MARBLES

This is my favorite post-fish Marillion release, bumping Brave from its decade-long pedestal. Frankly, I prefer Marbles over any Fish solo release as well. In every way, this is an exceptional recording; from the opening bass notes of "The Invisible Man" to the Floydian keyboards closing out "Neverland," this album takes the listener on a journey not experienced by Marillion fans since 1987's Clutching at Straws (Fish's last and best Marillion effort).

Some reviewers here have noted (and rightly so) that the lyrics of the "Marbles I-IV" tracks are not especially sophisticated (no one would ever mistake H for the lyrical genius of the big Scotsman), but so what? The repeated melody is catchy and soothing in parts 1, 2, and 4; and the vocals and piano on part 3 are almost chilling & eerie. "Angelina," "Fantastic Place," and "Unforgivable Thing" are all mellower tracks as well, but quite atmospheric, and "Genie," "Don't Hurt Yourself," and especially "You're Gone" are all smooth and slick pop tunes. And the aforementioned opening and closing tracks as well as the epic Ocean Cloud (my favorite Marillion song, period) add a progressive element not evident since the Script/Fugazi days. "The Damge" borders on heavy metal, and "Digging Holes" is a wonderfully experimental (if not altogether successful) number. In short, this album has a little bit of everything that makes Marillion such a great listen, and most fans should find at least something to like here. Even the cover motif is cool.

As much as I love this album, my profoundest hope is that it does not remain atop the pedestal for the next decade. In fact, I would be thrilled if the boys' next release toppled it. That would be really something!

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