The final releases of a career which spans over four decades. It’s quite something to take in, for 2024 marks the final moves for Derek William Dick before he completes his musical journey and embarks on a different chapter of his life.
He’s always been a bit of a marmite character, is Fish. Known to millions during the 1980s as frontman of Marillion, thanks to the hits Kayleigh and Lavender, his split from the band wasn’t the easiest, although it has eased over time. His fanbase has been small but loyal, increasing in numbers in recent years to the point where he is now looking at full houses on his forthcoming farewell Road to the Isles tour which will see him close out his career in a spread of iconic venues across the UK.
To mark the finale, the Scot is releasing his first two albums on his own Chocolate Frog Record Company Label, which he sees as closure in many ways. his own Chocolate Frog Record Company label. “There’s a sense of completion in re-releasing the first two albums from my solo career as I approach the Farewell Tour and my retirement from the music industry,” he explains. “They were seminal albums in their day and the recent remixes by Calum Malcom have given them a new life and energy and a completely different dynamic. Closing down the record company with these releases feels like a respectful and fitting exit and a dramatic closing of a door in my life”.
For the collector, completist or die-hard fan, this is something to savour. There is almost too much to take in. Three different formats of Vigil and Internal Exile with deluxe 4 CD and Blu-Ray coming with a hardback book in slipcase, with 100+ pages and over 13,000 words in sleeve notes written by the big man, as well as Mark Wilkinson’s artwork, and photographs and images from the eras. The original album and B-sides, demos and live versions of all the songs including a raucous show on New Year’s Eve from Edinburgh which captures the man and band in full flow (one senses there may have been a sherry or two involved that night). There are documentaries, with introspective discussions with Fish and Wilkinson, as well as Avril Mackintosh and Andy Bradfield mixed versions of the albums, all included on the Blu-Ray versions, all with Dolby Atmos and 5.1 versions. There’s much more to consider as well, which you can find at Fish Music
It was a challenging time in his life when Fish moved to write Vigil. Having left Marillion in 1988, he had recorded Vigil by mid-1989, although it’s release was delayed by EMI Records to avoid a clash with Marillion’s Hogarth debut Seasons End.
I remember being devastated when the Scot left Marillion, not really understanding the dynamics that were at play in the background. It was only years later that I appreciated the situation, and how both parties ultimately benefitted from the split. Vigil remains one of my favourite Fish albums. The opening track is a song of defiance, whilst the album is a huge statement by a man who is primarily a lyricist/poet. His views of society, greed, politics and personal issues. The pop-stomp of Big Wedge belies the message in the lyrics, whilst View from a Hill features Iron Maiden’s Janick Gers and is one of Fish’s heavier songs. The range of styles has always been one of the main attractions of Fish and his band of musicians, and he had assembled a fine collection to help craft out Vigil. First single State of Mind saw him collaborate with Dire Straits guitarist Hal Lindes and feature Spandau Ballet drummer John Keebles.
Then there’s the folk staple of The Company, and the dark shadows of Family Business. Never one to ignore controversial topics, this was a chilling reflection on domestic violence which resonates as much today as it did 35 years ago. A shameful indictment on society indeed.
Vocally, despite everything going on in his life, I find Vigil one of Fish’s best performances. He’s learnt to respect his delivery these days and toned down those high pitched levels he used to hit. But there was no such restraint on Internal Exile which followed.
Released in October 1991, Internal Exile was in his own words, Fish’s “difficult second solo album” and the first recorded at his home studio after it was built in 1990. “Chris Kimsey did a great job back then under the circumstances, but we were under a lot of pressure from many sources and while the recordings were superb, we were never truly happy with the mixes”.
It's not one that I really appreciated back in the day, but listening to Internal Exile today is a different story. His developing styles included folk, pop, progressive rock and world music influences. It was a step away from some of his earlier work, although the rock edge was still very much in evidence despite the lighter elements that dominate. Once more, it’s social commentary that takes central stage, as he focuses on Scotland, more personal challenges as well as those previous challenges with EMI.
At over an hour in length, it’s no easy listen. His strong national pride comes to the fore on the title track, whilst the Celtic tinges on Thunderclap Newman’s In the Air Tonight certainly threw me at the time. Today it sits a lot easier, although the electro-vibe still grates a little. Elsewhere fan staples like Lucky, Credo and Tongues still stand up proudly today.
Of the two, it’s Vigil everyday for me, but a replay of Internal Exile certainly was more enjoyable than I had recalled.
The two albums’ remasters sound incredible, with the band’s cohesion ably supporting Fish’s vocals. Two albums that forged a career that is now sadly ending, they now sit as part of the legacy which will remain forever. Now, Bristol or Glasgow for that final hurrah on that final tour?
Review by Hutch
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