MADE AGAIN

This was the album that made me see the Hogarth era Marillion under a new light. I had a friend who was talking to me in his car while there was a cassette tape playing on. I was impressed by some of the stuff that I was hearing and I did not know who was, although it sounded a bit familiar. Since Fish left Marillion I did not expect anything more from this band. So much I hated the Season´s End album I had forgotten about that band since. But by judging from what I was listening at that moment, I thought it was good. So I found out it was The Made Again double Live CD and, fortunately, was being sold as a special priced import in Brazil (in 1997). I guess I bought one of the very last ones, since it was so hard to find a copy.

Marillion always prided themselves to be a fine live band and I agree. Most of the songs here are equal or slightly superior than to their original studio versions. This is specially true with the Brave stuff. The second CD is that whole album played during one show in Paris. Although I never though that the Brave CD was a real, return to roots, ´true´progressive album as some claim, it was one of the best Hogarth era efforts. I was glad to have it, but the real gem is CD 1, with some definitive renditions of their most famous and better songs since 1989. It was very clever to include only two tracks of Fish-era tunes (the obvious Kayleigh and Lavender, although the later in a extended version that also includes The Blue Angel part of Misplaced Childhood).

The band is in great form, and Steve H is singing at his best (he really have an amazing voice). The production and quality of the sound is excellent for a live album. It was good to know Steve Rothery lost none of his great ability to deliver fine guitar lines and solos and the band kept their outstanding prowess intact (even if the songwriting suffered some since Fish left). This is a latter day Marillion CD that I´m always coming back to. A great collection of their best cuts played with energy and conviction. I´m very glad to give it 4 stars.