This is my ultimate new best British band!!!!! They’re creatively inspirational in my work. I’ve started watching their live performances and it has transcended their songs to a higher level of appreciation - You really do need to review live versions of their songs the singers stage presence is at times captivating and can illuminate the lost details in a studio setting. Marillion’s musicality can be complex, mesmerising and rewarding. Invisible Man is from their best album in my opinion “Marbles” (and most of the bands) I think this song can seem out of place as it’s part of an entire album that is strongly personal in tone, with many glimpses into Steve Hogarth’s life (the singer) it becomes quite uncomfortably intimate in detail. The Invisible Man sees Steve as a displaced soul in a world he know longer understands and in which he is powerless to intervene. Marble’s has some outstanding tracks that work well on their own as a separate entity but it so mainly a Autobiographical concept album that should be played in it’s entirety so you can go on and share in that personal experience. The Album Marbles may be autobiographical but the song Strange Engine from the album of the same name is a true autobiographical account into Steve’s life and is quite a musical extravaganza to watch live ... I Truly hope you explore this band more as they have many more layers textures and complexity’s to reveal.
They are the most underrated band ever! They're even better live! This is my favorite song from Marillion, The Space, Neverland, and Season's End are up there.
BTW, a lot of the creepy noises at the beginning as I think all made by the bass player with his bass + effects. Pete Trewavas is one of the most underrated bass players but that might be due to the fact that his style is pretty singular in that it is pretty much his own amalgam of various elements. He uses quite a lot of effects and has also used since Marillion's early days basspedals. Originally only for very low bass parts but at some point he eventually got MIDI pedals and also sometimes triggers other type of sounds although he primarily still uses them as bass pedals which frees him up on his bass guitar to play higher parts or counter melodies.
Awesome! Great reaction and great to see Marillion here. My favorite from them is probably their FEAR ( Fuck Everyone and Run) album. You should definitely check out The Leavers by them.
Marillion is one of my all-time favorite bands. Here's what I wrote about them on my list of favorites I made for Sputnikmusic: "Marillion were the bastions of prog rock in the 80s, keeping the faith as most 70s prog bands went mainstream, fell apart, or changed altogether. They've also been quietly, immensely influential, as so much modern prog rock (as distinct from prog metal) has been influenced by their brand of smooth, moody, atmospheric music: some of their successors include Porcupine Tree and Riverside. Their material up until Afraid of Sunlight in '94 was consistently excellent, with many albums standing with the best in prog history; and while their work after that is more variable there's still many gems scattered throughout, including their last two albums being fine returns to form." This track is from one of their later albums, Marbles in 2004, and it's definitely one of their best later-day albums. This is a great track too, but it's also just one small taste of everything they do: one track from one album out of 19 albums over 38 years featuring two very different singers. This track really shows off the band's Pink Floyd influence, as well as their very emotive side. I slightly prefer their material where the Floyd-esque atmospheres are concentrated into more streamlined songwriting, especially on the albums Brave and Clutching at Straws, but this is still really good and a fine introduction to the multifaceted world of Marillion, and your commentary on how the themes fit with the music was great.
To really hear this song you need to hear a live version, they are much much better in the live situation. There are some good versions of this song on RU-vid.
Masterpiece's song, seen them lots of time live, so emotional song and powerful, Steve sings like able and demon at the same time. Try Neverland from the same masterpiece's album "Marbles".
I had the very great privileged of filming this tour for a documentary (Colours & sound) and the concert of the album in London (Marbles Live @ the Astoria). This track opened the show for the five weeks I was on the road and from those opening ambient sounds I was right back there. It was a very powerful opening number and remains one of my favourite songs... Given that lyrics are my thang here is a small insight from mr h himself. It's a song about feeling powerless in the world. The key lyric in the whole song is "when you stumble, you will stumble through me..." This is deep, deep musical and deeper lyrical water...
My personal interpretation of this track. That weird sound at the beginning? His car skidding off the road and him being killed. He doesn't realize he's dead. Follows his former wife/lover around and doesn't understand why she's ignoring him. Tries to call out to her, etc. Stands in the road and the cars don't swerve. He starts to figure it out and aches to be released. That final whoosh sound, I see as his spirit fading and passing on.
1. Thanks for doing this one! 2) Neverland is great and I second the other mentions. The later part is a long slow build that earns its payoff. 3) Marillion began in the early 80’s sounding a bit like early Genesis, then they quickly established their own sound and have evolved it ever since, actually progressing their progressive. 4) Also recommend Easter from them - it’s conventional in structure, but it has one of the most simple and beautiful guitar solos I’ve ever heard. 5) Also, Cannibal Surf Babe is just plain fun! Finally, if you want to go really off the wall check out Pat Boone’s (contemporary of Elvis) big band covers of Enter Sandman, Holy Diver, or Paradise City (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TeKjmB2DaAs.html).
My favourite band the love of my life. The magical rabbit hole that is marillion will take you away and make you feel emotions and tell you stories that relate to your life over and over. Check out Easter or ocean cloud or out of this world. To name just a few. Great review dude 👍
Mine too. There is no one like them and live they never fail to blow my mind. I’ve seen them lives dozens of times having the privilege of attending every Port Zealand weekend and gigs in the UK and Netherlands. They are our secret. 😜
This is a book- example on compositional creativity and genius to support the story in the lyrics.... with a complex story filled with feelings. Hint: he’s dead. Visiting his ex as the invisible man, aka a spirit. This song might as well be named Nostalgia! So, give it another listen with this “he’s dead” idea in mind.
The vocalist, Steve Hogarth, has a voice that consistently wrings all possible emotion out of a song. One oddity about Marillion studio recordings is that somebody always puts a muzzle of sorts on Hogarth. His voice comes across as a bit weak and airy, as you noted in your review. LIve, he is an absolute powerhouse onstage. As a result, always review a live version of a Marilliion song. Also, I think Hogarth's voice has improved with age and experience. He developed more resonance and texture, and live the sound is much more fuller than in the studio. All bands have to be special in one way or another to get noticed. Marillion tries to grab your emotions, and they succeed more often than not. Some guys are surprised by the effect of the music, and offput by it because they neither expected nor wanted any tugging on their heartstrings. Lyrically, I don't buy the theory that the narrator is a dead guy. He's very much alive, but driven over the edge of sanity by the rejection of the girl he dearly loved. The song embodies his anguish and disorientation as he imagines his eyes becoming disembodied and wandering across Europe to where his former love now lives with her new man. He still very much lovers her, but very much hates that she is not with him anymore, and the music reflects that dichotomy.
Oh boy, I'm happy someone requested this, because I almost included it on modern prog suggestions but I wasn't sure since Marillion is neither classic prog nor modern (they are stuck in the middle, somehow). This band is one of the best bands in what I like to call "emotional prog", something that bands like Gazpacho, later day Anathema, Riverside or even more sparse Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree do sometimes. They take a ton of influence from the more ambient/space-y side of Pink Floyd and the emotionality of post-Radiohead alternative rock. The band's singer even has described the band as "If Pink Floyd and Radiohead had a love child that is in touch with their femenine side it would be Marillion" or something like that. I interpret the instrumental at the end being triumphant because it is about release. The narrator is ready to be set free, either by acknowledgement or being released of pain/grief. I've always interpreted the song being about a ghost, haunted by a loved one that's stuck between moving on and not being able to do it. His unfinished business is helping her move on in a healthy way (it seems she's with someone who is taking advantage of her grief), so she keeps him grounded in this reality by grief but at the same time ignores his every attempt of connecting with her. In that sense, he wishes to be released, "acknowledge me or leave me be" as he sings at the end. Great insight so far, Bryan, I'll keep watching til the end but had to comment! Edit: Before I'm corrected, I know Radiohead formed after Marillion, but their influence in their 2000s and 2010s output is undeniable.
That concept of a ghost in purgatory watching their loved one grieve works well with some of the themes I picked up on. This is definitely a song that I'll need to revisit with the lyrics pulled up.
@@CriticalReactions Yeah, the lyrics are really intriguing and beautiful. I feel they capture the despair just as much as vocals and music. They have some really interesting tracks and albums lyrically.
@@StringHead92 You are pretty close to spot on for what the theme is. Steve writes often about a disembodiment. Invisible came from a his reading about a story that happened to someone somewhere far away and H thought to himself that with today's media/tech it's an odd reality that you can peer in on another person's world without being present. This is overlayed or incorporated onto a scenario of a man (who maybe died) and watches over his former lover and can't be seen, heard or felt but watches in despair over her as she goes through her day. He stands in the middle of a road as a car comes at him and goes right through him. He is still not quite sure of his state of being.
Many people become a bit jealous when they compose in one direction ,and they find on their way such genius things. Marillion are masters in what they are doing,as Steven Wilson or Neal morse.hard to Say something ABOUT something that s already on the top.
Hi this was for me the first time i came across your channel ( i noticed the vid because it was about a Marillion as i am a life long fan since the 80s) I get that you are a real music creature and thats why i guess you do know more albums from this band, i say this for this reason "most of the songs they make are part of concept albums" think misplaced childhood and Brave. The first few times i listened to this song i had kind of the same as you discribed, it realy needs to grow on you etc though i think it might even be a better way to hear it live and also within the complete album. First wen Fish left the band i had no love for Steve Hogarth but man he grew a ton in quality and performance he is equel if not better than Fish. One pers question if you ever have the time do a review for the complete Brave album. PS if you go on youtube and look for marillion they also give lots of info on the what and why in their music. PPS sorry for misspelling stuff i am Dutch. Greets
My biggest post-Fish Marillion recommendation would be Brave. I love Fish-era Marillion (definitely the band at their most consistent), but Brave is not only my favorite Marillion album but one of my favorite albums of all time. Marbles (the album this song is from) is close with Afraid of Sunlight for the second best of the Fish era Seasons End, This Strange Engine, Sounds That Can't Be Made, and FEAR are pretty solid too. Personally, I wouldn't say Hogarth-Marillion sounds much like Big Big Train; BBT are more "classic/retro-prog," while Marillion have a lot of modern influences, especially Radiohead and Muse.
I listen to Fish/Hogarth Marillion as two completely different bands. I tend to delve into the Fish era because of the raw emotions the lyrics instill in me. He is one of my absolute favorite poets, not shy of touching even the hardest of subjects. For the change that came with Hogarth, I don't seem to be into the same stuff as most others. I've never clicked with Marbles, F. E. A. R., Brave, for example. The albums I return to are Seasons End, Afraid of Sunlight, Anoraknophobia and This Strange Engine. Personally I agree with Jonathan here - I don't hear BBT in this. At all. But I guess it could be because I listen for other details, or have different emotional connections with the song.
@@jonathanhenderson9422 when Fish left the band, I was very disappointed. Yet, I found "Seasons' End" really excellent. Alas ! "Holidays in Eden" was a non-prog pop album, and I wondered : "what the hell have they done ??? Is it still the band I love ?" I decided to give Marillion another chance when buying "Brave". Alas ! Absolute ambient music with nearly no real melody. No song you can memorize or sing along... Certainly good music, but it isn't exciting to me anymore. I gave up with my ex-favourite band and since, no recent title had persuaded me to go back to them. All Fish-era and Season's End is great and exciting, all their music since seems boring to my ears. 😭
Marillion should always be viewed live. On album they are brilliant but on stage they are on a totally different planet. Check out live videos of The Great Escape, This Strange Engine or Gaza, you won't be disappointed
When he sings the title of the song at the end, the hollow scream "MAN" is the revelation of himself. In an aural sense, he's allowing the listener to "see" the real him. That is why the music is triumphant. He is revealed.
It's no surprise that you zoned out there - it's very hard not to for Marillion. Next, I would recommend... oh so many... try: Neverland - Live 2009 Out of Season. Thanks for sharing your reaction and deep thoughts.
Man, I'm surprised you talk about so much Progressive Rock and Metal but you haven't reacted to Ayreon!!!! Look up some Ayreon my friend, it's one of the best musical projects that can exist. Try : Everybody Dies! live or maybe: The day that the world breaks down (an iconic song, and the video helps to understand a little bit about what the Ayreon universe is all about.)
Hello, if you enjoy this marillion song, i recommend you these titles : ( they are more accessible and dynamic ) Neverland : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rWFuzjqJYpY.html The Space : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XYNMRXxeqvk.html Gaza : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uaBVTtt53FA.html Season’s end : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8ypkV1XRwAM.html
the whole theme of the song is about being powerless to things that we see happening , things reported on news, things happening on the other side of the world which, if not for modern technology, we would never know about. we get involved emotionally but are powerless to help in anyway. the ending lyrics acknowledge me , notice me, confide in me , e.t.c are ways of saying either involve me personally so i can help in some way or leave me be and stop putting thing in my head that i have no power to do anything about , thats my interpretation , the sound effects at start are supposed to be marbles i think , thats the name of the album
He has a brill voice He personally screetng but He can readily sing thay high not rasping... I adore the great escape live it's fantastic it is from Brave. Brave is a concept album but you can take some single bits out. The new album An Hour Before Its Dark... amazing Care
I love this song, and this album. I think he's definitely dead, he's a ghost. Many of the lyrics can be seen as a metaphor for being ignored or misunderstood, but this section: The scent of you preparing His evening meal I must watch in dread When he's cruel to you In horrified silence As you make love I cannot lift a hand Lift a hand to stop him There's no reason he would be seeing this, if he wasn't dead. Also, the end part where he sounds desperate, I've seen him on stage a few times, and he gives himself out every time, and it reminds me of a phrase on a song from Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz, he says "My heart reaches where my voice does not". Like others have mentioned, I highly recommend Neverland, live even better, there are quite a few versions on RU-vid (even a rehearsal in their studio, which is also amazing) with really good sound.
Great lyrical analysis there. I picked up on some of the themes within that reading so I wouldn't be surprised if you were close in your interpretation.
Early Marillion was hugely inspired by Genesis for sure, especially their lead singer Fish, but they evolved beyond that pretty quickly. Though I really enjoy the Fish-era albums, I don't think they really started finding their own sound until the end of the Fish-era (Clutching at Straws), and by the time Hogarth joined the band they were very much their own thing. Brave is my favorite from them, followed closely by Clutching at Straws (and Misplaced Childhood, but that one's definitely still very Genesis-esque).
The singer is dead... I don't know how he passed, or why he passed, but he IS gone, and screaming into the environment, unable to be heard or seen. He seemingly doesn't realize he's gone. NOW listen to it and the words. :-)
I would disagree with a few of the comments on the meaning of the song. In my opinion it's metaphorical rather than literal. I see the song being about realising you are middle aged and becoming irrelevant.
The Serj solo stuff is certainly on the table. I kinda dove into all of SOAD's stuff last year and can't really react to any of that. I own all of the albums and have listened to each a handful of times already 😂
