It's a fortunate thing that this DVD exists. Up until now, we've been limited to audio examples of Talk Talk's excellence as an innovative group unnecessarily burdened with the limiting "80s" tag. Now we have some definitive video proof of their greatness. Recorded during their final tour, Live At Montreux 1986 is what fans of the band have been hoping for ever since... well, ever since 1986.

Recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival before an enthusiastic audience, this video captures the band at not only the height, but the end of their pop prowess. Comprising material from their first three albums, ending with Colour Of Spring, it almost comes off as an exuberant summation of their radio-friendly period, knowing full well that they're about to switch gears entirely. And that's not a bad thing; it's a wonderful thing. Because they decided to go out with a bang.

The band surrounds themselves with the addition of a guitarist, two keyboard players and two percussion players (back in a time when it must not have seemed odd to have two percussionists and a drummer, but only one guitar player). Mark Hollis leads the pack, both as the lead but also as the sonic force. Tragically unheralded for his unique and flawless vocals, he's one of the rare lead men who actually sound better and more energetic in a live setting, and his presence carries very able performances from the rest of the band.

At first it seem a tad disposable with the early signature song "Talk Talk", but it soon flows into more classic territory. The 80s sound definitely shines through during "Dum Dum Girl" and the start of "Call In The Night Boy", which then turns into a fusion jazz improv piece before finally settling back into the song. By the time you get to "Tomorrow Started", the band is definitely hitting their groove and starting to deliver a string of fan favorites.

The concert clocks in at almost an hour and a half, and features most of the tracks from this period that you would hope/expect, including "Life's What You Make It", "Does Caroline Know", "Give It Up" and of course "It's My Life." The inclusion of stellar versions of albums cuts like "I Don't Believe In You", an extended version of "Such A Shame" and the closing stunner "Renee" make for a completely fulfilling experience.