Marillion - Anoraknophobia
Date: May
15, 2001
Label: Liberty
Genre: Sweet Prog Rock :)
Performers:
Steve Hogarth: Voices and feelings :)
Mark Kelly : keyboards
Pete Trewavas: bass
Ian Mosley : drums
Steve Rothery: guitars
Track List:
Between you and me
Quartz
Map of the World
When I meet God
The Fruit Of The Wild Rose
Separated Out
This is the 21st Century
If
my heart were a ball it would roll uphill
Review:
The twelfth studio album from one of the most respected bands around today was
revolutionary in many ways. The first album by a well known "major"
artist to be totally funded by their fans (a passionate and loyal bunch to say
the least) and also a major departure in style, leaving their neoprog roots far
behind and instead incorparating more contemporary influences whilst pushing the
boundaries of their existing soundscape even futher.
Marillion had reached the end of their current deal with Castle Communications
and rather than accept an extension to their deal or change labels for a better
deal, they decided to ask the fans whether they would be prepared to pay for an
album months in advance inorder to allow them to pursue a deal that would allow
them greater freedom whilst still ensuring that the finished product found it's
way into the retail shops. EMI were smart enough to recognise the potential that
Marillion still have and agreed to sign the band to their Liberty imprint.
Prior to release, Marillion played a short Xmas tour of the fan clubs and reaction to the songs previewed was good... I attended the Leeds gig and was lucky enough to meet the band and indeed talk to them about the forthcoming album... They were happy with the way the album was turning out, but would the fans be?
After a seemingly eternal wait, Anoraknophobia eventually hit doormats across
the world and the results of Marillion's endeavours could finally be heard.
Things start positively with the bouncy Between You And Me which has already
become a huge live favourite with audiences and will, I predict, remain in their
set for many years to come. Next up is Quartz ( previously known as Clockwork
And Quartz when played on the xmas tour) and it soon becomes apparent that the
bass is going to be dominant throughout the album. A thunderous bassline props
up a tremendous vocal performance from Steve Hogarth who shows great variety
throughout his delivery... a favourite of mine. Things take a bit of a downward
turn with the inoffensive yet not very inspiring Map Of The World, a pleasant
song but not offering anything new, indeed to my mind although this song would
sit quite nicely on some of their previous albums, it's strangely at odds with
the rest of the album....one your Mother would like!
Next up is my favourite song of the album and indeed one of my all time
favourite Marillion songs - When I Meet God. From the moment Hogarth starts to
sing I can feel my emotions being toyed with and pulled in directions I don't
always want to go. There is a point sometimes where music ceases to be
entertainment and instead reaches a higher spiritual plateau where the ideals of
"rock 'n' roll" are left far behind and a true connection between
artist and audience is made. A genuine classic!
The Fruit Of The Wild Rose is yet another vehicle for Hogarth's wonderfully
expressive voice although I do feel that the track is far too long and could
have done with editing. Next up is a "rocker", although bearing in
mind that this is Marillion, it dosen't rock all that much.as Seperated Out as the lyrical theme of Hogarth questioning
whether he himself is "enough of a freak to be worth paying to see".
The answer
Steve is...Yes! Some great samples are used throughout this song and once again,
like BYAE, is a bit of a monster live!
Next up is the song that has attracted the most attention... This Is The 21st
Century. This song has the honour of being my wifes favourite Marillion song and
I know that Hogarth regards it as as high point of his career... so it must be
pretty special. And, it is! This song is probably the furthest Marillion have
strayed from the progrock arena and yet they seem so comfortable with it.
Musically stong yet I feel lyrically slightly naive...Hogarth is
right..."magic isn't dead" yet without science, a lot of other things
would be.A paradox I suppose.
Finally, Anaraknophobia is brought to a close by If My Heart Was A Ball It Would
Roll Uphill, a monster of a song (good or bad, depending on your view) which I
have a strong dislike to! I find this song to be very pretentious and indeed
almost purposely so. I do wonder why the sample from Chelsea Monday was included
here and the ending where h recites lyrics from previous songs is IMO drawn out
and tedious. Still, you can't like everything...
-= Hollowman01 =-
Any doubt/question? Mail me!
