THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

A compilation is a strange animal. I believe they are NOT for fans - but for people to get an instant Marillion overview. "The Best of Both Worlds" is an excellent introduction the music of Marillion, if like me all you had heard was the hits, like "Kayleigh".

Disc One covers the 'Fish Period" up till 1989. The early stuff is very well represented, and is obviously excellent right up to the "Clutching at Straws", and it's nice to hear all of "Script for a Jesters Tear" and "Garden Party". "Warm Wet Circles" is also here with it's sequel, as well as all the hits we all know.

The second disc, from the era when Marillion were no longer played on radio, or no longer represented by a giant scotsman wearing make-up, was a great revelation for me. Great songs, otherwise unheard, are dotted all over the place, and in so many different styles. Stadium Rock ("Hooks In You"), thoughtful Ballads ("Beautiful" & "No One Can") and epics ("The Great Escape") surround sublime moments like the balls-out prog of "King" or (in this listeners opinion) the beautiful "Afraid of Sunlight", and I defy anybody to listen to "Made Again" and not feel a little bit better about life. If you already own the albums, or have a full size picture of Fish on your bedroom door (and, with all due respect to Mr. Dick, I fear for your sanity if you do), then you probably wouldn't be interested in this. However, if you just want find out if Marillion might be your thing, then this is a superb place to start.

One thing, however. What the hell is "Cannibal Surf Babe" all about?