The Jester's Crowning Moment !
Written: Mar 24 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fish ! Best album of their career !
Cons: None that I can think of...
The Bottom Line: Marillion's best !
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| batgyrl's Full Review: Misplaced Childhood [Remaster] by Marillion |
Probably the most overlooked rock band, in the US; or, at least the most underrated; Marillion is always a joy to hear, and experience musicaly. But, Misplaced Childhood is, without a doubt, their best, and brightest effort.
I discovered Marillion long after this album was first released. Thirteen years, as a matter of fact. I was introduced to the band by a close and dear friend, who remains a close and dear friend for many reasons. Not the least of which is that she introduced me to Marillion !
Misplaced Childhood is the first Marillion album featuring the now tried and true combination of Steve Rothery's guitar work, Mark Kelley's keyboard wizardry, Pete Trewavas' bass, and Ian Mosely's drumming throughout the set, Mosely having joined the band during their Fugazi sessions. And the instrumental alchemy going on here is something any lover of progressive 70s-esque rock will find as tasty as cold sangria on a blistering summer's day.
And to that the lyrics of Fish; and the big Scot's wistful, thought-provoking rendering of his own words, and you have a masterpiece of rock and roll music with the decidedly British flavor that is Marillion.
Disk one opens with the soft, almost eerie Pseudo Silk Kimono, as Fish sets the stage for a musical journey into his own mind, and heart, over the loss of his longtime love, Kayleigh (the album's first single, and one of Marillion's biggest hits). Follow this with Lavender, and then the song I personally believe carries the album, and stands as the best example of the Fish-era Marillion sound: Heart of Lothian; and you have an opening that knows no equal in progressive rock.
While Childhood's first half seems to deal, lyricly, with Fish's lost love, and emotional trumoil what would have, likely, been side 2 of the LP released in the 80s follows a more sociopolitical thread; with statements on the pressures of celebrity, and the horrors of war set to Rothery's hauntingly sweet guitar, and Mosely's contrastingly driven drumming.
The bonus disc contains, essentially, a completely different version of the album, culled from unreleased demos, as well as single mixes of Kayleigh (featuring MTV-style pop-drums in the vein of Duran Duran), Lavender (called Lavender Blue), and Lothian- as well as the charting flip, Lady Nina. Another classic example of lyrical Fishisms.
Packaged with a full-color book filled with informative liners notes, and rememberings of the band, with original cover art, and decoratively labled discs, the remastered Misplaced Childhood is a must for any fan of good, solid British rock. Whether you're a Marillion fan, or not.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: At Work
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Epinions.com ID:
batgyrl
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Member: Maria Fernandez
Location: Amarillo, Tejas
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I hope my reviews can be of some help.
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