The Marillion Thread

[Kev]

Greetings!

Over the years, I've happened to notice that many who enjoy Yes also show interest in a little band from Aylesbury, UK named Marillion. The band, who have been playing since the late seventies, are actually fans of Yes themselves. There are also influences of Genesis, Hawkwind, Gong and King Crimson throughout the group. Though the "progressive" tag may not attach onto Marillion as it did during the Eighties, they continued throughout the nineties and still play today with heart and skill. In my opinion, they're the best band no one's heard of! Outside of the progressive music circles, Marillion is an unknown.

I wanted to start this thread to give any of their loyal fans a forum to discuss any of their work. Many of you might have stopped following the band's progress at some point during their career and might enjoy some of their more recent material once the light is shed upon it. This may also serve as a golden opportunity to those completely unfamiliar with the band, but are always looking to try something new.

If you're interested in receiving a free sampler CD of some of their terrific work recently, visit Marillion.Com .

Peace
Kev

[bataisflow]

There new album smokes! I love Marillion - I stopped listening to them for about 5 yrs - but I am back somewhat. My freinds and I were rabid fans throughout the 80s and pretty much still are. Clutching is there best effort to date though IMO.

[Dale Cleary]

Is Ian still with them?
I haven't heard them in many a year. I'm afraid that I don't listen to many rock bands. These days I prefer more groove oriented stuff in a Latin style or jazz.
Ian's a good player and I used to enjoy his video with Hackett.
See ya, Dale.

[Kev]

Yes! Mr. Ian Mosley (Sp?) is still with them!

Here's the curent lineup;

Steve Hogarth (vox)
Steve Rothery (guitar)
Pete Trewavas (Bass)
Mark Kelly (Keys)
Ian Mosley (Drums, Percussion of all sorts and sizes)

Wish I could've seen Ian with Hackett; bummer. He's a great drummer!

When's the last time you've heard their material, Dale? Perhaps some suggestions for reacquaintance could be offered.

[Roman]

Hi all, I am a huge Marillion fan, and I'm glad to see anyone else here, who noticed they exist, and are still together playing the best music in this world (I love them as much as I love Yes). BTW, I started a similar thread in this forum before a few months.
Interestingly, I already found the following in the Marillion.com online forum:

"Hello all,

In my line of work as a journalist, I am occasionally fortunate to be able to interview various musicians (to see a 2001 interview with Mark K, follow the link at bottom). Recently I had a phone interview with Chris Squire of YES. When we chatted about bands we were listening to (him: No Doubt, Tool, The KGB), I asked if he'd ever heard of Marillion.

His reply was: "Yes, Marillion, of course, the English band, which I don't think are any longer together."

I quickly corrected him and told him that they still very much alive and well, to which he replied.

"Is Fish, the singer, back with them?"

So I told him that they had an even better singer who has been with the band longer than Fish. Anyway, it reminded me that, outside of the Anorak universe, a lot of people are still unaware of what the band is up to now.... It's sad, really, how they've dropped off a lot of radar screens. Anyway, I think that I am going to send Mr. Squire a copy of the Crash Course CD via his management! "

(posted by Stephen Humphries).

The free sampler you can get from www.marillion.com absolutely for FREE is really good. There are their very best songs on this CD (Out of This World, Afraid of Sunlight, This Is the 21st Century etc.).

[Kev]

Hey Roman,

Thanks for posting that interview. It's a shame no one keeps up with them anymore. One would think that since Fish is good friends with Rick, that word might have gotten around the Yes camp. Oh well...

Dale,

Here's a list of studio albums the band has released since Fish left the band after Clutching At Straws;

Seasons End
Holidays in Eden
Brave (In my opinion; one of the best progressive records ever created)
Afraid of Sunlight
This Strange Engine
Radiation
Marillion.Com
Anoraknophobia

Any discussion for these works for whomever has heard them?

[Martin Riley]

Yeah, I think Marillion improved afetr Fish left. Not that I'm knocking Fish, I also think his work improved when he went solo.

Brave is indeed one of the best works ever to appear under the banner of 'prog' which isn't a banner that Marillion necessarily approve of anymore.
Since then I think Afraid of Sunlight & This Strange Engine were very good but since then the last few albums have been a bit more 'difficult' for me. Not that they're bad, perhaps it's my fault, but I find I have to try harder to listen to them, they're no longer as melodically immediate anymore. But I still love 'em.

[Roman]

I understand you, Martin, that you find the last albums very difficult. Marillion's music discoveres new areas with every album. This can be seen especially on Radiation and Anoraknophobia. These two albums are very experimental, and not every fan likes it. Radiation is very unpopular among Marillion fans, it would probably win the poll "the worst Marillion album". I myself love this album, songs as "Cathedral Wall", "A Few Words for the Dead", "These Chains" or "Under the Sun" are great and classics.
Even when "Anoraknophobia" is a much bigger step into different areas of music than Radiation, it's loved by most of Marillion fans. But again, to some fans many of the songs seem too experimental ("A Fruit of the Wild Rose", "Separated Out" and especially "If My Heart Were a Ball It Would Roll Uphill"). I love Radiation more than Anoraknophobia, but still love both, and don't mind the "experimental" songs.

[Martin Riley]

That's right Roman. I do find them more experimental. I do listen to them but not as often as the others. I really must try harder with them when I can find the time. I just seem to have so much stuff to play at the moment

P.S. I haven't forgotten about the ELP/Crimso tapes I promised you. In fact I'm going out for lunch now to price up the postage cost. You should have them soon, but I'll e-mail you when I actually post them.

[Roman]

It's really worth the time, Martin. The albums are superb. I have already told you what IMO are the best songs from Radiation, here are my faves from .com & Anorak:
.com:
Interior Lulu (just excellent)
A Legacy
Rich
Go!
Anorak:
This Is the 21st Century (one of the best Marillion songs ever)
Separated Out (I actually like the experimental songs)
When I Meet God
Between You and Me.

Looking forward to hearing from you about the tapes.

[Kev]

Good call on those newer tracks, Roman!

I'll offer a few for suggestion- these are post-Fish era. If you can find any of these on some person-to-person sharing network much like Napster, give them a download and have a listen!

Gazpacho (Afraid of Sunight)- Terrific way to open up an album! Lots of simple melodies and rhythms all intertwined to create a tapestry for the direction of Marillion's new sound. Heavy melodic influences from Genesis, great rhythm section style comparable to Rush and Yes. All in all, it makes for great song, and even better Marillion.

The Answering Machine & Under The Sun (Radiation)- I can't understand why this album is so misunderstood amongst fans. Granted, it is a departure to sound more hard-edged and a gravitation towards a Radiohead-caliber production. I guess, if some fans think "if it isn't broke; don't fix it"- let them eat dust!

Quartz (Anoraknophobia)- Incorporates Marillion's inimitable sound with the latest European sound trends to create a jilted lover's anthem in a way only Marillion can make it sound.

This Strange Engine- Title track off a terrific album. Marillion's last progressive opus to date. Never full of masturbatory instrumentalism, it is a more simplistic- cut and dry representation of a prog rock masterpiece. Excellent playing by all involved.

Splintering Heart (Holidays In Eden)- This album was mainly meant to be a commercial release. However, the LP kicks off with this dynamic work; always a favourite live. Steve Hogarth really stakes his claim behind the microphone and Steve Rothery's guitar is played with the greatest taste.

Brave- The whole album. It's hard to pick a favourite track; think of it as one long song; but not as we're accustomed as YesFans hearing a conceptual album. The manner in which this album is presented is truly different and more unique to anything I've yet heard. And, truth be known, I disliked it when I first heard it. After some further acquaintance; I am very happy to say that first impressions don't last a lifetime. As a suggestion; listen to other new Marillion material before you ease into this one (if you can find it in print). This baby's like the finest wine. Listen to it loud with the lights off!!

I'd urge anyone at all to take advantage of the FREE Marillion CD Sampler while it still lasts. Especially those who have read this thread for whatever reason and might not even have heard of Marillion. Just follow this link:

http://www.marillion.com/discog/crash/form.html

It's MORE than worth a few moments of your time!

[Martin Riley]

Originally posted by Roman
It's really worth the time, .

I'm giving Anoraknophobia another chance. I've got it in the car now. I listened to the first 4 songs on my way into work this morning. It's sounding better. I think I'll need to go back to Radiation after this to try to get my head around that one. I don't really have a problem with marillion.com I thought that was the album of the year when I first heard it.

[Martin Riley]

Right. I finished off the rest of the album during my lunch time drive home.

Now , I'm most impressed. Onto Radiation again

[Martin Riley]

Radiation last night, 3 A.M. headphones on, FULL BLAST

It's great - why have I been missing this?

[Roman]

Martin, I'm so happy to hear that!

Kev, those are some very good suggestions, although they are not all my fave Marillion songs (I don't like Answering Machine and Quartz that much).

BTW, when you're going to listen to Brave loud and with the lights off, prepare for a very strong and unforgettable experience. Not everyone can bear that. Some fans say, that they feel sick after that. But it's the best way you can listen to Brave, you feel the right atmosphere, and understand the concept of the album better.

[Martin Riley]

I caught up with Holidays in Eden at the weekend as well - I'd forgotten how good that one is. But now I'm having trouble with Afraid of Sunlight - I used to love that album, but I listened to it for the first time in maybe 3 years and was quite disappointed. Apart from Gazpacho & Cannibal Surf Babe

[Roman]

AOS is one of the best albums ever recorded by anyone, IMO. I am absolutely in love with Out of This World, which is the most moving track I have ever heard. Rothers' solo before "what did she say, I know the pain..." is like an extasy. And the piano after the solo... I just can't describe how much I love this track. And the other tracks - Afraid of Sunlight, Beyond You, Gazpacho, King, Beautiful,... - just great. I hope you will find you're way back to the album Martin.
BTW, Cannibal Surf Babe is another track underrated amongst fans. It's another experimental one...

[Martin Riley]

I will be giving it another try,Roman, because I'm intrigued as to why I used to like it a lot, then I play a lot of Marillion and suddenly find that I'm disappointed in it. I must find out why

[Roman]

Well, digging this thread up from the grave, I only want to say one thing in hope that someone is interested: I started a Czech site about Marillion, which is located on www.sweb.cz/anoraci (and which is why I am so busy doing other things and visit yesfans quite unregularly;)). I know that hardly any of you would understand Czech, but I would be happy if you have any comments to the web.
Have a good time!

[brismike]

Hi Guys - I've been reading what has been said about this band over the last few months. During that time I have slowly been buying copies of the 24 bit digital re-mastered Marillion CD's with the bonus CD's.

I originally had a Marillion compilation CD which intrigued me to find out more about them. It was filled with singles though and didn't really showpiece the band at all.

I had already got the Transatlantic CD's so I knew that Marillion's Bass player , Pete Trevavas, was very very good.

When I decided to branch out I started with Misplaced Childhood. I was impressed with this album from the first track. Heart of Lothian was the track that got me really hooked. Its fantastic to hear the alternate versions and demo's on the bonus disc too.

Then I got Script For a Jesters Tear next, again a very impressive listen. I especially liked Chelsea Monday & He Knows You Know. Once again the bonus disc was jam packed with goodies including a 19 minute version of Grendel and a great b side song called Market Square Heroes.

Next I decided to take the advice of Roman and try Brave. I'm glad I was brave to take his advice, this album just kicks arse! (Ass for the US friends on here). No track stands out on this album they are all just so good. And another bonus disc chockers with remakes and alternate versions wow.

A while back I asked what the latest album, Anoraknophobia, was like. I think you guys said to maybe give it a miss until I had absorbed some of the earlier stuff. Well today I decided to buy it. No bonus disc with this one but who cares. I've only listened to it once and this has to be the best non YES album I've listened to in a long time.

Why did you guys stop me all those months ago ???? I'm just listening to "If My Heart Were a Ball it Would Roll Uphill" .... what a track . . fantastic bass and vocals... melody that soars in from everywhere ... This is so F***king good!! Go out and BUY IT WHILE YOU CAN!

The sound, especially the first track, on this album reminds me a little of U2. But where I have always thought U2 were a little rough & raw this is so honed & polished. U2 is the rough uncut diamond, Marillion are the finished priceless bezel cut beauty.

I also bought a copy of Clutching at Straws with bonus disc but havn't listened to it yet. I want to hear Anoraknophobia again a few times before I do .. WOW these guys are good.

Have they ever toured Australia? If not have they ever considered it ?

[Roman]

Hi brismike! Your Marillion story really made me happy. I'm very glad that you've found your way to one of the two best bands in the world (the other is Yes, of course).
Anoraknophobia is really good, isn't it? Get the rest of the albums from H era, especially Afraid of Sunlight (this album continues in the way of Brave musically, the best Marillion album for many fans) and Radiation (very experimental album - many fans hate it but it's great).
Enjoy the music!

[Roman]

And to answer your question: I think they didn't visit Australia yet, but they're planing to tour more countries in 2003 or 2004, so many things can happen. Check out www.marillion.com !

[brismike]

Hi Roman - Yes they are a very very good band. I would put them in the top 5 bands of all time easily. Yes first of course.

Others in the five would be Marillion of course.
It Bites, if you have never heard this band do yourself a favour :)
Liquid Tension Experiment
& Transatlantic

I had a good listen to "Clutching at Straws" over the weekend and my admiration for this band has not diminished at all. The first 3 tracks, Hotel Hobbies, Warm Wet Circles and That Time of Night all fit together so well. If you didn't look at the tracklisting you would think it was one epic song.

Since I last posted I have also gone out and bought "Holidays in Eden", "Fugazi", & "Afraid of Sunlight". These are again the 24bit digital re-masters with the bonus discs. I am paying AU$25 each for them which is about US$14 or GB£8.80 which i think is a pretty good price.

I have played AOS once so far and just loved the first 2 songs. Gazpacho & Cannibal Surf Babe. Wow what fantastic bass playing from Pete Trevavas.

Just listening to HIE right now and it is great so far.

I've also got a bid on Ebay at the moment on another Marillion CD called "Radiation". Keep my fingers crossed that i get that one. :-)

I have checked out the excellent www.marillion.com website and it is an example of how to do a really effective informative website. Lots of goodies on there. I registered for the Freeby Cd a couple of months ago but nothing has shown up as yet :-(

By the time it comes, if it does, I'll probably have all the re-mastered CD's anyway lol.

I like how when you like them up on edge the word Marillion is made up by a single letter on each CD. So far i have got MARI__ION .. I'm missing 2 L's .. What albums are they? Roman ?

Regards - Mike

[Roman]

Hello brismike,
well, one of the albums you are missing is Seasons End (the second L), which is actually the first Marillion album with Steve Hogarth. I didn't noticed that the other L is missing before you said it - I don't have all the CDs (but at least I have everything on tapes...). But I think you find the other L on the "Best of Both Worlds" compilation (there is no other studio album between CAS and SE). "Best of Both Worlds" is actually the title of the whole remastered series. I'm not sure, I will have to look at the CDs in a shop ;)
BTW, regarding Seasons End, you will find out you know some of the music on it. The band wrote some demos for this album before Fish left and you can find them on the CAS bonus disc ("Beaujolais Day" - "Exile on Princess Street"). However, the Fish and Hogarth versions are very different...
To complete your collection, apart from SE, you only have to buy Marillion.com from 1999 and This Strange Engine from 1997. Both of these albums include interesting "epic" 15 min songs - it's Interior Lulu on .com and the title song on TSE.
Enjoy them and happy new Marilloyear! :)(As you probably know, they are going to release their 13th album in 2003...)

P.S. Regarding the free CD ("Crash Course"), it takes some time - I received it after about a month but it was only because I asked for it only a few days after they gave it on the website, I think.

[astronomy]

I love this band I have been listening to them since the early 80's they used to come to the states but not in a long time.they want to change that with this new cd.can't wait for it they are considering doing what they did with there last one have the fans help pay for it.I did it last time and will do it again.love there live cds too

[Roman]

Yes, astronomy. The idea of fans supporting the band is great and always shows how wonderful people the fans of this band are ;)

[brismike]

Hi Roman & other Marillion fans .. & a Happy New Year :-)

I did a little research and I think the second Letter "L" might be on the 1988 Thieving Magpie 2CD set. I did see this one in the shops as a re-mastered version (Its gone now bummer) and its also on www.cduniverse.com as a re-issue re-master. Because it was released originaly in 1988 it fits into the time frame between 1987 Clutching at straws (Letter I) and 1989 Seasons End (Letter L also).

So I think the full set goes like this...........

M - 1983 Script For a Jesters Tear
A - 1984 Fugazi
R - 1985 Misplaced Childhood
I - 1987 Clutching at Straws
L - 1988 Thieving Magpie (Live)
L - 1989 Seasons End
I - 1991 Holidays in Eden
O - 1994 Brave
N - 1995 Afraid of Sunlight

Studio Albums to follow these are....
1997 - This Strange Engine
1998 - Radiation
1999 - Marillion.Com
2001 - Anoraknophobia

Other releases which are either live or compilations I have seen are....
1984 - Real to Reel/Brief Encounters (pt compilation pt live) 2CD
1996 - Made Again 2CD (Live)
2002 - Best of Both Worlds (compilation disc 1 Fish, disc 2 Hogarth) 2CD
2002 - Anorak in The UK Live 1CD

And what looks like an electronic re-mix of songs off TSA
1998 - Tales From the Engine Room 1CD

plus there are other releases like
1998 - B Sides Themselves
2000 - Hits & More
plus other sundry compilations etc.

Sure is a lot of stuff to get thru .. :)

Is the "Tales from the Engine Room" CD worth getting? Its available for only US$5.99 at CD Universe?

I'm even turning my wife onto them a little bit and she is very cynical when it comes to the music I like normaly. She hates Yes with a passion (but she's coming to the upcoming Sydney & Melbourne concerts with me haha.)

I hope Marillion consider touring downunder in the future ... :)

Mike

[Roman]

brismike, you're right about "Tales from the Engine Room". It's really a dance version of the TSE album. It's definitely worth buying. It's one of the best remix albums I've ever heard. I even count it to the regular Marillion albums. However, you must throw away preconceptions...:)
Your discography list is complete. As always, there are some rare (live) releases - you can find them in the discography section of the official Marillion website. There is also a 2CD version of the Anorak in the UK live album, but you can get it only by purchasing directly from Racket Records.
The B'Sides Themselves album is a complete collection of B sides from the Fish era, including Grendel, Market Square Heroes, Cinderella Search and many others.
Anyone who likes Marillion with H should also get H's solo album "Ice Cream Genius" (1997). Don't understand it wrong, the music on the album is very different from the music of Marillion, but it's a really good album, full of emotions and feelings. For more info visit www.stevehogarth.com .

[Byroan]

Ah Marillion, On e of my favorite bands. I actually like them better without Fish. H's voice (current lead singer) is so unique, and easy to listen to. Marillion is kinda like Camel, except for the older stuff. Fish (former lead singer) is just too raw for me, although I have all his solo stuff. He's kinda like Roger Waters- with an edge! I like pretty much all of their later stuff. My only lament is that I've only seen them once, with Fish. I guess they don't tour the States (atleast on the West coast). I really like the way they cater to there fan base- that band knows how to release their music- singles, bonus tracks, live stuff, fan club only releases, DVDs- Could you image Yes with that kind of "support"? Check out their web site- its quite cool.

[relayer_1]

Hi there,
I've been a Marillion fan since '83 when I first heard "He knows you know" and got hooked on since. But recently have been very dissapointed with their latest two releases ( the studio and the Live Anoraks) to the extent I did not buy them. But I would reccomend that if you have the money and since there is no official Box set, buy the remasters series. This is a true gem; this collection of double CDs has each album ( 4 with Fish and 4 with Hogarth) with an added disc of unreleased and bonus tracks. The sound quality is impeccable and the artwork as well. But if you want a true taste of Marillo, try "The Best of Both Worlds", this is a beauty that spotlights the best work by each vocalist although Hogarth has been with the band almost twice the time Fish was. Among the remasters series, the only one I did not buy was AOS which is very hard to digest, its a matter of taste but this one is the least of my old favorites. One gem worth having (if you are lucky) is the Theiving Magpie with the bonus Live misplaced childhood suite. With all the Lord of the Rings hype going on, I can't understand why many folks don't know where this band got their name from the Tolkien books, just for the record.

relayer 1

[astronomy]

brismike I have all the remastered cds on EMI and Seasons End is the LL on the side of the cd.They didn't as far as I know remaster Thieving Magpie.

[brismike]

Finaly the answer to how they fit the 2 L's into the remastered bonus disc series is solved................

Apparently "Seasons End" has got 2 L's on the spine thus completing the name "Marillion", if you have been lucky enough to get the complete set of re-masters and line them up in chronological order.

Thanks to Relayer_1 & Astronomy for clearing that up for me :-)

BTW Relayer_1, I am a fairly new Marillion fan and love Anoraknophobia. This album really grows on you as you listen to it more. Standout tracks are "Quartz", "This is The 21st Century" & "If My Heart Were a Ball It Would Roll Uphill".

This band just kicks and I would like to thank Roman for sparking my interest in them :-)

I prefer H to Fish but they are both very good within the context of the songs they recorded.

I did have the "Singles Collection" but I thought that was a bit ordinary. Glad I tried a couple of full albums.

Mike

[astronomy]

brismike do you own the first marillion cd Script For A Jesters Tear,I really think you should get it if you don't have it already.It is like hearing Genesis around the Duke album then finding out about Peter,it is like two different bands.

[Martin Riley]

The two 'Singles' Boxed sets are just fine and dandy as well. The 82-88 set covering teh Fish years has a lot of interesting 12" single versions and the 89-95 H years set is stuffed with fine alternatives and loads of live stuff - ideal if you didn't buy each of the singles first time around

[Roman]

Astronomy, thank you for the answer. I have actually asked in the Anorak Corner of the Marillion Online Forums (www.marillion.com/forum) but they are currently down so I didn't get the answer...

I prefer H era too. What I like on Marillion music is the amount of emotions and feelings which is behind it. And this IMO is what the H era is about. Anoraknophobia isn't my fave Marillion album (it's AOS) but This Is the 21st Century is one of my all the time favourite songs. The Anorak in the UK live album is the best Marillion live album, the recording quality is excellent.

Looking forward to the 13th album...

[brismike]

Hi Astronomy - Yes I have got the "Script" album. It was one of the first 2 I got. And yes parts of it do remind me of early to mid Genesis . . but much better than them I think.

I have got all of the re-master series now except for "Seasons End" which I do have on order at my local CD shop here in Brisbane. "Afraid of Sunlight" is a great album and kicks of with 2 phenomenal tracks. The rest are great too but need more listening time.

I have also just ordered "Radiation", "Marillion.Com" & "This strange Engine" online at www.sanity.com.au an Australian online CD retailer with very good prices. Check them out and remember that they quote in Aussie dollars which are only worth just over half an american dollar.

Yes Roman you are right about the emotion. You can tell that H is really putting himself completely into the songs and he does have a fantastic voice. I too will love to hear album number 13.

I'll get some of the live albums in a while .. better let the credit card cool down for a while lol. Roman Would you reccomend the 2CD version of Anorak Live over the single disc version? I know you have to go to the website to order that one.

Regards - Mike

[astronomy]

get the 2cd version of Anorak Live it is so great.I guess I'm not hard to please because I love all there music.At first if was tough getting intoThis Strange Engine because I wanted more of cds like Brave or Seasons End but then I took it for what it was and man I love it.And every cd after that is great to me.And there fan club live cds are the way to go if you love live music from them.So Brismike but in some overtime and burn up that credit card and then take a week off and enjoy!!!!!!

[Roman]

I agree astronomy. Actually, I don't have the 2CD version because I have some problems with internet purchasing (they don't accept my credit card...) The 1CD is really great and the 2CD version must be even better with the extra tracks on it. The only track on the 1CD that isn't on the 2CD version is Easter, but - you know - there are so many other live versions of this song... So, if you can, buy the 2CD!

Regarding AOS, you're right about it, brismike. When I first heard it, my fave songs were the opening two, but after some time, I really got into the others. I absolutely admire Out of This World, it's my all time fave song (and the name's my nick in the Marillion forums...). However, when I first heard it, I thought it's a little boring...;)

[brismike]

Originally posted by Roman
Hello brismike,
BTW, regarding Seasons End, you will find out you know some of the music on it. The band wrote some demos for this album before Fish left and you can find them on the CAS bonus disc ("Beaujolais Day" - "Exile on Princess Street"). However, the Fish and Hogarth versions are very different...


Hi Roman - I have now got "Seasons End" and its very very good. I am going to love this one I know. I had heard "Easter" before and loved that song but there are others on this album which are just as good or even better.

Now in reference to your quote above I am at a loss. Which finished songs on "Seasons End" are similar to the demo's you mentioned on "Clutching at Straws"?

I must admit I havn't had a chance to re-listen to all of CAS to work it out for myself but i see that none of the titles are remotely similar so a little help from you would be great :-).

The demos on "Seasons End" bonus disk are wonderfull too, listening to them right now.

Mike

[astronomy]

brismike "Beaujolais Day" is like "Seasons End" and "Exile On Princess Street" is like "King Of Sunset Town" I could be wrong but that is what I hear at first glance.

[astronomy]

If you listen to Story From A Thin wall on CAS I Think is Berlin and you can hear his lyrics for his solo album Family Business.

[haroldthebarrel]

QUOTE:
Over the years, I've happened to notice that many who enjoy Yes also show interest in a little band from Aylesbury, UK named Marillion. The band, who have been playing since the late seventies, are actually fans of Yes themselves. There are also influences of Genesis, Hawkwind, Gong and King Crimson throughout the group.
END QUOTE!

I have never been able to get into this band too much. I notice the Genesis and Yes influences on MISPLACED CHILDHOOD, and of the two albums I have by them, think MC is the better one. I like alot of the music, but they just do do what Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Peter Gabriel etc.. do for me. The other release I have is CLUTCHING AT STRAWS, which I feel is horibble. Not to demean anyone else's feelings and opinions..of course. Just my 2 cents! :-)

[brismike]

Hi Harold - Sorry to hear you don't get into Marillion as much as some of us do on here. :-(

But I think I know what the problem is .. ;-)

You have only heard "Fish" era Marillion!

Give the "H" (or Steve Hogarth) era a try, (1989 onwards). I would reccomend just going straight to their latest studio album "Anoraknophobia".

I started of by trying out the earlier stuff and some of the guys on here encouraged that. I did ask about "Anoraknophobia" but they said "No .. wait you won't be ready for it yet".

Anyway I listened to it the other week and was blown away ........ This album absolutly rocks. Just GET IT!!

I'm now working my way back thru the Marillion catalogue from there. "Marillion.Com", "Radiation" & "This Strange Engine" are next in my sights.

Have fun - Mike

[Roman]

Brismike, all the tracks between "Beaujolais Day" and "Exile on Princess Street" (including these two) are actually demos of songs for the never finished fifth Fish-era album. Fish had used many of the lyrics in his solo projects (not only on Family Business, you can find parts of the lyrics in Internal Exile, Vigil in the Wilderness Mirrors etc.) The music of the songs was used by the band on SE and b'sides left over from this album:

Story from the Thin Wall - Berlin
Shadows on the Barley - The Bell in the Sea
Sunset Hill - The King of Sunset Town
Tic Tac Toe - The Release
Voice in the Crowd - After Me
Beaujolais Day and Exile on Princess Street weren't used (regarding to what is written on www.marillion.com)

Harold, I agree with brismike. It's true the Fish era songs were sometimes more than inspired by other prog bands. I think the band was actually looking for the way their music would go that time. They finally found it on Brave and AOS. These two albums can't be compared to anything I think! The continued developing their style and every album had something new on it. Especially Anoraknophobia - one of the best albums of 2001! Give it a try!

[astronomy]

hey does anyone have any cdv's to trade?

[brismike]

Hi guys - Time to resurrect this thread again I think :) - Since I last posted to this thread I have been listing to Marillion almost exclusivly. (I have had the odd listen to Yes too lol!).

Anyway I find this band very appealing and have just about got everything they have put out now. (Still trying to get Marillion.com though.)

Roman I have a question for you, or anyone else who knows anything about Marillion.

Has the Steve Hogarth version of Marillion ever performed live any Fish era marillion tracks?

Would be interesting to hear them if they have.

Mike

[nightliner]

They have done Incomunicado, Warm Wet Circles, Slainte Math, Kayleigh and possibly Heart of Lothian.

[brismike]

Wow . . quick response nightliner .. thanks.

Mike

[Martin Riley]

And Lavender, which is on the Made Again live album

[Roman]

That's still not complete: they performed even Script for a Jester's Tear, Garden Party, Cinderella Search, Hotel Hobbies, That Time of the Night and Sugar Mice. The songs can be found on some of their live albums: Script is on Live at Caracas, Garden Party and Sugar Mice on Zodiac, Kayleigh / Lavender on Made Again, Hotel Hobbies / WWC / TTOTN and Slainte Mhath also on Live at Caracas and Cinderella Search on A Piss-Up in the Brewery. However, most of these albums are rare...
Btw, what do you think of Steve singing Fish era songs? I like his versions of Sugar Mice and Kayleigh / Lavender very much, but don't like Garden Party... This song doesn't suit him very well...

[keirondunn]

Marillion were the only band I went to see who cancelled the show after the support. Fish came on stage and croaked into the mike that he felt really bad about doing it but he just could'nt sing. The rearranged gig was great. I also saw Steeleye Span when Maddy Prior broke her ankle, but this was well into the concert. Madness cancelled a show that I had been queing outside to see, but Fish is the only one to actually come out and say sorry folks but the 'the show must not go on'. I only got the 2 records and I have not kept up with their music but they were very good.

[nightliner]

Roman, your right. Now that you mention it I do remember hearing "H" do Garden Party and Sugar Mice.

[Dr Yes]

I fall into the bracket of being a Marillion nut from the Script/Fugazi period who fell out of touch after Misplaced Childhood and Clutching at Straws (when Fish's maudlin introspection became too cheesy to me) and who tried really hard to give Steve Hogarth a chance but is by and large uninspired. I saw them live with both Script and Fugazi and maybe I am biased to liking their old stuff, but though I bought Season's End and quite liked Easter I haven't played it for years. Maybe it's time for a reappraisal.

[Roman]

Now I found out Steve did White Russian, Lords of the Backstage / Blind Curve and Freaks as well. However, there are no official recordings of these songs.

Dr_Yes, maybe you should try some of their newer albums (for example Anoraknophobia) or Brave, which is considered to be their master piece by almost everyone (including the critics or fans who felt dissapointed with Seasons End or Holidays in Eden). Now Marillion sound like a different band than they were at the beginning of the 80s...)

[Dr Yes]

Originally posted by Roman
Now I found out Steve did White Russian, Lords of the Backstage / Blind Curve and Freaks as well. However, there are no official recordings of these songs.

Dr_Yes, maybe you should try some of their newer albums (for example Anoraknophobia) or Brave, which is considered to be their master piece by almost everyone (including the critics or fans who felt dissapointed with Seasons End or Holidays in Eden). Now Marillion sound like a different band than they were at the beginning of the 80s...)

Thanks Roman,

Maybe Anoraknophobia would be a good place to start then - thanks for the suggestions. That's the one that the band funded via their fan base wasn't it? I seem to recall reading that a few years back. Have recently got back into IQ after many years of not bothering with neo-prog bands, it would be good to revisit Marillion to see if I like their new stuff.

Doc Y.

[Roman]

Originally posted by Dr_Yes



Maybe Anoraknophobia would be a good place to start then - thanks for the suggestions. That's the one that the band funded via their fan base wasn't it?

Yeah, that's the one ;) But do not expect it to be a prog album. It's something different, modern, experimental and very fresh. Let us know how you like it...

[brismike]

I think you will find Anoraknophobia to be awesome. When I first got it I couldn't stop playing it. The only thing that stopped me was I got some other Marillion albums. But after listening to them I kept coming back to Anoraknophobia.



Now I've got "Anorak in the UK Live" (2 Disc version). I do prefer "H" to "Fish" .. The rest of the band seem to be more sure of themselves with "H" on vocals I feel.

I wished I had got into Marillion a long time ago but I suppose my discovery of them was just the way it was meant to be.

Mike

[nightliner]

For me Marillion hit their peak with Season's End. That is one of my all time favorite cd's. I really didn't care for Anaraknophobia or Marillion.com.

[Dr Yes]

To Roman and brismike,

AM not too concerned if it's not proggy actually. The change in focus is probably a welcome thing. Have recently started listening to Muse, Linkin Park, Faith No More, RATM among the upstart bands - so my tastes are pretty eclectic. The album sounds fun so I'll try to get it and see how I take it.

[brismike]

Hi Guys - Have any of you got the "Marillion EMI Singles Collection" DVD?

If so whats it like?

Mike

[brismike]

Looks like its a rare DVD?

[Roman]

I don't have it but have watched it. My friend has this one recorded on a video-tape.
It was my first time to see Marillion videos and I liked it very much. As the name says, it's a (chronologically ordered) collection of video clips. Some of the videos are pretty funny (especially the Script/Fugazi era videos - some of them seem kinda dated now), other are very serious or even depressing (the Brave videos - they use some scenes from the Brave movie) and some are really beautiful (Dry Land, Easter, Beautiful). I think it's worth buying (I didn't buy it as I don't have a DVD player...). Don't know if it's rare, but am sure you can get it through Racket Records.

[brismike]

Thanks Roman - A very informative reply as usual. I'll keep an eye out for it on Ebay I think as its a bit expensive at the Racket Records site.

Mike

[Martin Riley]

Dafty Boy(what a name) ........look here for our previous Marillion messages.

Yes there are a few diehards here

[seescape]

Another Marillion fan here. Seasons End is probably my favourite, with Script the highlight of the Fish era. I listened to Anoraknophobia a lot when I first bought it, but seemed to get bored of it quite rapidly. dot com is for me a better album overall. not least because of Interior Lulu (the last 5-6 minutes of that song in particular are just awesome!).

[Dafty Boy]

Seasons End is my favourite Hogarth Marillion album. I think they had to make more of an effort to escape the Fish-shaped shadow.
I also love This Strange Engine, especially Man of a Thousand Faces.
In fact I agree with seescape entirely. Anaroknophobia has too many loud, dull songs for me, the only time I find myself not interested.
Script has a special place for me, it's just so... progressive and awesome. Favourite song: Chelsea Monday.
The new DVD 'Recital of the Script' has the entire 'Script' album live and is well worth checking out.
What's in a name? I chose dafty because I don't want anybody taking me too seriously!! Have fun!!
Dafty

[seescape]

New album title was just announced on the official website today. It's to be called 'Marbles' (hmmm...) with a release date of next April, but with pre-ordering commencing in September at a hefty £27.99 (it will be a double album mind).

[Dafty Boy]

Ah, well, I guess I'll be there with my... How much?! And it's called 'Marbles??!!'
Oh, allright. I'll still be there.

As long as the next Yes album isn't called 'Conkers.'

[nightliner]

Has anyone seen the newly released dvd From Stoke Row to Ipanema? If so, how's the quality? I like the fact that it has several songs from Season's End. Great cd!

[seescape]

Originally posted by Dafty Boy
Ah, well, I guess I'll be there with my... How much?! And it's called 'Marbles??!!'
Oh, allright. I'll still be there.

As long as the next Yes album isn't called 'Conkers.'

Well they've already released one called 'Balls'...oh no sorry, that was 'Open Your Eyes'. :D

[Sonoacustico]

my gosh, I missed this thread!! thanks Martin to bring it back to the surface ;)

I just readed all of the posts and there are a few things I like to comment:

Someone (don't remember who) posted that he has a video of Steve Hackett featuring Ian Mosley, are you sure about that? There is a "Steve Hackett 1990" video with Pendragon's Drummer Fudge Smith. Mosley is featured in the Live album "Time Lapse" what also includes some songs with F.Smith, and I believe you might be wrong about that video. If it is REALLY a Hackett video with Ian Mosley, I would very interested in getting a copy!! :D


Fish or H? Well, I started listening Fish-Era Marillion, and I liked them better than H's, however, since I was listening to more stuff I began to like H-era better, specially having seen Marillion's 1997 tour here, and then Fish solo in 2001 (My band even opened the show for Fish :D ) And I believe there is TOO MUCH of the early Genesis in the first marillion albums, that is more than a simple "influence" in my opinion. They got their self soul since Clutching at Straws and specially after H's arrival. IMHO the best ever Marillion album is Brave, just a masterpiece without a doubt, and my least favorite album is Radiation, i just can't stand it, the production is mediocre, the songwritting is poor too, except for a couple of tracks, it was a big dissapointment. M dot com is very very good for me, and I agree with you people who said Anoraknophobia is an album that grows in you with each listen, I wasn't very impressed at first, but now I just simply love the album!

H singing Fish-era songs. Yeah, H has sung several Fish era songs, in my opinion these ones are better sung by H: Garden Party, Script for a Jester's tear, heart of Lothian, Lords of The Backstage, Blind Curve, Slainthe Mhath, That Time of the Night, Sugar Mice.
IMHO Fish wins on: Kayleigh, Lavender, Warm Wet Circles, Freaks, Cinderella Search. I haven't heard the H version of White Russian, I'd love to!

Marillion DVD's. The first one was the "EMI SINGLES COLLECTION" it is not a rare DVD since it is an EMI release, you could find it easily at amazon, and of course at racket. It is a very nice compilation of Videoclips from the beginning till the Afraid of Sunlight album, it is an update of the 1992 video "A singles Collection" and it has a hidden track, the song DESERVE from the Marillion.com album. It's definitely worth buying! Then "A Piss-up in a brewery" is the acoustic show recorded at the Bass Museum, it is a very good show, as it features some rare songs: Cinderella Search, Sympathy, DryLand and Beatles' Let it be among others, very nice! Then, "Shot in the Dark" is a concert from the Marillion.com album, it features great versions of songs like Cathedral Wall, Garden Party, Goodbye to all that, Berlin, Sugar Mice and a very good acoustic version of Answering Machine (btw I hate the original version!:boom: ) the DVD release has lots of Bonus tracks, DEFINITELY worth getting. "Brave Live 2002" that one is a must! the Brave album played in its entirety at the Marillion Weekend Fan Convention 2002, and released a few months after that. It also features some 2002 interviews about the making of the album. "Before First Light" that is the Afraid of Sunlight album played in its entirety at the Marillion Weekend fan Convention 2003, recorded a Friday (first day of the convention) and it was available two days later! I believe that DVD entered the Guiness Records book!! The concert is very very good and it has two bonus tracks: Easter and FAITH, a new song that will be included in the next Marillion album "MARBLES" to be released in April 2004. "From Stoke Row to Ipanema" (from the Seasons End tour) and "Recital of the Script" (from the first tour) were just released on DVD by EMI (i'm not sure if both of them are EMI, but at least one of them is) I haven't watched them yet, but I've been told the release is very very good! with a good number of bonus tracks.

Well, I hope I haven't bothered anyone with such a long post!!!
That's all for now, Greetings!

Claudio

[Dafty Boy]

'Stoke Row' is a bit videotapey, it even has a few video type flickers, but it's a great concert.
I prefer 'Shot in the Dark' which is much more advanced, technically, and really shows the band as they are now. Chock full of extras, too.
'Recital of the Script' should please all the diehard Fish-era fans (I'm a bit of a diehard both-era, myself!). Very, very proggy. And it's all on film so it looks more like the seventies than the (yuck) eighties.
Anyone looking for an intro to the band, I would go for 'Shot in the Dark.'
Hopefully we'll get 'Loreley' before too long. That was good.
'so here I am once more...'

[brismike]

I just got copies of "Shot in The Dark" & "Before First Light" DVD's. Only skimmed thru them for the moment but they both look great.

I already have "Brave Live 2002" on DVD and if thats anything to go by they will be fantastic.

I managed to get a copy of "H's" solo album "Ice Cream Genius" the other week. I like this one too .. there are a couple of really good tracks on it. He certainly puts feeling into the songs.

I am very impressed with the way the guys in Marillion work together. There is no primma donna in the band, they work as a team.

Mike

[Dafty Boy]

I don't think they've ever got famous enough to develop 'attitude.' Sometimes friction in a band creates great music, but it never lasts for long.
I think their are tensions. I read an interview with Hogarth where he states 'sometimes I feel the tensions in the band which made Fish quit...' which bothered me a bit.
That was quite a while ago, though, maybe they've settled down.
Worth getting all the Marillo DVDs, I'd say. Bass Museum is a bit visually unexciting, but a fantastic acoustic set.
Hope they get their Marbles together...:band: