KAYLEIGH

'Kayleigh' is a compilation of Marillion which was released in 1996. It's a compilation album with songs that were only taken from Marillion in Fish's era. But, it has songs performed by their two drummers, their founder drummer Mick Pointer and their current drummer Ian Mosley.

So, the line up on this compilation is Fish (vocals), Steve Rothery (guitars), Mark Kelly (keyboards), Pete Trewavas (basses), Mick Pointer (drums and percussion) and Ian Mosley (drums).

'Kayleigh' has nine tracks. The first track 'Grendel' was released on their debut EP 'Market Square Heroes'. It was the B side of that EP. It's an epic and complex track, one of their best and is one of their most progressive too. This composition is usually compared (mostly unfavourably), with 'Supper's Ready' of Genesis. This version is the 12' version. The second track 'He Knows You Know' was released on their debut studio album 'Script For A Jester's Tear'. It was also released as the A side of the Marillon's second single 'He Knows You Know', taken from that studio album, with 'Charting The Single' as the B side. It was also released as a 12' version of 'He Knows You Know' as the A side and the edited single of 'He Knows You Know' and 'Charting The Single' as the B side. It's a great track with powerful lyrics. The version on this compilation is the album's version. The third track 'Jigsaw' was released on their second studio album 'Fugazi'. It's a slow track, very nice. This is a sensual song with some beautiful lyrics. The version on this compilation is the album's version. The fourth track 'Punch And Judy' was released on their second studio album 'Fugazi'. It was also released as the A side of the Marillon's first single 'Punch And Judy', taken from that studio album, with the edited re-recorded versions of 'Market Square Heroes' and 'Three Boats Down From The Candy' as the B side. It was also released as a 12' version with 'Punch And Judy' as the A side and 'Market Square Heroes' and 'Three Boats Down From The Candy' as the B side. It's a wonderful track that features everything that's great on Marillion's songs. It has catchy riffs and great melodies and the typical sound of Fish's era. The version on this compilation is the album's version. The fifth track 'Cinderella Search' was released on their single 'Assassing' and it was the B side of that Marillion's single. It was released on their second studio album 'Fugazi'. It was also released as a 12' version with the full version of 'Assassing' as the A side and the full version of 'Cinderella Search' and the edited version of 'Assassing' as the B side. It's one of my preferred songs from 'Fugazzi' sessions. The version on this compilation is the edited single version. The sixth track 'Kayleigh' was released on their third studio album 'Misplaced Childhood'. It was also released as the A side of Marillon's first single 'Kayleigh' and with 'Lady Nina' as the B side. It was also released a single to US market with 'Kayleigh' as the A side and 'Heart Of Lothian' as the B side. A 12' version was also released with the alternative mix and an extended version of 'Kayleigh' as the A side with an extended version of 'Lady Nina' as the B side. This is maybe the most recognizable Marillion's tune. It's also one of their most accessible tracks. The version on this compilation is the single version. The seventh track 'Lavender' was released on their third studio album 'Misplaced Childhood'. It was also released as the A side of the Marillon's second single 'Lavender', taken from that studio album, with 'Freaks' as the B side. A 12' version was also released with 'Lavender Blue' as the A side and 'Freaks' and 'Lavender' as the B side. It features beautiful lyrics, nice vocals and great musicianship. This is a ballad track, albeit short. The version on this compilation is the single version. The eighth track 'Lady Nina' was released on their single 'Kayleigh' and it was the B side of that Marillion's single. It was released on their third studio album 'Misplaced Childhood'. It was also released as a separated single in U.S.A. It was the A side of that single. This is possibly one of the poppiest tracks of the band. The hook is huge, and even when the lyrics get flowery they still work in the context. The version on this compilation is the edited single version. The ninth track 'Torch Song' was a track originally released on their fourth studio album 'Clutching At Straws'. It's one of the slower tracks on that album. But it still is a great prog rock song. The version on this compilation is the album's version.

Conclusion: Marillion released several compilations from Fish's era. They released 'B Sides Themselves', 'A Singles Collection ' Six Of One, Half A Dozen Of The Other', 'Marillion Music Collection', 'Kayleigh', 'The Best Of Marillion' and 'The Singles '82-88'. Of all those compilations 'Kayleigh' isn't definitely one of their best. Probably 'The Best Of Marillion' is the best and the most complete compilation of all. So, 'Kayleigh' despite has some great progressive music, isn't the best place to have the first contact with Marillion's music in Fish's era. It doesn't bring anything new. It's very similar to other compilations released before. Still, a compilation, as good as it may be, can never replace the originals. I advice all the newbies on Marillion to buy all the studio albums in Fish's era, because all must be purchased.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

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