Mark Hollis – Talk-Talk

Mark David Hollis was an English musician and songwriter, best known as the co-founder, lead vocalist, and main songwriter of the influential post-rock band Talk Talk. Born on January 4, 1955, in Tottenham, London, Hollis grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at a young age. He formed Talk Talk in 1981 with drummer Lee Harris and bassist Paul Webb, and the band quickly gained a reputation for their experimental, atmospheric sound and Hollis’ emotive, introspective lyrics.

Hollis wrote or co-wrote most of Talk Talk’s music—including hits like “It’s My Life” and “Life’s What You Make It”—and in later works developed an experimental, contemplative style.

Hollis was known for his distinctive singing style, which often emphasized his vocal range and used long, drawn-out notes to convey a sense of tension and emotion. He was also known for his use of unconventional instrumentation and recording techniques, often incorporating elements of jazz, classical music, and avant-garde art into his work.

After Talk Talk disbanded in 1991, Hollis released a critically acclaimed self-titled solo album in 1998, which continued his exploration of atmospheric, introspective music. However, he largely retreated from the public eye after the release of the album, choosing to focus on his family and personal life rather than pursuing a full-time music career.

Overall, Mark David Hollis is remembered as a pioneering and influential figure in the world of post-rock and experimental music, and his work with Talk Talk and as a solo artist continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world. Hollis passed away on February 25, 2019, at the age of 64.

The Contemplative and The Receptive

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INFP — 459 – 469 – 479 – 145 – 458 – 478
INFJ — 459 – 145 – 125 – 146 – 469 – 458
ISFP — 469 – 479 – 459 – 269 – 279
INTP — 459 – 359 – 145 – 135

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The Receptive Contemplative
INFJ Tritype® 495

IN(F) TYPE 4 (HEART)

Enneagram Type 4: Romantic Individualist
Individualist, Artist, Over-Analyzer, Mystic or Melodramatic Elitist

“Such a Shame” is a single from British post-rock band Talk Talk and from the album “It’s My Life”. The song was written by the band’s frontman, Mark Hollis, and is widely regarded as one of their most iconic and influential tracks.

Musically, “Such a Shame” features a distinctive, propulsive rhythm and a dense, atmospheric sound that draws on elements of synthpop, new wave, and post-punk. The song’s memorable chorus is built around a repeated four-note melody, and Hollis’ vocals are characterized by their emotive, often falsetto delivery.

„I can’t imagine not playing music, but I don’t feel any need to perform music and, I don’t feel any need to record music. I’m really quite happy just to play one note, and just to hit it at different volume levels. And just, y’know, see how long it will resonate for, before it stops.” — Mark Hollis, Mark Hollis – On Music 1998

Lyrically, “Such a Shame” is a rumination on the fleeting nature of success and an INFJ’s struggle to maintain a sense of identity in the face of societal pressures since introverted intuition remains maladapted to the actual present-day reality (inferior Se).

INTROVERTED INTUITION—IN(F) AND IN(T)

Since they tend to rely exclusively upon their vision, their moral effort becomes one-sided. They make themselves and their life symbolic, adapted to the inner and eternal symbols of events, but maladapted to the actual present-day reality (inferior Se).

PSYCHOLOGICAL TYPES BY CARL JUNG: ADAPTED SIMPLIFIED TRANSLATION

The song’s opening lines (“Such a shame to believe in escape / A life on every face”) set the tone for a meditation on the ways in which the INJ one-sidedness seeks to escape the concrete and the here and now of daily life.

4+9: The Receptive
Double withdrawn.
Pairing that is the most sensitive and sympathetic to suffering.

• This is the healer, the highly sensitive person archetype.
• Can feel a bit estranged from the group and expect others to welcome them.
• Envy is more private and quiet with this combination.
• Often have strong healing presence as if people are drawn to them.

Overall, “Such a Shame” is a powerful and evocative song that showcases Talk Talk’s unique blend of experimental soundscapes and emotional depth. Its enduring popularity and continued influence on generations of musicians are a testament to the enduring appeal of the band’s music and the lasting impact of their creative vision.

IN(F) TYPE 9 (GUT)

Enneagram Type 9: Peaceful Mediator
Peacemaker, Mediator, Naturalist, Accommodator or Abdicator

“It’s My Life” is a song written by the band’s vocalist and songwriter Mark Hollis, and producer and songwriter Tim Friese-Greene. The track is widely considered one of the band’s most successful and enduring songs, and has been covered by various artists.

Musically, “It’s My Life” is a synth-pop song with a driving rhythm and catchy hook. The track features a prominent bassline, a melodic synthesizer riff, and Hollis’ distinctive vocals. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its repeated refrain of “It’s my life, don’t you forget”.

Lyrically, the song is an anthem of individualism and self-determination. Hollis sings about the importance of making one’s own choices and living life on one’s own terms. The song’s theme is universal and has resonated with audiences over the years.

„I like silence. I get on great with silence, you know. I don’t have a problem with it. It’s just silent, y’know. So it’s kind of like well if you’re going to break into it, just try and have a reason for doing it.” — Mark Hollis – On Music 1998

4+9: The Receptive
Double withdrawn.
Pairing that is the most sensitive and sympathetic to suffering.

• Pairing that is the most sensitive and sympathetic to suffering.
• There is some sort of resigned attitude with this pairing.
• They are often quite empathetic and can understand where people come from.
• Often hide their sadness with a smile.
• The 9 fix helps the core 4 smooth out their penchant for protest and ease out their harsher side.

“It’s My Life” is a classic of 1980s synth-pop and a standout track in Talk Talk’s discography. Its infectious melody, strong lyrics, and memorable chorus have made it a beloved song for generations of fans.

IN(F) TYPE 5 (HEAD)

Enneagram Type 5: Investigative Thinker
Observer, Investigator, Thinker, Sage or Voyeur

“Life’s What You Make It” was written by the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter Mark Hollis, and producer and keyboardist Tim Friese-Greene. The track is considered one of the band’s most enduring and influential songs.

„It’s only radical in the modern context. If we’d have delivered this album to the record company 20 years ago they wouldn’t have batted an eyelid.” — Mark Hollis, Mark Hollis – On Music 1998

Musically, “Life’s What You Make It” is a genre-defying song that combines elements of rock, pop, and jazz. The track features a driving rhythm section, soaring guitars, and Hollis’ distinctive vocals. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its repeated refrain of “Life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock.”

Lyrically, the song is a powerful meditation on the nature of life and the importance of living it to the fullest. Hollis sings about the need to seize the moment and make the most of every opportunity, urging listeners to live without fear and to pursue their dreams.

4+5: The Introspective
Double withdrawn.
Paring that is the most introspective and focused on its inner life.

• People with this pairing are deep thinkers and feelers.
• Can be shut ins and live in their own fantasy realm.
• Feelings can be a source of anxiety, but they still want to experience them.
• Often amass vast amount of knowledge and are often wise beyond their years.

Overall, “Life’s What You Make It” is a timeless classic that has remained relevant and inspiring decades after its initial release. Its infectious melody, memorable chorus, and profound lyrics have made it a beloved song for generations of fans. The track’s message of empowerment and self-determination continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

The Receptive

4+9: The Receptive
Double withdrawn.
Pairing that is the most sensitive and sympathetic to suffering
This is the healer, the highly sensitive person archetype.

„Before you play two notes, learn how to play one note, y’know. And that, it’s as simple as that really. And don’t play one note unless you’ve got a reason to play it.” — Mark Hollis, Mark Hollis – On Music 1998

• They are often quite empathetic and can understand where people come from.
• Often have strong healing presence as if people are drawn to them.
• Often have a nostalgic and/or romantic side.
• Their behavior feels ghostly and ethereal, as if they were half-present.

The Contemplative

Tritype® 459, 495, 549, 594, 945, 954-The Contemplative
If you are a 459, you are intuitive, knowledgeable, and accepting.
You want to be original, wise, and peaceful.

„I like silence. I get on great with silence, you know. I don’t have a problem with it. It’s just silent, y’know. So it’s kind of like well if you’re going to break into it, just try and have a reason for doing it.” — Mark Hollis, Mark Hollis – On Music 1998

Highly self-aware and reflective, you are very shy, reserved, and self-conscious. You need regular quiet time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Easily flooded with emotion, it is difficult for you to voice your ideas and feelings. You are a deep person that fits the image of “still waters run deep”.

Katherine Chernick Fauvre

INFJ – Melancholy-Phlegmatic

THE ANALYST
C-S-D (Melancholy-Phlegmatic)
The Melancholy-Phlegmatic combination is driven by two temperament needs. The primary temperament need is to do things right, and to figure out what is right.
Either need may dominate their behavior depending on the requirements of the situation.

„The late hours of the night are often referred to as ideal times for meditation, “My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word” ― Mark Hollis, Christian Meditation: Reviving a Lost Art

IN(F) – Intuition

„I choose for my family. Maybe others are capable of doing it, but I can’t go on tour and be a good dad at the same time.” — Mark Hollis, Talk Talk frontman Mark Hollis

IN(F) – Feeling

“Technique has never been an important thing to me. Feeling always has been, and always will be, above technique.” — Mark Hollis, discussing the making of his albums.

“Talk Talk” (1982) – This early hit showcased the band’s distinctive sound, with its use of synths and atmospheric production.

Hollis reflected that when choosing who to work with, “feeling was always above technique” – while talent was of course important, the group always felt a need for a deeper connection of understanding and friendship. This allowed them the chemistry to produce an album as honest as Bob Dylan’s New Morning, an album Hollis praised as a huge influence on Laughing Stock. As Hollis put it: “You can’t get much more honest than that [album]”.

Far Out Magazine.co.uk

When the Melancholy and the Phlegmatic natural tendencies are combined, it produces a detail-oriented person who is very analytical, accommodating, and will cautiously plan their way through life. The Melancholy-Phlegmatic is naturally skilled at analyzing everything they do and everything that happens in their life. They are driven to answer the question “why” before acting.

Four Temperaments