SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR

I have to say that I'm a huge Marillion's fan, but I prefer the Steve Hogarth's era without a doubt... But it doesn't meant that I don't like the Fish's years too.

"Script of a Jester's Tear" is maybe together with "Misplaced Childhood" the best album that Fish made with Marillion, and It's a milestone for Neo-Progressive's lovers. The songs are a lot in a Genesis's first works style but with a very 80's sound, particulary in the great Mark Kelly keyboards. And here we can hear the particular voice of Fish, who has a lot of Peter Gabriel's influences. But Fish sings in even a more teatrical style, like a kind of clown sometimes... I have to say that I don't like his voice very much here, because I think he sounds ridiculous sometimes in this work. Nevertheless, in albums like "Misplaced Childhood" he sang very much better, with more personality and in a less irritating way...

Pete Trewavas's bass sounds great in this album, but the Steve Rothery's guitar sound is a little weak... Mick Pointer made a good work, better than the forever insipid Ian Mosley. The sound of the album is also good for being a debut.

Best songs: except Chelsea Monday, wich I find a little bit boring, I like every track in this album... Specially Script for a Jester's Tear and Garden Party.

Conclusion: recommended for Genesis's fans, and for people who want to know the Neo-Progressive's origins. And if you don't like the modern Marillion because they are not very progressive, then try this album (or the other they made with Fish...), because they were really different, although not better in my opinion.

My rating: ****