It was December 2025. I was working diligently in my office, and my boss Michael walked in and started looking at my “Alternative Love” transistor radio diagram/history of alternative rock (see below).

We got into a long discussion about the diagram, and somehow we started talking about some of the most influential albums that we’ve heard. Michael blurted out, “Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden!” Apparently, it was one of the most amazing records he’d ever listened to. He said he was just floored by it when he played it for the first time back in 1988. Not just the music, but the quality of the production.

Well, I streamed it immediately on my way home and I was also floored.
A few weeks later, Michael brought me my very own vinyl copy of the album – a “half-speed” master which is a delight to play and listen to. In fact, I subjected some friends in town to it — Mark and Ashley, glad you liked it! Thank you, Michael, for sharing! Pitchfork has a great review of it here.
And, that transistor radio diagram of alternative rock is just way too cool. My wife gave me a poster of it a few years ago, and it has generated more conversation than anything else I have in my office. It can still be acquired to hang on your own wall!
Original Release Date: August 31, 1988
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