Customer Reviews

Script Fot a Jester's Tear (Bonus CD)

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I can't believe I'm the first one to review this album! I bought this one on cassette in 1985 after being introduced to Marillion by some older friends of mine. The "Misplaced Childhood" album was topping the charts at the time (at least in Europe) and "Kayleigh" was all over the radio. Some curious newbie fans wanted to check out their previous material, and so I did. The original "Script For A Jester's Tear" album has six songs (Disc 1 on this set), all of which are long, more or less complex tracks that just keep growing on you. It has some sort of "in the beginning" feel to it, like some debut albums have, and it took some time compared to "Misplaced Childhood" getting to know the songs, but this is the one Marillion album I keep listening to from time to time. Excellent lyrics, changing moods, brilliant guitar by Steve Rothery and unforgettable keyboards by Mark Kelly - seems to me he has forgotten how to play like this by now. Get this album and "Fugazi" as well, and listen patiently. You'll have a goldie for life! Disc 2 is also a brilliant addition including the 18-minute "Grendel" which was a B-side of their first 12" only. Ok, this music may be "dated", but it's 1983, sounds like 1973, and I love it!

Anyone who compares Marillion with Genesis should have their ears cleaned out. Not only does Fish possess a better singing voice than Peter Gabriel or Phil Collins, he writes better lyrics. Musically speaking they are light years apart. They just got tagged with that comparison because Fish wore make-up on stage, and some of Mark Kelly's keyboard sounds are similar to that of Tony Banks. The album contains so much raw emotion you can't help but get into it if you like prog rock.

So here I am once more...

These haunting lyrics are the start of an amazing lyrical and musical journey which any Prog Rock fan should embark on. In the 26 years since I first heard to his amazing album, I still love to listen to it.

When this band first appeared on the scene a lot of critics put them down for being a Genesis rip-off. Peter Gabriel's response to this was to put Marillion on one of his tours to open for him. Like him, I recognized them for what they were: a unique and worthy version of early Genesis-like music. Like other sound-alike bands such as Starcastle they never got the praise they deserved. As an example of this, I went to a Marillion concert once where they had to move it to a much smaller venue because there was only a few dozen or so tickets sold. They just never got big enough in America to earn a large following here. If you are a fan of Gabriel-era Genesis give this band a try. I suggest you start with "Script for a Jester's Tear". To me it is their best album.

The disc is quality but not the best in my opinion. This remastered version with bonus disc and ennobles the work and worth having for those who like progressive rock. The phase of Marillion with Fish is undoubtedly of great value to the rock. Excellent!

I was in England when this album was released. I bought it because I liked the cover. I was completely blown away but it. I also went to the first concert in Ipswich, England and bought a couple of friends with me. This is one of the best albums I have ever heard. I call it Genesis on steriods. Please buy it, you won't be dissapointed.