REAL TO REEL - BRIEF ENCOUNTER

When this double CD was released I was totally in doubt to purchase it or not because I had the "Real to Reel" CD already and also the "Brief Encounter" separately in the format of cassette. "Brief Encounter" never been released in CD format before as it was introduced / marketed in the US and Canada with vinyl and cassette formats only. Quite honest also, "Brief Encounter" did not really favor me. But for Marillion - why not man?! Especially the price is actually for one CD, so I just purchased it for GBP 7.5 at that time. And I never regret owning this double CD while the Real To Reel CD is still with me, without any intention to let it go.

CD 1: Real To Reel

It's a great show by the band especially if you have been familiar with their first two albums: "Script for A Jester's Tear" and "Fugazi". In fact, I was still in a full enjoyment of "Fugazi" when this album was released in 1984. I still remember how I was able to sing almost all Marillion's lyrics on top of my head (two first albums and one EP). "Emerald Lies" was my favorite at that time. I kept repeating this track over and over especially I like the dazzling percussion style and also Fish's voice in a piece of lyrics " ...in a gallery of ....contempt!" - great man! I also love the title track "Fugazi" - the opening piano intro is killing "Vodka intimate on affair with isolation in a black heat cell ." oh man . what a great shot! To my surprise that the band released their first live album with excellent title "REAL to REEL". So innovative!

I love live albums because it is alive and able to create an atmosphere of rock concert. Even the intro of "Assassing" with a background of audience's hand clapping and shouting had set a "real" nuances. This track was performed much more dynamic than its original studio track. Marvelous! The most interesting track for me is the song for peace and it's called ..."Forgotten Sons!" Wow ......!! So lively! So stunning! So great! Fish sung emotionally in this track and I know why he did that. When I listened to this track I imagined that I watched the "Recital of the Script" DVD where he sung with a gun in his arms and pretending to shoot his enemies. What a nice shot, Fish! "Garden Party" and "Market Square Heroes" were performed seamlessly with great energy and serve the purpose of being the concert's encore.

Rating for CD 1 "Real To Reel": 5/5 stars.

CD 2: Brief Encounter

When I was waiting for the next release of Marillion's album after their seminal work "Misplaced Childhood" released in 1985, I was so afraid that the band would defunct because I had enjoyed their three albums plus one ep "Market Square Heroes". At the time, there was no internet connection or any other news with respect to new release. So I was just guessing what would happen next. It came out with "Brief Encounter" LP and cassette where it featured the band's two studio tracks "Lady Nina" and "Freaks". The rest of the tracks were live performance - each representing previous three albums: "Script For A Jester's Tear" - from the band's debut album with the same title, "Fugazi" - from second album with the same title and Kayleigh - the band's hit from "Misplaced Childhood" album (the third).

"Lady Nina" is an upbeat tempo music with pop / disco touch and keyboard-based rhythm section. It's probably quite accessible to introduce someone to the music of Marillion through this tune. "Freaks" is a nice rocking track with a good credo and Fish pondering vocals. "Kayleigh" played live was never heard before and it was truly a good treat as at the time I knew that this was the band's hit. "Fugazi" was performed similar with the version in "Real To Reel" album. "Script For A Jester's Tear" had never been played before and of course I did enjoy this version.

Rating for CD 2 "Brief Encounter": 3.5/5 stars.

Summary

It is recommended that you have listened to Marillion's first two albums if you really want fully enjoy this album. If this is your first consideration to purchase Marillion album, please do not start from here. It is recommended that you start from "Script for A Jester's Tear" studio album. Keep on proggin' ..!

Progressively yours, GW

"Peace on earth and mercy mild, mother brown lost the child - just another forgotten sons!"