Reviewed by Eric on 22 Nov 2003
A beautifully presented disc of unreleased, and extended versions from the previous two
Talk Talk albums- Spirit Of Eden and Laughing Stock. As both releases were highly progressive, I recommend
starting with these as well as The Colour Of Spring prior to seeking
this CD out. Taken on it’s own, Missing Pieces is a fine addition to any collection
and a wonderful postscript to one of the most innovative bands the 1980’s had to offer.
Reviewed by Marc on 17 Dec 2003
On Missing Pieces you get four alternate versions of songs from the last two (and most progressive) Talk Talk albums and three instrumental improvisations.
Three of the four songs are quite interesting, giving "Keyboard-bass-guitar-drums" only versions of the more dressed original pieces.The other song "Ascension Day" is very similar to the original and ends abruptly.
As for the instrumentals, two of them are quite interesting, reminding me a bit of what The Fower Kings like to do : improvs in a somewhat fusion style. The last instrumental, a piano only improvisation, is, in my opinion, an insult to the listener. It sounds like someone who has never played the piano before, trying to hit combinations of keys that will sound good together, this done in a very slow and reflective way.
Still, there is enough good music on Missing Pieces to add it to your Talk Talk catalogue. Just consider you have bought a 6 track 35 minute album instead of seven tracks and 50 minutes.
Recommended for the completist.