This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Marillion's "Kayleigh"
Saturday August 4, 2007
Perhaps by virtue of its status and origins as a latter-day progressive rock band, British group Marillion has often produced interesting blends of rock music styles that sound utterly distinctive. This tuneful track from 1985's Misplaced Childhood particularly qualifies as a wonderful mish-mash of '80s genres, coming off as a very pleasant post-new wave guitar rock treat shimmering with power pop gloss and laced with just the slightest touches of prog rock orchestration.Lead singer Fish sings with an endearing passion only rarely found in progressive rock circles, sounding quite a bit like Asia's John Wetton at times on "Kayleigh." And in case you're wondering, I consider that a full-on compliment, as Marillion's ability to straddle genres helps the group's music harbor appeal for audiences ranging from arena rock to alternative rock and back again. Unfortunately, that appeal didn't translate to widespread success in the States (only a No. 74 Billboard pop peak), but this song did become a major U.K. smash.
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Caroline World Service Catalog
Comments
How this song was never a MAJOR US SMASH HIT is beyond me. Simply one of the greatest pop love songs of all time. The follow up single in the UK, Lavendar, was also quite fantastic.
Why was this band never popular in the US? Because they wrote thought provoking, endearing lyrics and created some of the most incredible music and the US music market is quick turnaround of cookie cutter bands. I still listen to the Fish-era Marillion daily.