FREAKS

"Freaks" is a single release by UK progressive rock act Marillion. The single was released through EMI Records in November 1988. It was released to promote the forthcoming release of the double-live album "The Thieving Magpie" (November 1988, EMI Records. The single was released in several versions, one of which features both the regular single A- and B-side tracks "Freaks" and "Kayleigh" (live versions) and live versions of "Childhoods End?" and "White Feather". "Freaks" was released one month after lead vocalist Fish had officially left Marillion in October 1988, and it´s the last Marillion single to feature his vocal contributions.

All four tracks from the single are available on "The Thieving Magpie", so it´s a bit redundant if you own the live album, but that´s the case with many of Marillion´s singles, which really didn´t provide the listener with much exclusive material. Judged on the quality of the material alone, this is a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating, but because of the redundancy of the release, a 3.5 star (70%) rating will do. This one is for the hardcore collectors.