I’ve been a big fan of Marillion since “Kayleigh” got some radio play in 1985 and I discovered their album Misplaced Childhood a few years later. It quickly became a favorite and it remains one of my most listened albums still to this day. The follow-up Clutching at Straws is also a part of that elite group. Their Genesis-ish prog sound is familiar and Fish’s voice, excellent musicianship and insightful lyrics put them in the list of my favorite bands.
When Fish left the band in 1988 I was disappointed and concerned. It’s always difficult to replace a lead singer but Fish was the primary lyricist and I wasn’t sure how things would go with a replacement.
Their first album with new singer Steve Hogarth was Seasons End and it’s really quite good, but admittedly it took a few years for me to warm up to the “new” Marillion. In the years that have followed I have come to really enjoy them and really respect their inventiveness and originality. They are constantly trying new things and while some albums are stronger than others, they hit on brilliance because of their tendency to take chances and to never rely on their past.
They are essentially a different band without Fish, but one I still enjoy listening to. Here is a favorite of mine from their 1991 album Holidays in Eden.
Your thoughts?