Marillion - The Singles Vol. 2 1989-1995 [4CD Box Set] (2002) [Reissue 2013]

In 2002 EMI released a box with twelve CD singles by the British progressive rock formation Marillion from 1989 to 1995. It was the second single box of this type. While the first box covered the era of the charismatic singer Fish, the second now includes the story of the no less fascinating successor Steve Hogarth. The 57 pieces in the box, which is now out of print (the twelve CD singles were contained in cardboard boxes with original covers) will be released on April 19, 2013 as a 4-CD box.

The voice, performance, stage presence and the compositional approach of Hogarth were in stark contrast to "Fish", the previous over-figure on the MARILLION microphone. Ultimately, however, Hogarth, who used to be known only to insiders as a keyboardist and singer in the bands The Europeans and How We Live, impressed both critics and fans. And that can also be seen on this compilation of 12 single releases from 1989 to 1995.

The songs of the singles can be found on the CDs in chronological order. This includes album, single, maxi-single, alternative and live versions of well-known and less well-known tracks. The tracks are - with the exception of the live versions of older tracks from the Fish era and cover versions - from the albums "Seasons End", "Holidays In Eden", "Brave" and "Afraid Of Sunlight".

The box includes the singles "Hooks In You", "Uninvited Guest", "Easter" (always a Livekacher), "Cover My Eyes (Pain And Heaven)", "No One Can", "Dry Land", "Sympathy" , "The Great Escape", "The Hollow Man", "Alone Again In The Lap Of Luxury" and "Beautiful".

The eight-page booklet contains all cover images of the twelve singles as well as brief information on the individual pieces. Unfortunately - as with the first box (Fish era) - there is no indication of which single the pieces were released on. This is a shame because there are several versions of some tracks on the CDs.

So if you haven't had the single versions yet, this box is a very good addition to your collection. This box is also well suited for newcomers who want to get an insight into the highlights of the Hogarth era from Marillion. The low price also makes the box worthwhile.