SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR

I first saw Marillion when they opened the Nostell Priory music festival for Jethro Tull in 1983 (I think). I had no idea who they were but thought that the singer was remarkably like Peter Gabriel in style even if the rest of the band were totally different. So, suitably impressed, I went and bought this, their debut album on vinyl (ie without the excellent bonus CD). And it is one of the best debut albums of all time. It's not their best album (Fugazi is that) but it is consistently good throughout and the second side is particularly excellent. If they had substitued Market Square Heroes for The Web (the one comparativly weak track) the original would be a masterpiece. With the bonus CD, it becomes one. There are superb solos from Rothery and Kelly, Trewavas produces some great bass lines and Mick Pointer is an effective drummer. Essential!