Marillion - Clutching at Straws
On this week's podcast, we take a look at the 1987 album Clutching at Straws by the kings of 80's Neoprog Marillion. By the early 1980's in the wake of Punk and New Wave, Progressive Rock (or Prog Rock) was considered decidedly "uncool" by the the music press. Bands like Yes, Genesis, and Rush, who had helped to put Prog Rock on the map, were busy leaving behind that sound and embracing elements of pop and new wave in an attempt to keep their sound modern and fresh.
In the midst of all of this, a bunch of young bands who loved the Prog Rock of the 70's decided to ignore what was considered "hip" and make the music they wanted to make. Rather than forgo those things essential to Prog Rock for the sound of the times, these bands filtered those elements through the lens of Punk and New Wave and created complicated music that was more melodic than its predecessors, often times harder-edged, with lyrics based more in real world themes, instead of the fantasy and sci-fi centered lyrics of the bands form the 70's. The music was called Neoprog by the press.
Marillion was easily the biggest commercial success on the Neoprog bands. Fronted by a 6 foot 5 singer called Fish, Marillion's first 4 LPs were all top 10 in the UK. Clutching at Straws was the fourth and final album with Fish as singer. While the LP preceding it (Misplaced Childhood) is a fan favorite and reached No 1 in the UK, Clutching at Straws which centers around the theme of addiction and its consequences, topped out just a spot below it ant No. 2. It was by all accounts a difficult album to make, with the band struggling with how to deal with its new found fame. Fish ultimately left as a result of the friction. However, what resulted in terms of the LP is a lyrical tour de force, with the band firing on all cylinders, to create what is considered by many to be the band's finest, and most realized, artistic statement.
Recommendation on the episode: Hybris by Änglagård.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
Marillion circa 1980. This was before Mark Kelly and Fish joined the band. (Pictured L to R): Brian Jelleyman, Mick Pointer, Doug Irvine, Steve Rothery, and friend of the band - John Borlase
Mark Wilkinson artwork is synonymous with Marillion during the Fish era. The most ubiquitous image that Wikinson created for the band is the jester, first used on the band’s 1982 debut single “Market Square Heroes.” The band told him to design “a manic jester with a crazed eye, hiding behind a mask” and that’s exactly what they got.
The image jester would make an appearance on all four albums with Fish, although much more vaguely on Clutching at Straws. While Wilkinson’s cover art is most associate with Marillion, he has designed artwork for other artists including solo Fish and Iron Maiden. You can check out his amazing artwork on his webpage.
The B-side to the first Marillion single “Market Square Heroes” was a 17 plus minute old-school progressive rock feast for the ears called “Grendel.” The song was based on a book by John Gardner which told the story of Beowolf from the monster’s point of view. The song was a concert staple in the bands early days and often featured a melodramatic performance from front man Fish, including makeup and helmet.
Taking inspiration from Genesis-era Peter Gabriel, Fish often wore theatrical make-up on stage during the eraly days of Marillion.
Mark Wilkenson has said that he based his illustration of the Torch character of Russian poet and playwright Vladimir Mayakovsky because he liked his thousand yard stare.
Here’s the video for Marillion’s biggest hit single, “Kaleigh” off of the Misplaced Childhood album.
The single “Warm Wet Circles” peeked at number 22 on the UK charts, which resulted in last appearance of the Fish-era Marillion on Top of the Pops.
The anthemic “Slanthe Mhath” was the perfect song to open the shows on the tour to support Clutching at Straws.
In 2007, Fish headlined the Hobble On The Cobbles, a free festival in Aylesbury, UK. He invited his old band mates on stage for an encore of performance of Marillion’s 1982 debut single, “Market Square Heroes.”
