After leaving Marillion, Fish launched a solo career. His first three studio albums were major label outings. Even during the label signed period, though, Fish had released "official bootleg" discs on his own. That trend would continue in 1994. In addition, Fish's fourth studio disc would be released on his own label. Overall, the year would see a large number of discs released by Fish.
Acoustic Sessions Live at the Farm
In 1994 Fish released a live album entitled "Acoustic Sessions Live at the Funny Farm." While called "live,' there was really not any audience heard on the recordings. So, either the crowd was small and well restrained or studio trickery removed the crowd noise.
No matter the state of the live recording, though, the acoustic renderings of both Fish solo and Marillion tracks are compelling. Marillion tracks like "Kayleigh" and "Sugar Mice" worked well with the new arrangements. In addition, such Fish solo tracks as "Internal Exile" were presented.
Suits
Another 1994 release, "Suits" was Fish's fourth studio album and the first for his own label. Unlike the previous studio album "Songs from the Mirror," "Suits" was all original material. Some tracks had been performed live by Fish previously (in fact, "Lady Let It Lie" appeared on "Acoustic Sessions Live at the Funny Farm."
Many fans considered "Suits" to be a middle of the road release. While tracks like "Jumpsuit City," "Bandwagon," and "Raw Meat" were strong, other numbers like "No Dummy" were less successful. Overall the album was a middle of the road disc in terms of Fish's catalog.
Uncle Fish & The Crypt Creepers: Dusseldorf Philipshalle 7.12.91
Although it was released on Griffin, rather than Fish's own label, 1994's double live disc, "Uncle Fish & The Crypt Creepers: Dusseldorf Philipshalle 7.12.91" had its charms. At times the band don't seem to work together extremely well, but at other points they just nail it. Fish shows himself to be multi-lingual by talking to the crowd in German. Again, the mix included both Marillion and Fish songs.
Sushi: Live in Utrecht
Those who enjoyed Fish's "Songs from the Mirror" album certainly found plenty to love with the 1994 live album "Sushi: Live in Utrecht." In addition to live performances of Fish solo and Marillion songs, the disc included a number of covers that were captured in studio renderings on that previous CD. In fact, five of the songs on the double CD set were covers. It' was an intriguing live document serving as a great companion to "Songs from the Mirror."
Although 1994 produced only one studio album from Fish, it was a year that saw more new Fish product than any year before or since. In fact, that one year nearly doubled the number of Fish albums available.
