MARBLES LIVE

This was recorded live in London, England in July of 2004 during the "Marbles" tour. I was surprised that the track listing here is almost track for track the same as the single disc version of "Marbles".The exception is track 9 where they replaced "Drilling Holes" with "Damage", a song that was on disc 2 of the special edition "Marbles" recording. As a bonus they end this live album with "Estonia", a song from the "This Strange Engine" record.

"The Invisible Man" takes a while to get going with vocals arriving after a minute. Lots of atmosphere of course. Almost silent 3 1/2 minutes in and then vocals return 4 minutes in. I like the guitar here and the bass is prominant. It calms right down again after 6 minutes before starting to build 7 minutes in as the crowd gets involved. Passionate vocals 9 minutes in and when it all stops suddenly the crown cheers wildly. Reserved vocals return quickly as it starts to build again.The crowd joins in, this is so emotional as Hogarth sings from his heart and Rothery lights it up. "Marbles I" is laid back with vocals and piano. "Your Gone" has this good beat as the crowd joins in.The guitar soars as vocals join in. This is all about the beat, vocals and guitar. Great song ! "Angelina" is mellow with vocals, organ and bass. The tempo starts to pick up a little 1 1/2 minutes in. Nice bass lines too. Tasteful guitar solo 5 minutes in. "Marbles II" is laid back as well but it builds to a good guitar solo 2 minutes in. I like the lyrics. "Don't Hurt Yourself" is the first of three amazing songs in a row. Guitar opens as the crowd claps along. A full sound as drums join in and then vocals. This one moves me. Organ after 3 minutes. There is a prolonged cheer when this song ends.

"Fantastic Place" opens with fragile vocals. The tempo picks up slightly 1 1/2 minutes in. Gulp. Some good affects here from Kelly. A fuller sound before 4 minutes with some incredible guitar to follow. This song gets the biggest applause yet. "Marbles III" opens with piano as background synths then bass comes in. Vocals follow. It's so emotional a minute in.This is my favourite "Marbles" interlude by far. "The Damage & Marbles IV" opens with lots of piano, guitar and vocals. A good driving tune. It changes 4 1/2 minutes in to the second part ("Marbles IV"). "Nevermind" opens with piano, fragile vocals and synths. A fuller sound before 1 1/2 minutes. Emotional guitar solo a minute later. Organ after 3 minutes. Rothery is so impressive 4 1/2 minutes in. Again it's the emotion of his playing. Love the vocal style Hogarth uses to follow. More amazing guitar. After the song ends Hogarth introduces the band. "Estonia" opens with lots of atmosphere. Vocals before a minute. Drums after 1 1/2 minutes. Just a gorgeous sound 2 minutes in. Themes are repeated. I like the keys after 5 minutes.This song is a perfect way to end it.

A must for MARILLION fans, and especially for fans of the "Marbles" record.