SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR

When this record was released in 1983 I was intrigued by its cover. When I discovered in the shop that most of the songs were 7 to 8 minutes long I spontaneously bought it. I put it on the turntable and did nothing but listen - boy, was I impressed. My first neo-prog experience. Never forgot it.

Even 25 years later I haven't changed my mind when it comes to this debut album. There has seldom been a debut as great as this, IMHO. Some of the songs are rather simply constructed (the title track, Garden Party) - but does that really hamper the fun? There is the drama of He Knows You Know and Forgotten Sons, the grandeur of The Web, the sheer beauty of Chelsea Morning, the lost love of Script, the lush life of Garden Party. And you got Fish. If you need to know more, let the music do the talking - 5 stars.