Song of the Day 2/28: Talk Talk, “It’s My Life”

The music world is mourning the death of Mark Hollis, founder of the British band Talk Talk, best known for a string of synth-pop dance hits in the early ’80s, culminating with “It’s My Life,” later an international hit when covered by No Doubt.

If that was all he ever did, his passing would hardly have been noticed. But after the success of the but revered by a generation of musicians for their groundbreaking albums at the end of the decade, when Hollis’ vision left commercial considerations behind in favor of a unique mix of rock, jazz and ambient music that was later dubbed “post-rock” on the album “Spirit of Eden.” His record company, EMI, at first rejected the album as commercially unviable. Though EMI eventually released it, their instincts were on the money, as its challenging style proved baffling to fans and critics alike, and Hollis refused to tour or release videos to help market it.

Talk Talk broke up in 1991. Hollis released a solo album in 1998 and then left the music industry, except for occasional guest appearances on others’ albums. He leaves behind dozens of musicians inspired by the music once deemed unmarketable.