FIELD OF CROWS

When I first listened to that album a year ago I found it uninspired and boring. But 'dam was I wrong ! The problem with Fish for me and maybe for many people is objectivity. How to be objective when it's about the ex singer of Marillion. How to forgive him to have left this extraordinary band. He was just amazing in that band. Then his solo career had (some) good and (many) bad moments, buts lacked unity overall and was far from having the musical genius of his previous band. Is it unfair not to forgive ? Yes it is ! Is there any reason to think like that and always regret the old times ? Well the same (stupid) question would apply to these old couples that finally break up. That's life !

After that divorce let's admit we, the public, have not really lost in the game : A great singer replaced fish for a new marillion era (hogarth) , and fish in the same time known at least one peak in his solo career with the albums Sunsets and the next one (Raingods). Probably guitarist Wilson from Porcupine tree gave him the musical talent he needed. Then...well no comment until this last gem. Everything is back again. The voice, the songwriting, and excellent musicians. Great fun. Hope it's not the very last one. Fish 's still got a lot to say.

highlights

1 the field - a good although rather classic opener with its scotish mood 8/10 2 moving targets - The voice is back ! 8/10 3 the rookie - a good song, quite aggressive 7/10 4 zoo class - engaged lyrics, but a weaker track in my opinion 6/10 5 the lost plot - An emotional song, written with Turell (cf Raingods) 9/10 6 old crow - a catchy song that i needed to listen to a couple of times 7/10 7 numbers - rather rocky and aggressive. Inequal 6/10 8 exit wound - reminds of the lost plot with a bluesy mood 8/10 9 innocent party - strong and catchy. One of my favs. 9/10 10 shot the craw - a nice and touching ballad 9/10 11 scattering crows - unequal, but really strong 8/10

Overall i would give a 8.5/10 to this excellent album. ( Note : this is not prog music in my opinion).