The Marillion Round Table

lazland wrote: Today's fun Saturday job is rearranging my office in the house after some work was done on it this week. I've had Brave blasting out of the speakers throughout - The Lap of Luxury is just about ending now. I know I am speaking to the converted on this thread, but, every now and again, you just need a gentle reminder of just how utterly brilliant this album is, the power, the emotion, the musicianship, and THAT story. I know I have said for a while that Marbles just about epitomises Marillion for me, but, damn it, if this album just doesn't run it to the closest second place in the entire history of mankind.

Haha, to me, it´s a tie - it just depends on the mood I'm in and the wheather outside

Marbles for me is the disc that regained Marillion's 'swagger' (for lack of a better term). I think Anoraknophobia got the momentum going, but Marbles really took Marillion's sound to the next level. A lot of the credit goes to Dave Meegan for a brilliantly produced album. He can sometimes be criticized with adding too much at times, but his special touch can really create a mood.

The band deserve all the credit for crafting an album that will definitely stand the test of time. And when Marillion's playing days are behind them, it will still be considered one of their masterpieces. It's not a concept album, but the songs are so connected (whether deliberate or not, I'm not sure) and it makes for one of the most cohesive albums. "The Invisible Man" with it's slow burn intro, but manic climax is such a great opener. Hogarth is so brilliant in how he portrays the lost soul fighting for recognition, and the succumbing and resolution to the fact that he'll merely be an afterthought.

One of the albums finest moments is "Fantastic Place". I still love this song and it sends a chill up my spine every time. It just drips with raw emotion with one of h's most memorable lyrics ("Say you understand me, and I will leave myself completely. Forgive me if I stare, but I can see the island behind your tired, troubled eyes). Absolutely stunning song.

"Ocean Cloud" really has become one of the pantheons in Marillion's rich history. Just great story telling, with Meegan adding such nice, delicate touches. This song impacted me instantly and is worth getting the 2 disc edition alone (although "The Only Unforgivable Thing" is brilliant, too).

Everyone made such a big deal about "Neverland", but this song took a very long time to catch on with me. I can definitely see it's brilliance now. People say the ending drags on for too long, but that's what really makes the song for me. H's echoes and Rothery's soaring guitar solos that should solidify his place in prog rock royalty for guitarists.

Give Marbles more listens. Seclude yourself and put on the headphones (if you haven't already) and immerse yourself. That's all it takes. Everyone here knows my favorite album is Brave, but it took me several listens to get into it. Now, I can't imagine my life without it.

E

kenmartree wrote:      It's about the acquistion of Marbles, the love of Marbles and the eventual loss of Marbles!     Eric and Steve,  ready to buy tickets,  which delivery method?  I don't want them getting lost in the mail, so I was thinking of pick up at box office.            Classic, the convention goes on sale on H's Bday..  kenmar

Kenmar, I just had them mailed to me, the same as last year. They made it to me with no problem. Besides, if they get lost, I'm sure they'll work with you. Especially if you have your receipt.

Man, I cannot wait!!!

E

TheLastBaron wrote: I've listened to script for a jesters tear and misplaced childhood countless times and think they are both wonderful albums, definetly need to check out more of their stuff.

Well, Fugazi or Clutching at Straws are the ones with Fish, as you may know, so you will probably like those - the rest is with h, and Marillion has defenitely grown ever since: embrace yourself when venturing on that journey

TheLastBaron wrote: I've listened to script for a jesters tear and misplaced childhood countless times and think they are both wonderful albums, definetly need to check out more of their stuff.

These are by far the most accessible of the Fish era albums, although there is plenty to recommend you getting the other two, if only for the sake of a complete picture.

To get into Hogarth era, I would recommend you start off with Season's End, the first album, which has many recognisible qualities instrumentally certainly from the Fish era. Then Afraid of Sunlight, which really is a remarkable collection of accessible prog songs.

I'm sure you will enjoy these two - if you do, then move swiftly onto the Big Daddy's of the era - Brave & Marbles, two of the most incredible albums realeased by any band in any genre, not just prog.

Of course, then you will be hooked, and will want to get them all anyway

E-Dub wrote: kenmartree wrote:   book'em,  I'll see hopefully many of you in Montreal in less than a year.  Are people going to fly in on Thursday?  Flying friday morning, standing in line and the show will be a long day.  kenmar Kenmar, I'm flying in on Thursday. Flying on Friday leaves little room for error. E

kenmartree wrote: E-Dub wrote: kenmartree wrote:   book'em,  I'll see hopefully many of you in Montreal in less than a year.  Are people going to fly in on Thursday?  Flying friday morning, standing in line and the show will be a long day.  kenmar Kenmar, I'm flying in on Thursday. Flying on Friday leaves little room for error. E   Agreed, so party at Steve's house on Thursday night!  Montreal Rick also has a BBQ I think.  What happened on Thursday night last year?  kenmar

Progfan1958 wrote: kenmartree wrote: E-Dub wrote: kenmartree wrote:   book'em,  I'll see hopefully many of you in Montreal in less than a year.  Are people going to fly in on Thursday?  Flying friday morning, standing in line and the show will be a long day.  kenmar Kenmar, I'm flying in on Thursday. Flying on Friday leaves little room for error. E   Agreed, so party at Steve's house on Thursday night!  Montreal Rick also has a BBQ I think.  What happened on Thursday night last year?  kenmar I don't know about a Thursday night party at my place !!!  Ha ha.  Let's see how the plans work out, and maybe we can have a gathering at a Downtown pub ( There are a lot of them )  Where are you coming from Kenmar ? Steve.

Steve,  will be flying in from portland, oregon but I live in a small town about an hour away from there called Silverton in the foothills of the Cascade mountains.  kenmar

Steve,  Love BC been there 9 times for a total of about 4 months.  I have 3 Decemberists albums,  I like them but I'm not the fan some people here on PA are.  I was joking about party at your house.  let's see what people want to do.   kenmar

Sounds great to me Eric.  I've never been to Brutopia and will look forward to it. If H turn up we'll have to crowd surf him around the pub !