REAL TO REEL

Real to Reel - Marillion's first album was kept at an extra low price when it was released back in 1984, so I got the vinyl at once. The CD version gives us an extra Emarald Lies. The first two tracks are much the same as the studio versions, a little more aggressive, though. Back then Cinderella Search was known only from single issues - and therefore not known very much. So it was a welcomed surprise to have this nice live version. Emerald Lies simply can't compete with the studio version.

And here comes the version that makes the album necessary: FORGOTTEN SONS. Especially the second part of the song is an emotional tour de force, with Fish singing with all the sarkasm he can muster - for peace and against the folly of war. Just listen to his Rule Britannia, Rule Britannia cynism - it's just great! This version totally eclipses the one on The Script.

The 13 minute epic Garden Party/Market Square Heroes ends the album. I like this version of the songs better because here we have the full power of a live performance.

This is a decent first live recording by a young band. There are some shortcomings like the sterile atmosphere of the first four songs - but from Forgotten Sons on the magic is there. Because of this song alone this is an excellent addition to any prog collection. 3,33 stars