Big fish

Marvellous article re: the wonderful Fish Out Of Water in Prog 86, though writer Sid Smith perhaps goes too far in saying that it “towers above the other solo releases of his [Chris Squire’s] bandmates”. Yes, Beginnings exposes Steve Howe’s frailties as a lead singer and has few moments that would grace a 70s Yes album. Alan White’s Ramshackled is too unfocused to be loved, but Jon Anderson’s Olias Of Sunhillow is superb, with very unusual instrumentation and typically bonkers concept/lyrics. The pick of the bunch might even be Patrick Moraz’s The

Story Of I (my computer won’t let me do the glyph that’s the true title), which opened my eyes to various Brazilian instruments, and races headlong, the music beautifully illustrating the story. The sometimes shaky vocals might be the only aspect that keeps the album from being one of prog’s true essential texts.

Which brings us back to Chris Squire, who really does showcase excellent songcraft, the usual idiosyncratic bass playing, clever arrangements and more than adequate singing. Would a Jon Anderson lead vocal improve Fish Out Of Water? I don’t think it would. Sid is completely correct in his conclusion though – this is a one-off and that’s what gives the album its power.

Ken Lowe