Originally issued as a vinyl LP in 1984, "Takin' the Strain' Talisman's first album.  The culmination of a long musical journey as the band had existed in various guises since 1976.  At the time of the album's release Talisman were a three piece.  The core of Desmond Taylor. Dennison Joseph and Donald de Cordova were a mainstay of the British reggae scene.  This is the first time that the nine tracks that make up the album have been available on CD and to add to the package, Bristol Archive have added an additional 5 live tracks for your listening pleasure.