LAVENDER

The Lavender single was released after the successful one Kayleigh which peaked until number 2 in the UK chart, while Lavender was just no.5. Never mind, as long as the album Misplaced Childhood reached number 1 in the UK Chart. Both are love songs with Kayleigh as representing Fish relationship with his girl friend. Musically Lavender is not as great as Kayleigh because the chords and notes are pretty straightforward pop song as compared to Kayleigh. Put it this way, try yourself to sing Kayleigh and you will find it hard to emulate its melody especially when the verse says Do you remember? and followed with Chalhalk melting on the playground wall.... Yes, I believ you can sing it but I don't think you can create similar nuance as the original version. The best Kayleigh cover is the one played by DARIUS in live version with different arrangement.

But if you sing Lavender, I belive you can emulate what Fish is singing because there is nothing sepcific in the nuance of the song, it's like typical pop song. If I am asked to enjoy this song as presented here in this single, I am sure I tend to dislike it. But, as part of overall concept album that flows seamlessly from one song to another, Lavender provides great musical break before it enters to brilliant Heart of Lothian. For me personally, I was given a gift of this cover from a good friend I'an in the form of wall clock. It's a great gift.

For those who love Fish era Marillion, owning this single is a must. You can have the digital version in the Single Collection 82-88. Owning the vynyl is a great thing, I believe. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW