LESS IS MORE

Marillion have done a nice job re-interpreting some of their classic tunes, and there really are quote a few sublime moments on this recording. Kudos go to Ian Mosely for what must be considered admirable restraint in the percussion section ! We all know he likes to have a go and make himself heard whenever he can. The instrumentation throughout ( With the notable exception being the "hidden" last track, "Cannibal Surf Babe" )is very subtle , and for the most part delicate and ethereal. Of these new versions I think my favourite is "Memory Of Water", which was a quiet piece in it's original incarnation, but somehow takes on a bit more magic the way it's spun this time. Hat's off to the fellows for taking the time to make L=M. From a critical standpoint I think some of the song endings could have been extended and re- arranged to better effect. Being accustomed to the drama and fine touch Marillion usually take with their compositions I find some of the acoustic versions here just sort of stop, and lack the usual Marillion flare and finish. As well. perhaps "Interior Lulu" should have been stretched out an bit more instrumentally (dulcimer solo anyone ?) to restore a bit more sense of the epic it is. All in all though....well done chaps !