music lives on.

[@michaelmendoza9214]

A gem of a song, IT'S MY LIFE. No one, and I mean no one, should have ever touched this song. I was never a fan of NO DOUBT and now will never be one. RIP, MARK HOLLIS and thank you for one of the greatest recordings ever.

[@thebrownknowser]

Thank you so much for finally covering Mark Hollis and Talk Talk. For me, they were one of the greatest bands in the 80s. I loved the evolution of their music. Please cover more songs from this phenomenal band.

[@MiguelBortfeldt]

The albums "It's my life" and "The colour of spring" have a very special place in my life and my collection. I confess It took a while to appreciate "Spirit of Eden" but once I did it became very special for me too. As a note, "I believe in you", my favourite song from this album, was dedicated to Hollis' brother who was dying (and actually died before the album's release) from drug abuse. Thanks for the video!

[@jurgenkrall6532]

I love the album too. Brilliant

[@luckymanwinner]

I believe in you one of the greatest songs ever

[@sariahut1]

One of the most underrated bands of the 80’s. I love that you’ve taken upon yourself to educate others about these kinds of bands. More people need to know about the music that inspired their favorite bands. It’s disappointing that so many people don’t know that Gwen Stefani’s version of “It’s My Life” is a cover.

[@renatatarnawski5974]

I did T'was good But Not Like the Original

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Thank God I heard the original version first.

[@sariahut1]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Right! I remember listening to it in high school. Thank goodness for friends that were a good influence on my music taste.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@sariahut1 I taught myself all this great music through Google.

[@madbrowniac7871]

Not only is "It's My Life" a Cover there are at least two other occasions where the phrase itself appears in a big Song. "It's My Life" by Eric Burdon and The Animals. Then in 1969 IIRC "Whispering" Bill Anderson scored a giant Number One on Billboard's Country & Western Chart with a Song called "My Life." The key phrase is somewhat cynical: "It's My Life/ Throw it away if I want to!"🤔😉🎤🎼🎵🎶🎸🎹🎷🎺🎻🥁B.W.

[@alanhigginson7679]

What a voice and what a man nobody understud music like Hollis one of the best bands ever each album just got better miss you mark r.i.p

[@spanishpeaches2930]

Eddie and the Hot Rods....that's a throwback to my distant youth ! Wrote some very good stuff, Mark. Taken too soon, sadly.

[@galebailey5583]

Seeing that wonderful black and white photo of the benevolent smiling young man says it all. Without even hearing his story, Mark Hollis just gives off nice guy vibes!! Thank you for presenting his story! ❤️

[@C2C.]

Thank you for remembering Mark Hollis. He was one of the most brilliant artists of his era -- a true musician and vastly underrated. "Master of sonic solitude" describes him well. "Such a Shame" and "Tomorrow's Started" will always be among my favorites. Though he had retired from music, I was still deeply saddened when he passed...I had hoped that he would one day create more music after he raised his family. Glad for his legacy...

[@lki498]

How many of us could live so honestly. Love the band members, love the music. Timeless. Beautiful.

[@mournblade1066]

Talk Talk was such a great band. "It's My Life" is one of the greatest songs of the 1980s. No Doubt's cover was actually quite good.

[@samanthab1923]

I liked it too. Reminded me of how much I loved Talk Talk ❤

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

I agree, that was a really solid cover.

[@RBS_]

....I was gonna leave the No Doubt Top Ten on me comment, but, a tight Work time, today....maybe next time! ...ha-HAAA!

[@smelltheglove2038]

Check out Vannu Mallesh. His song, “It’s my Life Whatever I Wanna Do” it’s fantastic.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agree on both counts. Not better than the original!

[@davemarsden4649]

I am forever grateful to Mark for what he gave us. If you haven't ever heard "It's Getting Late in the Evening", you owe it to yourself to seek it out.

[@rhondarandall4500]

HE. was so interesting👍🤩 and his voice was very ethereal and beautiful he was very genuine. 👍 SADLY MISSED❤😥 from a 76 yr old aussie singer songwriter♥️

[@Takadanobaka]

He was a true musical genius ♫ Thank you for Mark, we dearly miss him . Let his music spread all over the world :)

[@kevinfisher5492]

There is something utterly magical about Talk Talk. I know Spirit of Eden gets cited often but once you hear it, you'll understand why. The full concert for Talk Talk "Live at Montreaux" is here on KZbin and I recommend watching it. They were incredible live...powerful.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Have you seen them?

[@kevinfisher5492]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Nope, they were just a tad before my time. Was still in elementary school when "Life's What You Make It" came out, but of course THAT song...and video...made one hell of a strong impression. I'm glad for the Montreaux concert to show me what it could have been like.

[@bobhope8058]

An absolute genius as accomplished as Bowie in bringing joy from his sublime musical legacy so underrated but at the pinnacle of British music

[@sspbrazil]

R.I.P. Mark, both “Spirit of Eden” and “Laughing Stock” are two of the best albums ever recorded.

[@ThomasJester1968]

Amen to that. Masterpieces, both.

[@jameshunter7303]

Talk Talk are quite possibly the most underrated band of the 80’s. Their music was and remains wonderful. Mark was a big loss to the industry and I hope he is finally resting in peace

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He seemed like such a sweet soul who just didn’t like being in the spotlight. At least we still have his wonderful music.

[@neurometrik]

Not underrated, under appreciated

[@jameshunter7303]

@@neurometrik yes that word is a better fit. Some bands though are of a quality that is above the masses, which I think is the case with Talk Talk’s last 3 albums

[@driver4011]

"it's my life" such a great song. no doubt's cover is very good.

[@edwardmorehouse1424]

Adam thank you for highlighting Mark Hollis. Talk Talk was an excellent band. Mark had a unique voice and was a very good songwriter. Gone way too soon.

[@retrobebop61]

I love this! His voice was amazing! “Life’s What You Make It” is one of my favorite song.

[@chesterthomas5093]

Thank you for this episode. I’ve been a fan of Mark Hollis and Talk Talk since the 80’s. I believe Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock are two of the most beautiful albums ever recorded.

[@Skeloric]

That song. It haunted me for years as a kid. I barely believed I had heard it. I never knew the band, back then if the DJ didn't say the song or band it remained a mystery. I'm slowly trying to build up a collection of nostalgia songs - at 54 I am simply finding my mind gets more and more weird about the past. Songs I loved and songs I hated, as long as they are old now I'll listen to either. (Though the ones I love more often.) Because I have enough ancestors that barely got out of their 50s to convince me that I might indeed be especially mortal. Now that I know the song and band, I can finally search this out and add it to my "mix" on my phone.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Gotta love that sense of honesty and virtue. Many struggle with having to balance personal and stardom life, but he simply went all in on stardom, then knew it was time to go back to a normal life. Kind of inspiring in an odd, but pure way.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed. I love it. What an example. Thanks RC32!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock For sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Being in the spotlight can put a strain on you physically, mentally, and emotionally, and I’m glad he recognized that and did what he had to do to exit the spotlight.

[@christineml1476]

Loved Talk Talk's sound, and while it's sad they didn't create more music, I have immense respect for him prioritizing family.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding! So cool! What's your favorite Christine?

[@christineml1476]

​@@ProfessorofRock"April 5th" - it's a great song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree. Priorities.

[@najihaddad7616]

Thank you professor for giving this tribute to a wonderful soul and a unique voice. “It’s my life “was maybe their biggest hit but songs like “such a shame “ or “I don’t believe in you” among others are definitely worth the detour. RIP Mark Hollis.❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@nathanielrobite3573]

I grew up in the 80s in my teenage years and Talk Talk was one of my favorites among many British artists. I still listen to the genius of Mark Hollis' songwriting and I truly love their musicality and attention to meticulous, audible complexity in bringing in unique sounds and instruments in their songs. Song writing and musical arrangement at its best. Songs like Such A Shame and It's My Life are my top faves in their, I dare say, 'essential' artistry for those who love great music. Love this band. Love Mark's voice.

[@lhair02]

Mark Hollis, the first music death that made me shed tears when i heard it on the news. Talk Talk is a band of the ages, from the new romantic The Party's Over which gives off the duran duran sound, the great it's my life album to the organic and lush Colour of Spring and further on the iconic Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock. Their catalogue is a great evolution of a band's sound who not can only appeal to all admirers of music no matter which era of the band is your favourite, it's a phenomenal band which I still adore to this day and love collecting their records. The live footage of this band in their final live tour is their best of their touring years, a lavish percussion section which featured David Rhodes on guitar who made that live lineup so wonderful. Paul Webb's side project O'Rang is a great continuation of the post rock sound of talk talk

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agree on all points. Great comment my friend!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Talk Talk, It’s My Life, Such a Shame, and Life’s What You Make It are all underrated 80s classics.

[@TUMNIAISETU]

The color of spring album has been inmytop 20 favourite records ever since I first listened to it back in 1986. It's imho a masterpiece.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love Life’s What You Make It.

[@scottbroady3159]

NOW we’re talking. Talk Talk is one of the hidden gems of the 80’s and early 90’s. It’s a journey to listen to all 5 of their LPs back to back; you can Almost bear the changes in real time, and The Colour Of Spring is the ultimate inflection point.

[@shanehebert396]

Love this song. We didn't have cable because we lived in a rural area. I had friends who lived in our small town who had cable, so that was where I was able to watch the cable music video programs late at night when we had sleepovers back in middle/high school. Music videos were absolutely amazing back then. This video (among many others) is one of my core memories of first watching music videos back when I was a kid.

[@karenbricker4687]

So glad to hear he stood up for his morales and not doing what others did. RIP Mark Hollis 😢

[@markgatland977]

This band, to this day, remain one of my utter touchstones in music. Maybe it's a UK thing, but Talk Talk are rightly revered as founding fathers of Post Rock music. Spirit Of Eden and Laughing Stock are two of the most beautiful albums ever made ♥️

[@bicyclist2]

I love it when the Professor does 80's music. This is a Great song. Thank you.

[@stevefallone]

I was just recently listening to Laughing Stock. It's become over the years an underground favorite of many people, unappreciated at the time. Talk Talk and Mark Hollis have become one of my favorite artists. Thanks for shining a spotlight on him and his music

[@6lillium]

"Life's What You Make It "will always be my favorite Talk Talk track...... words to live by. The Colour Of Spring " is a top 5 album of the 80s decade , despite not having their biggest hit . It's still regarded so today.

[@FreihEitner]

"Baby, life's what you make it." I rediscovered that on KZbin Music not too long ago, and with the first four notes I recalled hearing it on the radio in the 80s.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a great record.

[@williambenner701]

I have so much respect for Mark for putting his family first. I have seen so many great musicians tour themselves to death. The record industry can eat you up and spit you out. No Doubt did a great cover of Its My Life though! One of my favorite songs that they did. I would love it you would do something on Tragic Kingdom, Adam, because this is such a great album.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You know, I think Adam is running on a theme here this week, considering yesterday’s video covered a song about the hidden side of touring and being a famous musician.

[@kevinjeffery1865]

Talk Talk was and is the best music ever. RIP Mark

[@dgarve]

Congratulations, Adam, on 1000 videos--that's quite an achievement!! Well done, and feel free to reach out if you need any suggestions on future video ideas. Looking forward to what comes next! Congrats again. - Dave

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you! Will do! What would you like to see next?

[@chrispetrillo9042]

​@@ProfessorofRockI can only speak for myself but I would love to see you cover Loser by Beck, Human Behavior by Bjork, Ship of Fools by World Party, Generals and Majors by XTC, The whole of the moon by The Waterboys and 21st Century Schizoid man by King Crimson.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Whaaat? This is an exciting milestone! Congrats 🎉

[@stevebengel1346]

​@@chrispetrillo9042some really great songs in that list 💯

[@BillGraper]

This is a classic from my early middle school years. No Doubt did a cover, but it's just not the same. They stayed true to the original, but the vocals in the chorus of the original are more haunting & take me back to 5th grade. One of those time machine songs for sure!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. Thanks Bill! Rock on!

[@BillGraper]

​@@ProfessorofRockDitto! 🙂

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And Mark’s voice is more powerful.

[@retrobebop61]

I hated it when No Doubt did this song. Makes me cringe if I hear it in a grocery store.

[@Georgygirl62]

Dearest Prof- Thank you so much for this, I JUST learned today of Mark's passing, not exactly connected, but appreciated just the same.

[@JRoss707]

It’s a very similar story to Raul Malo, the founder and lead singer of the group the Mavericks. They were an up-and-coming band, starting to hit the charts, and I believe in the mid 90’s halfway into a tour, he just upped and called it quits. His marriage a little rocky, and tired of being away from his family , he bought a nice work van and all the good tools and essentially became a high-end plumber, so he could spend time with his family and kids. After sometime of this, he said he was underneath the house one morning, crawling around on his stomach in freezing weather and he saw some band’s tour bus going down the highway and he soon got the hankering to return to music. He talked it over with his wife and she gave him her blessing, he called up his former bandmates, and they got back together. Surprisingly, the Mavericks made it even more big on their second go around, becoming huge, which you don’t see happen too often.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s a comeback like no other.

[@C2C.]

Love The Mavericks, too. Would have been such a loss if Raul Malo hadn't returned to music.

[@kxrv6629]

Love the ethereal power of It’s My Life! Ironically it’s right up there for me with DM’s Enjoy the Silence. Love No Doubt’s cover too

[@1972hermanoben]

There are some truly gobsmacking concert performances available on KZbin from TalkTalk. I don’t think I’ve heard or seen another band that can replicate exactly onstage what they achieved on their albums. Amazing artists led by a one-of-a-kind, visionary frontman.

[@brianandrea3249]

Can't really put a finger on why, but the video for Its My Life is just perfect. Talk Talk are an all time favourite. So many amazing songs and sounds and depth. Hollis was a genius.

[@carolmartin4413]

This was such a fun song. We enjoyed it whether we listened back in the 80's or back to oldies today. Sad he passed sooner rather than later but happy for him because he walked away to live the way he wanted. Gotta respect that.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

No matter what you think of this song, you cannot help but have at least some respect for this person.

[@catherine6653]

It's My Life by Talk Talk is a perfect 80s track. The melody is uplifting. When a cover is just as successful, it's evidence of a great song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree! It's just a perfect song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Personally, while I do like No Doubt’s cover, I will always prefer and defend Talk Talk’s original.

[@catherine6653]

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Me too. It's similar to Weezer cover of Africa. There can not be a better version of a perfect original song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@catherine6653 Right. Although I love the Weird Al cameo in the video.

[@meowmaxaroni]

Talk Talk’s original has aged really well. The fact that it only peaked at number 31 on the Hot 100 shows how competitive 1984 was.

[@jo.s7993]

One of my all time favourite songs....ever, & it never fails to move me. The heartfelt way Mark sings it, is achingly beautiful & I believe him with every single word. He sounds so sincere, it literally gives me butterfly's in the stomach. He also sounds like a really nice man, & I'm really sorry he is no longer with us.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was a genuinely amazing human being to be around.

[@simonkaye7268]

Reminding people about Mark Hollis is why your channel is so important. Great stuff POR!

[@amherst88]

Gratitude, Adam -- I only discovered Talk Talk in my way later years (other than the single which is one of the iconic songs of that decade) and have been mesmerized by their music ever since. For anyone interested there's a wonderful recent biography of Mark Hollis titled 'A Perfect Silence.'

[@jakeoncall]

As a bassist, this is one of my favorite lines to play along with. The arrangement and production is amazing and Mark's vocal is emotive and beautiful.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The layering of the synths in the production is haunting and ethereal.

[@michaelschmidt2590]

I agree this is one of my favorite bass lines.

[@scotabot7826]

Always had major respect for Mark, always will!!

[@emillion4470]

I was shocked to recently hear of the demise of Mark Hollis . "It's my life" has been a staple of my ever changing decades-old playlist. I've always marveled at the quality of Hollis' live vocals and musicianship.

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

The live performance 1986 in Montreux is THE best version I've found. It rates a perfect 10. Wish I could put the link here.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

It is astonishing.

[@rfinnegan7106]

Unreal good!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree! A wonderful performance!

[@ProfessorofRock]

YES!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ll listen to it myself.

[@edwardmorehouse1424]

Great tune,great voice and a true artist

[@tavomcdouglas]

One of my favorite 80's tunes. I was mesmerized by this tune as a kid who loved New Wave and Euro Synth Pop bands.

[@stevem-h3562]

RIP Mark Hollis. Gone too soon and so sorely missed, influencer of countless other artists.

[@mrcyde]

I am so happy to hear the story on this one. I've always loved this song. Thank you.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@woodsrdr]

He literally told us it was his life and then proved it. You can't fault a man for that.

[@thetitleisours1]

I am unfamiliar with this artist and his music. Thank you for introducing him to me.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What do you think of the song?

[@thetitleisours1]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 It is good. Surprised I do not remember it.

[@martinsheldon7319]

Watch the video to Such A Shame and see Mark's personality ooze from the screen via such a wonderful track and video. Rest in the peace you always wanted, Mark, and thank you.

[@AnyangU]

I absolutely loved this story. Props to Mark Hollis! I remember Talk Talk and Its My Life back in the day but I knew nothing of the band. I guess that is not surprising considering how private Mark Hollis was. RIP. IMHO, Its My Life is one of the greats!

[@bob_mosavo]

One of my favorite 80s songs. Thanks, Adam 🙂

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's such a beautiful song! Thanks for watching!

[@phranerphamily]

Heard this song so much. Getting to listen to a radio station that in Bellingham Washington is as close as you're going to get to the Canadian border while still being in a very small market area there is a lot of good music that got played. The algorithm of today has nothing on really good independent radio stations with excellent program managers and DJs that care about music

[@perrylewis375]

Saw them way back when in a basement club called the bowery in Oklahoma City they performed blew my mind and made me a huge fan of the song dumb dumb girl

[@ericsoucy9951]

Mark Hollis’s Talk Talk Genius he is. 1986 Montreux Fest performance, unbelievable

[@michaelbushell4356]

I adore Talk Talk, but I had to rediscover them. Yes there were the hits in the UK, but then I totally lost track of them until I started reading about Spirit Of Eden many years after its release. An astonishing album that sounds like nothing else and will forever be in my all-time Top 10 (maybe Top 5). Talk Talk are the favourite band of none other than Guy Garvey of Elbow and that really says it all.

[@NJM1948]

Brilliant - excellent history of Mark Hollis and Talk Talk

[@georgemathie8123]

Talk talk were such an amazing and innovative band and in such a short time created such wonderful and timeless music

[@MedeaJaff]

This is such a beautiful surprise! I've been listening to TalkTalk non-stop for a week, especially my favourite of their songs 'Tomorrow Started'. Missing Mark Hollis 💔

[@kattybob1749]

Thanks for covering "its my life". Absolutely magical group. "Today" is agreat up beat song, and the gradual change to the "spirit of Eden" was such a natural progression. Love this music. I was shocked when I learned of Mark's death.

[@Topnikko]

Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock are absolute masterpieces. And Mark's solo album.

[@jamespiekarski4301]

Thank you for finally covering Talk Talk. One of my favorite bands ever, with one of my all time favorite vocalists. Broke my heart when he died, but he left a small brilliant collection of music behind. It took me awhile to appreciate Spirit of Eden since I had a deep love for Colour of Spring and It's My Life, it was such a leap forward it took me a moment to catch up, but it blew my mind when it finally took me over as I listened to it over and over on my Walkman as I walked to and from campus at NAU in the winter of '88. Two absolutely brilliant albums in the latter stages of an outstanding band; works of musical genius that planted the seeds that Radiohead would continue to carry forth. Thanks again for shining a light on this deserving band.

[@lesHanalala]

I LOVE Mark ❤... Because of the MUSIC. His memory & that which he created will always reside in my heart, & I will forever treasure the spaces in between the notes 🎵

[@DanieVargas]

Oh man! I LOVE TALK TALK!! I found the band on MTV when I heard Dum Dum Girl. I was ENTHRALLED by Mark Hollis’s voice… and then I heard It’s My Life and found one more song to add to my Eternal Favorites list… when I heard Gwen Stephani singing one of MY FAVORITE SONGS, I had a sinking feeling she was gonna RUIN the song. What did this child know about this 80’s hit?! She didn’t ruin the song, but I don’t like her version…Hollis’s voice is just… ICONIC!! It’s My Life is still a song that lives eternally in my life. Thank you for SUCH A GREAT EPISODE for one of my favorite bands and singer.