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Talk Memory
Talk Memory
Talk Memory
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Talk Memory
White and blue cover art
Studio album by
BadBadNotGood
ReleasedOctober 8, 2021
Length42:11 (digital version)
Label
Producer
BadBadNotGood chronology
Spotify Live EP
(2017) 		Talk Memory
(2021)
Singles from Talk Memory
  1. "Signal from the Noise"
    Released: July 15, 2021
  2. "Beside April"
    Released: September 8, 2021
  3. "Open Channels"
    Released: March 2, 2022

Talk Memory is the fifth studio album by Canadian instrumental group BadBadNotGood. It was released on October 8, 2021, by XL Recordings and Innovative Leisure, and is the band's first album in five years. A mostly improvisational work, it was produced and written by the trio with contributions from featured American instrumentalists Laraaji, Karriem Riggins, Terrace Martin, and Brandee Younger, and string arrangements from Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai.[1]

Following promotion on social media in early July, the band officially announced the album on July 15, 2021, simultaneously releasing the lead single "Signal from the Noise".[2]

Background

[edit]

Aside from the 2020 single "Goodbye Blue", this is the first original release to be recorded in five years, since the sessions for IV. In a press release, the band said: "It took a year or two of just living life to get to the place where the creative process was exciting again and once we actually went in to the studio it was the most concise recording and writing process we’ve ever had. We hope that the improvised studio performances bring the listener closer to our live experience."[1][3]

This is the first album from the band without founding keyboardist Matthew Tavares; he departed in 2019. The long period of time between Talk Memory and IV was partly due to Taveres' leaving the group. As Leland Whitty told PostGenre, "[a]fter [Matt] quit the band in 2019, it took us time to establish a new vision of what the band would be like without him."[4]

Release and reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.5/10[5]
Metacritic80/100[6]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[7]
Clash8/10[8]
Exclaim!8/10[9]
NMEStarStarStar[10]
Pitchfork8/10[11]
The GuardianStarStarStarStar[12]

The trio released their first album single on July 15, 2021, "Signal from the Noise"; a "nine-minute psychedelic jazz fusion odyssey", the track was produced with Floating Points and accompanied by a music video directed by Duncan Loudon.[3][13] The second single, "Beside April", was released on September 8, 2021.[14]

The album was released on October 8, 2021. It is the band's first album with XL Recordings, who released it in partnership with Innovative Leisure (to which the band has been signed since 2013).[3][15] Multiple limited edition color variants of the LP are available from different retailers, including their web store and VMP (Vinyl Me, Please).[16][17][18][19]

Overall, the album received generally favorable review from critics, with opinions of the album ranging from "virtuosic" to that of "considered jam sessions."[18] In a very positive review, Dean Van Nguyen of Pitchfork commented: “BadBadNotGood are known for turning tradition inside out, but Talk Memory is not just their finest album—it’s evidence of the historic appreciation that roots their reverence;” comparing the album to the group’s previous work, he detailed that “the velvety play and mildly psychedelic grooves are still present, but Talk Memory is also BBNG’s most compositionally complex record to date; it draws you in with vibrant hooks and melodic flourishes, then begs you to return and fully absorb its subtleties.”[20]

The album was longlisted for the 2022 Polaris Music Prize.[21]

Accolades

[edit]
Publication Accolade Year Rank
Wired Albums of the Year 2021
4[22]
Clash Albums of the Year 2021
48[23]
Okayplayer Albums of the Year 2021
19[24]
Allmusic Albums of the Year 2021
–

Track listing

[edit]
Talk Memory track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Signal from the Noise"
9:02
2."Unfolding (Momentum 73)" (featuring Laraaji)
BadBadNotGood4:30
3."City of Mirrors" (featuring Arthur Verocai)
  • Sowinski
  • Hansen
  • Whitty
BadBadNotGood3:50
4."Beside April" (featuring Karriem Riggins and Arthur Verocai)
BadBadNotGood5:13
5."Love Proceeding" (featuring Arthur Verocai)
  • Sowinski
  • Hansen
  • Whitty
BadBadNotGood5:25
6."Open Channels" (physical version only)
  • Sowinski
  • Hansen
  • Whitty
BadBadNotGood4:23
7."Timid, Intimidating"
  • Sowinski
  • Hansen
  • Whitty
BadBadNotGood6:17
8."Beside April (Reprise)" (featuring Arthur Verocai)
  • Sowinski
  • Hansen
  • Whitty
BadBadNotGood1:40
9."Talk Meaning" (featuring Arthur Verocai, Terrace Martin and Brandee Younger)
BadBadNotGood6:14
Total length:42:11

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies an additional producer.
  • ^[b] signifies an assistant producer.
  • Arthur Verocai is credited for string arrangements on tracks 3–4 and 8–9.

Personnel

[edit]

Adapted from album notes.

BadBadNotGood

  • Leland Whitty – soprano and tenor saxophone, flute, guitar, bass ("City of Mirrors", "Open Channels"), piano, synthesizer
  • Chester Hansen – bass, guitar ("City of Mirrors"), piano, organ, synthesizer
  • Al Sow – drums, percussion

Musicians

  • Laraaji – electric zither ("Unfolding (Momentum 73)")
  • Karriem Riggins – percussion ("Beside April")
  • Brandee Younger – harp ("Talk Meaning")
  • Terrace Martin – alto saxophone ("Talk Meaning")
  • Arthur Verocai – string arrangements
  • Clóvis Pereira Filho – violin
  • Ubiratã Rodrigues – violin
  • Wagner Rodrigues – violin
  • André Cunha Rego – violin
  • Nikolay Sapoundjiev – violin
  • William Issac – violin
  • Emila Valova – cello
  • Lisiane de los Santos – cello
  • David Chew – cello
  • Victor Botene – viola
  • Samuel Passos – viola
  • Nic Jodoin – tape effects

Technical

  • Nic Jodoin – engineer
  • Travis Pavur – assistant engineer
  • William Luna – engineer (Brazil)
  • Russell Elevado – mixing
  • Alex DeTurk – mastering[25]
  • Scott Hull – lacquer cutting
  • Matthew Langille – A&R
  • Patrick North – A&R

Artwork

  • BadBadNotGood – creative direction
  • Alaska-Alaska™ (Virgil Abloh, Tawanda Chiweshe, Francisco Gaspar) – creative direction [1][25]
  • Elias Hanzer – typeface
  • Jamal Burger – cover photography
  • Ivan Narez – gatefold photography

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Talk Memory
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[26] 38
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[27] 143
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[28] 61
Portuguese Albums (AFP)[29] 17
Scottish Albums (OCC)[30] 36
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[31] 7
US Top Contemporary Jazz Albums (Billboard)[32] 1
US Top Jazz Albums (Billboard)[33] 3
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[34] 4
US Indie Store Album Sales (Billboard)[35] 5
US Top Album Sales (Billboard)[36] 65
US Vinyl Albums (Billboard)[37] 6

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Talk Memory

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Talk Memory is the fifth studio album by the Canadian instrumental group , released on October 8, 2021, through and Innovative Leisure. The eight-track instrumental record features guest appearances by ambient musician , Brazilian composer , saxophonist , harpist , and drummer , blending psychedelic improvisation with elements of and fusion. Recorded over two years in analog studios, it emphasizes live energy, collective harmony, and emotional depth, serving as a homage to the band's roots in and Black American music traditions. The album represents a pivotal evolution in BadBadNotGood's discography, shifting from their earlier hip-hop-infused collaborations—such as Sour Soul (2015) and IV (2016)—toward a more compositionally refined exploration of classic jazz idioms. Tracks like the nine-minute opener "Signal from the Noise" and the sax-led "Open Channels" showcase intricate arrangements influenced by icons including Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders, and Sun Ra, with vibrant hooks and subtle details that reward repeated listening. Guest contributions, particularly Verocai's string arrangements on "City of Mirrors" and "Beside April," and Younger's harp on "Timid, Intimidating," add layers of emotional resonance and cross-generational dialogue. Talk Memory was accompanied by a multimedia project, including a and zines, further examining the band's inspirations in concepts, creators, and spaces. Critically acclaimed, it earned an 8.0 rating from for its maturity as songwriters and conceptualists, solidifying BadBadNotGood's reputation as innovative stewards of contemporary jazz.

Background and production

Development

Talk Memory marks BADBADNOTGOOD's fifth studio album and their first full-length release in five years following IV in 2016. The band announced the project on July 14, 2021, with a planned release date of October 8, 2021, via XL Recordings in partnership with Innovative Leisure. This extended hiatus allowed the Toronto-based trio—consisting of Chester Hansen, Leland Whitty, and Alexander Sowinski—to reflect on their trajectory, reigniting creativity through accumulated life experiences over one to two years. Central to the album's conception was a return to the band's jazz roots, emphasizing an improvisational approach that prioritized organic composition and live performance energy. BADBADNOTGOOD sought to craft longer, more expansive instrumental pieces devoid of vocals, highlighting intricate interplay among the members to evoke emotional vulnerability and depth. This direction stemmed from a desire to evolve beyond prior works, focusing on fluid, collaborative structures that captured the essence of their formative jazz influences. The creative process drew heavily from jazz fusion, ambient, and orchestral music, paying homage to seminal figures who shaped the band's sound, such as and . Notably, the departure of multi-instrumentalist in 2019 prompted a reconfiguration of the group's dynamic, influencing the album's pared-down trio format. In December 2021, Tavares elaborated that his exit stemmed from a toxic environment, including interpersonal conflicts and pressure to portray an amicable split, though the band did not publicly respond. The significantly impacted the development, enabling a productive phase of remote collaborations that expanded the album's scope despite physical isolation. This period facilitated electronic exchanges with contributors, allowing the band to integrate diverse elements while maintaining their improvisational core.

Recording process

The departure of founding in 2019 marked a significant shift for , leaving the core trio of saxophonist Leland Whitty, bassist Chester Hansen, and drummer to redefine their sound without a dedicated ; Hansen and Whitty took on additional keyboard duties, while the group adapted by bringing in guest musicians to expand their palette. Recording sessions took place primarily in studios, with additional work in and remote contributions from international collaborators amid the ; the process spanned about two years, emphasizing a concise approach compared to prior albums. The band captured the essence of their live performances through during initial trio sessions, recorded onto tape for a raw, unpolished feel with minimal editing; these foundational tracks were then enhanced with overdubs and atmospheric elements like chimes. Brazilian composer provided string arrangements for over half the tracks, including "City of Mirrors," "Beside April," "Love Proceeding," "Beside April (Reprise)," and "Talk Meaning," which he composed and recorded in before sending files via email. Guest contributions added distinct textures: ambient musician played on "Unfolding (Momentum 73)," drummer laid down rhythms on "Beside April" during pre-pandemic in-studio sessions, saxophonist contributed alto saxophone to "Talk Meaning," and harpist provided harp accents on "Talk Meaning," submitting multiple takes remotely. The trio handled all production duties themselves, focusing on letting the music "breathe" with fluid, emotional dynamics; the was mixed by engineer Russell Elevado, renowned for his work with artists like .

Musical content

Composition and style

Talk Memory predominantly features , , and ambient elements, characterized by extended instrumental tracks that average over five minutes in length, with the longest exceeding nine minutes. The album's compositions arise from a process heavy in , resulting in complex, non-linear structures that emphasize intricate interplay among the core instrumentation of , bass, and , augmented by , , and strings. This approach fosters dynamic textures and emotional flow, allowing the music to breathe with raw, collective energy rather than rigid arrangements. Thematically, the album explores , time, and through abstract, evocative soundscapes devoid of , creating a contemplative and cinematic atmosphere that evokes wistful narratives. This marks an evolution from the band's earlier hip-hop-influenced works, such as their fusions with artists like , toward a more orchestral and virtuosic orientation that prioritizes emotional depth and technical prowess. Stylistically, Talk Memory nods to contemporary influences like , evident in the production on "Signal from the Noise," and to ' spiritual jazz tradition, channeled through harpist Brandee Younger's contributions that add transcendent layers. These elements underscore the band's shift to a looser, jazz-rooted expression, drawing on legends like for its improvisational vulnerability.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Chester Hansen, Alexander Sowinski, and Leland Whitty of BADBADNOTGOOD, and produced by BADBADNOTGOOD, except where noted with guest co-writers.
No.TitleFeatured artist(s)Writer(s)Producer(s)Length
1"Signal from the Noise"BADBADNOTGOOD, 9:02
2"Unfolding (Momentum 73)", 4:30
3"City of Mirrors"3:50
4"Beside April", , , 5:13
5"Love Proceeding", 5:25
6"Timid, Intimidating"6:17
7"Beside April (Reprise)"1:40
8"Talk Meaning", , , , , 6:14
Total length: 42:11. The digital edition contains 8 tracks. The physical edition (vinyl and ) includes an additional track, "Open Channels" (feat. Samuel G. Herzog; 5:10), exclusive to those formats. No other differences are noted between physical and digital editions.

Release

Singles and promotion

The Talk Memory was announced on July 15, , by in partnership with Innovative Leisure, with pre-orders made available immediately through the label's online store and various retailers. The lead single, "Signal from the Noise," was released the same day as the announcement, accompanied by a music video directed by Duncan Loudon featuring comedian Steve Stamp. The second single, "Beside April" featuring Karriem Riggins and Arthur Verocai, followed on September 8, 2021, with a psychedelic video directed by Camille Summers-Valli that incorporates abstract, dreamlike visuals shot in Tbilisi, Georgia. As post-release promotion, the track "Open Channels" was issued as a single on March 2, 2022—previously exclusive to physical editions of the album—with a cinematic video directed by S. Chaussée. Promotional efforts centered on digital platforms amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including social media teasers on Instagram and the band's website featuring dedicated video channels for the singles, along with features in publications like Pitchfork and The Guardian. No major tour accompanied the initial rollout due to pandemic restrictions, though the band later performed tracks from the album live during their 2022 North American and European dates. The was released in multiple physical formats, including standard black vinyl, limited-edition white and clear vinyl pressings, , and a cassette edition restricted to 100 units via the band's webstore.

Commercial performance

Upon its release in October 2021, Talk Memory debuted at number three on the Jazz Albums in the United States, selling approximately 5,000 equivalent units in its first full week. The later reached number one on the Contemporary Jazz Albums , marking the group's third consecutive top position on that ranking. In , Talk Memory experienced modest commercial success. The album also charted internationally, peaking at number two on the Official & Albums and spending eight weeks in the top 20 there. It achieved similar modest placements in European markets and , supported by airplay on jazz festivals and radio stations. Streaming performance contributed significantly to its reach, with the album accumulating over 27 million plays on by late 2025. As of November 2025, Talk Memory has not received any certifications but continues to enjoy enduring popularity within niche audiences, driven by its appeal and festival rotations.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Talk Memory garnered widespread critical acclaim, achieving an aggregate score of 80 out of 100 on based on 15 reviews, a rating that signifies "universal acclaim." Critics frequently lauded the album's sophisticated evolution from BADBADNOTGOOD's earlier hip-hop-infused sound, emphasizing its immersive, jazz-centric approach. awarded it 8.0 out of 10, commending the "expansive, patient" compositions and the band's virtuosic interplay, particularly Leland Whitty's inventive work that evoked influences like . Similarly, rated it 4 out of 5 stars, praising the emotional depth conveyed through improvisation and the album's theatrical, genre-blending intensity that balanced optimism with raw energy. A recurring theme in reviews was the enriching role of guest collaborations, which added layers of texture and global flair to the instrumental framework. Contributions from artists like Brazilian composer on strings were highlighted for enhancing the album's cinematic scope without overshadowing the core trio's vision. Several outlets positioned Talk Memory as a key entry in the modern instrumental jazz movement through its ambitious, forward-facing structures. While predominantly positive, some critiques pointed to the album's reduced accessibility relative to BADBADNOTGOOD's prior hip-hop-leaning efforts. , for instance, gave it 3 out of 5 stars, arguing that the focus on extended jams and technical prowess came at the expense of the bold swagger and immediate hooks found in earlier works like collaborations with or , occasionally rendering tracks more ambient than engaging. In post-release reflections, the album has been viewed as a pivotal influence in the instrumental revival, solidifying the band's maturity as composers amid a broader resurgence of genre-exploratory acts.

Accolades and legacy

Talk Memory was longlisted for the 2022 , recognizing its artistic merit among top Canadian albums. The album appeared on several year-end lists for 2021, including #4 on Wired's 8 Best Albums of 2021, #19 on Okayplayer's 21 Best Albums of 2021, and #48 on Clash's 60 Best Albums of 2021. It received a nomination for Jazz Album of the Year: Group at the 2023 Juno Awards. In its legacy, Talk Memory has influenced subsequent instrumental releases in the jazz-hip-hop fusion genre by emphasizing improvisational collaboration and genre-blending innovation. The album is cited in retrospectives as a pivotal pandemic-era work, capturing introspective themes shaped by the isolation and reflection of that period. Its cultural impact includes features in jazz playlists and educational curricula, as well as inspiring covers and samples by emerging artists in the instrumental scene.

Credits

Personnel

The album Talk Memory features the core trio of BADBADNOTGOOD performing throughout. BADBADNOTGOOD
  • Chester Hansen – upright bass, electric bass, piano
  • Leland Whitty – ,
  • Alexander Sowinski – drums, percussion
Guest musicians
  • Laraaji – autoharp (track 2: "Unfolding (Momentum 73)")
  • Terrace Martin – (track 3: "City of Mirrors")
  • Karriem Riggins – (track 4: "Beside April")
  • Arthur Verocai – string arrangements (tracks 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9: "City of Mirrors," "Beside April," "Love Proceeding," "Beside April (Reprise)," and "Talk Meaning")
  • Brandee Younger – (tracks 1, 4, 8, and 9: "Signal from the Noise," "Beside April," "Beside April (Reprise)," and "Talk Meaning")
  • Floating Points (Sam Shepard) – synthesizers, additional production (track 1: "Signal from the Noise")
String section (arranged by )
  • – André Cunha Rego, Clóvis Pereira Filho, Nikolay Sapoundjiev, Ubiratan Rodrigues, Wagner Pagoto
  • Viola – Samuel Passos, Victor Botene
  • – David Chew, Emilia di Luca, Lisiane de los Santos
As an album, Talk Memory contains no lead vocalists.

Production credits

The production of Talk Memory was led by the band , who served as producers for all tracks on the album. Recording took place primarily at Valentine Recording Studios in , with additional sessions at Cia. Dos Técnicos Studios in for contributions involving ; remote sessions were also incorporated throughout the process. The recording engineer was Nic Jodoin, who also handled tape effects, assisted by Travis Pavur. William Luna engineered the sessions. Mixing was conducted by Russell Elevado at Analogypsy Studios in . Mastering was performed by Alex DeTurk at The Lodge in New York. Arthur provided the string arrangements for tracks 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9. The artwork, titled The Memory Catalogue, was conceived and designed by as a visual companion to the album's themes of recollection and improvisation, with layout and packaging support from . A&R direction was provided by Matthew Langille and Patrick North, representing and Innovative Leisure, the co-releasing labels.

References

  1. https://badbadnotgoodofficial.bandcamp.com/album/talk-memory
  2. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/badbadnotgood-talk-memory/
  3. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/badbadnotgood_announce_new_album_talk_memory
  4. https://www.complex.com/music/a/kyle-mullin/badbadnotgood-talk-memory-interview
  5. https://postgenre.org/talk-memory-leland-whitty/
  6. https://pitchfork.com/news/badbadnotgood-matthew-tavares-shares-statement-on-departure-from-band/
  7. https://www.altpress.com/badbadnotgood-talk-memory-interview/
  8. https://uproxx.com/indie/badbadnotgood-signal-from-the-noise-talk-memory/
  9. https://www.complex.com/music/a/kyle-mullin/badbadnotgood-talk-memory-interview/
  10. https://everythingisnoise.net/reviews/badbadnotgood-talk-memory/
  11. https://www.popmatters.com/badbadnotgood-talk-memory-album-review
  12. https://shop.xlrecordings.com/release/346351-badbadnotgood-talk-memory
  13. https://consequence.net/2021/07/badbadnotgood-announce-new-album-talk-memory/
  14. https://shopusa.xlrecordings.com/products/xl1176-talk-memory
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMEto80a2HY
  16. https://stereogum.com/2153902/badbadnotgood-signal-from-the-noise/music/
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqJxKXO0TEk
  18. https://uproxx.com/indie/badbadnotgood-beside-april-video/
  19. https://www.thefader.com/2022/03/02/badbadnotgood-share-new-single-and-video-open-channels
  20. https://consequence.net/2022/03/badbadnotgood-open-channels-stream/
  21. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTknbRyAgvo/
  22. https://badbadnotgood.com/
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/oct/10/badbadnotgood-talk-memory-review
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/20496721-BadBadNotGood-Talk-Memory
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/20566057-BadBadNotGood-Talk-Memory
  26. https://www.billboard.com/pro/elvie-shane-no-1-emerging-artists-my-boy/
  27. https://open.spotify.com/artist/65dGLGjkw3UbddUg2GKQoZ
  28. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/jazz-and-blues-albums-chart/20211203/18/
  29. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/65dGLGjkw3UbddUg2GKQoZ_albums.html
  30. https://www.metacritic.com/music/talk-memory/badbadnotgood
  31. https://panm360.com/en/records/badbadnotgood-talk-memory/
  32. https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/badbadnotgood-talk-memory-review-3063937
  33. https://jazz.fm/badbadnotgood-music-career-jazz-hip-hop-talk-memory/
  34. https://polarismusicprize.ca/blog/2022-polaris-music-prize-long-list-is-here/
  35. https://www.wired.com/story/8-best-albums-2021/
  36. https://www.okayplayer.com/okayplayers-21-best-albums-of-2021/454060
  37. https://www.clashmusic.com/features/clash-albums-of-the-year-2021/
  38. https://junoawards.ca/awards/past-winners-nominees/
  39. https://www.wbgo.org/podcast/the-checkout/2021-10-23/badbadnotgood-a-band-beloved-in-hip-hop-circles-rediscovers-its-jazz-voice
  40. https://downbeat.com/reviews/detail/talk-memory
  41. https://www.discogs.com/master/2328211-BadBadNotGood-Talk-Memory
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/20772568-BadBadNotGood-Talk-Memory
  43. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRHH-iNhJ5w/
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