Clive Mitten: Tales From A Misspent Youth – Volume II

We are delighted to be able to announce the forthcoming release of Clive Mitten’s latest solo album Tales from a Misspent Youth – Volume II.

As with the first volume this double album includes the work of some of the best-known artists and some of their best-loved songs, beautifully interpreted in this, the second of a series of releases. They are instrumental cover versions in Clive’s ‘cinematically orchestral’ style, taking some of progressive rock’s greatest tracks to create something entirely new.

The album includes tracks by Yes, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Rush, ELP, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Van der Graaf Generator, IQ, and Marillion!

The scheduled release date is the 10^th November 2023.

The full track listing is as follows:

CD1

1. Tarkus (12:19)
2. Widow’s Peak (8:41)
3. Close to the Edge (14:42)
4. 21st Century Schizoid Man/Starless (7:40)
5. Stairway to Heaven (4:33)
6. Thick as a Brick (20:43)

CD2

1. Fanfare for the Common Man (6:46)
2. Watcher of the Skies/Fountain of Salmacis/The Musical Box/Firth of Fifth (13:44)
3. Discipline/Frame by Frame (8:56)
4. Garden Party/Grendel (9:55)
5. Cygnus X-I Books I and II (16:24)
6. Refugees (2:10)

Here’s some of what Clive said about Volume I “… this album is my tribute to those who inspired me in my teens to become a musician. I could already play the piano and classical guitar but aged 12 I encountered ‘prog’ for the first time. These experiences led me to electrify my playing to work out what my heroes were doing. Now, 50 years later, I am paying my dues to them in my current style, which you can loosely define as cinematically orchestral but with an in-depth understanding of prog. Why take this on? The originals are complex works which are fiendishly difficult in places and already well-loved… but the main reason is that I feel I can shine a new light on the material – and in places it is an unexpected light. This album has been a labour of love, both for the people who drove me to write music in the first place and led me ultimately to being able to call myself a composer, and, as always, for the music.”

It is being released as a double CD and, as you can see, runs to just over two hours. It will be accompanied by a booklet containing comprehensive sleeve notes written by Clive explaining the concept of the album, and giving detailed information about the tracks.

Music written, arranged, performed and produced by Clive Mitten

CD artwork: Andy Rowbotham

Executive Producer: Brian Devoil