Customer Reviews

Clutching at Straws (Mlps)

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Clutching at Straws (1987) is a fine follow-up to Misplaced Childhood and is one of my favorites released during the 1983-1988 period. This would be the last studio album with this vocalist however (Derek Dick "Fish"), and is a fine example of how Marillion updated the 1970s progressive rock sound with rock styles popular at the time.

The lineup includes lead singer Derek Dick ("Fish"), Mark Kelly (synthesizers, keyboards, piano), Steve Rothery (guitars), Peter Trewavas (bass guitar), and Ian Mosley (drums and percussion). Joining the group are some female backup singers. The guitarist is decent and while more influenced by American stadium rock than anything else (lots of mildly distorted leads), also seems to favor a heavily chorused sound on his electric. Although the keyboardist primarily uses the digital 1980s synth textures (they are still organic sounding), he does belt out some fairly nimble solos on a synth with a tone color that is reminiscent of the ARP Pro-soloist. There are also some deep bass rumbles here and there that remind me of Taurus pedals. The rhythm section is solid.

The 11 tracks, which present the ruminations of different alcoholics at a bar, bring together aspects of British symphonic pop, American stadium rock, a smidge of Genesis circa 1978-1980, and Wall-era Pink Floyd. As such, the music is very accessible and there are some nice pop melodies. There is also little emphasis on shifting and odd meters-most of this music is in 4/4. While I generally enjoyed the more upbeat tunes, it is the atmospheric moments (Going Under) and the moodier tracks (White Russian) that really hold my attention. Overall, this is the product of a matured band and there is some good ensemble work. This is also the mellowest vocal performance from Fish.

This CD does not feature any extra tracks (there is a remastered version out there for those that are interested). The liner notes feature lyrics, recording credits, and a few "arty" images. The album was produced by Chris Kimsey and the sound quality is generally pretty good.

All in all, this is a good album that is recommended along with the excellent Seasons End (1989) (the first with new singer Steve Hogarth).

Original issue of 1987 classic. Songs include:
1) Hotel Hobbies
2) Warm Wet Circles
3) That Time of the Night (The Short Straw)
4) Going Under
5) Just for the Record
6) White Russian
7) Incommunicado
8) Torch Song
9) Slainte Mhath
10) Sugar Mice
11) The Last Straw
12) Happy Ending

As I sit here listening to Clutching at Straws, by Marillion, I suddenly realize that I've now been listening to this album for the last 24 years. That may well be longer than many of my readers have been alive! Clutching at Straws stands as the best Marillion album of the Fish era. Like most of their albums of that era, it is a concept album, and with only a couple of exceptions, should be listened to as if it were one very long and enjoyable song. From start to finish, this is one of the most listenable concept albums of all time. What is the concept, you may ask? Well, this is similar in concept to many of Marillion's albums--that of the Jester. The Jester finds himself alone in a hotel bar, reflecting his life over the last 15 years and a glass of drambuie. There are regrets of life on the road; one-night stands; loves gone wrong; children left behind as the Jester played his role. Who among us hasn't sheltered a regret over a drink in a bar? If you are a listener of concept albums, you've been there, as this is a ditch we've all dug.

As I've suggested, the best way to appreciate this disc is as one long story, the way Marillion intended. Beginning in the hotel lobby with our Jester and progressing through his memories along with him. The music flows nearly seamlessly from one song to the next, with the exception of "Incommunicado,"--the one track that got any radio attention in the U.S. Primarily, this was for the simple reason that it is one of the only tracks that doesn't slip-cue from one song to the next, making it easy for your typical D.J. to cue up. But I digress.

This album has everything a Marillion fan has come to love. It has soaring guitar work. It has whirling keyboards. It has incredible backup singers. It is tightly mixed, with the occasional sound-effect piece reminiscent of Pink Floyd. And most of all, it has Fish. Say what you will, but Fish was the driving force behind all the the lyrical genius we knew and loved. Try as I might, I haven't seen that spark in their new lead-singer. This album was Fish's last hurrah with the band. And, I think, a fitting end to the story of the Jester who came to life in "Script for a Jester's Tear", oh so long ago. The best work on this album is found between the lyrical passages, where music produced by one of the best prog-rock bands really shines. Witness the transition between "Torch Song" and "Slainte Mhath". The band blends the two songs, moving from the slow and regretful timing of "Torch Song" until the full-on, hard-rocking introduction of "Slainte Mhath" comes pouring out of your surround sound. Oh, if surround sound had only existed when these boys were mixing albums!!! I shudder to think...

Well, the disc just repeated and is starting again! When I tended bar, a customer would always tell me, "One more, then I gotta go." Well, I'm going to listen one more time, then I gotta go. If you are pondering over the "Buy It" button, just hit it and pour another drink. It's going to go down just like that drambuie. Smooth and enjoyable, but with fewer regrets!

For the people in spanish language, this title is a complete discovery, aa expirience that you can learn slowly while you ear it in a long time. First you have that amazing music and in the other hand you have a clever, deeper and darkness lyrics that you always learn something new or find out something new. Sure you can enjoy it for the rest of your life.....

THIS IS THEIR SECOND BEST ALBUM . THE BEST FROM FISH'S ERA. HOWEVER FOR THOSE WHO ENJOYED THIS BE SURE TO CHECK OUT 'BRAVE' (1995?) THIS WAS THE BEST MARILLION (HOGARTH) ALBUM . WAS THE START OF THEIR SAD DEMISE

This album is my second-favourite Marillion, and quite possibly, my second-favourite of all time. The lyrics are a bit dark, but nonetheless paint a pretty accurate picture of life on the road. When introducing friends to Marillion, this is one of the albums I give them. Slainte Mhath and Incommunicado seem to be the hands-down favourites in my small circle of friends and Marillionites. All in all, a fitting and successful swan song for Fish, who will be forever missed as Marillion's front man.

"I'm of two minds, and both of them are out of it at the bar."

I think Marillion was on to something with this album. In my opinion thier best. And then Fish left. If you want to hear Marillion at the peak of thier song writing, this is the one to get. Without the powerfull voice, and perhaps the inflated ego of Fish, Marillion since has fallen flat.

Although Fish's swann song with Marillion, Clutching at Straws (CAS) is a superb album to introduce fans to the band. One of their more accessible albums, CAS blends catchy tunes with the more "operatic" and involved song structures familiar to Marillion's other albums. Even Fish's political soapboxing is kept to a minimum.

While this was the last of the fish era..and in my opinion the last of the true Marillion I do not believe it to be the best intro album for new comers.True it is full of Great tracks but I dont believe it to be a truly good example of what Marillion is about and may lead to diappointment when the lessoner moves on to older albums with more of a on-going theme. (the taking away of fish from Marillion was like the taking away of David Lee Roth from Van Halen)I think that Misplaced childhood is a much more friendly entry for new comers and it will be a good avenue to move in either direction. (I started on Fuguzi if you can believe that..a true love them or hate them album) All in all a great band but one that you will like a little more at each session...you will not love this band the first setting and if you do you need to go get a better sound system because you missed a lot of music in there..... p.s. is it me or does the new singer sound like the singer from the band Trimph???