I saw him with the band a few years ago, and he has a powerful live voice. A pity the band never reached these heights again. Of course, that is where, as always, the only similarities lie. Put it this way, I could imagine Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks slipping into the band quietly, replacing Fish and Mark Kelly, and not many people would notice. Although the songs are not typical of Genesis, again the keyboards and Fish's voice are very reminiscent of them. My least fave track would have to be 'White Russian', but that is only in comparison with the others - there are no weak tracks here! Despite what some reviewers think, there is still a strong Genesis influence. The first three in particular making one's jaw drop. Now I say 'wow!' I think it is amazing! (Funny how tastes change, isn't it?) I would rate it, along with 'Script', as one of their top two albums, with 'Misplaced' in third place. I asked him could I tape 'Clutching' again and I would give it another listen. This year, I was at a friend's house, and we were swapping music.

Eventually, I swapped it for something else. Even weaker than 'Fugazi' I thought, certainly not up to 'Script's' standard, or even 'Misplaced'. I thought it was too aggressive, tuneless, and disappointing in general. Ironically, when this album first came out, I bought it, played it a few times, then put it to one side. What they felt in the bars during the tour the lyrics are sad, but the music is very well The short songs formula really works on this record. It is the most relaxing album of the Marillion-Fish era. Record, you have the impression that no instrument wants to steal the show it gives a There are many excellent, melodic and very catchy guitar solos. Often consist in clean & short notes, like on the 'Blind curve' track on the 'MisplacedĬhildhood' album. Keyboards are often smooth, in the background, while the delightful and refined guitars Like the subtle emotional & atmospheric sound, often being ethereal.

Listen it for 'Sugar mice' or whatever.' Once you've started it, you cannot stop! I really Spartacus.) has NO ordinary piece: ALL the songs are excellent! You cannot say: 'I just This terrific album, like many others (Rush-Signals, Genesis-Foxtrot, Triumvirat. Now that everything's over, where do we go from here? Few bands kept such high quality throughout their musical route. We know exactly what he means in such few words. Like Robert Smith (The Cure) or Tim Booth (James), Fish is explicit towards illegal substances but also so fragile and open hearted. Sadness, resignation and fascination facing more popularity, the lyrics are mature and wonderfully coherent. After this record he had to go in rehab in a place where nobody could join him.

This is really an ultimate cry for help, which makes this record the breaking point for Fish' health. Althought it's not AS progressive as the others, this record scores on the lyrics and the intensity of Fish. I think Clutching at Straws is a mini-tad over Misplaced Childhood.

Among ProgArchives suggestions, THIS one should've been underlined and promoted as a suggestion. But this one stole my heart over any other Marillion record. Marillion is a guilty pleasure among purist of prog.

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