MARILLION – A Collection Of Recycled Gifts [limited edition] (2014)

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“A Collection Of Recycled Gifts” is a compilation of all MARILLION‘s past Christmas songs originally included on various fan club releases over the years. The CD, released in limited quantities also includes a brand new version of ‘Happy Christmas (War is Over)’ recorded especially for Christmas 2014.

Marillion always has recorded Christmas related songs / albums, usually only available through their official website, therefore, not so easy to find.
The songs in “A Collection Of Recycled Gifts” are done in a ‘seasonal way’ with very nice melodies, though some of them deliver a tongue-in-cheek humor. As example, “Let It Snow!” is a kazoo-laden drunken carol with new lyrics; “The Aylsebury roads are closed, Let it snow let it snow let it snow!”. Hogarth’s campy vocal is all clearly for laughs.

The disc opens with a new recording, which is a reworking of the classic “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”, from the repertoire of John Lennon. Hoggy and his colleagues treated this one very seriously, melodic and with a real Christmas atmosphere. There’s the participation of a children’s choir, including Steve Hogarth’s offspring. A very nice song for this holidays.
Also wonderful is the version of “Gabriel’s Message”, quite ethereal in a typical Marillion way.
“A Collection Of Recycled Gifts” is a nice present. Happy Holidays.

01 – Happy Xmas (War Is Over) [2014]
02 – Gabriel’s Message
03 – The Christmas Song
04 – Stop The Cavalry
05 – That’s What Friends Are For
06 – Let It Snow
07 – I Saw Three Ships
08 – Lonely This Christmas
09 – The Erin Marbles
10 – Little Saint Nick
11 – The Carol Of The Bells

Steve Hogarth – vocals, keys, percussion
Mark Kelly – keyboards
Pete Trewavas – bass, backing vocals
Steve Rothery – lead & rhythm guitars
Ian Mosley – drums

BUY IT !
www.marillion.com/shop/albums/recycledgifts.htm
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