Listening to Marillion: Murder Machines - Reaction And Opinion

[@didikong247]

This song is so sad and so beautiful at the same time, love it😍

[@MrStrat01]

A killer song !!!!! Waouahhh how it can be good to listen to this wonder !!! I have spent the 2 last months in hospital in intensive care due to covid and I can appreciate this song that goes straight ahead in my heart !!! Thank you Marillion for this amazing song !!

[@Juststartingout768]

You must do the last song of their new album that came out yesterday, Care. That last 5 minutes is the best ending to an album ever. The vibrato in his voice. The depth and feeling. People will cry listening to Care and it is the compliment to Murder Machines

[@JimNewstead]

Yes I must!

[@clansome]

@@JimNewstead And you did, didn't you Jim. I got the preorder Digipak which comes complete with a DVD about the creation of the album; brilliant. Oh and it's nearly an inch thick with the booklet.

[@edwoodsnowden]

A friend posted this on my FB wall, I held back listening till my days off with a nice ice cold beer to enjoy it, and boy I was not expecting this, fantastic track, first two songs ive heard I am really looking forward to this album.

[@Jim-El]

Jim, you are by far the best music reactor on KZbin! Thank you! Cheers!

[@JimNewstead]

I’m not, but thank you so much!

[@carstenhorn5075]

A fantastic song at the right time. And once again a radio hit in another world

[@krishouseholder261]

Enjoying all the newest Marillion! 😎🙏🏼 thanks Jim🎸🥁🎹🎤

[@fraukeroberts6590]

Amazing. Very emotional 💜💜

[@paulf2557]

Wasn't sure if this would get blocked as it was so new, but glad it didn't. Such a powerful song, and hope it gets maximum exposure. Can't wait for the new album - looking to be exceptional again. Thanks for a quick review Jim 👍 Also obviously Marillion can tackle these serious issues as they are not beholden to a record company anymore. This should be top of the singles chart. Never happen, but we can at least dream.

[@JimNewstead]

Strangely enough I said those very words about this should be a very successful record but the modern contemporary musical landscape wouldn’t tolerate this sort of music. I then cut it out in the exit for being too “old man grumbling about the state of the world today”!

[@paulf2557]

@@JimNewstead tis a massive shame. Also beware, that because of the subject matter, a lot of stupid comments will be trolling around. I can see them now.........trundling over the horizon.💤💤

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

Yep..no.1 in charts, but as you said never will.

[@Yesquire0]

Any huge corporation, and most governments, would welcome the use of this song and video in their commercials, so I don't think we need fear content control by some entertainment conglomerate.

[@MrChippiechappie]

God awful song and album worst of Marillions career and Hogarths worst vocal performance by a country mile as well.

[@stephenhaunch3468]

Slightly longer on the full version with a longer outro. There is an epic on the new album called Care, it's going to be a year jerker.

[@PCmaatje]

Great reaction, Jim!! I saw what the song did with your emotions , and they were somewhat similar to mine (and probably many of us Marillion fans) when I heard the song for the first time. Almost a tear in my eye... 😥 The lyrics are so powerful!! And the music is great as well!! Marillion did it!! AGAIN!

[@brecicure]

Very beautiful song! Tears in eyes are OK!

[@IllumeEltanin]

Wow... “I tried not to write about the virus," explains singer Steve Hogarth. "But it’s been so much a part of life for the past two years that it kept creeping in. The terrifying reality that to wrap my arms around my father or mother could ultimately kill them, gave birth to this song."

[@ancadragoslav7613]

So, in your opinion, does the meaning of these lyrics and H's very short explanation support the official story regarding the pandemic, criticize human behaviour or stands between? :-?

[@IllumeEltanin]

@@ancadragoslav7613 My opinion? As an immunocompromised chronic leukemia patient, my : personal : stance is to trust the ever changing science as the scientist learn and adjust to how to try to keep the public safe. Yes, I miss attending live shows in indoor venues, and I have only just started going to outdoor shows if I feel comfortably spaced away from others. I am disheartened by the general American fatigued lack of adherence towards mask wearing. Yes, I'm still wearing mine and double mask a KN90 with a cloth mask over when out in public. But that measure is to mostly protect *others*. I do wish those around me still masked up when out in public. If my son where to fly across the continent from Florida to Seattle to visit, I would allow him to stay with us in the upstairs bedroom away from the rest of the house. We would take meals and do activities together. But, I would insist we both mask up, and yes, we would refrain from hugging or giving each other a kiss on the cheek until he had shown to be symptom free for five days, and tested negative. However, this is *my* response to what is going on with the plague. I disagree with those taking less lax measures, but am doing what I can to work around them and *gently* explain why I may not be socializing or getting close while out in public while trying not to sound as though I'm criticizing their choices.

[@ancadragoslav7613]

@@IllumeEltanin, thank you for the patiently spent time to write! I was asking you about your opinion... on the meaning of the lyrics (not about your view over the reality around you)!.. :> I wish you take care of your soul at least half this described regarding your body!

[@IllumeEltanin]

@@ancadragoslav7613 Ah, my bad. I believe the lyrics were probably written during the height of lockdown, or pretty close to it. Look at The Rolling Stones video for "Ghost Town" to recall what I'm talking about at that time, if needed. With that point of reference in mind, I think the lyrics very much support what was the official guidance at the time. So many couldn't visit their loved ones in ICU due to the plague, not even when they were literally on their deathbed. Funerals at the time were postponed or done remotely; people couldn't properly say goodbye. I feel these lyrics very much sum up the horror, fear, and hurt not being able to show physical affection to loved ones at the time.

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

I still fear getting covid again. I have had vaccinnes which is a contentious issue which I am not getting into, but having all the boosters I have a lot of health problem so shielding has made me going out a big thing. Having bipolar it does not help. But yes... Did not see my parents for over a year, they are now 90 and 82. Even when we go I worry but they live 325 miles away. It has been shite for everyone... I cried so much hearing the lyrics, my brush with Covid, I felt like I would die... But I am lucky, very lucky. Please keep my friend.

[@stephenhaunch3468]

You should react to the new album teaser whilst we are all anticipating the new baby.

[@SebGeddy]

Musical brilliance, heartfelt lyrics and passionate vocals. Marillion striked again 👏👏👏🙏🤘 Great reaction, Jim 👍

[@johnsheehan9318]

Wrenching - and Marillion are brilliant

[@arthurmol6875]

Thank you Jim

[@deathrider7]

A great song. For someone like me that have been listening to Marillion from the very start I couldn't get into FEAR, but I've heard two songs from the new album and love it already.

[@ronouwe93]

Always love me some Marillion. Sounds like the new album is going to be amazing again!

[@eddienimmo]

Wow what a song!

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

Thanks for putting this up......goose bumps here. Most of us are very like listening the song over and over to really get into them (for audience participation...biggest kareoki lol) but I actually found myself crying with this one as I had Covid 2 years ago felt like breathing through a straw and couphing at the same time. But I am a lucky one a few friends not so. What a song. Roll on March then May dor the conve tion... We all hope!

[@marklister357]

The only music video to put tears in my eyes. Jim has summed things up so well. The song is so wonderful - perfect in fact.

[@astrosurf68]

Thank you for your honest thoughts about the chaos they brings upon us.... & Marillions bittersweet message 💜

[@pasit1738]

There's an album to wait for. Pre-ordered of course!

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

Me too.!!😁

[@meerkat7406]

Powerful song by a great band.

[@Face-bz6il]

Hogarth and his band. Brilliant

[@digibirder]

Thanks for the reaction Jim! Marillion song do have to grow on you usually. I found this one gets better for me over time as well. The previews I've heard of "An Hour Before Its Dark" have got me very excited. They have a really good idea of who they are and what they can do as a band. Their experience has given them the confidence to do exactly what they want musically, and music is the whole idea. They only do what moves them musically. So if you get it, you're very happy indeed.

[@michaelcrissman1607]

A year later, still a powerful song.

[@JimNewstead]

It certainly is.

[@gerryhoraczek1561]

Your reaction was the same as mine when I first heard this emotional, sad, life changing song… The Lyrics are some of the most powerful I’ve ever heard… even for MARILLION this is punch in the stomach stand up and listen song… Quite Brilliant… ❤️💥👌

[@MrChippiechappie]

I've heard it loads now and I still think it's crap.

[@TheAsphyx666]

What a band...

[@retrorambles517]

Really enjoy H voice

[@mikeym50]

Great reaction!

[@peterhughes324]

Aren't they just the best? I love all sorts of music but Marillion evoke so much emotion with their music - they can't be bettered. So excited for the album next month!! Hope all is well with you Jim, Greetings from NZ. Pete

[@peterhunt7591]

Yes they are mate, also in NZ, starting to find a few of us marillion fans here - great!

[@ickelpete]

Really looking forward to the new album. Apparently its 54 minutes long with only 6 songs so some nice long tracks to come. As others have said they no longer have a record company everything is crowdfunded so they can wright what they want, I bought the album months ago!

[@MrChippiechappie]

So why is it called an hour before its dark if it's less than hour long?

[@booshting3520]

Like the song, but I've got such Covid fatigue.

[@MaraxisArcanist]

I'm unfamiliar with this artist. Musically I found the song quite good. It's very "sticky". That chorus will be with me for hours, I'm certain. I had a similar reaction to you regarding the message here. It's the first pandemic related song I've heard up to now, and I've a feeling we'll be seeing many of them over the coming years.

[@JimNewstead]

You don’t know Marillion? They’ve been around for ever, or at least since the mid 80s. I used to know them 35 years ago and then forgot all about them. I was reintroduced via the channel to their magnificence. You should check them out dude.

[@MaraxisArcanist]

@@JimNewstead I may have seen the name around, but I'm fairly certain I've not heard their music before. I'll give them a look!

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

They started out in 1979...they took the name Silmarillion back then after a JRR Tolkin book but had to change it due to copyright etc. So droped the Sil. Their first album was Script for a JestersTear with the then lead singer Fish. In 1985 They realesed a single called Kayleigh and it was no.2 in the chart only beaten by a charity single for the victims of the Bradford fc fire charity. Then in 1989 due to problems within the band he left and Steve Hogart or h as we call him took over...it was a big chance, but he delivered and has now been lead singer for 33 years and with a backtrack of 19 now to be 20 studio album under their belt, they are amazing live and no one album is the same. So if you don't like one try another. Some prefer Fish I prefer h. But also look up Fish as his Solo albums are great to. Enjoy.

[@JesperHellvik]

If you enter Marillion-land...you are in for something very amazing and unique. That's a promise!

[@delorangeade]

It made an instant impression on me. It's nice to hear something punchy and to the point. I'm tired of trying to absorb rambling epics, so a singalong chorus and some tasty playing will do it for me.

[@stephenhaunch3468]

Jim, I was thinking, it would be a real treat if you considered a full album reaction for their new one, I think it could be one of their best. I know that your reactions are highly regarded by the Marillion community.

[@JimNewstead]

Oh I intend to!!!! I’ve got it on preorder so hopefully be able to do it at time of release!

[@chadmitchell7648]

Juxtaposing the content with the 'uplifting' sound is a great technique. I once read an interview with Alex Lifeson of Rush, and that was something they intentionally did all the time, specifically pairing happy lyrics with somber music and vice-versa, and Marillion has also made a habit of it over the years. And speaking of that, Jim, when are you going to get around to doing "Brave"? :D

[@JimNewstead]

Brave? Oh I don’t know…. Some time!

[@didididi71]

I hoped it…….but Very cool to react so fast to this new song. Uplifting sound and dark content of lyrics…..yes!, People in the UK understand the text differently than people in Germany, for example, because the first phase of the pandemic in the UK was tougher and unfortunately there were more tragedies…wow

[@larsschlentzek1555]

Yes, but we also had this in the first phase of the pandemic, especially in the nursing homes and within multi-family houses. But I agree with you that in some other countries it is much stronger. I definitely had tears and pictures in my eyes when I heard it. I haven't been touched so quickly by a song in a long time. Wonderful work!

[@carstenhorn5075]

I can‘t wait to hear the 12“ remix 😀

[@jmurray2018]

Sounds like the U2 band this is going o.n my playlist

[@marvin1002]

perfect

[@richardg9116]

Like the song alot. H voice sounding a bit old but I don't mind. For both this and the first single its the Keyboards that seem to have become more modern and its really lifting their music. Excited to get the album soon.

[@palantir135]

To me it’s not only about the pandemic but also about earth. The decline of human society in all its glory. It makes me angry, angry at those useless politicians who are only interested in the next elections and the flow of money and not in what matters most. Musically it’s a good song.

[@JimNewstead]

I think we’re all on the same page there buddy!

[@kevinjekyll1521]

What a great band, just like the review :) I always loved Misplaced Childhood, you can hear it in this, if you like this I can gauranttee you will find find youself wondering why you never listened to this. Yes double standards are a challenge, but what can you do. As always I hear what you are saying. Take care.

[@MrChippiechappie]

How the Hell can you hear misplaced childhood in this? It sounds nothing like it.

[@retrorambles517]

I'm really looking forward to the new album Maybe you could react to it 😜

[@timbarnes3728]

I was underwhelmed with this on first listen, thinking it was very safe and standard but on repeated listens it’s grown on me a lot like all good songs do, loving the chorus and vibe now. Lyrics of second verse still make me cringe a bit with how obvious/lacking nuance they are but other than that I think it’s a great punchy song from Marillion

[@JesperHellvik]

I'm going through the exact same experience.

[@Katehowe3010]

Same here. Four listens and i'm still not sure, plus fearful that they may be losing that killer melody!

[@timbarnes3728]

@@Katehowe3010 yea although I like it more than I did, I maybe wouldn’t actually say I love it. H’s vocal style/intonation has taken a strange turn the last couple of albums and that’s the main put-off for me. I think that’s also related to their lack of strong melody too - he doesn’t choose to sing many strong tunes anymore, it’s very low-register and a bit warbly if he tries going high. We’ll see what the rest of the album brings

[@Katehowe3010]

@@timbarnes3728 That's all we can do mate.

[@retrorambles517]

Sometimes you just have to go safe

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Jim you look so slim, head scratcher.

[@JimNewstead]

Slim????? Slim Jim?????? Really? I’ve put on a bit of weight over the last six months and need to lose it again! You do say the nicest things though!

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

Look after your eye Jim. To be honest I did not notice you wearing glasses.lol!!!!

[@davidgale7384]

Thanks, from another who is old enough and ugly enough..... Marillion does it (first) again!! And it's an "ear worm"....

[@MrChippiechappie]

Here we go again ramming politics down our throats for the second album running. Politics have no place in music that's what we have politicians for. Please Marillion don't do it again.

[@svennybenny1973]

Sh*** the f*** up. This song is a social statement. If it's not your opinion- well, just skip it. But please...(I don't want to write it again: stfu

[@JimNewstead]

I respectfully disagree. I think politics are integral to society, music is often a mirror to society, ergo politics will ALWAYS be in music. Don’t buy the music that has a conscience that you don’t agree with, but music as an art form is truly about the artist expressing themselves. If the biggest, most important thing in the world is kinda on your mind, you’re going to have to write about it!

[@MrChippiechappie]

@@JimNewstead I disagree with you. They've always sang about interesting things in the past. Round the world yaughtsman, Donald Campbell and blue bird, Physical abuse in brave, emotional issues like in marbles not this political bullshit I wont be buying it ill download it first. And I'm sick to the back fucking teeth of hearing about Bullshit 19 without my favourite bands banging on about it. hopefully its the only one. Going on about bloody climate change is bad enough.

[@JimNewstead]

At the risk of you trolling me, again I say this is NOTHING to do with politics. It is about the life we have ALL lived through the last two years. If you want to stick your head in the sand and pretend it didn’t happen that’s your choice, but I fully applaud a band that can face these uncomfortable and troubling themes and make commentary on them.

[@svennybenny1973]

@@JimNewstead 100% agree with you. They can write about anything they want to. Lets not waste our time with ignorant and selfish people nobody wants to talk to.

[@MrChippiechappie]

Very weak song.

[@svennybenny1973]

No

[@MrChippiechappie]

@@svennybenny1973 Oh it is.

[@JimNewstead]

Ok, I respect your opinion, but we can disagree! Thanks for engaging 👍🏼

[@andrewrodger775]

I'm catching up slowly. Great tune from an hour before it's dark. Love your reaction Jim. You have a great presence on camera. Thanks for doing these reviews.