Marbles

Marbles

Marillion

Intact Recordings, 2004

REVIEW BY: Christopher Thelen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 10/15/2004

This may sound like a weird statement to make at the start of areview, but Marbles, the latest release from Brit neo-prog rockersMarillion, is the kind of disc you need to see performed live totruly appreciate.

It's not like there's a stage show revolving around the disc ala The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway; rather, it's seeing leadsinger Steve Hogarth and crew get into and become one with themusic contained on this disc that the listener truly understandsjust what is unfolding in front of their eyes and ears. Evenwithout the benefit of seeing them live, Marbles does contain some of the best music Marillion hasmade in a few albums -- an amazing statement, seeing I've likedalmost everything I've heard from them. (The band released twoversions of this album: a two-disc set available only on their website, and a single-disc version to retail. This review covers thesingle-disc release.)

A disc three years in the making, Marbles rightfully gave the band their first British Top 20singles in some time with "You're Gone" and "Don't Hurt Yourself".Unfortunately, American radio has the spine as strong as a gelatindessert, so most people probably haven't heard either of thesesongs. This, kids, is what we call a God-Damned Shame, especiallyseeing they are superb, and are a far cry better than most of thesludge poisoning the airwaves today. Look, I know that theoccasional radio station visits these pages. I dare one of youprogram directors: Program either of these songs in at least amedium rotation, give it a fighting chance on the air, and watchwhat happens. You can thank me later.

The truth is, briefly overlooking the four "Marbles" interludesspaced throughout the disc, Marillion hit the bulls-eye almostconstantly with these selections. "The Invisible Man" and"Neverland" are two epic tracks which, when given the time tounfold in front of the listener, reveal multi-faceted songs with anincredible level of power. Likewise, "Fantastic Place" is a songwhich screams "potential hit single" and deserves more than apassing glance.