My first reaction to this latest set of Fish DVD releases was "why not sell it as a 2 disc set instead of two separate DVD's?", which would have made more sense to the always budget conscious prog fan. Regardless, these two companion DVD's are essential viewing for Fish and Marillion lovers, as Part 1 sees the singer and his band performing a full 90 minute set of vintage Marillion songs, including the entire Misplaced Childhood album, while Part 2 is a shorter 60 minute set of some of Fish's better known solo tracks, most performed in extended formats. There's even a great moment when Fish invites out to the stage one of Holland's most famous prog guitarists to sit in with them on "State of Mind"-I won't divulge the secret of who it is, but I will say that the guitar player adds some very focused acoustic work to this fun tune.
I'll not get into a track by track analysis, as this is all quality and enjoyable stuff from Fish and his fine band (including guitarists Frank Usher and Robin Boult) that hits on all levels. Sure, Fish can't hit some of those high notes anymore, but he has brought two lovely and talented female singers on board for backing vocals, both of whom help flesh out the sound quite a bit. There's also a nice interview with Fish that is stretched between both DVD's that talks a lot about the preparation and planning of the two shows, which were recorded on successive nights in Holland in June of 2002. Fish talks a lot about how quickly the whole event came together, and there's a sense of spontenaiety to the live footage that is kind of nice, although it is strange seeing the singer and many of the musicians reading sheet music during parts of the performance, but it is forgiveable seeing as they didn't have a lot of time to rehearse, and some of the songs hadn't been played live in many years, let along by this line-up.
Quick and simple folks...if you are a Fish fan you probably have these already, and if you are new to the legendary talents of Mr. Derek Dick, then please check these two DVD's out.
DVD 1
1. Script for a Jesters Tear
2. Misplaced Childhood: Pseudo Silk Kimono, Kayleigh, Lavender, Bitter Suite, Heart Of Lothian, Waterhole (Expresso Bongo), Lords Of The Backstage, Blind Curve, Childhoods End?, White Feather
3. Torch Song/Slainthe Mhath
4. Forgotten Sons
5. Fugazi
Approx running time 93 minutes
Extras: interview part 1, 30 minutes
DVD 2
1. Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors
2. Just Good Friends
3. 3D
4. Rites of Passage
5. State of Mind
6. Shadowplay
7. Raw Meat
Approx running time 61 minutes
Extras: Interview part 2, 19 minutes
The Company
Yatta's Birthday
Trailer
Backstage footage
Photo gallery
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