Top 20 Mark Hollis Songs (Talk Talk and solo)

The word 'genius' is thrown around far too liberally -- be it a creative, academic or sporting endeavor.
But it's a label that sits deservedly with British musician Mark Hollis, who turned 62 today.
Many won't have heard of Hollis -- or even the seminal band he fronted, Talk Talk. (Although, No Doubt, there'll be ripples of acknowledgement upon hearing "It's My Life".)
But to those luckily in the know, he's the gift that keeps on giving.
This list was a tough one to compile. I don't care so much for the of-its-time synth-pop of Talk Talk's first few albums, but their immersive sign-offs, Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock, and, to a lesser extent, the critical and commercial trump card The Colour of Spring, changed my world -- and did so when I needed it most.
So, to the list. Despite having less than 50 songs to play with -- there were only five Talk Talk albums and one solo offering -- I couldn't whittle down to a mere 10. Or 15. So I went with 20. Time to move your cursor to "John Cope" and work your way up through 20 spellbinding experiences.

 1.  New Grass Laughing Stock

 2.  I Believe in You Spirit of Eden
 3.  After the Flood Laughing Stock

 4.  April 5th The Colour of Spring
 5.  The Colour of Spring Mark Hollis
 6.  Eden Spirit of Eden
 7.  Taphead Laughing Stock
 8.  Inside Looking Out Mark Hollis
 9.  Myrrhman Laughing Stock
10. Westward Bound Mark Hollis
11. The Rainbow Spirit of Eden
12. Desire Spirit of Eden
13. Ascension Day Laughing Stock
14. A Life (1895-1915) Mark Hollis
15. Inheritance Spirit of Eden
16. Life's What You Make It The Colour of Spring

17. Time It's Time The Colour of Spring

18. Tomorrow Started It's My Life

19. It's My Life It's My Life

20. John Cope Asides Besides