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Fish - Return to Childhood  CD (album) cover

RETURN TO CHILDHOOD

Fish

 

Neo-Prog

3.80 | 64 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars For me personally, the primary motive having this double album from Fish was of course Disc 2 of this package. Misplaced Childhood means a lot to me not because of this is Marillion's best selling or highly acclaimed album but it's more on emotional reason. First, it's a concept album where the music flows seamlessly from one track to another until it reaches the end of one side vinyl and continued with the second part which basically also collection of songs that flow seamlessly also. At the end, basically we have only two long parts like Jethro Tull 'Thick as a Brick' or 'A Passion Play'. Second, compared to previous two albums of Marillion (Script and Fugazi) I had a very long time enjoying Misplaced because it took Marillion two years to come up with the next album 'Clutching at Straw'. So, almost everyday I played Misplaced Childhood's cassette until I repurchased the cassette because the first one was exhausted being played all the time. By that time, CD was a luxury product. In fact, I started CD collection with the purchase of Misplaced Childhood when I travelled to Singapore. This serves a very long introduction about how I have been so attached with Misplaced Childhood.

I was actually not excited when Fish announced that he would release this CD because I did not think it would be as good as when the early Marillion line-up played it (Mark Kelly, Steve Rothery, Ian Mosley, and Pete Trewavas). That's why I did not pre-order the album because I was afraid I would be disappointed. Another reason, sometimes I compared Fish with Peter Gabriel. I knew Peter Gabriel is the kind of guy would never look at the past - he never played Genesis song during his concert. I think he has a good reason because his solo work has different kind of music than when he was with Genesis - so why should he play it? That's a good reason and I salute him for his consistency. While Fish is different, he always look the past success of the days when he was part of Marillion. That's OK ... Each of them has reasons for not doing or doing it.

He did it differently and ...excellent!

To my surprise that I find this CD package is interesting and I have full of joys enjoying this live album. At first I kept playing the Disc 2 all the time and never had a chance to play Disc 1 because I don't quite like The Big Wedge (the opening of Disc 1). The Disc 2 starts right away with the Misplaced Childhood concept album. The keyboard opening of 'Pseudo Silk Kimono' (2:35) takes longer than the original studio version and I like it. Even though this track is short but it's strategically important to me as it helps set the tone of the overall gig. I really enjoy the opening part as the howling guitar work of Frank sounds great combined with the keyboard work. It goes straight to commercial tune 'Kayleigh' (4:04) which sounds almost the same with Marillion's live except the guitar solo that sounds more dynamic. In fact Frank also insert great guitar fills in the music which it was not available at the original version. The transition to another pop song 'Lavender' (2:57) is also nicely done. 'Bitter Suite: Brief Encounter / Lost Weekend / Blue Angel '(8:28) starts nicely with drums solo like the original version but this time the guitar work is wilder than the original. I like the guitar solo, really. Of course I like the part with 'It's getting late ...." which flows nicely to 'Heart of Lothian: Wide Boy / Curtain Call' (5:26). The first set of isplaced Childhood has been done excellently by the band.

I was wondering how Fish band can perform the opening of second set 'Waterhole (Expresso Bongo)' (1:58) as it requires dynamic drumming / percussion at the opening part. Thanks God ... the band does it wonderfully! The drumming work sounds very dynamic and the guitar work is really great. 'So when you think it's time togo, don't be surprised!!!' ... Whoooaaaaa..... great!!! It then flows excellently to 'Lord of the Backstage' (1:52) and 'Blind Curve: Vocal Under a Bloodlight / Passing Strangers / Mylo / Perimeter' (13:04). 'Last night you said I was cold ...untouchable ..." oh man .... It's a wonderful part, Fish! Excellent!!! Well, I really enjoy the second part of Misplaced Childhood.

Emotionally, I am so satisfied with the Misplaced Childhood set performed by Fish band. My worries for the band for not being able to perform and create the nuances of Misplaced Childhood are gone and I love this version of live set as I love the version of Marillion's 'The Thieving Magpie'. I ever imagined if Marillion with Hogarth plays this set.... I don;t think they can create the nuances of the album because Hogartj voice is more suitable to crossover prog kind of music ...something like Radiohead, Cold Play. While Fish has proved himself that he could deliver the full nuances of the album EVEN THOUGH he is backed with non- original members of Marillion (Mark - Pete - Ian - Steve). Congratulations Fish! It's excellent really! I keep playing this Disc 2 because of my liking of Misplaced Childhood live.

The rest, actually I don't really care. But, when I happened to spin, it's not bad at all and it's good that I have Incommunicado, Market Square Heroes and Fugazi. To my surprise also that I find Disc 1 is very good as well. Those tracks that I do not like as per studio album, it's much better being performed live here at this set. Its really an excellent double live album that I highly recommend you to have it in your prog collection. The music is performed differently and it's excellent. Overall rating is 4.5 stars. This is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 4/5 |

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