Record Reviews
15 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | AISLES ~ THE YEARNING
MYLODON 031 (Barcode: 3426300045843) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
1st album by the excellent Chilean Prog group AislesFind albums by this artist, which is active on the local scene since the early 2000s. The band includes three brothers: Sebastián VergaraFind albums by this artist (lead vocals), Germán VergaraFind albums by this artist (guitars) and Luis VergaraFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and two non-family members Rodrigo SepulvedaFind albums by this artist (guitars) and Alejandro MeléndezFind albums by this artist (keyboards). The band plays classic Symphonic Prog, firmly based on the YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and MarillionFind albums by this artist tradition and sounding as good as any of these bands with no inferiority complex whatsoever. The vocals (in English) have very little traces of foreign accent, and are of excellent quality, expressive and dramatic, somewhat reminiscent of Marillion’s front men FishFind albums by this artist. The album is full of well-developed musical themes, beautifully played and sung, with two tracks over 10 minutes long. Every fan of melodic Symphonic Prog around the globe will surely enjoy this great debut album with no reservations, eagerly awaiting the follow up.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FISH ~ FELLINI DAYS
CHOCOLATE FROG 007 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
6th solo album from 2001 and a tribute to his favorite director Frederico Fellini. This is a concept album based around Fellini`s movies and probably the most serious work done by Fish since leaving Marillion in 1988. Some great melodies and very complex lyrics. Fish is accompanied by his (more or less) regular group and his voice is in excellent form. Definitely an album worth investigating in depth.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FISH ~ FIELD OF CROWS
CHOCOLATE FROG 017 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
8th solo album (since leaving Marillion in 1988) from 2004. This is a great collection of beautiful songs, suprisingly serene and relaxed. The backing band is comprised of excellent musicians and Fish`s voice is as clear and expressive as ever. There are some Blues influenced songs here, which is rare for Fish so far. It all works our very well and this is surely one of his best albums ever.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FISH ~ FOOL`S COMPANY PART 1
CHOCOLATE FROG 5 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Filmed in 2002 in Holland during a special 2 nights concert, Part 1 (first night) of the set presents Fish revisiting his earlier Marillion days with breathtaking performances of Script, Fugazi and the entire Misplaced Childhood album, all masterpieces. These extended renditions of the old material certainly give a new perspective of the music and Fish in his best form is a monster performer. Bonus material includes a 30 minutes Fish interview. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 93 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FISH ~ FOOL`S COMPANY PART 2
CHOCOLATE FROG 6 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Second part of the special 2 nights concert, Part 2 (second night) of the set presents Fish and the band perform more recent material from his solo albums. The atmosphere of the concert and the extended treatments of the songs add a new dimention and a lot of interest. Bonus material includes the second part of the Fish interview, backstage footage and a few more songs. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 61 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTHEW FISHER ~ MATTHEW FISHER / STRANGE DAYS
ANGEL AIR 510 (Barcode: 5055011705104) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2018
This is a reissue / remaster of the third and fourth albums by the British keyboardist / songwriter Matthew FisherFind albums by this artist, primarily known as one of the founders of the legendary British band Procol HarumFind albums by this artist and co-composer of one of the most iconic Rock songs of all time “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”.
The first album, recorded in 1980, is still very close in its concept to the classic Procol Harum sound and style, with beautiful ballads and intricate instrumental arrangements. Fisher’s ability to weave wonderful melodies is fully intact and although the material is more Rock / Pop oriented than the Prog attitude, which was dominant in the earlier work, it is still great Classic Rock material. Fisher wrote all the ten songs himself.
The second album, recorded just a year later, is somewhat more New Wave oriented, with a less elaborate instrumental support, but still remains as an excellent collection of songs, which sound great despite the time that passed since. Fisher co-wrote all but two of the ten songs with the ex-ZombiesFind albums by this artist bassist / vocalist Chris WhiteFind albums by this artist.
Overall, this is a nice reminder of the many talents that flooded the British Rock scene in its formative years, following their fate and work in later days. Perhaps not essential material, but definitely worthy being revisited with a nostalgic tear in the eye corner. They don’t write songs like that anymore!
| | Updated: 19/04/2023Posted: 19/04/2023 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FISHING PERSONS ~ LIVE & DEMO
VITAL 010 ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2000 - 2003 Released: 2008
1st album by excellent Japanese quintet Fishing PersonsFind albums by this artist, which collects their live performances and demo recordings. The band plays a strange mixture of Prog / RIO / Fusion and Jazz, completely unusual, which was all written by the band´s members. The instrumentation includes sax / flute, keyboards, guitar, bass and drums and the players are all excellent, especially the saxophonist / flautist, who takes a few very interesting solos. I couldn´t find any information about the band, but since the material included here is all several years old, I assume they disbanded in the meantime, which is a pity, as they had great potential. At least we have this document of their activities at the time, which reflects well the vibrant and advanced Japanese scene. Although completely obscure, this album surely deserves to be heard and enjoyed beyond its homeland. Recommended!
| | | CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARILLION ~ CLUTCHING AT STRAWS (EXPANDED EDITION)
EMI 498611 (Barcode: 724349861121) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1987 Released: 1999
4th studio album by MarillionFind albums by this artist and last studio album with FishFind albums by this artist, who left the band a year later due to internal frictions as well as personal problems with drugs and alcohol. Although recorded at a tumultuous time for the band, it is still an excellent effort full of great melodies and superb instrumental performances in addition to tormented vocals by Fish. Although heavily criticized at the time of its release, this album stands the test of time with flying colors.
A whole CD of bonus material added.
| | Updated: 07/07/2023Posted: | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARILLION ~ FROM STOKE ROW TO IPANEMA
EMI 490624 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1989 - 1990
This double DVD set documents the most dramatic period of MarrilionFind albums by this artist`s history immediately after their legendary singer FishFind albums by this artist left the band to be replaced by Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist. You can find here an impromptu performance at a small club, a concert in Brazil in front of 85,000 fans and a concert back home after a successful world tour. If this is not enough, there are interviews with band members, a glimpse at their work in studio and other goodies. This is a true Marillion`s fan dream come true. 183 minutes.
| | | DVD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARILLION ~ LIVE FROM LORELEY
EMI 599726 (Barcode: 724359972695) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1987 Released: 2004
Filmed shortly before FishFind albums by this artist left MarillionFind albums by this artist to pursue a solo career, the band being in top form and at a peak of their popularity. The material includes a great selection of their all time favorites, going back to Jester`s Tear and spanning all the other albums released up to that time. Although released on VHS years ago, this film was out of circulation for a long time and is now most welcome back on the shelves. Dolby Digital Stereo, 87 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARILLION ~ MISPLACED CHILDHOOD (EXPANDED EDITION)
EMI 497034 (Barcode: 724349703421) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1985 Released: 1998
3rd studio album. Considered as the FishFind albums by this artist-era MarillionFind albums by this artist`s best album, this is an elaborate concept album inspired by the singer`s childhood memories and later life experiences. It includes their anthem `Kayleigh`, which is a great love ballad and a series of other excellent tunes. A Prog classic!
A whole CD of bonus material added.
| | Updated: 07/07/2023Posted: | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARILLION ~ RECITAL OF THE SCRIPT
EMI 490625 (Barcode: 724349062597) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1982 - 1983 Released: 2003
In 1983 MarillionFind albums by this artist shocked the world of Rock when they released they debut album Script For A Jester`s TearFind albums with this title and the Neo-Prog movement was born. Marillion toured extensively and were know to perfect their music on stage, as this 1983 film proves well enough. Drama and great performance are present from the starting moment and the enigma of FishFind albums by this artist is evident. As bonus, a rare 1982 film of Marillion performing and some interview footage are also included. 92 minutes.
| | Updated: 21/09/2021Posted: | DVD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARILLION ~ SCRIPT FOR A JESTER`S TEAR (EXPANDED EDITION)
EMI 857865 (Barcode: 724385786525) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1983 Released: 1997
1st studio album by MarillionFind albums by this artist, the pioneers of Neo-Prog. Considered as one of the best debut albums in Prog and extremely influential, leading to a renaissance of the Prog genre. The first reincarnation of Marillion included the fascinating and enigmatic vocalist FishFind albums by this artist, who was one of their many fortes. A classic by all standards!
A whole CD of bonus material added.
| | Updated: 07/07/2023Posted: | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARILLION ~ SEASONS END (EXPANDED EDITION)
EMI 857713 (Barcode: 724385771323) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1989 Released: 1997
5th studio album by MarillionFind albums by this artist and first after FishFind albums by this artist left the band a year earlier. Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist was the replacement and to the band`s many fans his performances, although different from the original singer, were as strong and dramatic. Brilliant material makes this one of the best Marillion albums ever and an appropriate opening of the second life for the band.
A whole CD of bonus material added.
| | Updated: 07/07/2023Posted: | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
|
