MISPLACED CHILDHOOD

Marillion

Neo-Prog

4.27 | 2401 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

tothmpsn

The best music should transport you to that special place where time seems to stand still, where you put the stereo on at 3 and you can't believe it's 3:45 when you look at the clock . . .

I can easily dissect this album and make the arguments listed in other reviews--this has "pop" moments, the musicianship is not of the "highest caliber", there are definite "tribute" moments to other bands (more Peter Hammill than Peter Gabriel, I believe), the production has dated, etc. but . . .

When it comes down to it, (listening to this as a listening experience) this is easily one of the best top to bottom albums that I have ever heard. The unique combination of incredible lyrics, incredible artwork, good playing, good melodies, enough odd-time signatures and keyboards, and a great concept make for a listening session that anyone but someone with a preconceived notion will at very least enjoy, and probably love.

I am a fan of Marillion, but by no means a hard-core "freak." I love all of the 70's giants, and also love the 90's giants of the genre. This is THE essential 80's prog piece-- though you should also get Script, this is the pinnacle of the neo-prog movement. The one or two star ratings that you see reflect the desire of some to see only the slightest realm of the prog world recognized as great music. The beauty of this album is that it appeals to people who like "Foxtrot" and to people who like "Scenes From A Memory" and to people who like "Pawn Hearts" and to people who like "Crime Of The Century."

Lisen to this top to bottom, and then do the same with "In The Court Of Crimson King", "Tarkus", "Nursery Cryme", "Fragile", and "Moving Pictures" (all highly rated, and very good, albums). This album flows better and will stick with you longer.

If you are building a prog CD library there is no doubt that this is essential listening. It's the best of the 80's and one of the best of all time. The individual tracks might not have a high of the level of "Heart Of The Sunrise" but this is a great example of the whole being better than its parts.

| 5/5 | 2006-12-3

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Share this MARILLION review

Social review comments () BETA

Review related links

Send comments to
Report this review (#101452)
Buy MARILLION music online with PA partners
Show all MARILLION MP3/Stream
Go to MARILLION page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
Go to Misplaced Childhood page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
Search the Forum for MARILLION related discussions