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Marillion - Holidays in Eden CD (album) cover

HOLIDAYS IN EDEN

Marillion

 

Neo-Prog

3.15 | 771 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
3 stars During my Marillion maniac period, I almost purchase their entire catalogue in the remastered format (double CD). From this release, I prefer the bonus disc as the original one. It of course due to "Sympathy" which is a song I owed in the old 45 RPM format from "Rare Bird" which is a marvelous and melodic song. I must say that Steve's voice perfectly fits for this track (both versions available are nice). But not only.

After the poor remix (as most remixes IMO) "I Will Walk on Water" (a B-side track), there is is an interesting version of "Splintering Heart". This (live ?) one is harder and less mellowish than the studio one. "You Don't Need Anyone" is again a good rock number. It would have been very nice to get it on the original album to break to melancholical mood.

Much of the demo songs aren't as melowish as the final released ones, they are less polished of course and therefore fresher, especially "This Town" which is another good rocker. Still, it is funny enough that the rockiest numbers are more appealing.

"Eric" is not really a number during its initial phase. It is a short explanation on how Mark Kelly is using his keys and record some guitar riffs and reproduce it. The true musical instants are really good. What a pity that it lasts for so short. Truely great instrumentation!

Nice guitar break from the other Steve during "The Epic" the closing number of CD2. It is a great version (again far much better than the original) of "100 Nights" featured on disc one. It is one of preferred track of the whole (together with "Sympathy"). It is a pre- version recorded in 1989.

Of disc one, the title track is also a good song (the instrumental intro is particularly catchy). Heavier keys and stronger beat than usual. Rothery will display another great guitar break in "Dry Land", another good and melodic song actually. "Splintering Heart" in its final release only stands out thanks to another great Rothery solo (we are fortunate to have him here). "Cover My Eyes" is one of the very few songs that I prefer in its original format.

The numbers I prefer on this album are the harder ones, definitely. The great work from Steve Rothery must be rewarded as well: he really did a great job. I would rate this album five out of ten and upgrade it to three stars thanks to the bonus disc (but as such the original album is no more worth than two stars) .

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 |

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