Kettle of Fish
Encyclopedia
Kettle of Fish is the title of a compilation album
by Fish
released in 1998, providing a retrospective on his solo career plus two new songs. Unlike the previous best-of Yin and Yang
(1995), this is a single disc and does not include any Marillion
material. Kettle of Fish was Fish's first release under a new contract with Roadrunner Records
, who signed Fish after the financially catastrophic Sunsets on Empire
album and tour of 1997 had forced him to dissolve his own label Dick Brothers Record Company. (The Dick Bros. logo still appears on the back, but this appears to be strictly symbolical.) Roadrunner also re-released Fish's entire backcatalogue; Kettle of Fish was intended to draw attention to these titles, which explains the publication of another "best-of" compilation with just one studio album between this and the last one. The album was accompanied by an eponymous collection of video clips with slightly different tracks (see below). In Europe, the limited first edition of the album included a bonus CD-ROM
with three videos and additional material.
There are three songs each from the first two solo albums, Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors
(1990) and Internal Exile
(1991); "Just Good Friends" from Internal Exile appears in its 1995 re-recorded version featuring Sam Brown. The other two solo albums – Suits
(1994) and Sunsets on Empire
(1997) - are represented by two songs each. The 1993 studio album with cover versions, Songs from the Mirror
, is not represented. Also not included are the singles "The Company" (1990) and "Change of Heart" (1997), which had only been released in Germany and the UK, respectively. Instead, two songs that were planned as singles but never released, are included – "Lucky" (1991) and "Goldfish and Clowns" (1997). All tracks appear in their original album versions, except for "Goldfish and Clowns" and "Lady Let It Lie", of which the single edits are used.
Additionally, the album contains two new tracks. Both are products of Fish's participation in a songwriters retreat organised by Miles Copeland III
at his castle Marouatte in France (incidentally the same place where Marillion
had recorded Brave) in the spring of 1998. "Mr. Buttons" was co-written with Maia Sharp
and Andy Gardiner; "Chasing Miss Pretty", a pure pop song, with Chris Braide
and American guitarist Dave Bassett. (Another three songs from these sessions would end up on the forthcoming album Raingods with Zippos
. "Chasing Miss Pretty" was planned as a single, but never materialised.
is credited for "sleeve design", although it is not clear what for; it could be in reference to the thumbnail-sized covers of the singles that are included in the lyrics booklet.
hit "Hold Your Head Up", which had been the A-side of the only single from the 1993 cover album Songs from the Mirror
. The second non-album video is of Tony Banks
's single "Shortcut to Somewhere" (1986) from his album Soundtracks
, which featured Fish on lead vocals. This had been Fish's first ever recording outside Marillion.
Total Time 70:51
The videos for "Fortunes of War", "Brother 52" and "Just Good Friends" were also on a CD-ROM included with the first 30,000 copies of the audio version.
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
by Fish
Fish (singer)
Derek William Dick, better known as Fish, is a Scottish progressive rock singer, lyricist and occasional actor, best known as the former lead singer of Marillion.-Biography:...
released in 1998, providing a retrospective on his solo career plus two new songs. Unlike the previous best-of Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang (Fish albums)
Yin and Yang are the titles of two separate compilation albums by Fish co-released in 1995. They are a retrospective on Fish's four solo albums and four albums with Marillion....
(1995), this is a single disc and does not include any Marillion
Marillion
Marillion are a British rock band, formed in Aylesbury, England in 1979. Their recorded studio output comprises sixteen albums generally regarded in two distinct eras, delineated by the departure of original vocalist & frontman Fish in late 1988, and the subsequent arrival of replacement Steve...
material. Kettle of Fish was Fish's first release under a new contract with Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
, who signed Fish after the financially catastrophic Sunsets on Empire
Sunsets on Empire
Sunsets on Empire is a studio album by Fish, the fourth with original material since he left Marillion in 1988. It was mostly written together with Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, who co-composed six of ten tracks on the original version and also produced the album...
album and tour of 1997 had forced him to dissolve his own label Dick Brothers Record Company. (The Dick Bros. logo still appears on the back, but this appears to be strictly symbolical.) Roadrunner also re-released Fish's entire backcatalogue; Kettle of Fish was intended to draw attention to these titles, which explains the publication of another "best-of" compilation with just one studio album between this and the last one. The album was accompanied by an eponymous collection of video clips with slightly different tracks (see below). In Europe, the limited first edition of the album included a bonus CD-ROM
CD-ROM
A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed compact disc that contains data accessible to, but not writable by, a computer for data storage and music playback. The 1985 “Yellow Book” standard developed by Sony and Philips adapted the format to hold any form of binary data....
with three videos and additional material.
Tracks
The album contains thirteen tracks, most of which have been singles, in non-chronological order.There are three songs each from the first two solo albums, Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors
Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors
Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors was the first solo album that rock singer Fish released after he departed Marillion in 1988. Although the recordings for this album finished as early as June 1989, EMI Records decided to delay the release until early 1990, to avoid collision with Marillion's album...
(1990) and Internal Exile
Internal Exile
Internal Exile was Fish's second solo album after leaving Marillion in 1988. The album, released 28 October 1991, was inspired by the singer's past, his own personal problems and his troubled experiences with his previous record label EMI.The album's music reflects Fish's indulgence in the vast...
(1991); "Just Good Friends" from Internal Exile appears in its 1995 re-recorded version featuring Sam Brown. The other two solo albums – Suits
Suits (album)
Suits is the fourth solo album by former Marillion singer Fish, and his third studio album with original material...
(1994) and Sunsets on Empire
Sunsets on Empire
Sunsets on Empire is a studio album by Fish, the fourth with original material since he left Marillion in 1988. It was mostly written together with Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, who co-composed six of ten tracks on the original version and also produced the album...
(1997) - are represented by two songs each. The 1993 studio album with cover versions, Songs from the Mirror
Songs from the Mirror
Songs from the Mirror is the third solo album by singer Fish. It does not contain any original Fish material; instead it is a cover album featuring Fish's versions of songs by artists who inspired him before his career started...
, is not represented. Also not included are the singles "The Company" (1990) and "Change of Heart" (1997), which had only been released in Germany and the UK, respectively. Instead, two songs that were planned as singles but never released, are included – "Lucky" (1991) and "Goldfish and Clowns" (1997). All tracks appear in their original album versions, except for "Goldfish and Clowns" and "Lady Let It Lie", of which the single edits are used.
Additionally, the album contains two new tracks. Both are products of Fish's participation in a songwriters retreat organised by Miles Copeland III
Miles Copeland III
Miles Axe Copeland III is an American entertainment executive, best known for founding I.R.S. Records. His brother, Stewart Copeland, was part of the pop-rock trio The Police, which Miles managed...
at his castle Marouatte in France (incidentally the same place where Marillion
Marillion
Marillion are a British rock band, formed in Aylesbury, England in 1979. Their recorded studio output comprises sixteen albums generally regarded in two distinct eras, delineated by the departure of original vocalist & frontman Fish in late 1988, and the subsequent arrival of replacement Steve...
had recorded Brave) in the spring of 1998. "Mr. Buttons" was co-written with Maia Sharp
Maia Sharp
Maia Sharp is an American singer and songwriter. In addition to her solo career, she has written songs for and collaborated with several country and pop musicians including Cher, Trisha Yearwood, Bonnie Raitt, Edwin McCain, and Art Garfunkel.-Early life:...
and Andy Gardiner; "Chasing Miss Pretty", a pure pop song, with Chris Braide
Chris Braide
Christopher Braide is an English singer, songwriter, record producer published by Sony/ATV worldwide based in Los Angeles.Producer, Songwriter and Ivor Novello ASCAP and Billboard award winner Christopher Braide has achieved considerable success as a songwriter in the UK and the US. His songs have...
and American guitarist Dave Bassett. (Another three songs from these sessions would end up on the forthcoming album Raingods with Zippos
Raingods with Zippos
Raingods with Zippos is a 1999 Progressive rock album by ex-Marillion vocalist Fish. It was released on the Roadrunner record label, more well known for its heavy metal releases. Raingods with Zippos is often hailed one of Fish's greatest achievements along with his 1990 debut Vigil in a Wilderness...
. "Chasing Miss Pretty" was planned as a single, but never materialised.
Cover art
The cover is, by Fish's standards, simplistic; it shows a goldfish in an undersized, kettle-shaped aquarium on a black background. The illustration was created by web designer Mo Warden, who also runs his official site. Regular Fish album designer Mark WilkinsonMark Wilkinson
Mark Wilkinson is best known for his detailed cover art that he created for a number of British bands, most prominently the progressive rock band, Marillion...
is credited for "sleeve design", although it is not clear what for; it could be in reference to the thumbnail-sized covers of the singles that are included in the lyrics booklet.
Video version
In December 1998, a video compilation with the same title was released, which has a different running order and a different selection of eleven tracks. It contains the promotional videos for ten Fish singles released to that point. Again, the singles "The Company" and "Change of Heart", for which no videos were made, are missing, as are the four new/non-single tracks found the album version. Instead, there are videos for two songs not on the album: Fish's version of the 1972 ArgentArgent (band)
Argent are an English rock band founded in 1969 by keyboardist Rod Argent, formerly of The Zombies.-Career:The first three demos from Argent, recorded in the autumn of 1968 featured Mac MacLeod on bass guitar though he was not meant to become a member of the group.Original members of the band were...
hit "Hold Your Head Up", which had been the A-side of the only single from the 1993 cover album Songs from the Mirror
Songs from the Mirror
Songs from the Mirror is the third solo album by singer Fish. It does not contain any original Fish material; instead it is a cover album featuring Fish's versions of songs by artists who inspired him before his career started...
. The second non-album video is of Tony Banks
Tony Banks (musician)
This article is about the musician. For other people named Tony Banks, see Tony BanksAnthony George "Tony" Banks is a British composer, and multi-instrumentalist, who performs as a keyboardist and a guitarist...
's single "Shortcut to Somewhere" (1986) from his album Soundtracks
Soundtracks (Tony Banks album)
Soundtracks is a collection of soundtrack pieces from the films Quicksilver and Lorca and the Outlaws with music composed by Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks.-Reception:...
, which featured Fish on lead vocals. This had been Fish's first ever recording outside Marillion.
CD
Note: "Dick" is Fish's actual surname.- "Big Wedge" – 05:19 (Dick/SimmondsMickey SimmondsMickey Simmonds is an English session keyboardist, arranger and composer. He is best known for his work with progressive rock acts, Mike Oldfield, Renaissance, Camel and Fish...
) [from Vigil in a Wilderness of MirrorsVigil in a Wilderness of MirrorsVigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors was the first solo album that rock singer Fish released after he departed Marillion in 1988. Although the recordings for this album finished as early as June 1989, EMI Records decided to delay the release until early 1990, to avoid collision with Marillion's album...
, 1989/1990) - "Just Good Friends" (with Sam Brown) – 05:48 (Dick/Usher/Boult/Simmonds) [originally from Internal ExileInternal ExileInternal Exile was Fish's second solo album after leaving Marillion in 1988. The album, released 28 October 1991, was inspired by the singer's past, his own personal problems and his troubled experiences with his previous record label EMI.The album's music reflects Fish's indulgence in the vast...
(1991, this version from YinYin and Yang (Fish albums)Yin and Yang are the titles of two separate compilation albums by Fish co-released in 1995. They are a retrospective on Fish's four solo albums and four albums with Marillion....
, 1995 ] - "Brother 52" – 06:06 (Dick/WilsonSteven WilsonSteven John Wilson is an English musician, best known as the founder, lead guitarist, singer and songwriter of progressive rock band Porcupine Tree...
) [from Sunsets on EmpireSunsets on EmpireSunsets on Empire is a studio album by Fish, the fourth with original material since he left Marillion in 1988. It was mostly written together with Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, who co-composed six of ten tracks on the original version and also produced the album...
, 1997] - "Chasing Miss Pretty" – 4.53 (Dick/Braide/Bassett) [new track]
- "Credo" – 06:41 (Dick/Simmonds/Boult/UsherFrank UsherFrank Usher is an English guitarist best known for his work in Fish's band. Usher lives and operates a guitar-manufacturing business in Innerleithen, Scotland...
) [from Internal ExileInternal ExileInternal Exile was Fish's second solo album after leaving Marillion in 1988. The album, released 28 October 1991, was inspired by the singer's past, his own personal problems and his troubled experiences with his previous record label EMI.The album's music reflects Fish's indulgence in the vast...
, 1991] - "A Gentleman's Excuse Me" – 04:19 (Dick/Simmonds) [from Vigil in a Wilderness of MirrorsVigil in a Wilderness of MirrorsVigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors was the first solo album that rock singer Fish released after he departed Marillion in 1988. Although the recordings for this album finished as early as June 1989, EMI Records decided to delay the release until early 1990, to avoid collision with Marillion's album...
, 1990] - "Goldfish and Clowns" – 06:38 (Dick/Wilson) [from Sunsets on EmpireSunsets on EmpireSunsets on Empire is a studio album by Fish, the fourth with original material since he left Marillion in 1988. It was mostly written together with Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, who co-composed six of ten tracks on the original version and also produced the album...
, 1997] - "Lady Let It Lie" – 04:12 (Dick/PatonDavid PatonDavid Paton is a Scottish bass and guitar player, most notably with three different bands: Pilot, The Alan Parsons Project, and Camel. He has also worked as a solo artist, session musician, and sometime vocalist...
/Cassidy) [from SuitsSuits (album)Suits is the fourth solo album by former Marillion singer Fish, and his third studio album with original material...
, 1994] - "Lucky" – 04:58 (Dick/Boult/Simmonds) [from Internal ExileInternal ExileInternal Exile was Fish's second solo album after leaving Marillion in 1988. The album, released 28 October 1991, was inspired by the singer's past, his own personal problems and his troubled experiences with his previous record label EMI.The album's music reflects Fish's indulgence in the vast...
, 1991] - "State Of Mind" – 04:46 (Dick/Simmonds/LindesHal LindesHal Andrew Lindes is an English-American guitarist and film score composer.In 1980 he began recording a solo album with producer Al Kooper, along with Herbie Flowers on bass and John Bradbury on drums...
) [from Vigil in a Wilderness of MirrorsVigil in a Wilderness of MirrorsVigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors was the first solo album that rock singer Fish released after he departed Marillion in 1988. Although the recordings for this album finished as early as June 1989, EMI Records decided to delay the release until early 1990, to avoid collision with Marillion's album...
, 1990] - "Mr. Buttons" – 4.36 (Dick/Gardiner/Sharp) [new track]
- "Fortunes Of War" – 07:54 (Dick/Cassidy/Boult) [from SuitsSuits (album)Suits is the fourth solo album by former Marillion singer Fish, and his third studio album with original material...
, 1994] - "Internal Exile" – 04:41 (Dick/Boult/Simmonds) [from Internal ExileInternal ExileInternal Exile was Fish's second solo album after leaving Marillion in 1988. The album, released 28 October 1991, was inspired by the singer's past, his own personal problems and his troubled experiences with his previous record label EMI.The album's music reflects Fish's indulgence in the vast...
, 1991]
Total Time 70:51
DVD
Albums and credits as above except where noted.- "State Of Mind" - directed by Michael Geoghegan
- "Big Wedge" - directed by Michael Geoghegan
- "A Gentleman's Excuse Me" - directed by Julian Doyle 1990
- "Internal Exile" - directed by Brian Ward, produced by Iain Brown 1991
- "Credo" - directed by Tony Van Den Ende, produced by Kathy Hood 1991
- "Hold Your Head Up" (ArgentRod ArgentRod Argent is an English rock musician and a founding member of the 1960s English pop group The Zombies and the 1970s band Argent....
/WhiteChris White (musician)Chris White was the bass guitarist and songwriter with the 60s British Invasion band The Zombies.Although born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, he was brought up in Markyate where his parents owned a village shop...
), from Songs from the MirrorSongs from the MirrorSongs from the Mirror is the third solo album by singer Fish. It does not contain any original Fish material; instead it is a cover album featuring Fish's versions of songs by artists who inspired him before his career started...
(1992/1993) - directed by David Barnard, produced by Perry Asincomo 1992 - "Lady Let It Lie" - directed by Dave Miller, produced by Ed Booth 1994
- "Fortunes Of War" - directed by Hamish Barbour, produced by Ed Booth 1994
- "Just Good Friends" (with Sam Brown) - directed by Hamish Barbour 1995
- "Brother 52" - directed by Steve Flack 1997, produced by Jane Rigby and Jim Leishman, with the co-operation of the students of Dundee University's Duncan of Jordanstone college of Art
- "Shortcut to Somewhere" (with Tony BanksTony Banks (musician)This article is about the musician. For other people named Tony Banks, see Tony BanksAnthony George "Tony" Banks is a British composer, and multi-instrumentalist, who performs as a keyboardist and a guitarist...
) (Dick, Banks), from the soundtrack of QuicksilverQuicksilver (film)Quicksilver is a 1986 feature film starring Kevin Bacon. Written and directed by Thomas Michael Donnelly, the film also includes Jami Gertz, Paul Rodriguez, Louie Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, and Rudy Ramos.-Plot:...
, featured on the Tony Banks album SoundtracksSoundtracks (Tony Banks album)Soundtracks is a collection of soundtrack pieces from the films Quicksilver and Lorca and the Outlaws with music composed by Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks.-Reception:...
The videos for "Fortunes of War", "Brother 52" and "Just Good Friends" were also on a CD-ROM included with the first 30,000 copies of the audio version.