THE THIEVING MAGPIE - LA GAZZA LADRA

Back when I was 16, I was a real Marillion 'Freak'. The walls of my room were literally cluttered with Marillion posters an attending the Clutching At Straws live show in Brussels 1987 was my first ever concert and a magical experience. So, after the tragic news about the break-up with Fish, this live album came eagerly anticipated.

Believe it or not but I've always been rather disappointed by it. There are gripping highlights such as Slainte Mhath and Chelsea Monday superseding the studio originals but a lot of the other songs don't seem to capture the live adrenaline that I had experienced live. Additionally, the album is pieced together from different shows and doesn't flow very well, some songs such as Script and Fugazi even sound different from the others. It all makes a rather hurried and 'contractual obligation' impression and it sure can't stand the comparison with the vintage live material that has been release since. The Misplaced Childhood recording is as good as the studio album but doesn't add anything neither.

Anyway, it is an excellent addition for the fans and it almost deserves 4 stars just by the strength of the songs alone, but as a live document I much prefer the more focused Real to Reel and the Early Stages box.