Marillion are one of the UK music scene's best kept secrets; purveyors of soulful, powerful, and often deeply-moving music, whose blistering live shows leave their audiences breathless. This concert film puts YOU in the c... more »rowd, filmed over the final 2 nig« less
A must-have for any respectable rock fan of the 21st Century
Stephen Scicluna | MALTA | 09/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is how rock concerts should be - genuine music and adequate visual effects that do not distract.
Marillion have changed quite a bit from the early 80's. Some fans jumped ship as Steve Hogarth replaced the departed Fish. I like the vibe of both versions of Marillion. To be honest,I could not imagine the Fish-fronted Marillion in 2008 - so both Fish and Marillion gained from the separation. So what's Marillion's music like in 2008? Genuine, adventurous, atmospheric, intelligent rock music with touches of everything else. Actually, it's quite difficult to describe Marillion - but the closest you can get is a combination of Radiohead and Coldplay, still better.
Starting with 'Anoraknophobia' in 2001, the band finally started to spark again following two disappointing albums. 'Marbles' released in 2004, is a masterpiece - the songs 'The invisible man,' 'Neverland' and 'Angelina' to name but a few, are real gems. 'Somewhere else' released in 2007 got mixed reactions - there were quite a few gems but some obvious filler as well. (It was difficult to follow up 'Marbles')
So when the band released this dvd from the 'Somewhere else' tour, I approached it with caution. Actually, it turned out to be the best dvd I saw for a long time. The 'Somewhere else' tracks are much better live that the studio versions, and the performances are, to say the least, haunting. Musicianship is first class and Steve Hogarth is one of the most magnetic, still down-to-earth frontmen ever. There are also various tracks from previous albums, but only one from the Fish era. This should not be considered a minus, since the included tracks are all 5 star material. The bonus material is quite interesting with various performances from other concerts from the same tour.
I have been following the rock scene since the late 1980's, listening to 100's of acts. I still can't believe that Marillion is still snubbed by certain critics. They deserve recognition and to fill 80,000 capacity venues anywhere - not because they have been around for 25+ years but because their work deserves it. This dvd proves my point (as does the 'Marbles on the road' dvd - get that as well).
"
The Ultimate DVD by the Ultimate Musical Group!!
Mary R. Williams | Rhode Island, USA | 07/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having only been introduced to Marillion a 3 years ago, I am still at a loss to explain how this group is "undiscovered" here in the USA. What other group can create a CD by PRESELLING the CD to it's fans not just once but TWICE? What other musical group can have a weekend long convention that sells out each and everytime? Not U2, the Stones, Claptin, Good Charlotte, Red Hot Chilie Peppers, etc..........nobody EXCEPT MARILLION!!! And this DVD showcases why they are loved throughout the World. The music and emotion come pouring out of the television, washing over the viewer and creating the need to view this DVD over and over again!! How lucky the fans are who are able to see Marillion multiple times during their tours!! Those of us who live to far away to get to a gig can relish the fabulous Somewhere in London DVD!! Do yourself a favor, either pick it up here on Amazon, or get to www.Marillion.com and not only purchase this DVD, but download a FREE sampler CD and see what you have been missing out on! Peace! Mary"
A lesson in independence
Rodrigo Leme | Sao Paulo, SP Brazil | 11/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Few bands have achieved a status where they pretty much can do whatever they want, just taking its fans in consideration, without submitting themselves to contracts with record companies. Marillion is on this road for quite a long time now and its releases are as constant as they are superb.
Somewhere in London is a celebration of independence, where the band was able to fill 2 DVDs with material that may not be relevant to "the market", but it is relevant and eagerly anticipated by the fanbase.
DVD1 is a mix between two nights at the Forum, giving preference to the latest album back then (Somewhere Else). It is quite a contrversial album among the fanbase, with some love/hate reactions, but as far as the songs present on this DVD go, the band raised the bar with incredible live versions, with highlights being Somewhere Else and The Other Half.
For the rest of DVD1, quite an unbalance between new and old tracks (of course, limited to the H era, since the band has almost completely abandoned playing Fish-era songs), favouring most recent works like Marbles and Anoraknophobia. However, The Release comes as quite a pleasant surprise, in a version superior to the original B-Side from the 90s.
DVD2 is even a bigger treat, opening with the tracks that were not included on DVD1 from the two nights, including a definitive record of the majestic Ocean Cloud, and a nice selection of older songs, including a Fish-era one (Sugar Mice). It is nice how the crowd becomes part of Sugar Mice and Easter, which is quite a refreshing take on two tracks played and included in lots of live albums / DVDs.
There is also a segment recorded on the band's studio in Buckighamshire, with some winners of a contest, who got to see a closed performance / rehearsal by the band, the hightlight being the always emotional Estonia.
Closing DVD2, there are 5.1 mixes of selected tracks on Somewhere Else, which sound a lot better than the album, especially since the production of the album was somewhat disappointing.
To sum up: it is a wonderful DVD, over 4 hours of material of a band that, no matter how much live material releases each year, always finds ways to make it sound new and fresh. This, my friends, is the reward for being independent."
I always ask myself the same question...
M. Mazzi | US Citizen in Italy | 12/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WHY THE FRAK DOESN"T THE REST OF THE PLANET LISTEN TO THIS FRAKKING BAND!!!! That's it..."
Discover Marillion and Here's How. Any rock fan should have
MagicMan | Nova Scotia, Canada | 01/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you don't know Marillion, you're not alone. But you're missing out.
If you remember them, but haven't checked them out lately, you're in for a huge surprise.
Drawing comparisons with Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Coldplay, Keane, Crowded House and other varied artists, nothing seems quite satisfactory in defining this highly emotional and dynamic rock outfit. I discovered them over 20 years ago with their former frontman, and in the last 2 years have rediscovered the amazing back catalogue with the charismatic Steve "h" Hogarth at the front mic.
Whether you remember Marillion from the 80's heyday or have never heard of them, take a small risk and order this disc post-haste. The best concert video the band has ever put out, it boasts excellent production values, an excellent performance and a great introductory setlist. I've probably watched my copy at least 30/40 times, and the depth of the tracks and the intensity of the performances is up there with the best in the business. But sadly, since going truly independent long before "indie" was cool, these internet pioneers are grossly underreported in the music press.
Pulling from their 14th Album "Somewhere Else" through highlights of their 20+year careers, Somewhere in London has something for almost every musical taste in the rock-out, deep ballad or bounce-along tracks that run through themes both deeply personal and highly political.
A concert vid that might actually just move a tear or two -- a very rare experience indeed. These guys know to how to work a crowd and the production team translates the vibe with the audience tremendously well, even shooting some angles from within the audience to draw you in as if you're right there.
Filmed over two nights at London's Kentish Town Forum, the two-disc release provides tremendous value and quality for any hardcore music fan.
Disc 1
Splintering Heart (Holidays in Eden) - cracking opener, brilliant set-up
The Other Half (Somewhere Else) - breathes live and shows off h's vocal chops brilliantly
You're Gone (Marbles) - bounce along, everyone!
No Such Thing (Somewhere Else) - haunting live version
Faith (Somewhere Else) - shows off some Beatles influence and the band's humour and charisma
Thankyou Whoever You Are (Somewhere Else)
Fantastic Place (Somewhere Else) - a classic!
The Wound (Somewhere Else)
A Voice from the Past (Somewhere Else) - brilliant brilliant brilliant performance of this anthem of global poverty
Somewhere Else (Somewhere Else) - a true Marillion epic
Man of a Thousand Faces (This Strange Engine) - an inspired reworking that builds to mythic proportions
Between You and Me (Anoraknophobia) - "today, I saw music in the sky..."
King (Afraid of Sunlight) - wall of sound that will knock your socks off
The Release (Seasons End B-side) - great, rare live track that gets the audience going
Neverland (Marbles) - perennial favourite epic and fantastic performance
Disc 2
HERE'S SOME WE PLAYED EARLIER
Ocean Cloud (Marbles) - another classic Marillion epic you can't miss
Afraid of Sunlight (Afraid of Sunlight) - one of the most beautiful, moving songs written by anyone, anywhere
Beautiful (Afraid of Sunlight) - probably the best live version of this song, anywhere
Most Toys (Somewhere Else) - a straight-out rock track one Rothery gets the right guitar. ;)
Estonia (This Strange Engine) - the reigning anthem for anyone who has lost someone dear. Hogarth even chokes up a bit.
Sugar Mice (Clutching At Straws) - classic from the early era with former lead-singer Fish - a perfect singalong moment with the crowd
Easter (Seasons End) - the classic antiwar anthem and perennial singalong
RACKET CLUB REHEARSAL - a lucky handful of fans get invited to The Racket Club - Marillion's own recording studio - for an intimate performance at the boys feet.