RADIATION

Other than the deficient sonic quality of this album I have never quite understood the heavy criticism thrown at this release. Radiation contains a rather eccentric and somtimes psychedelic mix of what Marillion does best...pop/prog/rock with beautiful haunting vocal melodies.

Under The Sun is superb organ and guitar led rocker that is reminiscent of Accidental Man or Paper Lies.

Answering Machine contains a rather intriguing vocal that sounds like it was actually recorded on an answering machine. This track is probably Marillion's most psychedelic moment (although Drilling Holes gives it a run for it's money). These Chains and Three Minute Boy are two of those Marillion/Beatle-esque numbers that they do so well. While 'Cathedral Walls' has tinges of 'King' within it.

However it is the remaining tracks that cover new ground. 'Born To Run' has one of the most soulful vocal and guitar takes ever to grace a Marillion album. With it's slow, soft blusey shuffle it can only be summed up as gorgeous.

'Now She'll Never Know' is the album's acoustic number that is strikingly similar to a late era Talk Talk track, particularly with Steve Hogarth's understated falsetto mimicking the enigmatic Mark Hollis.

'A Few Words For The Dead' is a track of two halves. The first half being a brooding and bubbling ambient soundscape not so different from the works of David Sylvian or Barbeiri/Jansen. The second half finally embraces the trippy technicolor message of love that appealed to so many in the 60's (yes, psychedelia again!....what were these guys doing during studio downtime????)

Marillion stopped trying to sound like the early 70's many many years ago and on Radiation they embraced the late 60's. Listen to it again and bear that in mind. Think of it as Marillions answer to XTC's 'Dukes Of Stratosphear'...go on....lighten up.