ASSASSING

Assassing - full version (7:01) :

On my 12" version of the Assassing single by Marillion everything matches: the intricate Mark Wilkinson cover, the dynamic neo-prog, the passionate vocals, the venemous lyrics and, last but not least, the outstanding drums by new member Ian Mosley.

About the sultry intro Steve Rothery told: "The germ of the idea came while we were writing at Mountain studios in Wales in the summer of '83. I'd just got my Roland guitar synthesizer and was experimenting with it and Fish had been driving us all mad by playing Islamic records he'd got from Peter Hammill, at great volume all the time".

Then a catchy beat and dynamic music, focussing on Fish his vocals and lyrics, pretty emotional and personal. I read that Fish his sarcastic lines point at his former friend and ex-Marillion drummer Mike Pointer, Fish was very disappointed about him and felt bitterly hurt. This generated wonderful poetical words with a bitter undertone: "I am the assassin, with tongue forged in eloquence. I am the assassin, providing your nemesis." To emphasize his anger he repeated the words "My friend" several times, spoken with a lot of venom!

We can also enjoy a powerful guitar solo, Mark Kelly his distinctive synthesizer flights and Ian Mosley his fluent drumwork. But Fish shines with his vocals and creative lyrics, loaded with references, like: "The scarf with the fugi knot" (Fugi is a corruption of Thuggee, worshipers of Kali who would strangle their victims in the name of religion. The method of strangulation was by a yellow scarf into which a one rupee had been knotted.) and "Non-com observer" (this refers to non-combatant, not non-commissioned, in this case. It was a term used especially in Vietnam and Korea meaning film crews, journalists, photographers and the like who were involved in the documenting of events, and were not required to take part in any military action."). The dynamic and melodic atmosphere on Assassing (typical neo-prog) appealed to the fans,. And it became a popular composition during the concerts, also due to Fish his mesmerizing stage antics.

Side 2 :

Cinderella Search - full version (5:24) : Originally this is a not a Fugazi album track. The atmosphere is mellow featuring the sentimental side of Fish ( wonderful poetry with a strong Freudian undertone, about sex, addictions and fear for rejection) and sensitive electric guitar runs. Halfway a short break, then a compelling accelaration with powerful drums, melancholical vocals and fiery electric guitarplay, slowly fading away. Simply beautiful.

Assassing - edited version = not on UK version (3.38)

The single reached the #22 position in the UK charts in May 1984, supported by a smooth video featuring Fish like a kind of New Wave singer. But on stage Fish was way more captivating, with a new outfit for Assassing during the Real To Reel tour (late 1984), see my avatar.

My rating: 3,5 star.

Share this MARILLION review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to TenYearsAfter
• Report this review (#1913781)
• Buy MARILLION music online with PA partners
• Show all MARILLION MP3/Stream
• Go to MARILLION page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Assassing page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for MARILLION related discussions