CLUTCHING AT STRAWS

"Clutching at Straws" is the last Marillion album to feature Derek Dick, also known as "Fish," on vocals. Fish was more than a singer; he was a storyteller. This is the most personal and vulnerable Marillion album with Fish. "Clutching at Straws" is a loose concept album about a person by the name of "Torch," who is a fictitious character that is a reflection of Fish at the point in his life when this album was released. The concept deals with themes of alcoholism, depression, addiction, et cetera. Fish pores his heart and soul into not only the lyrics, but also his performances on this record. It's not as immediate of an album as its predecessor, "Misplaced Childhood," though it's just as great, in my opinion.

"Hotel Hobbies," "Warm Wet Circles," and "That Time of the Night (The Short Straw)," can essentially be viewed as one song, and these three tracks open the album. Each of these tracks are dark yet beautiful, and it grabs your attention right from the beginning. The musicianship on "Hotel Hobbies" is outstanding. "Warm Wet Circles" is one of the many highlights of the album, and is a great pop number. "That Time of the Night (The Short Straw)" has an atmospheric start but then morphs into a great arena rock song. My version of the album includes "Going Under," which is a sombre track where Fish gives one of his most emotional vocal performances. The way he sings, "Am I so crazy?" pierces my core. "Just for the Record" is probably my least favorite song on "Clutching at Straws," but I like the groovy 7/8 rhythm of the track. "White Russian" is an energetic song to close the first side of the album.

"Incommunicado" is one of my favorite songs on the album. The energy on this track is unparalleled. Mark Kelly demonstrates how great of a keyboardist he really is on this song by bringing out the Rick Wakeman side of him. "Torch Song" is a slow, soft song, which provides a much-needed break after the vibrant song that preceded it. "Slàinte Mhath" has an almost Celtic and folkish quality. The ending is bombastic and climactic. "Sugar Mice" is an emotional power ballad with passionate Fish vocals. "Happy Ending" closes the album wonderfully.

In conclusion, while "Clutching at Straws" is a bit more flawed and less polished than "Misplaced Childhood," I still believe that both albums are almost equally great in terms of the enjoyment that I receive while listening to them. This album would mark the end of the Fish-era of Marillion and the beginning of the H-era. After this album, the band's sound would change drastically with Steve Hogarth on vocals. Some fans stayed with Marillion and the progressive music they would go on to write, and some fans stopped following them. I'm of the opinion that both eras are incredible, and I actually prefer the Steve Hogarth or H-era. Nevertheless, the Fish-era holds a special place in my heart. Don't take a rain check on this masterpiece (I'm only half-sorry for the pun.)