I agree that he's a better singer, but having seen him live many times, I can say that he really is just going through the motions with most of the Fish-era stuff - his heart is really not in it. He's a pro, and is still good at what he's doing, but aside from the one or two that he really likes himself ("Sugar Mice" is one I know), there's no comparing when it comes to the effort he puts in to the later material. Sticking the mic out to the crowd to sing entire verses has got to be one sure sign he's not really that into singing it. Whereas he's absolutely frenzied and completely immersed in the stuff he had a hand in.
While other people cheer loudly at the opening strains of "Kayleigh" or "Incommunicado", I'm silently a little disappointed each time. I'm in the minority there, I know. I understand they need to throw a bone to the contingent of fans who would be inconsolable if they didn't get some 'old stuff', but personally I'd be happy with
Seasons End onwards - and having actually spoken to Hogarth, I can assure you that he would too.
I can't complain though. I do love the old stuff, and it is occasionally good fun to see them play "Script" or even "Garden Party". And I've seen them play practically every song they've ever done (they really are amazing with the amount of material they have rehearsed at any one time)... so this isn't meant as a strong criticism. I'd just personally prefer if the Fish stuff was left in the past now, because to me it really is the weak point of any show I've seen.
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