ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

This is my first experience having Fish live album in unplugged version - that actually I do not like. But again, it's because of Fish, I purchased it anyway. To my surprise, this is a good performance by Fish and his band and it's because of my first experience as well listening to Fish in unplugged fashion. CD1 was recorded live at The Funny Farm in 1994, engineered and mixed by Arnold at Arnies Shack. It's quite funny as a live show because there seemed like no audience because I cannot get the hand clapping or people screams etc. The performance itself is a good one, kicked-off with "Lucky" (4:26) from "Internal Exile" album where Fish sings energetically with acoustic guitar as rhythm section, no keyboard. The album title track "Internal Exile" (4:32) follows in a good performance as well. What I am amazed is the fact the "Kayleigh" (4:15) is performed excellently and this is like the one performed by Darius. The only difference is that the Darius version used piano as main rhythm section while this Fish version uses double acoustic guitars by Robin Boult and Frank Usher with David Paton (bass) and Dave Stewart (percussion). I like the way Fish sings differently (in melody) than the one from "Misplaced Childhood" album.

"Fortunes Of War" (6:10) is best being performed here than any other version - even the studio version. It also the case with "Dear Friend" (3:45). "Sugar Mice" (5:46) is a great track by Marillion "Clutching at Straw" album and being played by Fish and the band excellently. Another good track that concludes Disc One is "Lady Let It Lie" (5:24).

CD 2 was recorded live at Krakow, 1995. The live vibes are more dynamics than CD 1 as there are crowd with clapping hands and screams. The performance of the band is also much energetic as compared to CD 1, and at this version Foster Patterson exist to give keyboard work which works really well in title "Solo". My favorite is of course "Lady Let It Lie" (6:15), "Kayleigh" (4:55), "Solo" (5:37), "Company" (8:18) and "Lavender" (7:17). Again on "Kayleigh" he performs well in acoustic setting. The best of the best is the performance of "Company" where Fish performs his best singing style followed by crowd singing together. The concluding track "Lavender" is also excellent.

Overall, this is a good addition for your music collection whether or not you are Fish or Marillion fans. I have to admit that with acoustic setting Fish can perform Marillion tunes excellently. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW