Asides Besides cover

Asides Besides

Talk Talk · 1998

143 min · 28 tracks · alternative rock

A rich tapestry of extended mixes and demos that showcase Talk Talk's evolution from synth-pop to art rock experimentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It's My Life (extended version) — This track exemplifies Talk Talk's blend of pop sensibility and emotional depth, becoming an anthem that transcended its era and solidified their mainstream appeal.
  • →
    Such a Shame (extended mix) — The song's intricate arrangement and melancholic lyrics highlight the band's shift towards more introspective themes, showcasing their artistic maturity.
  • →
    Life's What You Make It (extended mix) — This track combines upbeat energy with profound existential lyricism, encapsulating Talk Talk's ability to juxtapose sound and meaning effectively.
  • →
    Dum Dum Girl (12″ mix) — The extended version allows for deeper immersion into its haunting melodies and lyrical storytelling, reflecting the band's experimental tendencies.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • melancholic melodies for introspection
  • for reflective evening sessions
  • wave-like pacing encourages deep listening
  • experimentation appreciated by curious listeners

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
  • seek quick, instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Asides Besides, released in 1998, served as a retrospective compilation after the band’s disbandment in 1991. It marked the end of their journey, showcasing their transition from catchy synth-pop tracks like It's My Life to more complex arrangements found in Spirit of Eden. The album highlights their artistic growth and enduring influence on subsequent genres.
Stylistic neighbors
The Blue Nile· David Sylvian· Radiohead

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Life's What You Make It (extended mix)

    The bridge introduces a shift in perspective that emphasizes personal agency amidst life’s unpredictability.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Talk Talk (extended version) 4:34
  • 2 Today (extended version) 4:33
  • 3 My Foolish Friend (extended version) 5:30
  • 4 It’s My Life (extended version) 6:19
  • 5 Such a Shame (extended mix) 7:00
  • 6 Such a Shame (dub mix) 6:33
  • 7 Dum Dum Girl (12″ mix) 5:23
  • 8 Without You (12″ mix) 5:55
  • 9 Life’s What You Make It (extended mix) 7:01
  • 10 Living in Another World (extended remix) 8:58
  • 11 Pictures of Bernadette (dance mix) 8:06
  • 12 Happiness Is Easy (12″ mix) 7:02

Disc 2

  • 1 Talk Talk (demo) 3:28
  • 2 Mirror Man (demo) 3:30
  • 3 Candy (demo) 4:24
  • 4 Strike Up the Band 2:45
  • 5 ? 4:08
  • 6 My Foolish Friend 3:19
  • 7 Call in the Night Boy (piano version) 3:49
  • 8 Why Is It So Hard? 4:04
  • 9 Again a Game… Again 4:11
  • 10 Without You 3:26
  • 11 Dum Dum Girl (US mix) 3:39
  • 12 It’s Getting Late in the Evening 5:45
  • 13 For What It’s Worth 5:21
  • 14 Pictures of Bernadette 5:03
  • 15 Eden (edit) 4:21
  • 16 John Cope 4:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata