Marillion

[Stadler]

Funny, that last paragraph?   That's Afraid of Sunlight for me. I hated it - well, strongly disliked it - for the longest time and now I really, really dig it.

And I will say, I bought the deluxe HiE and it's a lot better.  Still not great, but a lot better. 

[HOF]

Funny, that last paragraph?   That's Afraid of Sunlight for me. I hated it - well, strongly disliked it - for the longest time and now I really, really dig it.

And I will say, I bought the deluxe HiE and it's a lot better.  Still not great, but a lot better. 

Even some of the band felt that way about AOS at first but I think they've all come around to think of it as one of their strongest. It's one of my favorite albums of all time.

[Puppies_On_Acid]

My top 5:

1a. Afraid of Sunlight
1b. Brave
3. Clutching at Straws
4. Marbles
5. Anoraknophobia

Seasons End has held the 5 spot in the past, as has Fugazi. Brave and AOS are basically tied at number 1 for me.

Interesting seeing Anoraknophobia there. Over the last few years that album and Marillion.com have both gained much more appreciation from me. I don't know that they would ever crack my top 5, but they are getting fairly close to the 6-8 range.

I wonder if FEAR and An Hour Before It's Dark will ever start to click with me....FEAR just plods too much and is too political for me. Hour is....different, but splitting the tracks did them no favors (which is easily fixed on my end) and the production is a little...stale?

[HOF]

I find that I kind of have to be in the mood for FEAR, but when I hear it I still really like it. AHBID is awesome, but I still find the opening track totally skippable. Everything else is great though. I downloaded the tracks merged into one, but splitting them up is definitely annoying. They aren't intended to be listened to separately, it's just done that way to maximize downloading and streaming dollars.

[Stadler]

By the way, any fans of AHBID, find the instrumental version (I think it's on the deluxe version?  I forget...).  It's AMAZING for what it is.  Not that Hogarth's parts aren't very good, but I find I listen to the instrumental version as much and that's rare for me. It's kind of mood music, but it works for that.

[HOF]

Yeah, the deluxe version has a blu ray with extras that includes the all audio tracks. They are very good. Wish they were available in an easier to rip format.

[HOF]

If anyone is looking for any of the re-issue box sets that have gone out of print, they are doing a limited re-run of them.

https://www.marillion.com/shop/search.php?category=Special+Edition&fbclid=IwY2xjawEP54BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaMYBLUUaGyBRCXRV0frrX_ta1wZXJhLiB8EnU5ahFWMcAOlbFMymshGAA_aem_IZGHeQL401GnJXT-qG61aw

[nick_z]

If anyone is looking for any of the re-issue box sets that have gone out of print, they are doing a limited re-run of them.

https://www.marillion.com/shop/search.php?category=Special+Edition&fbclid=IwY2xjawEP54BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaMYBLUUaGyBRCXRV0frrX_ta1wZXJhLiB8EnU5ahFWMcAOlbFMymshGAA_aem_IZGHeQL401GnJXT-qG61aw

Nice! I have the box sets for Script, Misplaced, Seasons and Holidays, and I wouldn't mind getting the ones for Brave and Afraid of Sunlight. I know you are an especially big fan of the latter...is the boxset worth it?

[HOF]

The AOS one is a nice set, and I think the Hunter re-mix is solid. Not a massive difference, but there are places that I thought had a little more life. One of the reasons I got it was because it has the original Dave Meegan mix and master in it (I only had the remaster version, which was brickwalled), and that is probably still the best overall mix and master.

I never find the concert recordings all that interesting, but your mileage may vary. DVD has a short documentary and the booklet has info about the album all of which was interesting but a lot of it familiar to me already. I do like the cover art a good bit. The only extra, unreleased tracks are on the DVD (the same as were on the remaster double CD). Can't speak to the 5.1 mix as I don't have that setup.

I bought it mostly because it's my favorite album and that extra disc with the original Meegan mix made it worth it to me. I passed on Brave because the only extra content was the same concert from Made Again, but this had a little bit more value to me. I might go back now and get Brave though.  Again, your mileage may vary though.

[Stadler]

I think they're all worth it, depending on the amount you pay (meaning, I wouldn't shell out $150 on eBay or anything...).  But the main disks are all REMIXES and you should know that.  It didn't really sink in with me until I heard the Clutching At Straws CD; I know that album intuitively, from hearing it so many times and they used a lot of alternate vocal takes, and the vocals are generally a bit drier in the mix.  I like it, and it's certainly interesting, but it's not the same to me.

[ProfessorPeart]

But the main disks are all REMIXES

Aside from Misplaced Childhood (my favorite album of theirs), I believe. I made an assumption it was also remixed but when I was A/B-ing my copies I could not find a difference. Checked the credits to discover it is just a remaster. No mention of a remix.

[nick_z]

The AOS one is a nice set, and I think the Hunter re-mix is solid. Not a massive difference, but there are places that I thought had a little more life. One of the reasons I got it was because it has the original Dave Meegan mix and master in it (I only had the remaster version, which was brickwalled), and that is probably still the best overall mix and master.

I never find the concert recordings all that interesting, but your mileage may vary. DVD has a short documentary and the booklet has info about the album all of which was interesting but a lot of it familiar to me already. I do like the cover art a good bit. The only extra, unreleased tracks are on the DVD (the same as were on the remaster double CD). Can't speak to the 5.1 mix as I don't have that setup.

I bought it mostly because it's my favorite album and that extra disc with the original Meegan mix made it worth it to me. I passed on Brave because the only extra content was the same concert from Made Again, but this had a little bit more value to me. I might go back now and get Brave though.  Again, your mileage may vary though.

Thank you, this is super-useful. I do have the original AoS (not the remaster), so I assume that's the same original Meegan mix you are mentioning?

I love Brave and I guess it's a bit disappointing the concert is the same as the one on Made Again (which I already have). I wonder how different the remix of the actual album is.

I think they're all worth it, depending on the amount you pay (meaning, I wouldn't shell out $150 on eBay or anything...).  But the main disks are all REMIXES and you should know that.  It didn't really sink in with me until I heard the Clutching At Straws CD; I know that album intuitively, from hearing it so many times and they used a lot of alternate vocal takes, and the vocals are generally a bit drier in the mix.  I like it, and it's certainly interesting, but it's not the same to me.

I realized I didn't include CoS in the list of the box-sets I have...that was an omission as I do, indeed, have it

But yeah, I have really liked all of the ones I've got. They are very well put together.

[HOF]

Yes, you already have the Meegan mix that is in the AOS set. Double check me on the Brave set having the same concert as Made Again, but that is my recollection.

[Stadler]

Aside from Misplaced Childhood (my favorite album of theirs), I believe. I made an assumption it was also remixed but when I was A/B-ing my copies I could not find a difference. Checked the credits to discover it is just a remaster. No mention of a remix.

You just sparked something for me... if memory serves, Wilson was always adamant that he had to do another stereo mix (a remix) so he could do the 5.1 mix.  And it always seemed to make sense to release the stereo remix as an alternative.  But I recall him saying that the original mix - by Chris Kimsey - was so good, essentially perfect, that it was redundant to put another one on there.

[ProfessorPeart]

You just sparked something for me... if memory serves, Wilson was always adamant that he had to do another stereo mix (a remix) so he could do the 5.1 mix.  And it always seemed to make sense to release the stereo remix as an alternative.  But I recall him saying that the original mix - by Chris Kimsey - was so good, essentially perfect, that it was redundant to put another one on there.

And I would agree. That album sounds fantastic to this day, even for its age.

[RoeDent]

A-Z concert live album is now on streaming, unfortunately minus I, X (especially disappointing) and Z.

[The Curious Orange]

Double check me on the Brave set having the same concert as Made Again, but that is my recollection.

Made Again was taken from 3 shows, the Brave set on the second disc was from Paris, and that entire show (plus encores) is on the Brave Deluxe Edition. The other 2 shows are on the Holidays in Eden and Afraid of Sunlight Deluxe Editions, again in their entirety. You're basically getting the three full shows that Made Again was culled from across the three box sets.

[HOF]

Made Again was taken from 3 shows, the Brave set on the second disc was from Paris, and that entire show (plus encores) is on the Brave Deluxe Edition. The other 2 shows are on the Holidays in Eden and Afraid of Sunlight Deluxe Editions, again in their entirety. You're basically getting the three full shows that Made Again was culled from across the three box sets.

Thanks, I meant to come back and clarify after I looked it up but forgot to. I was thinking about picking up the Brave deluxe to round out the H era set, but I am having a hard time justifying $70 for the content I don't already own (I've got the standalone CD of the SW mix already).

[ytserush]

Funny, that last paragraph?   That's Afraid of Sunlight for me. I hated it - well, strongly disliked it - for the longest time and now I really, really dig it.

And I will say, I bought the deluxe HiE and it's a lot better.  Still not great, but a lot better. 

The live show on Afraid Of Sunlight saved the deluxe edition for me. That and to a lesser extent the documentary is really the only stuff I still listen to in that set. (Ok well other than Pete's noodling)
Every song I like on Afraid of Sunlight and even the ones I don't (Can you say Cannibal Surf Babe?) render the studio versions obsolete. The only other live show I have from this period (9/17/95 at the Corn Exchange)doesn't even approach The Ahoy show included with this set.

[ytserush]

Here's the latest Fish on Friday where he talks about the Vigil and Exile rollouts his future plans, and the familiar improvised comedic interludes and song previews. Tour begins in 8 weeks....


https://www.facebook.com/derek.dick/videos/346308248535363/

[Stadler]

The live show on Afraid Of Sunlight saved the deluxe edition for me. That and to a lesser extent the documentary is really the only stuff I still listen to in that set. (Ok well other than Pete's noodling)
Every song I like on Afraid of Sunlight and even the ones I don't (Can you say Cannibal Surf Babe?) render the studio versions obsolete. The only other live show I have from this period (9/17/95 at the Corn Exchange)doesn't even approach The Ahoy show included with this set.

Funny enough, it was when Cannibal Surf Babe (an unfortunate title) clicked with me that Afraid of Sunlight clicked with me.  It's not a joke song, and it's not a throwaway (like, maybe, "Who Dunnit?" on Genesis' Abacab). It's a statement and it fits with the rest of the album (it's a reference and a pastiche homage to Brian Wilson and his art, though not the only reference to him on that album).

[romdrums]

Since I've been home recovering from surgery (which went well, btw!) I've gone back and listened to a few albums from their EMI years. I was also partially inspired by Mark Kelly's autobiography, which is a worthwhile read. Script was a refreshing listen. It's somewhat rare to hear a debut where the band's sound is as well developed as it is on this record. That said, Mick Pointer's drumming leaves a lot to be desired. I'm glad they were able to pull in Ian Mosley and level up!

I also watched the AHBID documentary, and, while I loved the footage and everything they grabbed at Real World Studios, it was sort of boring, outside of the choir footage and all that. Still, worth it to hear how Care came together and how it references the other songs on the album. The final section of Care is sublime!

I tried listening to the album as well, but outside of Murder Machines and Care, it doesn't really move the needle for me. H sounds worn out, which is too bad because he's one of my favorite vocalists. They seem content to just wade in this sort of lazy, mid-paced, mid-level realm that lacks real dynamism, and their last two albums have, in my opinion, suffered for it, outside the aforementioned Care.

[HOF]

For me, I like how they've slowed down and mellowed with age. That's how a band of 60 year olds probably should sound, you know?

[ytserush]

Funny enough, it was when Cannibal Surf Babe (an unfortunate title) clicked with me that Afraid of Sunlight clicked with me.  It's not a joke song, and it's not a throwaway (like, maybe, "Who Dunnit?" on Genesis' Abacab). It's a statement and it fits with the rest of the album (it's a reference and a pastiche homage to Brian Wilson and his art, though not the only reference to him on that album).

I get that.

I'd take "Who Dunnit?" over "Cannibal Surf Babe" in a heartbeat.(But I like "Who Dunnit?") That said, the version from the Ahoy on that box does not suck.

[ytserush]

Since I've been home recovering from surgery (which went well, btw!) I've gone back and listened to a few albums from their EMI years. I was also partially inspired by Mark Kelly's autobiography, which is a worthwhile read. Script was a refreshing listen. It's somewhat rare to hear a debut where the band's sound is as well developed as it is on this record. That said, Mick Pointer's drumming leaves a lot to be desired. I'm glad they were able to pull in Ian Mosley and level up!

I also watched the AHBID documentary, and, while I loved the footage and everything they grabbed at Real World Studios, it was sort of boring, outside of the choir footage and all that. Still, worth it to hear how Care came together and how it references the other songs on the album. The final section of Care is sublime!

I tried listening to the album as well, but outside of Murder Machines and Care, it doesn't really move the needle for me. H sounds worn out, which is too bad because he's one of my favorite vocalists. They seem content to just wade in this sort of lazy, mid-paced, mid-level realm that lacks real dynamism, and their last two albums have, in my opinion, suffered for it, outside the aforementioned Care.

I noticed the tempo was noticeably slower the last time I saw them live in 2016. Wow!That was nearly 8 years ago.

[ytserush]

This guy definitely needs to retire on his own terms.


https://www.facebook.com/derek.dick/videos/369476235990863/

[Stadler]

I mean, it's his catalogue, it's his call, but I think he was short-sighted.  After he retires, after Chocolate Frog closes... that's it? Maybe the legacy sales aren't what I suspect they are, but I find it a bit wierd that no further generation is going to be able to purchase or immerse in the Fish catalogue.

And, and I'm sorry, this is mean, but I'm not going to miss the fan base. Some of the posts just make me scratch my head sometimes. 

[SwedishGoose]

This guy definitely needs to retire on his own terms.


https://www.facebook.com/derek.dick/videos/369476235990863/

No thread for Fish?

Got the Internal Exile deluxe edition yesterday.
Vigil looks to arrive today.

Watched the documentary and man... that he managed to create such a great album under those distressing times.
Litigations with EMI, building a studio, wife pregnant and great economic difficulties.

Listening now to the remix.... sounds amazing.

Will be seeing him in October on his final tour "The Road to the Isles".

The studio sold and he moved to a croft on the outer Hebridees.

Yes he retires on his own terms.

[ytserush]

I mean, it's his catalogue, it's his call, but I think he was short-sighted.  After he retires, after Chocolate Frog closes... that's it? Maybe the legacy sales aren't what I suspect they are, but I find it a bit wierd that no further generation is going to be able to purchase or immerse in the Fish catalogue.

And, and I'm sorry, this is mean, but I'm not going to miss the fan base. Some of the posts just make me scratch my head sometimes. 

That seems like a somewhat far out assumption. He said HE was done. We're not privy to any potential estate plan.
Save for you, I and others in the physical media group, The mainstream CD/DVD ship is set to sail soon and what remains is headed to the collector/boutique world with the appropriate price tag unfortunately.

Can't speak the the social media fan base as I only watch the 2 hour show every week. Most of the fans I've met in person have been great though there have not been as many as say...Rush fans.


He briefly explains his future plan in his most recent episode here. Fish On Friday will be ending in two episodes max (I guess he put in his two weeks notice.)


https://www.facebook.com/derek.dick/videos/1565551004344840/

[ytserush]

Final Fish On Friday

https://www.facebook.com/derek.dick/videos/412355751421410/

Decided to listen to the Suits Deluxe Edition today (Well the demo and live discs, not the proper album)

It was never one of my favorites back when it was released. ('93 to '95) turned out to be the low point in my Fish/Marillion fandom on both counts. But the live versions are so much better and the differences in the demos are very credible and the different arrangements are very interesting which I guess speaks to the strength of the songs. I've also learned to appreciate the bands he had. I know he's considered to be a tough person to get along with when it comes to his vision. I think at that point I was still comparing his bands with Marillion but having the experience of listening to music for 30 more years from that point, I've definitely learned to appreciate the stylistic differences.

[SoundscapeMN]

Man of a Thousand Faces (2024 Remix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eNaBSj3A20

[HOF]

Here is the pre-order and info on the TSE Deluxe box set (it's also on Amazon, which I confess to using to save at least $20 on this).

https://www.marillion.com/shop/albums/remast67.htm

[Stadler]

How do you type "I-yi-yi!"   Maybe that's it.

I hate this record, but maybe I'll give this a whirl.  A live show is always good, and I've been dying to hear that AOS version of Man Of A Thousand Faces, so...

[SoundscapeMN]

I've soured on TSE in recent years after initially loving it. Part of it is how much I love the albums that came after it, but also part of it is the bulk of the songs sound more straight forward or vanilla.

[HOF]

I say it every time this album comes up, but there are 3 classic Marillion tunes on TSE (Man of a Thousand Faces, Estonia, and the title track) and everything else is fine but un-spectacular. It's one I revisit less for sure, but I am always interested to hear how a remix might spice things up. Couldn't tell a whole lot from the YouTube clip, didn't seem like the best sound quality to judge so I'll wait for the CD. If nothing else, I am hoping to finally get a version of TSE without the 15 minutes of blank space before the end.