Disco de Marillion: “Holidays in Eden [Bonus CD]”

Marillion's second Hogarth-era album has probably taken more flak than any of their other releases to date. I, for one, can't understand why. Maybe its simply the mentality with which I listen to Holiday's in Eden, but I can't anything offensively wrong with this thoughtfull collection of good pop tunes. Granted, it lacks the resonance of some their other work (Misplaced Childhood, and Brave, for instance), but it in turn sheds much of psuedo-progressive pretense of many of the same albums, making for a lighter, frothier, yet no less enjoyable Marillion experience.

It appears this CD has been released several times with slightly different tracks...I bought a used one about a month ago (single CD). I believe this is the original release from 1991, as it includes two songs(A collection,How Can it Hurt) which I believe were dropped from subsequent releases...so, with that said, my review will reflect the original release mentioned above.

This was one of those purchases that I almost didn't make. I noticed a "trend" in the ratings and reviews here at Amazon...the fans either adored or despised this release which threw up a 'red flag' for me (besides the overall 3 star rating). I had recently overcome my 'fear' of buying CDs with lower ratings...Ironically, I had just bought Saga's 'Behavior' and Spock's Beard's 'Day for Night' CDs (these 3 albums are somewhat comparable, in that they have all been dubbed as the "poppy-commercial" releases from the respective said groups---besides also carrying lower ratings than their other releases. Well, I can definitely say I'm glad I spent the dollars on all three of the above albums. I would also agree with the fans and critics to a degree that these/this album IS more commercial(acssesible,simple?),but thats probably why I like them. With 'Holidays', there are definitely some very "poppy" songs---Cover My Eyes, No One...,Dry Land, Waiting to Happen,Which,like another reviewer said,is likeable for its simpler nature and ease of listening. By the way these "poppier" songs are well constructed and have some memorable 'Hooks' that will keep you coming back...aren't these characteristics of any good song? As has become almost mandatory on a Marillion release, there are a couple of heavier 'rock' songs here as well...This Town,Title track...but these are enjoyable enough (though somewhat generic sounding). 'A Collection' would qualify for the "obligatory" ballad but is certainly listenable (it almost reminds me of a Simon and Garfunkel kind of sentimental song...quite moving). The more 'die-hard' fans will likely be pleased by the "Darker" tracks on HIE---'The Party', 'Splintering Heart', which are the type of songs/moods that this band has excelled in. Besides the lush,dreamy soundscapes this band is capable of providing (ala, Pink Floyd in many cases),these "darker" songs are what I have found most enjoyable in Marillion's music. So, although this album doesn't quite resonate within me like some other releases from them,it will certainly get its "fair Share" of spins in my player right along with their "essentials". Enjoy, Jeff

This was h's second album as Marillion's lead singer, and was the first sign of the *new* Marillion. Just as their following records, Holidays in Eden is quite different from previous releases.

After achieving a somewhat large following and a little bit of a name for themselves while with Fish, the label had *high* expectations for the band in terms of releasing hit singles. The lads had had some chart exposure with Kayleigh and Incommunicado, but didn't do so well with the singles from Seasons end (at least in the eyes of label executives!!), so they were pushed into making a more commercially viable album. The result is this here CD, Holidays in Eden, which although including a couple of true chart seekers (Cover my eyes, No one can, Dry land...) is NOT a pop album by any means (just give a listen to The party, Splintering heart or the CD closing trio of This town/The rakes progress/100 nights and tell me that that is pop!). What it did end up being is an excellent collection of music and a tremendous sophomore outing by h.

As for the second CD, it includes a few demos, a great acoustic version of Cover my eyes (maybe even better than the original version), and a few extra tracks like How can it hurt, A collection (both included in the U.S. release of the album), Sympathy, I will walk on water (both included in the Six of one, half a dozen of the other compilation), You don't need anyone, Eric and The epic.

HiE certanly stirs things up! I don't care where this rates on my all time top 10 Marillo albums, I just know that I like it a lot and enjoy listening to it on Sunny days. In its deffecnce I would say that theres a lot of stuff on here that you are always delighted to hear live, especialy splintering heart, which is awsome, and worth getting the album for on its own.

Ever heard 'A Collection'? An absolutely haunting, achingly beautiful song, with an absolutely chilling meaning. I listen to it over and over, and always get chills!