MISPLACED CHILDHOOD

I honestly don't think I can bring myself to do a track-by-track review on this sensational album. Doing so would have me write for hours on end, and also compromise the brilliance of "Misplaced Childhood." The whole album feels like one continuous track, and what a track it is!

Every member of the band Marillion is on the top of their respective game here. A great deal has been said about Fish, and deservedly so, as the man is a very dynamic and poetic vocalist. Every word he says, or sings... I can FEEL. One can tell that he really feels and believes in his music and does his best to relay the message to the listener, and Fish does it in an efficient manner. Rothery's guitar riffs and licks run the gamut from simple and melodic to fierce and aggressive.. and he has an impeccable tone throughout. Trewavas' bass.. it jives. It jives, it rumbles.. Pete also uses the four-string for a few strong atmospheric touches. Really fun listening to the rhythm section.. Mark Kelly and Ian Mosley are also in top-notch form. The drum fills are never too over-the-top.. The keyboards, very delightful as well.

I can try to describe the album the best I can.. but oddly this release leaves me at a rare loss for words. The simple beauty of it all... the atmosphere and "feel".. it all comes together to make a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Every night when I go to bed I put this album on.. and it inspires me. The poetic lyrics, the few anthemic choruses as well as VERY "prog" instrumental passages..

The heart is a common and central theme. This album grabs me by the heart and doesn't let go. Whenever Fish sings of the heart, I seem to feel it just as much as he does. So powerful and convincing...

"I was born with a heart of Lothian!"

"I can hear your heart, I can hear your heart, I can hear your heart..."

"This is MY heart! THIS IS MY HEART!"

"Please excuse me, I never meant to break your heart.."

Wow... just.. wow.. it's all riveting.

"Do you remember..."

How can one FORGET the album's two most popular songs, 'Kayleigh' and 'Lavender'?

How sick is it that I'm tearing up while struggling to write this review? This piece of music touched me so much I can't help but feel emotional whenever I try to share what it means to me. It's the kind of music that you hear, and you think to yourself, "Where have I heard this before? Why is this so familiar?"

It's familiar because Marillion has harnessed the fabric of the human spirit, of love and loss and everything in between, and channelled it into one of the greatest albums of all time.

Listen to yourself.. and bring a few tissues. If you're anything like me, you're going to need them.

5/5 stars. Easy.

Well, time to listen to this album for the 6,822nd time... and it never gets old.

Why do I do this to myself, folks?

Happy listening.