Well-produced and satisfying if a bit disjointed.
warrian | Minneapolis, MN United States | 12/04/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Fish's self-proclaimed "collection of songs" second solo release is just that, but it's a collection of songs worth giving a few listens. It contains perhaps his strongest post Marillion song in "Credo" and perhaps his weakest: "Favourite Stranger." At the time, Fish was struggling with his old record company (EMI), trying to retrace some of his musical roots and rediscovering "Scottish Nationalism." All of these themes surface somewhere on this record. It is probably the most ecclectic (and easiest to get into) selection that the scaled-one has ever put out. A remaster exists out there as a European import, and the two bonus tracks ("Carnival Man" & "Poet's Moon") are worth the extra $7 to $10 you may have to spend on it. They are both excellent tracks. While IE could heve benefited from a more focused thematic approach and less whining about record deals and executives (stuff that most average listeners won't relate to or care about), it has some very fine lyrics, musicianship, production and songwriting scattered all over it. Recommended."
A very good, enjoyable release from Mr. Dick
Beandog | Clinton, IA | 04/20/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"All through high school and college I was a huge fan of Marillion, so I was crushed when Fish left the band. I love his lyrics and storytelling ability. At that time it was difficult to get Marillion releases due to where I live, so Fish albums were scarce. Internal Exile was the first Fish album I got - I missed Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors and only got it years later. Personally, I like this album more than "Vigil". That may be because Internal Exile has two of my favorite Fish songs, Shadowplay and Just Good Friends. Also, the album as a whole reminds me of Clutching At Straws(my favorite Marillion album). As others have mentioned, the playing on the album is very strong and while not quite being the guys from Marillion - they are very good.
Song Highlights include: Shadowplay, Credo, Just Good Friends, Lucky and Internal Exile.
Internal Exile continues Fish's tradition of great storytelling and is simply a great piece of progressive rock."
