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SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEARMarillionNeo-Prog4.25 | 2270 ratings |
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Flucktrot
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Prog Reviewer |
I totally agree with Menswear's description of this album as "drama-prog", where the focus is less on the music and more about the
theatrics. I'm generally not moved terribly by lyrics, and I tend not to enjoy shrill (though emotional) notes. Thus, I'm not moved
overall by Script from a Jester's Tear. I'm glad Marillion kept the prog fire burning, and there are some terrific musical moments to be
found here (even for a curmudgeon like myself), but I cannot use the term "masterpiece" to describe this album.Script for a Jester's Tear. I have to admit, this is one heckuva way to introduce yourself to the world. The beginning is absolutely haunting, and the lyrics are incredibly painful. The weeping clown on the cover could be considered rediculous, but it does fit this song extremely well, and so I love it. I FEEL that clown's pain! Now, let's address some of the weaknesses: Fish hits some absolutely awful notes, and the percussion is so generic that it really detracts. As creative and powerful as this song is, I simply cannot overlook these aspects. He Knows You Know, The Web, Garden Party. Some good synth runs, decent guitar work, and creative lyrics, respectively, but overall these songs are too slow, and the truly enjoyable moments are few and far between. Here the drama-prog borders on the rediculous. On The Web, when Fish passionately belts out "But even Jester's cry!", I always laugh, because I have a difficult time taking this seriously. Chelsea Monday. Simplistic and overlong, this song still is powerful. Finally a display of the guitar prowess of Rothery I've been hearing so much about, put to anthemic melodies, and the result is a strong (though depressing) tune. Forgotten Sons. Fortunately, Marillion has another epic to match the quality of the opener. These guys are certainly creative, from the catchy intro, to the spacey instrumental, to the twisted interpretation of the Lord's Prayer, to the absolutely provocative anthemic conclusion. Here Fish's passion and voice perfectly match the music (not to mention his thoughtul and relevant lyrics), and the result is a killer album closer. Three stars because this is a debut, the album's historic significance in prog, and for the opening and closing tracks. The rest is entertaining at best and boring at worst.
Flucktrot |
3/5 |
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