Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fish drives Marillion to classic status, January 29, 2006
I remember buying this when it was first released in 1985 and rushing home to listen to it. It is one of few albums where upon the very first listen everything sounded fantastic, the whole album from start to finish was so well put together and I must have listened to it 20 times over the next few months.
What stands out to me are the very passionate and emotional lyrics and singing from Marillion's lead singer Fish. From the opening "Pseudo" through to the closing "White Feather" he never misses a note. As a couple of points of reference I feel his vocal style is similar in delivery to Peter Gabriel and Elbow's Guy Garvey in places (Fish's emotion and control on the high notes is the big difference for me). The story feels like a very personal one and is conveyed with such power that I could only feel "wow, this is someone putting it all on the line and sharing their deepest emotions with the listener". I feel that nothing beats a band or artist who is truly writing, singing and playing from the heart, and believe in what they are doing - rather than for someone else or some other agenda. I often think of this album as a shining example of that. I believe that this is what makes this album (and indeed the Bands next - "Clutching at Straws" - 1987) a true classic.
The band sound incredibly tight and everyone gives a great performance - Fish, Steve Rothery - Guitar, Mark Kelly - Keyboards, Ian Mosley - Drums and Pete Trewavas - Bass (who would also join up with Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Neal Morse (Spock's Beard) and Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) to form a superb "sideline" band called "Transatlantic" in 2001). There are so many highpoints on this album (eg "Kayleigh", "Lavender" (the transition between these two songs is stunningly beautiful), and "Heart of Lothian". The best thing though is the whole albums flow (eg "Blind Curve" / "Childhoods End / "White Feather"), this "closing section" of the album at a combined 16 minutes in length is as emotional as anything I have heard.
In summary a real classic, a beautifully written, sung and played story from beginning to end that has power, passion, emotion and sublime playing in abundance. With Fish's lyrics / emotion / honesty / from the heart approach (and it appears leadership and direction) combined with the bands incredible sense of musical accompaniment Marillion have produced a classic that to this day has new listeners saying... "Wow, who is that, it's brilliant!" That is the ultimate compliment for any music. 20 plus years old now and it still sounds great and sends shivers of emotion up my spine - stunning stuff!
I really enjoy this album, every time I play it, it brings back great memories of a tremendous band and their lead singer giving their all, it's superb.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Prog-Rock History, December 28, 2005
If you like Genesis, Rush, Dream Theater, Yes or King Crimson, then this album is a must listen. Often overlooked or misunderstood, Marillion was THE prog-rock band of the 80s and 90s. This concept album is an emotional journey with great highs and melancholy lows. Put on the headphones, turn down the lights, have a glass of wine and let this album take you on a 40 minute emotional journey. The lyrics are gut-wrenching and the music is top of the line.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Emotional musical journey, January 27, 2007
I remember when this album was released. I was just finishing high school. I remember hearing "Kayleigh" and thinking "Huh, theres something here". I bought the cassette and was a Marillion(and FISH fan) from that point on.
It wasn't until CD's came out that this was the first CD that I bought. I bought myself a personal player slapped it in and was overwhelmed by the journey. This is a definite headphones album. The story-cycle follows a pattern and the vocals(by THE MAN Fish) and the music that accompanies this is awe-inspiring.
I turned more people on to this album in college than I can probably remember. It's just that good. For me it reminds me of "me younger days" whenever I listen to it. I guess this is because it was in such heavy rotation for years after I first heard it.
I recommend the remastered double disc, because of the sound quality and the story about how this concept by Fish and Marillion came about. Fascinating and funny story.
All in all, this album would please anyone who sat down, put on the headphones, and just let the journey begin.
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