Product Code: WET30289336
Original price was: $44.00.$26.40Current price is: $26.40.Clutching at Straws, released in 1987, is Marillions fourth studio album and the final record to feature original vocalist Fish. It is a darker, more introspective work compared to its predecessor Misplaced Childhood, trading sweeping optimism for themes of disillusionment, addiction, and personal struggle. Musically, the album leans into atmospheric progressive rock textures, with Steve Rotherys expressive guitar and Mark Kellys lush keyboards creating a moody backdrop for Fishs theatrical, deeply personal lyrics. Songs like Warm Wet Circles and Sugar Mice balance haunting vulnerability with memorable melodies, while Incommunicado provides a burst of energetic, anthemic rock that became a fan favorite.
The album is often regarded as one of Marillions most mature and emotionally powerful statements, capturing a band at a creative peak even as internal tensions loomed. Its mix of polished production, layered arrangements, and raw honesty helped it achieve critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the UK Top 10. Clutching at Straws remains a landmark in the bands catalog, embodying the emotional depth and musical ambition that defined their first era.
Reviews:
Clutching at Straws is a dark, literate, and ultimately very moving record, and perhaps Marillions finest hour with Fish. AllMusic
Marillion matched progressive ambition with genuine emotion, and on Clutching at Straws they delivered a record of striking honesty and atmosphere. The Guardian
A brooding, elegant work that showed Marillion were more than just the band who made Misplaced Childhood. Classic Rock Magazine
Fishs lyrics are at their sharpest here, and the band supports him with music thats both powerful and restrained. Prog Magazine
LP1-1-1 Hotel Hobbies
LP1-1-2 Warm Wet Circles
LP1-1-3 That Time Of The Night (The Short Straw)
LP1-2-1 Going Under (Including Guitar Solo)
LP1-2-2 Just For The Record
LP1-2-3 White Russian
LP2-1-1 Incommunicado
LP2-1-2 Torch Song
LP2-1-3 Slinte Mhath
LP2-2-1 Sugar Mice
LP2-2-2 The Last Straw/Happy Ending
