MADE AGAIN

For the very first time, Marillion Mark II will release a live album alost exclusively with songs from their own repertoire (except two). This shows that they have grown up and that they are confident enough now to perform only their Mark II songs and take some distance from the great Fish era (I guess that you have noticed that I far much prefer the early Marillion days, right ?).

I have always believed that this Mark II was slightly better while playing live. At least, they are least soporific. It is again the case here.

The first CD is not a bad compilation of their three studio albums from the Hogarth era. The second one is a complete rendition of "Brave" which I was not really found of (but none of the Marillion Mark II albums are really kicking me to be honest). It is a bit more "lively" and less boring than the according studio version.

This live album won't turn you into a Marillion Mark II fan if you were not previously. It might be a cheap option to discover their repertoire as such. But the musical experience won't be really great; although I admit that I am negatively biased as far as this line- up is concerned. There is nothing I can do about it. I will never understand how a guy like Hogarth could take the lead vocals in such a band.

I just keep on reviewing these albums to cope with my philosophy : go through as much as possible of the work of a band I have decided to review on this site. In this case, I won't be as harsh as with their previous studio album ("Afraid Of The Sunlight").

Still, don't expect the grandeur of the genuine Marillion live albums. This is just easy listening music (although not really easy to go through whole the way...).

Two stars, my friend.