Disco de Marillion: “Marbles”

Marbles is a sprawling 2 CD work of catchy melodies, ambient keyboards and intricate guitars that grows on the listener over time. Like other Marillion albums, it ranges from pop ditties (You're Gone, Don't Hurt Yourself) to intricate, extended 'head' pieces such as Invisible Man, Ocean Cloud, and Neverland. The 'glue' binding it are four short number (Marbles I, II, III & IV) strategically placed to segue the varied material together. This makes the whole thing sound and feel like a concept record. Fortunately, the typical concept record excess is absent.

Patient listeners will be rewarded with many high points. Invisible Man, Fantastic Place, Ocean Cloud, Marbles III, and Neverland are five of the finest songs they've put to CD in 10 years or more. Don't Hurt Yourself is about as catchy as they come and could pass for Oasis. However, I tend to skip over 'Damage' on disk 2 - it's chorus ('who let the Genie out of the box/ did you let the Genie out of the box?') is annoying and too reminiscent of 'Genie' from disk 1.

As to be expected the performances are top shelf. Steve Hogarth's ability to convey the emotions of his lyrics are tremendous. Steve Rothery's guitars echo Hogarths' emotions and are never overly flashy or excessive. The exceptional rhythm section of Ian Mosley and Pete Trewavas are extremely tight and criminally overlooked in rock circles.

Bonus material contained on the deluxe 2 CD set available through www.marilllion.com is worth the extra 8 Quid - the song 'Ocean Cloud' alone is worth the extra dough.

My only serious gripe with Marbles is the quality of the recording. While it is crisp, it lacks serious dynamics and seems somewhat over-compressed. Furthermore, high frequencies sound rolled-off. While these weakenesses may not be noticed by a casual listener, they're evident when compared to 'Afraid of Sunlight', a 10 year old recording.

Again, this is a very good record. Patient listeners will be rewarded with many spectacular moments.

Marillion's been around for a long time. And they release everything, and their dog. In addition, they can be attributed to two of the greatest progressive rock album of all time - Brave, and Misplaced Childhood. They asked their fans to pre-order their upcoming album, months before the CD was titled or even recorded. And guess what? Their hardcore fanbase bought the album, and funded Marillion to record one of the greatest albums in progressive rock history.

In case you lack skills in following paths made in text, I was referring to Marbles.

I'll start off and inform you that this review will be based on the double-album of Marbles - which you can purchase only from Marillion's website. Nothing wrong with this single-album version of it, but the 2CD simply has more.

The tracklist of the double album is as follows.

Disc 1

1. The Invisible Man

2. Marbles I

3. Genie

4. Fantastic Place

5. The Only Unforgivable Thing

6. Marbles II

7. Ocean Cloud

Disc 2

1. Marbles III

2. The Damage

3. Don't Hurt Yourself

4. You're Gone

5. Angelina

6. Drilling Holes

7. Marbles IV

8. Neverland

So, that said, it has many amazing tracks, and one of the best is not contained in the single disc version.

Marillion is a very unique band. Their style of music is a near-laid back rock - similar to Pink Floyd's album 'Dark Side of the Moon'. The instrumentalization is unquestionably amazing. The only drawback may be the vocals. Steve Hogarth, to me, is a very efficient vocalist and he suits the music well. To some, he's nearly intolerable.

This album has a ton of songs, and three epics. The Invisible Man, Ocean Cloud, and Neverland. The second - Ocean Cloud - is not on the single disc version of the album, and it's one of the greatest songs Marillion has ever recorded. Its nearly 18 minutes long, so you can't go wrong.

I'm not going to get into the songs. It wouldn't be fair if I tried to explain them. Just think of this as very well written radio rock songs. If it wasn't for the near-controversial message of some songs, the over-average length of time of some songs, and the talent of all the songs, you could see these guys played beside U2. Since, after all, a lot of their songs sound like a better U2.

Let me put it this way. This album is good enough that I'm going to just stop this review right here because my fumbling around words is insulting to the music.

I have only been on the Marillion bandwagon for about 4-1/2 years now, and I have to say that this CD exceeds even Brave, which was my all-time favorite. I also own the Marbles on Tour DVD, and after learning that the band worked on this release for over 2 years, the results speak for themselves. Something about Marillion reminds me of what might result if Roger Hodgsen of Supertramp was plunked into Pink Floyd. Imagine emotional, plaintive singing along with Steve Hackett/David Gilmour-ish guitar from Steve Rothery, keyboard stylings not dissimilar to Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, plus some unique intangibles found only with Marillion, and you have a pretty good picture of where they're at right now.

Every track on this wonderful CD is top-rate, even the oft-maligned "Drilling Holes", which has a certain charm unique to this song. Overall (and as of this writing), my favorite tracks would have to be "Fantastic Place", "Don't Hurt Yourself", "Neverland", "The Invisible Man", and "You're Gone". There isn't a single disappointment here, and I wait with bated breath for the next release, however long it takes!

I think this best describes Marillion. They have the David Gilmour type solos, the Neil Finn-like singing, the Pink Floyd minor key tinged songs and epics and the Crowded House melodies. My advice is to skip the domestic US release and get the double CD import. To fully enjoy this CD, one must listen to the song "Ocean Cloud," which is only available on the import. Great album, great band.

Marillion have been my favorite band for the last 15 years, and this CD is nothing short of stunning. I thought Anoraknophobia was OK, with a bit too much filler and .com and Radiation were both disappointing. But Marbles...

First, spend the extra money and get the 2 CD version. Ocean Cloud is worth the extra money all by itself. You won't regret it.

I won't do a breakdown of each song (you're welcome!), but personal favorites are Invisible Man, Fantastic Place, Ocean Cloud and Neverland. If you've been wondering where Steve Rothery has been, well, he's all over this CD. The guitar in Neverland brings back the goosebumps missing since Brave and AoS.

Highly recommended. Marillion were slipping in my eyes the last few recordings, but they hit a Home Run with this one. Good job, boys, and thanks for stopping by to see us. Hope to see you Summer 2005.