MARILLION.COM

I would never say that Marillion has been a consistent band, varying from the prog masterpiece Script for a Jester's Tear to the mainstream Holidays in Eden. But for this, their 1999 release "marillion.com," and their last two are quite consistent. Not consistently good, and not necessarily consistently bad, just a consistent mixed bag (or a consistent potpourri of music, if you like). Again, Marillion makes a stab at mainstream, radio-friendly material, but throws in a few wandering, slightly prog numbers (Interior Lulu and House). Again, die-hard fans will probably enjoy this, but the rest of us are left rolling our eyes and skipping through most of the songs looking for that one little hint of enjoyment.

Definitely a better release than Radiation and Holidays in Eden, but a far cry from Brave and Afraid of Sunlight. Worth the look for Marillion fans. For the rest of us, there are a lot better options in the Marillion catalogue than this. Three stars. Good, but not essential.