MARBLES

I must say that I am amazed and impressed by the range of opinions given for Marillion's latest opus. Now, I've been aware of this website for about 8 months, and having read a bunch of reviews, have grown used a level of variety in the opinions. But this album...well, I guess I expected more of a "love it" or "hate it" vibe.

That said, I feel the need to add my perspective and it's...GRAND...and not ashamed of its grandness!

I bought the 1CD version about a year ago, and while it had an enjoyable feel to it, it definitely felt incomplete. So, about 2 months ago, I purchased the 2CD version and listened to what I was missing. I was stunned..."Ocean Cloud" was arguably the best composition that this great band of 23 recording years has ever done...period. It is their "Close To The Edge", their "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", their "The Camera Eye"...no, really! It was the kind of monumental musical experience that I listened to, and did not not where it was going, and was excited by the journey.

Okay...now that I've gotten that out of me...the rest of the album is quite impressive. I was a big fan of ANORAKNOPHOBIA, so for me the bar was set high for MARBLES. Now, due to the sprawl of a double album format, there are a few forgettable songs ("Genie", "You're Gone"), but it doesn't hurt the overall effect. My favorite tracks, along with "Ocean Cloud" are the shorter pieces, like the 4 "Marbles", "The Only Unforgiveable Thing", "Angelina" (which was my favorite song when I had the 1CD version) and "Drilling Holes". The 2 other epics are very good, just flawed and meandering in places, especially the last 4 minutes of "Neverland".

I guess that's all...prog readers, be kind...it's my first try at a review!

Rating...Disc 1=A Disc 2=B+...overall=A-