MISPLACED CHILDHOOD

Marillion's 'Misplaced Childhood' is difficult album for me to review. I want to give it more than 3 stars but ultimately it fails to move me in the same way as the first two Marillion records. It just isn't as memorable as either 'Fugazi' or 'Script For A Jesters Tear'. Don't get me wrong, this is still a quality piece of work, but I feel it pales in comparison to the previous efforts from Marillion.

Having said that all the trademark Marillion elements are in place here, from the hauntingly beautiful lyrics and vocals from Fish, the smooth guitar of Steve Rothery including some delicious guitar solos, well placed synths with a real 80's sensibility from Mark Kelly. Its all here, and the compositions and themes are solid. This is by no means a bad record, far from it. I certainly understand all of the plaudits that 'Misplaced Childhood' receives, but for me 'Script' is simply a superior Marillion recording to this one in every way.

What this album does well, however, is blend the 1970's style progressive rock that has influenced Marillion so much with the romantic synth-laden pop music of the 1980's. As a gateway for fans of 80's pop music I could see this working well to draw people into progressive music. I guess my biggest criticism of this record is that I just don't feel as moved by it as I do with the 'Script' and it doesn't feel as ground-breaking.

Ultimately this is a good album, but I'd recommend 'Script For A Jesters Tear' over this one for anyone new to the band. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could, but I'd prefer to round down rather than round up for this one!