Marillion - Script for a Jester's Tear

At a time when synth-pop was all the rage, and unassuming ditties ruled the charts, Marillion's debut album, Script For A Jester's Tear nodded proudly to such ambitious forebears as Pink Floyd and Peter Gabriel-era Genesis. Lead vocalist Fish, in fact, bore an uncanny sonic similarity to Gabriel, a fact that his penchant for onstage theatrics did little to discourage. In turn, the rest of the band offered a '70s-flavored blend of Floyd/Camel-like melodic guitar lines, Rick Wakeman-with-an-attitude multi-keyboard cascades, and odd-metered rhythms. EMI. 2004. Album Description

abatar

having just been introduced to Marillion recently via "Misplaced Childhood" and liking that project pretty well I decided to try another by them and after reading reviews ordered "Script". Was dissapointed as the songwriting was extremely simplistic and repetative. A couple of bright spots but overall was not impressed.
Sounded more like a garage band trying to play prog.
I am a fan of Trevawas with Transatlantic and expected much more from this cd December 15, 2008

the Afflicted Man

When I look in the mirror of a morning, I see, (apart from outstanding natural beauty!) some-one who likes Marillion staring back at me. This is a gut wrenching admission on my part, but what can I do? From an initial position of deep mistrust and even mockery, I have to be completely honest and confide; I have liked every record of their's I've ever heard, and I'm not sure why.
'SFAJT' is the absolute zenith of my confusion. A punky soul's worst nightmare. I firmly believe if you can't say-what-you-gotta-say in 2 minutes it's time to pack up, yet 6 songs only, nothing under 5 minutes, why am I doing this to myself? What can I possibly be gaining?
The title track is a good example. Nearly 9 minutes!! It starts all slow and piano and then livens up in predictable rockist fashion. (and isn't saying 'predictable' when referring to music, really predictable?)
This is something Busted or Avril would do, in a forced and feeble attempt at 'surprise'(to let it stay a ballad would be a REAL surprise!), but here, it just seems to work.
Ditto 'the Web';
"The rain auditions at my window,
It's sympathy echoes in my womb."
What!? There's a grown man writing this stuff! It invites scorn and derision on every level and yet, there's a dignity to it, a child-like aloofness which appeals. You can almost hear Fish's schoolboy giggling off-mic, as he nudges excellent guitarist Steve Rotherhay (very much his partner in crime) and whispers "Did you hear THAT!?"
Like a rock (good analogy. - imaginary Amazon ed) it's its own purpose, good or bad, black or white, hard or soft, it's simply just there. It exists in the world, and some of us choose to live with it. And don't we just love it?
I tried unsuccessfully to oust this unhealthy Marillion fixation when I finally reviewed 'Misplaced Childhood'.I felt better afterwards, but not completely cured. I'm a cheery, intolerant punk-rocker, bold and true, I can't be seen to be liking (and I'm sure I'll get my reward in hell!) this Marillion stuff, but I do. It's a funny thing, but I have friends, (I do, honest!) who like hip-hop/rnb and stuff, who like them as well!
It's got me beat.
Anyway, 'SFAJT'. Long, pompous songs that don't make any sense, and unintelligible (bravo! - imaginary Amazon ed) lyrics, straight from the worst excesses of Yes and Wishbone Ash.
Can it get any better?
Four stars only because I don't like it as much as 'Misplaced Childhood' but (somehow!) it's a great album nonetheless. July 14, 2008

Excellent debut album from Marillion

I had started my exploration of Marillion's music with the free download from their website titled "Crash Course", songs which featured Steve Hogarth on vocals, and, (as far as I could tell), no Fish. So, I decided I not only wanted to hear Fish, but hear an early representation of him. Therefore, I wound up getting an imported copy of the debut album, "Script For a Jester's Tear".

The album starts with the somber title song, a song on which Fish's vocals are particularly emotional and poignant. Next comes a more rocking tune "He Knows You Know", a song I like especially when Fish starts singing the part "You've got venom in your stomach, You've got poison in your head". "The Web" is arguably the weakest track on the disc, but thematically stays consistent with the title track, as the song goes "But even jesters cry". Another strong track on the disc is "Garden Party", which starts off with birds chirping and muted conversation as a synth takes over, then the band joins in (by the way, the bass sounds very nice on this song). This song is for me the one that reminds me most of Genesis w/ Peter Gabriel. Definitely a good tune, and one I hear that Marillion played many times in concert as their closer. Next comes "Chelsea Monday", a more brooding piece about a young woman who wants the flash and glitter of stardom, but sadly not what's more valuable. Lastly, there is "Forgotten Sons", a sad song about the pain and waste of war. This was a strong track to close the album with.

On the whole the album is excellent, and one I can recommend. I wanted to keep my review at 4 stars, but just couldn't. It will take a couple of listenings for this album to really grab you but when it does, I wouldn't be surprised if you, like I, feel inclined to check out more from Marillion.

April 3, 2008

First Classic Album

The first full length album from UK prog-rock masters Marillion. Led by theatrical, Scottish vocalist/poet 'Fish' aka Derek Dick, and featuring original drummer Mick Pointer (Arena), keyboardist Mark Kelly, bassist Pete Trewavas, and guitarist extraordinaire Steve Rothery. Almost every track is a classic: Script For A Jester's Tear, He Knows You Know, Garden Party, Chelsea Mondays. The playing is complex but never self indulgent, the songwriting far above the average for a debut rock album. Now and then the band sound a bit tentative, which is understandable given their youth & the fact that this is their debut. But this is one album no prog-rock fan should be without. Also, anyone who enjoys the music of Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Kate Bush or Peter Gabriel. Outstanding. February 28, 2008

Launching an inspired group of albums

Brilliant debut album of progressive rock. Fish delivers cutting lyrics with variations in tone and intensity that accentuate their meaning. The band plays punchy supporting riffs that makes the album (on vinyl at least) a true test of your sound system. Loved the album since it was released, Fugazi is as good, Misplaced Child hood more mainstream. February 8, 2008

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