SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR

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My liking of neo-prog starts and stops here. This , although it owes almost everything to Genesis, is a real master strike as for the times , they were saying [%*!#] you to the industry and just for that they deserved max reviews and the music is actually fantastic. I really enjoyed ( and still do nowadays) , this first album as there is not one weak moment on it and my fave is Chelsea. Despite its lenght , He Knows got some airplay in Canada , and this was the main reason why we came to know that band.

This album unfortunately became the starting point for a whole new generation of neo prog bands such ad Asgard , Aragon and countless other. I say unfortunately because if this had been one of the many sources of inspiration for those group ( as opposed to being the only source of inspiration), things would've gotten much better in the 90's . Just an opinion , but if you stop and think about it a second....

For most of us this album really does not need a review as it has been so widely adopted as a classic. Led by FISH, this is MARILLION in top form playing some of their most progressive pieces of all time. Music is complex and yet very dark and delicate aided by the intellectual thoughts of Derek Dick (aka FISH). Songs are exceptionally well written and presented with amazing musicianship. If there is anyone out there who does not have this album then get yourself into a record store immediately! Absolutely essential progressive rock.

I'm not a huge fan of Marillion but I really enjoy listening many of their albums with FISH on vocals. I consider "Script for a Jester's Tear" to be their very best effort with "Fugazi". All tracks are mesmerized, painful and melancholic thanks to the great semi-operatic, melodic & screaming vocals of FISH and Rothery unique guitar style, deeply emotional & fluid. The perfect album to accompany a long period of solitude (I think mainly to 'Chelsea Monday'...). All the tracks are beautiful, from the satirical & sad love song "Script for a Jester's Tear" to the rebelious and reflexive "Forgotten sons". "Script for a Jester's Tear" figures among the best prog rock albums from the 80s.

A Re-Mastered Masterpiece - a new Masterpiece!

What a superb job the band have done in the remastering; This is almost a new album - the dynamics are staggering - especially at high volume, and an album of this quality deserves every ratchet on your hi-fi.

The title track is a masterpiece in itself. Although clearly a song, and containing repetetive passages, there is no chorus section, and the verses do not all follow the same melodic progressions. It opens with Fish singing a capella "So here I am once more". The irony of opening a debut album with this line is not lost on this reviewer! From this moment on, Marillion throw hook after hook - infectious melody after infectious melody at us, and not only that, but layer melodies in each instrument until it becomes impossible to tell which is the main melody.

Focus is on the dominant lyrics, of course, as every word is wrought into poetry of the finest hues. Fish is master of using strong melody lines to carry the lyrics, and inflects perfect dynamics - lights and shades - so that every meaning is put into the words; however it is still the task of the listener to work out each undercurrent and double or triple meaning that he puts in.

Add to that Mark Kelly's powerfully melodic and ambient yet understated keyboards, Peter Trewavas' solid, melodic and strongly rhythmic bass, and Steve Rothery's brilliant Celtic, Gilmour influenced yet originally melodic (there's that word again!) guitar solos, and you have near perfection. Mick Pointer plays just enough on the kit to keep things moving - but as long as we don't pay the drums too much attention, they do the job without intruding. Perhaps the 1980s sounding heavy snare is too much of its era, but the surrounding music is timeless, and really, someone could have just sat there playing bongos and it would have worked with music this strong. It's good to have the full kit though!

"Script..." works its way through a series of neck hair-raising highs, starting with the gorgeously rich bass entry, and never stops working through the story of the artist exploring his emotions after the break up of a relationship in which the protaganist suffers deeply from unrequited love, and even describes the process of writing a song about it "I act the role in classic style of a martyr carved with twisted smile - to bleed the lyric for this song, to write the rites to right my wrongs - An epitaph to a broken dream, to exorcise this slient scream...". All this over a winding bass line and light keyboard melody - and the word "scream..." is delivered in a muted, gasping fashion, making this a very powerful passage. But there's more power and drama to come - just listen.

"He Knows You Know" - title possibly influenced by MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA's "You Know You Know"? - A song about drugs and the more unpleasant effects they can have - especially if you take to "fixing smack". The poet turns to drugs to assist in his rehabilitation from the catastrophic emotional loss, but ends up ill - "Singing psychedelic praises to the depths of a china bowl...". An insistent rhythm drives this song - and does not relent for such things as choruses, although it does fade for a short bridge passage. A strange choice for a single, despite the pounding rhythms, and remarkable that it wasn't banned for its lyrical content - but there you are!

"The Web" fixes us firmly back into prog territory, with more of those neck-hair-raising moments. Pure, pure melody and magnificent harmonic progressions layer up upon the winding bass lines in a fine, shimmering web of rich sounds - many proggers may be disappointed not to hear dazzling technical complexities as well, but I would say that the dazzling technicalities lie in the fact that all these melodies seem to magically work together - that was not an accident! The poet is now alone in his tenement flat, wallowing in his memories and gazing through old photographs, contemplating the need to let go and move on. Kelly's keyboard melodies verge on the bombastic, and really shine in this piece.

"Garden Party" sees the poet moving on - getting out and mingling a bit, but repelled by what he sees. This was a hit single - amazing, really, when you consider the venom with which Fish attacks society and its hypocrysies, and the unconventional rhythms and complex lyrics which dominate the song. However, its "conventional" verse-chorus" type structure make for a workable single that guaranteed it some airplay, even if much of the pop audience didn't have a clue what Fish was singing about. The video was superb!

"Chelsea Monday" Continues the poet's contemplation of what is "out there", and sees the archetypal society woman getting all her style from magazines while inhabiting a strange plastic fantasy world created for her so that she doesn't have to think about it. The bleak music structure and insistent rhythms drive this music through dark layers and yet more gorgeous melodies - honestly, the hairs on the back of my neck have a tough time during this one!

But the best is saved for last. "Forgotten Sons" shows the poet finally getting himself a political conscience and considering the fate of young soldiers sent off to die for some governmental chess game, as he externalises his internal struggles - his fight against his conscience and the battle of the human animal vs the intellectual, thinking, romantic being. This is one of the greatest pieces of music I have ever heard, culminating in the truly monumental guitar solo that follows the inspired "prayer" section. While recording this section, according to legend, the recording booth suddenly went icy cold, and a tangible presence was felt. This presence was allegedly partially recorded - and there are also sounds on the master tape that were not produced by the band. Listen to this section and see if you can work out what they are - if nothing else, this section has the deepest power I've ever known to make people feel unaccountably uncomfortable. It's not heavy metal, but it's certainly INTENSE.

On to the bonus tracks (For the 2CD set):

It's the summer of 1982. The punk explosion has left but faint echoes, as the parade of "New Romantics" waft lace and eye-liner over the masses. The only real alternative appears to be metal - but even the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal is getting a bit old. Suddenly, up pops this quirky single from a "new" band called Marillion. Instantly labelled prog, Genesis soundalikes, whatever... Market Square Heroes is as far from anything else at the time as it is from anything else Marillion wrote. A catchy melody, bouncing rhythms and major keys could soon fool you into thinking that this is a happy pop song. Not true! This is the beginning of the story of Marillion - the band playing the taverns in the Market Place, hungry for the big time, bemoaning the closing down factories and large-scale redundancies in the hypocritical yuppie era of the 1980s, where to some there was endless opportunity, to ordinary factory workers there was nothing but loss of livelihoods and consignment to the scrap heap. Marillion offer the suggestion and solution of planning the day - are you following me?

Three Boats Down From The Candy is much more safely in prog territory, with wafting, drifting keyboard washes. Sumptuously dissonant and borrowing structurally from Genesis, the lyrics are the foundation stone for both "Script For a Jester's Tear" and "Fugazi". Marillion also lay down their own style authoritatively in this song - all the elements are there from Kelly's meandering keyboards, Trewavas' wandering yet solid bass and Rothery's impassioned, Celtic and hugely melodic guitar.

Grendel is one of the most oft-discussed tunes in prog. Is it a mere Genesis rip-off? There's not much evidence of this to start with, as the opening, musically reminds me more of Spinal Tap launching into the epic "Stonehenge". However, as this section "Heorot's plea and Grendel's Awakening" pans out, it is absolutely clear that there is much more to this track. The music follows the epic story well, even though it was originally an 8-minute piece, stylistically similar to Twelfth Night, called "The Tower". The opening section is then repeated and developed, and the next section "As Grendel leaves his mossy home" is in Marillion's more energetic style - here it is apparent that the band put so much passion into recording this piece that they don't seem to have noticed that the bass is out of tune!

Fish bends and twists his voice accordingly, and Rothery bends notes into a solo that Andy Latimer would have been proud of. The vocal section is repeated (for the structure hounds!), then we have the "Earth Rim Walker" section from earlier before relaxing into "Grendel's Journey" - the opening section of which is very and comfortably reminiscent of early Genesis - if this was the only Marillion track you'd ever heard, then I'd understand the continual comparisons!

A short bass solo, which reminds me a little of "After the Eclipse" by Twelfth Night leads to "Lurker At The Threshold", an ever-growing, pulsating orb of prog! Finally (sic) we have the ontroversial "Finale". This opens with one of the best riffs Marillion have ever produced, then layers melody after melody, texture after texture in a miraculously Camel-like style, dropping down here, building up there to the "Apocalypse in 9/8" riff, approximately 14' 15" into the piece. However, listen closely. It's not what is done or what is borrowed, but what is done with that material. Marillion develop it - the epic lyrics and Fish's impassioned treatment of them take it beyond Genesis - the riff that follows is majestic and sweeping and an indication of Marillion's "pure" style developing. Marillion keep up the inventiveness and interest to an uncanny degree - but don't just take my word for it - you have ears!!!

The Demo version of Chelsea Monday takes quite a few listens to fully appreciate why Marillion might want us to hear what superficially (production-wise) appears to be an inferior recording of one of the greatest tracks on the album. However, it has a stark quality all of its own just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

Before "He Knows You Know" was pummelled into some sort of shape to be a quirky hit single, there was this version. It is typical of Marillion that so many changes should take place - every time I saw them live, you never heard the same performance twice. I love this demo version - really stripped down, and a kind of "retro-neo-prog". To me, this is much more convincingly prog than the version on the album.

Charting the Single seems to set the scene for some parts of the "Misplaced Childhood" album, but has the tight focus on word play more typical of "Fugazi" or "Clutching at Straws". Many of the jokes are downright corny, and it's easy to dismiss this as a light piece of fun - which it is. However, it's more than that - it's the lighter side of Marillion, and the reference point from which to view songs such as "Garden Party", "Assassing", "Heart of Lothian" and perhaps "Incommunicado".

The Alternative version of Market Square Heroes has much fuller production - and seems to have gone through the machinery of the remastering process with more attention than the "Battle Priest" version. There are differences, but I don't really find them notable enough to highlight any here - find them yourself!

The bonus tracks are a very interesting addition, particularly the full contents of the "Market Square Heroes" EP, but the album alone gets the full FIVE STARS. A Masterpiece of prog - a must-own - even if you don't "get it" the first few times you listen to it (and you won't. Trust me). Combined with the bonus tracks, the 2CD set becomes a must-have for anyone that's ever expressed an interest in prog. Don't miss out!

The revival of progressive rock, started in the early 80's, probably occurred with the arrival of this album. Many purists pretended this album to be a Genesis' clone. Probably those people don't accept the judicious use of modern technologies, serving a noble cause: the creation of a logical continuity of the best progressive rock of the 70's. This album is certainly influenced by Genesis circa Foxtrot, but it is definitely not copied from them. Actually, the Citizen Cain's "Serpents in camouflage" album has more similitudes.

The fresh sound has a pleasant permanent echo, and the very synchronized drums and bass have a very elastic & punchy sound. Fish's very expressive & theatrical voice has some similitudes with Peter Gabriel. There are many moog solos and delightful guitar solos a la Steve Hackett, reminding the "Selling England by the pound" album. There are also some excellent ambient modern organ parts; modern, melodic & colorful keyboards are also very present. There is just on slightly irritating point: the gross rhythmic electric guitar riffs, like on "Forgotten sounds" could have a better crafted sound.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

A Masterpiece that Redefined Prog Music ...!

This band was my hero! Yeah .. I still remember sometime in 1983 when I did my engineering study, the world was flooded by abundant punk and new wave kind of music. Major prog bands were heading toward that direction as well. I was so disappointed with Genesis "abacab" and Yes "90125". Nope! Don't get me wrong . I'm not saying that their music were terrible. I just could not believe these pioneers of 70's music who had laid solid foundation in the history of prog music had finally changed their direction and get commercialized themselves. Well, it's their call. Who was I, anyway? I was just a listener of great prog music. Yet, as their fanatic fans and loyal customer, I had to admit that, deep inside myself, I felt that I reserve the right to choose my musical taste. So then I did not praise their music anymore. Especially having heard Genesis "Who Dunnit" or "Keep it Dark" uuugh ..! Something is happening in my stomach. I would vomit I guess .???!!!

In the midst of searching an excellent music that really fits my taste and feeling, I was frustrated with what was happening in music industry during that dark year of prog music circa early 80's. It ended until one afternoon when my friend played me an LP of a band which I never heard before .. Marillion. What sort of name? ( I was not into any of novel or book and I was not aware at all about Tolkien or Silmarillion). "So here I am once more!" Yeaaahh .. The opening voice really kicked me and their music really blew my mind! Yup! This is the kind of music that I've always wanted. I was really hooked to this LP that afternoon and I could not afford to put my stereo set off. I listened to this album (disc one of the re-master series, off course) continuously for 3 hours in front of my stereo set!! I kept repeating when it hit "Forgotten Sons", the closing track of this terrific album.

Even though it's clear that Marillion music is in the vein of Gabriel era of Genesis but I never considered this band as a copy cat. They just played the music that they'd like to play. Their music is even darker than Genesis. One thing that I rate highly about this album is the melody and music composition are top class! The opening track "Script for a Jester's Tear" sets the whole tone of the album. It clears the path to true progressive music with strong melody that touches your heart. The opening voice of Fish on vocals with a background of simple piano sound by Mark Kelly has started to touch your heart with its crisp melody. Listen the keyboard part after Fish sings " ..abandoning the relics in playground of yesterday ..." yyeeaaahh . so nice piece of music segment that Mark Kelly plays on his keyboard. But hold on .. that has not reached the true orgasm of this track because the band then brings you to a reallu uplifting music when the drum part starts to roll "The game is over!" really kicks! The music then flows naturally with every segment of music gives nice touch on melody part. The guitar part at interlude is performed nicely by Steve Rothery. The second track is the song about drugs. It has a powerful tone opened with guitar touch and Fish voice "He Knows You Know" followed by keyboard soun, and reaches its climax when the drum section enters the scene. So powerful! This is a kind of song you would like to wake you up in the morning. "Problems! Problems!". One thing noticeable about this track, beside its upbeat rhythm, was the closing section that ends nicely with Fish tiny voice "Don't give me your problems!" - "bang!" followed by intro part of next track "The Web". It flows beautifully in this part!

"The Web" was the first task for Fish to write a lyric for the band, during audition period of being the band's new vocals. He did it very well. I enjoy this track very much especially its powerful lyric (about rubber plant) and beautiful composition. "I realize I hold the key to freedom but I cannot let my life be ruled by threads ." is the piece that I memorize on top of my head since I heard it the first time. It was then followed by steve's solo guitar. Very nice.

The fourth track is "Garden Party" that later became the band's and audience favorite's for live performance. This track once became a "radio hit" in Bandung, the city in Indonesia where I heard Marillion the first time; a well-known FM station aired this track several times.

Now enters the slower music of this album "Chelsea Monday". Again, the band offers a nice melody with a memorable guitar tone in the interlude part. Now .. you would realize that Steve Rothery plays his guitar with Hackett's style.

The closing track is my favorite, "Forgotten Sons". "This is dedicated to all those who fell on a pavement outside Harrods last Christmas." (Intro Forgotten Sons - Real To Reel, their first live album). Harrods is an exclusive shop in Knightsbridge, London. On December 17, 1983, an IRA bomb exploded, killing six and wounding many others. This track is opened by radio tuning sound that includes bit of "Market Square Heroes" (from their previous release of EP) followed by "Armalite! Streetlight!" voice of Fish. The opening is so powerful. It brings a nuance of a group of soldiers that marches into their destination, war field! I love the part in the middle when Fish sings like reading a poet .."Your mother sits on the edge of the world when the camera starts to roll .. etc.". The guitar rhythm as a background is very nice piece. Actually, I love all tracks in this album. But if I'm forced to choose the best one is this track. It's damn powerful, my friend! "Peace on earth and mercy mild. Mother Brown has lost her child. Just another forgotten sons!" Yeeaaaahh ....

On disc 2, you can find 3 tracks from Marillion's EP prior to their debut album "Script". Those 3 tracks are excellent: "Grendel" which was inspired by a book by John Gardner. This track is also my favorite. Some people commented that this is a clone of Genesis "Supper's Ready". So be it. I don't care. What I really care is that I love this track very much. .. "Three Boats Down from a Candy" is also a nice track, with great melody - of course. Bravo Marillion Fish era!Keep on Progging ...!

Progressively yours,

Gatot Widayanto, Indonesia.

I'm so grateful to life for putting me in the way of this album when I was barely getting impregnated with prog rock whatsoever. I came across "Script for a Jester's Tear" because of the constant suggestions of my friends and due my incessant desire to discover new musical approaches, I took those pieces of advice and got to put my hands on the record. I have to say that the impact upon me from the very first 20 seconds of the album was irremediably blinding. I embraced the song "Script for a Jester's Tear" as my hymn to pay homage to sorrow and loneliness, it was simply the most enigmatic yet captivating song I have ever listened to; so far, PINK FLOYD was my parameter to measure other artists works.

Eventually, I fell in love with the album, it just transmitted this sort of sentiment, of passion and emotiveness to me that it has inevitable not to play this record over and over. This album contains the very first song MARILLION ever played as a band ("The Web") but that was not included in the "Market Square Heroes EP" due the indecisiveness the band constantly suffered because of the interminable counterpoints between FISH and ROTHERY. Finally, the song was included as prelude to "Garden Party" and in between some other magnificent songs beautifully composed such as "He knows, You know", "Chelsea Monday" and "Forgotten Sons".

These days I pay even much more respect to this album because of what the band accomplished at the time they released it and the spotless, impeccable work they did with the whole production; and mostly, because when I attended to a MARILLION concert in September 1997 with HOGARTH behind the microphone and seeing him attempting against his integrity by daring to sing "Garden Party" and "Kayleigh" at the very end of the show, I realized there was never gonna be another FISH whatsoever, no matter how hard you tried to push things within the band or the crowd. An extremely amazing recording, definitely a must. Put yourselves together people, I'm giving it the whole five stars. Masterpiece!

Too many 70's cliches for my liking but there is no denying the quality of the album at a time when anything new in this genre was like headline news. The biggest problem I have with it is that it has dated compared to say any Genesis material. The comparison between the 2 bands is apt because Fish was hell bent on sounding like Gabriel. I have no problem with honest plagiarism though!!The title track and ' garden Party' for me the highlights. I do think their follow up Fugazi was better.

The comparisons to Genesis were probably more based on the fact that there was not much prog around in 1983. At least not in the mainstream which is where Marillion seemed to be heading from the outset. Partly thanks to the strength of their music, partly thanks to the unique performances of Fish, and maybe even thanks to their sleeve artwork, Marillion were talked about from their first EP onward. This excellent debut album has stood the test of time, and IMHO is their joint best album (if thats possible) with 'Fugazi', its follow up. 'Script For a Jesters Tear' is a a dark affair. The first three songs court ideas of deep depression through lost love, contemplation of suicide, living in isolation and solitude, and succombing to insanity. Sound awful? Well, to be honest the music sounds fantastic. Steve Rothery's guitar playing is melodic, his solos memorable. Fish's voice is haunting, and despite all the Gabriel comparisons is actually unique. The title track is one of the best songs the band ever wrote IMO, and has some of Fish's most lovely and un- contrived lyrics. The music changes between drama and melancholy in a captivating way. 'He knows you know' has a sharper edge, is laced with bitterness, and was an obvious choice for a single. The Web, another Marillion classic, closes what would have been the first side on the old vinyl. Again 'The Web' deals with concepts of depression and isolation, and has some of the most melodic guitar work on the album. In fairness there is not a duff track in sight. The eccentricty of 'Garden Party' is contrasted by the dark, moody allyways of 'Chelsea Monday and the album is completed by the angry 'Forgotten Sons' An anthem for those killed in action, viewed and commentated on by armchair startegists with no idea of the reality and horror of conflict. 'Forgotten Sons' is an important song for the time, making refernces to the Northern Ireland conflict. This was a big live number for some years.

As a debut album, SFAJT is brilliant, bold, brave and original. Ignore the Genesis comparisons. With the passing of time I have come to regard these as way off the mark. This album scores a four and not a five, only because the drumming was better on the albums that followed (when Ian Mosely took over) and the production improved thereafter too. In terms of the songs? No complaints at all. Highly reccomended.

As a very instinctive and emotional person, this record was a test. Fish' emotion detector is very busy in this record. If Script for a Jester's Tear don't move you lyrically, you're one stone cold soldier. Of course, the music is as dramatic and carries a lot of what Fish wants to say. Despair, sorrow, desillusion, anger, addiction and so on...Marillion tells stories, just like Genesis. Marillion even sounds like Genesis (Rutherford guitar and of course, Gabriel voice mimics).

But Genesis never fueled up on Prozac like this baby. The stories are probably inspired by Fish many adventures with pal Captain Morgan on white mountains of nose- vacuuming snow. To me, Marillion has been a bit too depressing on this record, but got better in the end. Each song reflects a life of problems and difficulty to control borderline syndrome. But, the thing is...the're excellent at it. They overdo it emotionnaly a tad, but this stays a very, very acceptable start for the band. Fish' voice is never expressed such honesty in any other record. We can feel everything he means. And he put emphasis on singing with strenght, which gives to the record an honest and...a quite welcome Gabriel feel....even if it's a total rip-off.

Marillion is a band which I could rank in the same vein as The Cure, James or Beastie Boys. The song cannot be split with lyrics on a side and music on the other. The two must be combined and especially the lyrics must be read while listening. This way, like the other bands I named, the experience is superior to many bands with great music, but cheesy lyrics or vice-versa.

To me, Marillion is what I call: DRAMA-PROG.

Moody, rather negative and claustrophobic.

Fish, it must suck to be you....

Genesis of a prog band

I first came across Marillion not long after this album was released. I remember well that my initial impressions were that, while the band was clearly competent, their music was so derivative of Gabriel era Genesis, as to make them appear to be little more than a tribute band (stay with me here Certif1ed!).

I have to admit that with the passing of time, and having become familiar with Marillion's work over many years, that association is not nearly as clear to me now as it was then. The most obvious similarity is in the vocals of Fish vs. Gabriel, and I guess it is often the vocals which make the biggest initial impression. Looking beyond that however, while there may be some Hackett like guitar sounds, and occasional Bank's like keyboards, these are no more obviously derivative than the music of any of Marillion's progressive rock peers.

Yes the songs, especially on this their debut album, do tend to be structured (in terms of the story telling and incisive instrumental passages) along the lines of Genesis early epic tracks, particularly those on "Nursery Cryme", but the music is very much their own.

As a whole, I have always found "Script.." to be fairly inaccessible. To prolong the Genesis comparison, there are far less in the way of familiar hooks, repeated themes, etc., the songs being generally darker and more complex. The opening title track sets the scene not just for the album, but indeed for the band for the years which were to follow. I don't normally refer to other people's reviews when writing my own, preferring to read them AFTER I have committed my own thoughts. At this stage however I would refer you to the review of this album by "Certif1ed". His love of the album is as clear as his intricate knowledge of the contents. Cert's review is clearly a labour of love, and gives those unfamiliar with the album very useful guidance on how to approach it.

While I too enjoy the album a great deal, I find the overall package does not justify listing it among my favourites. I have some difficulty articulating the reasons for this without appearing to knock the album, which I do not wish to do (since as I say, I do enjoy it a lot). From a Fish era Marillion point of view, I prefer "Misplaced childhood" which I find to be generally stronger.

For me, the band are at times trying to be just a bit too complex (in the way the Flower Kings can appear to be these days). Had they developed some of the themes more, before rushing on to the next one, the tracks would have benefited from a greater continuity. I would also like to have had more in the way of instrumental breaks, Fish just has too much to say in each song.

These comments must however be taken in the context that I see the album as highly enjoyable and only slightly flawed, it is certainly one of the best debuts by any band.

"Welcome to neo-prog. Welcome to Marillion`s World". In late 1983 I read in a Rock music magazine a review about Marillion, their first album, thier image, and how they sounded like Genesis with Peter Gabriel. I saw the photos of the band in the magazine, with Fish`s painted face. I didn`t have interest in them then, until I listened to "Kayleigh" in the Radio in 1986, and I started to buy their albums in early 1987. I bought this album until late 1990, after I finished my University studies. I was younger then. In 1983 Marillion members were younger, too. So I consider this album a very good album, a mostly depressing album but with great musical ideas, "atmospheres" and moods, recorded by a young band. This album has a lot of creativity by the band. The music is very interesting, with a lot of changes. I like every song in this album, but...I don`t like the drums, their sound and how they were played. I think that there were good justified reasons to change the drummer in Marillion. At that time, Mick Pointer wasn`t the right drummer for Marillion. The live versions of some of the songs of this album recorded later with Ian Mosley are much better due to his playing. I listened again to Pointer when his new band (Arena) released their first album in the 90s, and he improved a lot in his playing. But in this album he really lacked "power". I don`t consider Marillion as "another Genesis". They had their own style since they started, in my opinion. The similarities with Genesis are not enough for me to consider them "Genesis imitators".

Marillion - Script for a Jester's Tear

In a time when most of the leading 70s bands in the Symphonic Rock scene decided to either stop making this specific type of music or members of those key bands decided to go solo, the fans of the genre feared for the further existence of it. In other words, there was an urgent need to satisfy a constantly growing hunger for new symphonic music that had was both refreshing and had a 'new' sound.

In 1983 this hunger was satisfied with the release of an album that saved the Symphonic Rock artist from turning into an endangered species. This album was "Script for a Jester's Tear". by a band that later would become one of the 80s leading bands in the genre: MARILLION.

Script for a Jester's Tear, by many regarded as one of Marillion's best, is most certainly a classic album in the scene. With the release of this album a new style of Symphonic Rock music saw the daylight: Neo Prog (rock).

I first heard the album as a whole an average five and a half years ago. My first impression was that, in contradiction to a lot of Symphonic Rock stuff from the 70s, most of the compositions on this album are not overly complex. Sure, there are complex parts of songs, but overall seen it is not there to BE complex and it certainly does not seem difficult to get 'into'.

The music presented here is mostly quite a bit depressing. Fish's lyrics are very mystical and are works of art on their own. Some of it seems to be very personal to Fish himself (Script for a Jester's Tear), whereas others have a twist of humour (Garden Party) or are about politics-related issues that were happening around the time of release in England (Forgotten Sons, which is a firm anti-war song about the Falklands War). The other band members back up his distinct vocals and the mystical, but fitting, lyrics with great atmospheres that tend to perfectly set the mood for every track.

It is in my opinion by far not Marillion's best, but for the Symphonic Rock genre in general speaking and thus also meaning the history of Symphonic Rock from its beginnings up to present day, it is a classic.

Progressive rock rises from the ashes. Script for a Jester`s Tear seemed to be a resurection of the prog rock genre and many comparisons were made to early Genesis music at the time it was released in 1983. The instrumentation was the same and also featured a charismatic vocalist who wrote all the lyrics but which dealt with contemporary problems, rather than fantasy stories, such as drug addiction and war, making references to the " troubles " in Northern Ireland on the track Forgotten Sons. The overall musical sound was sharper and more precise than the earlier Genesis stylings partly due to the band`s preference for Yamaha instruments and gear.One notable difference was more focus on solos.

The album is signifigant for it`s appearance at a time when new wave music was dominating the charts. Had it been released in say, 1972, it would have been up there with the likes of Yes ,The Strawbs, Genesis and others who were creating more ambitious art rock at the time. They even had their own identifying band logo and art work concepts which complemented the music much like the Roger Dean association with Yes.

Script For a Jester`s Tear is in the true spirit of early seventies era progressive rock containing all the main ingredients, emotive and thought provoking lyrics, keyboard and guitar interplay utilizing various effects and above average musicianship. Additional alternate versions and singles not available on the original LP release can be heard on the updated CD release. Classic neo-progressive rock.

I was out shopping in Liverpool city centre with two friends, on a sunny Saturday back in 1983. We went into HMV to have a look around, and I spotted this album, drawn to it by its excellent cover. One of my friends, upon my enquiring about this, told me it was very good, from a new band who sounded a lot like early Genesis. Now me, being one of Genesis's biggest fans throughout the seventies, and having groaned at the downward spiral of their increasingly pop and chart influenced later albums, was immediately interested. So, without hearing any of it, (even though my friend had the album, unknown to me!) I purchased it. My initial reaction was rather mixed. Yes, there were a lot of Gabriel/Banks/Hackett influences, especially on the opening track, which reminded me a lot of 'The Musical Box', but some of the rest I found a little disappointing. At first. However, on repeatedly listening to the record, over the next few days, I grew more and more to be enamoured by its charm. For a debut, this is terrific, one of the best ever. Every track is a worthy effort, my favourites being 'Script' and 'Forgotten Sons', although this track is less like Genesis. 'He Knows You Know' has a superb atmosphere, with Mark Kelly's keyboards very much to the fore. 'The Web' has nice guitar work from Rothery, and flows seamlessly. 'Garden Party' is fun, and is probably Marillion's answer to 'The Battle Of Epping Forest'. 'Chelsea Monday' is far darker, with a tragic yet interesting story line. A good track but, if forced to choose my least fave on the record, this would be it. 'Forgotten Sons', as already mentioned, is, to me, a terrific piece of music. Fish's lyrics are, as usual, vitriolic, yet poetical as well. One of the best lyricists of his, or any generation. (He was born the year before me, 1958.) As a poet myself, his writing is right up my alley, so to speak! Some critics go overboard regarding the 'Genesis clone' theory. The truth is, these are neither as close to Genesis as some suggest, nor as different as others insinuate. Having read the band's biography years ago, which covered the period up to the release of 'Clutching At Straws', I soon discovered that Yes were a bigger influence on them than Genesis. Nevertheless, the title track here is very suggestive of Genesis. The two reasons for the comparison, in my eyes anyway, are 1) Fish's vocals, and 2) Mark Kelly's keyboards. In the early years, he played very much in the Tony Banks style, and this was a good thing for me. These days, they sound nothing like they used to do, and, although good in their own way, have lost that early charm and atmosphere they once possessed. The bonus disc here is interesting, although the version of 'Grendel' one of my fave Marillion tracks ever, is slightly inferior here. Likewise, the version of 'Chelsea Monday' plods and lacks the quality of the official album version. Another of my fave pieces is 'Charting The Single' which is here in all its original glory. Tremendous. A must have for Marillion, or prog fans in general, and one of the two best albums by this group, the other being 'Clutching At Straws'. Recommended. Early Genesis fans who haven't heard this, what are you waiting for?

This is the main event in my life. The most important. This date (I've bought it on August,1,2003 - before this time I had NO IDEA about Marillion or other neo-prog bands ) is my second birthday! I consider this album to be the BEST EVER recorded on our planet!Maybe there are some else, but still "Script" is my favouritest! It opens with the best track ever recorded ,"Script for a jester's tear"; I've been crying when I've heard the last part ("the fool escaped from paradise")!; continiues with great "He knows You know" and gives us a break after the magnificient "The Web". I've been greatly impressed with Fish's lyrics , he is really great poet! The B-side: "Garden Party", a sharp one; "Chelsea Monday", a soft one; and the closing epic , anti-war "Forgotten Sons" with its famous "praying" mid-part and ballad final part ("You're just another coffin "). The GREATEST album ever written; it is too genious for this world. Highly recommended to everyone who enjoys good music. Beyond compares!!!

Among the greatest debut albums of all time, Marillion really caught the world off guard with their progressive craftmanship of songs. This is arguably the album that started the Neo-Prog genre, and it is rightly so. The songs aren't as complicated as their symphonic counterparts, and they are a lot more accessible than... say... Supper's Ready. Anyway, the musicianship is top-notch, with great guitar work by Rothery, great bass by Trewavas, great keyboard work by Kelly, and incredible vocals and lyrics by Derek Dick (AKA Fish), from start to finish, this album is filled with angst and desperation, and the music is extremely well crafted. Rather than talk about each track, I will discuss my favorites.

The opener, Script for a Jester's Tear, is among the best Marillion tracks. Opening with classical Piano and quiet vocals from Fish, the song quickly goes through many different moods. At one point the track is upbeat, and at one point the track is downbeat and sullen. Regardless, this track features some of the best playing from the group. Fish's mastery of the english language is also well represented with incredible and tasteful lyrics throughout.

My other favorite track, Forgotten Sons, features incredible and emotional vocals from Fish, awesome guitar from Rothery, and incredible keyboard work from Kelly. It seems that from Market Square Heroes on that the group were able to create not overly intricate tracks and allow for the lyrics to take the forefront rather than the music.

Overall, this is not an album to be missed. I recommend this to any fan of progressive rock. However, some may find boring spots throughout, and there are a few, but not enough to make one dislike the album IMO. 4.5/5.

There's no doubt this album is among the greatest debut of all time within progressive rock territory. With this, as I became aware later on, Marillion started raising the neo- progressive rock flag and confirming that progressive rock still alive and kicking in the global music map which at the time, the period of 1980s, heavily infested by punk and new wave genre.

In first listening, sometime in 1985, Fish -- whose vocal reminded me of Peter Gabriel -- hit me straight at the heart and mind when he sang this line: So here I am once more in the playground of the broken hearts/ One more experience, one more entry in a diary, self-penned...

What a great line. And, as if he kept the best part for the proper moment, he moved on to blew me with this: Too late to say I love you/ Too late to restage the play, the game is over.

A mellow song? No. It's a killer song. This was and always is what I think. Because the lyric is so brilliant in telling the story -- about a brokenhearted someone? Whatever it might be. Because the melody is so heavenly beautiful yet so powerful in casting some marks in the heart and minds of its listeners. And also because Fish denouncing that "... the game is over."

But five more extraordinary songs follows: "He Knows You Know", "The Web", "Garden Party", "Chelsea Monday" and "Forgotten Sons". By extraordinary I mean great lyrics, incredible melodies, tight arrangements and superb performances. And all them combined set the standard for their later efforts -- probably also for another bands in the sub-genre.

Not only is a must for Marillion fans, this album also essential for any progressive rock fan.

Early eighties neo prog 'pioneers' debut.Fish's ridiculously over dramatic vocals always dragged down Marillion (I preferred his 'replacement' ,Steve Hogarth,with his calmer approach) .What stops this from being total ruin are the keyboards of Mark Kelly and the drums of Mike Pointer.Both are superb musicians.But I still come back to those vocals.Like fingernails on a blackboard to me.Aaaarghh!

I have to say that I'm a huge Marillion's fan, but I prefer the Steve Hogarth's era without a doubt... But it doesn't meant that I don't like the Fish's years too.

"Script of a Jester's Tear" is maybe together with "Misplaced Childhood" the best album that Fish made with Marillion, and It's a milestone for Neo-Progressive's lovers. The songs are a lot in a Genesis's first works style but with a very 80's sound, particulary in the great Mark Kelly keyboards. And here we can hear the particular voice of Fish, who has a lot of Peter Gabriel's influences. But Fish sings in even a more teatrical style, like a kind of clown sometimes... I have to say that I don't like his voice very much here, because I think he sounds ridiculous sometimes in this work. Nevertheless, in albums like "Misplaced Childhood" he sang very much better, with more personality and in a less irritating way...

Pete Trewavas's bass sounds great in this album, but the Steve Rothery's guitar sound is a little weak... Mick Pointer made a good work, better than the forever insipid Ian Mosley. The sound of the album is also good for being a debut.

Best songs: except Chelsea Monday, wich I find a little bit boring, I like every track in this album... Specially Script for a Jester's Tear and Garden Party.

Conclusion: recommended for Genesis's fans, and for people who want to know the Neo-Progressive's origins. And if you don't like the modern Marillion because they are not very progressive, then try this album (or the other they made with Fish...), because they were really different, although not better in my opinion.

My rating: ****

I first saw Marillion when they opened the Nostell Priory music festival for Jethro Tull in 1983 (I think). I had no idea who they were but thought that the singer was remarkably like Peter Gabriel in style even if the rest of the band were totally different. So, suitably impressed, I went and bought this, their debut album on vinyl (ie without the excellent bonus CD). And it is one of the best debut albums of all time. It's not their best album (Fugazi is that) but it is consistently good throughout and the second side is particularly excellent. If they had substitued Market Square Heroes for The Web (the one comparativly weak track) the original would be a masterpiece. With the bonus CD, it becomes one. There are superb solos from Rothery and Kelly, Trewavas produces some great bass lines and Mick Pointer is an effective drummer. Essential!

"Here I am again once more, amidst her playground of broken hearts ... the game is over" Doesn't sound like the greatest poetry does it? But believe me, in the hands of Marillion's passionate singer Fish, the words come to life with a vengeance. Love him or hate him (and let's face it, even those of us who do love his contributions to Marillion suspect that he might not be easy to get along with), it was hard to ignore this man simply because he dared to wear his heart on his sleeve. Of course Fish's similarities to Genesis' Peter Gabriel were never more pronounced than on this album, but this album is so intriguing that such "plagiarisation" is easy to forgive.

The title track to this album shows Marillion's strengths. Sure there's a decent guitar solo from Steve Rothery, sure there's a nice symphonic arrangement (with a child-like melody creeping at one point to match the imagery), but there's no doubt that it is the sheer emotion of the singer that gets to you. That must certainly have seemed like a rare commodity back in 1983, when the detached vocalist was very much in vogue. Still, it is the manner in which Marillion overcome the limitations of their time and situation that makes this album special.

While it is the title track that sold me, there's a wealth of good stuff here. He Knows You Know is a biting track held together by some really nice Mark Kelly synth lines. The Web uses interplay between heavy synthy section and light, relatively inaudible sparse passages. Kelly's synth playing on this particular song is arguably his finest hour with Marillion, and Rothery's solo is a relative masterpiece (I really think he's very overrated, by the way).

I must say that the jerky Garden Party and seductive synth pop epic Chelsea Monday (which has a massive Rothery solo colouring most of the song) are both guilty of running on too long but the raging Forgotten Sons makes sure the album ends on a major high. The track is something of an anomaly, threatening to stray into both boogie and funk territory while remaining a vital, inventive anti-war rant.

Once I was undecided, torn by a sentimental attachment to the third Marillion album Misplaced Childhood, but now I can confidently proclaim this one to be, hands down, the greatest album in neo-prog history. ... 76% on the MPV scale

This is an album that has captured my heart completely. I know Fish-era Marillion has been compared with Gabriel-era Genesis more than once but I'm inclined to see that as an inane statement. Sure Fish's voice is like Gabriel's but Fish is much more stronger, energetic in his singing. The painting of the face- well, you can't say Fish 'stole' that idea from Gabriel. It's just an extremely cool thing to do for a live performance! As for comparing Grendel with Supper's Ready.well.that can be debated. I like a band that can take its' name from Lord Of the Rings! The Silmarillion has been gathering dust on my headboard. ONE day.I might actually READ it! But if any of you know the style that J.R.R.Tolkien used in his writing, then you'll understand why I haven't started yet. I can't say any of Marillion's songs are very Lord of the Rings-ish as such.but the band name is random enough for me and I love it. There's also the idea floating around in the heads of a few people that this particular Marillion album has misogyny running in in its veins as a result of Derek Dick's (I can see why the poor, poor guy changed his name to Fish) bad experiences with women in his life. I admit that the man was a scary, wonderfully talented, somewhat emotionally-immature guy who probably did desire a girlfriend a little too much than he really needed to.but if THIS album has 'misogyny' in it then why am I listening to it? Of all people?? It's unrequited love- more like it. And frustration! The truth is that every single song is.depressing. Even the upbeat Garden Party has a dark undertone to it.

Script for a Jester's Tear: Depressing indeed but so beautiful, so romantic. Goddamn weepy for anyone who's suffering unrequited love or has just ended a relationship. *A tear runs down my cheek at this point.* But I'll cut the cheez and assure you that I don't adore this song just because of it's sentimental value for me. "So here I am once more- in the playground of the broken hearts." Piano chords and arpeggios played by Mark Kelly are always perfect for such a soulful start to a legendary song. Funny that- I've got a cousin called Mark and he also plays the piano like an angel! I've been to three different playgrounds since I first heard this song and "I'm loosing on the swings, I'm loosing on the roundabouts" always comes to mind. The guitar and synth-flutes bring out the slightly tragic playfulness of the theme: we're in a playground and "The game is OVER!" The words repeat and Fish sings with more and more passion. He sure knows how to throw his voice! Steve Rothery and his incredibly 80s electric guitar comes in. Remember- the 80s electric guitar is definitely a trait of Marillion all in all- mixed with keyboards and synthesizers in the background of course. This carries on for a while and the guitar improvises. But then it all dies down and an eerie keyboard dances in the background with the guitar as Fish practically mumbles: "I never did write that love song, The words just never seemed to flow." Irony in lyrics= a lot of pathos= gooood. Did I mention that this song could be described as an 'Essay of Emotions'? "PROMISED WEDDING NOW A WAKE!" This is the catharsis of the song and something gets caught in my throat now whenever I hear it. My eyes tend to fill up. "As you grow up and leave the playground where you kissed your Prince and found your frog- remember the Jester who showed you tears. The script. for tears." Amazingly tragic. Rothery's guitar moans and the 80s drumming of Mick Pointer (when you think about it, that's a pretty good name for a drummer!) keeps- up a constant beat at this point. Gorgeous. Teary. "So I hold our peace forever when you wear your bridal gown, In the silence of my shame the mute that sang the siren's song has gone soloooooo in the game." The chordal progression repeats but you can't deny Steve Rothery's improving guitar. "Can you still say you love me? Can you still say you love me? Can you still say.that you love me?" I cannot emphasize how when Fish sings quietly, almost pitifully here, and then rises to a more passionate tone- it can stop me from breathing sometimes. After this- it fades out. The LEGEND of a song has now ended.

He Knows You Know: Pretty-much the least like a progressive rock song on the album but it certainly has its' moments. Pete Trewavas plays a funky 80s beat on the bass all the way through which really stands out. The way Fish uses his voice in this song is also exceptionally lovely. If not frightening. The quiet transition, with a 'pumping' synth, very 80s, in the background, is one of the best bits. "He's got experience, he's got experience, he knoooows you know." The way he both talks and sings the word "problems" is almost disturbing. But so incredibly awesome! It's heard so many times though. The synth-keyboard is the most impressive; going up a key with the electric guitar jumping over it. Another thing about Fish's voice in this song= he 'flicks' it! "Pumping arteries ooze the problems through the gap in the razor claw, YOU GOT.." Then the rest of the band's voices back him up. Rothery's guitar strumming toward the end of this song is gorgeous.And then comes the great Marillion moment found at the end of this song: the phone call for Fish. Altogether now: "DON'T GIVE ME YOUR PROBLEMS!" If you ask me- Derek Dick seems to give a half-hearted effort in this angry outburst. But he's more passionate in this singing than his acting- needless to say. It's still a legendary moment!

The Web: *Flash!..Flash!..bang, bang, BANG etc.* The way the start of this song intrudes on the silence, straight after the He Knows You Know phone-call, is an instant thumbs-up. This anthemish song is, like the rest of the album, a melancholy one. I say this because of the lyrics, and the lyrics in this song are fantastic- all written by Fish as his first try at writing lyrics for the band. The way he sings his lungs out then resorts to mumbling at a few points in this epic is heart-rendering. Mark Kelly's synth-keyboard continuously goes down in this song and drags the whole band in tow (when you listen to it, you'll know what I mean) which singles this song out as the most capturing. In other words- it gains our attention instantly. "And thus begins The Web." This song is most definitely Mark Kelly's baby- for not only does he control the synth but also the keyboard which dances over the top and improvises the whole way. "The flytraps need the insects, Ivy caresses the wall, Needles make love to the junkies, The Sirens seduce with their call.." Fish's voice has an echoing whisper for this part. His poetry is excellent. I also like the type of epic which seems to have the singer changing his mind about something in the lyrics: "I realize I hold the key to freedom, I cannot let my life be ruled by threads.." Also, note the allusion to Script for a Jester's Tear: "I only laughed away your tears but even jesters cry." Fish sure likes his jester-imagery. He was an insane man, that one. Steve Rothery shows off on his guitar with various distortion- effects and Mick Pointer picks-up on the drums- changing to an 80's 'gunpower' tactic at one point. The words repeat after the guitar finishes its improvisation but the effects used on Fishes voice are different. Later things quieten down and the gentle synth 'pumps' again. Things get even more exciting (can you believe it?) when both the key signature and the time signature change in an unexpected place. Here, the keyboard gives us an even better improvisation than the first while the rest of the band work together underneath it. "Decisions have been made, I've conquered my fears, all my fears, The flaming shroud.the flaming shroud! Thus ends the web, the web, the web, the web..*spoken* The Web." This is an optimistic song, in comparison with the others, but only if you look at it from a certain view-point: it's a song about getting things done.

Garden Party: People talking.various conversations.a gentle synth- so typical of Marillion.then the drums and bass join in. "Garden Party held today.." This is the only slightly happy song of the album but the lyrics suggest how pretentious and wanky high-class parties in England are. Therefore- there's still pessimism here. Mick Pointer's complicated drumbeat is an impressive one. When the beat stops and all that we hear is Rothery's quiet acoustic with Fish singing "Champagne corks are firing at the sun.again. Swooping swallows chased by violins.again." we find a perfect example of how Fish can moan, sing, yell and whisper at the same time. He gets even more bizarre later on. "Oh God not again!" I love the crescendo of the synth-bashing. It's very dancey and it makes me want to have a Garden Party for my 20th birthday all of a sudden. Strange-isn't it, how the lyrics of some amazingly good songs can enlighten us in making decisions. Another thing about this song= "Social leeches. quoting Chaaaaucer!" My dad was rather happy when he heard I'd enrolled at Uni for an English paper on Chaucer next year. On the other hand, he was a bit taken-aback when he heard I only made that decision due to the subliminal messages within an 80s rock-song. I don't care- I'm sure I'll enjoy that paper! And when I've finished it- maybe I'll find out where exactly that random quote said in the background comes from. Fish has such a beautiful vibrato in his voice. Again- Mark Kelly plays a tremendous solo on his synth-keyboard. "I'm punting, I'm beagling, I'm whining, Reclining, I'm rucking, I'm f**king.." naughty, naughty Fish! That's such an unexpected lyric, I suppose we'll just have to use our imagination to find out what it means. A dancey, almost cutsie invitation ensues: "Garden Party held today they say, Oh please do come, Oh please do come, they say." The flashing of the synth echoes into the distance. This is definitely a fun song!

Chelsea Monday: The sounds heard at the beginning of this track are very creepy. Fish's voice is heard constantly saying something- but rewound. Then the crawling- upwards arpeggios on the bass begin. Rothery's beautiful guitar and some tinkling 80s sound effects go over the top of that. This is a song about a girl who is "Playing the actress in this bedroom scene, she's learning her lines from glossy magazines." There's one immortal and very repeated line I love: "Patience my tinsel angel. Patience my perfumed child. One day they'll really love you, you'll charm them with that smile." This song seems gentle at first but it becomes very passionate after the guitar, with (as usual) the synth in the background, takes over and the whole band comes together. Then suddenly it changes key and dies down to an almost acoustic sounding guitar. This is later changed by what appears to be a havard organ and guitar playing the same tune over comes through. "She'll pray for endless Sundays as she enters saffron sunsets!" I suppose the point is that she's a very effeminate and yet very superficial and brainless young woman. Then, my favourite!!, an even better and even more sentimental, reminding one of the Apocalypse, chordal progression takes over. I know this sounds a tad strange but I tend to picture a girl with her arms stretched out and light coming out of her for this point of the song.but that's just me. What's your imagination like for this one? A man talks in the background- we hear part of a conversation: "Hello John, did you see The Standard about four hours ago? Fished a young chick out of The Old Father. Blond hair, blue eyes, she said she wanted to be an actress of something. Nobody knows where she came from, where she was going. Funny thing was she had a smile on her face.she was smiling! What a waste!!!" This confuses me a bit. Yes, we know it's about a girl who wants to be an actress but does she drown herself? Is she really insane the whole way through? The "she was only dreaming" at the fade out could even suggest she sleep-walked into the river. It gives you something to think about. I know a few actresses because I've worked with them. They're all potentially mad I think. BUA-HA-HA! Musician-ship-wise, this is probably Steve Rothery's big moment.

Forgotten Sons: A tuning radio is heard with Market Square Heroes on one of the channels. Then the thumping beginning starts and it's VERY catchy! "Armillite. streetlights.nightsights." It all seems very happy but the words suggest otherwise: "Searching the roofs for a sniper.a viper.a fighter" This song has been considered as relating to an IRA explosion in late 1983. The way the synth dances over and over reminds me of an Irish jig. While Peter Cockburn (what an unfortunate name!!) announces this piece of poetry, Fish practically yells it: "Your mother sits on the edge of the world when the cameras start to roll. Panoramic viewpoint resurrect the killing fold. Your father drains another beer, he's one of the few that cares, Crawling behind a Saracen's hull from the safety of his living room chair. Forgotten Sons. Forgotten Sons. FORGOTTEN SONS." Rothery's distant guitar plays the whole way through this- very stylie! Then he goes solo after Fish and Peter finish their 'soliloquy'. After this solo- a chanting section begins: "And so as I patrol in the valley of the shadow of the tricolour, I must fear evil." Gunpower- drums and elec-guitar sound in the background. Should I say this part is a bit pretentious? My thoughts are varied on this. Fish is certainly INSANE in this one. One bit of drama: "Halt! Who goes there?" *spooky whisper* "Death." "Enter friend.." The guitar towards the end is repetitive but the melody is beautiful. We hear a trumpet in the distance and then an echoing-effect guitar as he sings: "You're just another coffin on its way down the emerald aisle." Then the little boys from the Marquee Club Parents' Association Children's Choir come in and sing their part! Are they symbolic of the ever-sung-about 'forgotten sons"? leave that to the decision of the listener. The song isn't *that* long- only lasts around seven minutes and it ends on an upbeat (a major chord).

Overall, I am now a very proud-to-be Marillion fan. Neil from the 'Young Ones' likes Marillion too! We all need to bring out the dirty hippy in ourselves. The best tracks in this album are definitely The Web, Garden Party and Script for a Jester's Tear. If I could sum-up Marillion (after listening to this album and Market Square Heroes, Three Boats down from the Candy and Grendel *so far*) in three main parts, they would be: Fish's energetic and somewhat frightening voice, a repeating synth often in the background, and a wonderful guitar solo. I don't care about all the claims that they're a blatant rip-off of Genesis, they're too fantastic! The best 80s prog in a nutshell.

The year was 1983. Music charts were filled with what we would later come to realize was some of the worst music ever committed to vinyl – Michael Jackson, Culture Club, Wham!, Spandau Ballet, The Eurythmics, Paul Young, Men at Work… heavy drinking and depression seemed to be the only answer.

And to make things worse, all my mystic heroes from our days of musical nirvana were abandoning us in search of pop stardom and fleeting fame – Genesis, Kansas, ELP, Yes, Pink Floyd, and King Crimson were all laying down turds they would spend the next decade trying to distance themselves from. I was spending my days trying to find some comfort in the modest efforts of Asia, Saga, and the technically excellent but hard to stomach Rush, wearing out all my old albums, and trying to get through the long, cold winter in my college dormitory with some semblance of sanity intact.

Then, as the snow gave way to early spring, I happened across a most unusual import album cover on a fresh-air trip to my local new & used record shop. The cover showed a creepy-looking, caffeine and cigarette addled jester clutching his violin and struggling to pen the notes to some (presumably) brilliant and angst- ridden epic. I spent hours just studying the album artwork after shelling out $10 to make it mine. The crinkled up parchment with the lyrics to Yesterday lying in the violin case; the out-of-place horned lizard perched on the hard-backed wooden chair; the magazines, newspapers, and album covers strewn about the back cover (including what appears to be a copy of Floyd’s A Saucerful of Secrets lying on the floor). Who the hell were these guys, and what was one of their albums doing in a neighborhood record shop in Wichita, Kansas?

So I played it. And played it. And played it. Couldn’t get enough. The voice of Fish was haunting, abrasive, strident, but most of all intoxicating. This was a guy who was really going through some kind of mental distress, and I could feel it in every note. The production was crisp, clear (compared to the muddy mixes of the 70’s I was used to at the time). The spitting contempt in lines “To eliminate those who would trespass against you” and “Death in the shadows he'll maim you, he'll wound you, he'll kill you for a long forgotten cause” on Forgotten Sons, and the interspersing of snippets from the Lord’s Prayer and Hark, the Herald Angels Sing were poignant and sobering. Here was an anti-war song nearly a decade after our Vietnam War, and long after similar sentiments from Lennon, CSN, Joan Baez had faded. The band wore it well, and convincingly.

The posers in the Garden party filled me with contempt, representing all those pretentious, condescending bastards I waited on in restaurants and got cut off by on the freeway, primping and sneering as they moved through life on a different plane than the one I knew and struggled to survive in.

The line on Script… – “I never did write that love song, the words just never seemed to flow”, was so haunting and reminiscent of the aftermath of every lost love from my younger years that I must have played that track a hundred times, and each time it spoke in different ways. I had written those words myself, in my dreams, over and over – and now I was hearing them in the flesh.

He knows, you Know was a jumble of pain, misery, fated thoughts, and words that meant nothing, and also everything, flowing through my head for weeks –

“Blank eyes / purple fever, streaming through frosted pane You’ve learned your lesson far too late from links in chemist chain; You've got venom in your stomach, and got poison in your head, You should have stayed at home and talked with father - listen to the lies he fed”

What the hell did it mean? What difference did it make – the pungent smoke made it all the more clear, and more cryptic at the same time.

The songs were all long, wandering, introspective, brooding, just what I needed to disappear into and escape the fast-changing world around that was fast ceasing to make any sense. The earth Moms and happy times, hippy love, the innocent naivety of the flower children, was slipping away fast, replace by pastel-clad, self-absorbed plastic people of the sort Frank had warned us.

But this was real, spoke volumes, and was mine. These songs and the warming sunny days of spring were dismal and exciting at the same time. Things were changing, but that was okay, I guess… Not like I (or anyone else) had much choice. Time marched on, and so did I.

“Decisions have been made, decisions have been made I've conquered my fears, the flaming shroud

Thus ends the web”

peace

"So here I am once more in the playground of the broken hearts / one more experience, one more entry."

I've started to listen to Script from the last june and I was initially a little bit disappointed! In fact I'm not really an "aficionado" of neo-prog genre. by the way I have to admit that this album, at each time I listen to it, amazes me ever more! That's not for the (obvious) Genesis' references which seem to be the fundaments of this 80s prog re- birth. In fact I feel there's a great injection of originality in Script for a Jester's Tear due to the fact of the unique vocals provided by Fish, its most precious trademark, also due to the fact of the master hands of all the band members who created these stunning arrangements, running keyboards and convincing guitars, almost perfect drumming!

The opener track is a perfect introduction and it's nowadays my favourite Marillion's track. Warm atmosphere and strong poetry is sparse in all the of the album's compositions, from beginning to end!

Yes, I like it!

As a debut-album it is powerful, sometimes dark, in a great symbiosis with the nice cover, rich of particulars. What a pity I still don't own the 1997 remaster cd edition (with all that interesting bonus material)!

The late Seventies and early Eighties were very poor times for me and my friends as '24-carat symphonic rock'freaks: Love Beach by ELP sounded almost as crappy as the cover looks, Roger Waters had left Pink Floyd and Genesis and Yes had jumped on the 'pop-prog' bandwagon... but then there was Marillion. At first we nailed them as a blatant Genesis-rip off, mainly because of the similarities between Grendel and Supper's Ready on their min-LP Market Square Heroes. But on this new album we discovered that Marillion had so much more to offer than Genesis echoes (the twanging acoustic guitars, Fish his voice, the organ runs and the synthesizer flights that often reminds me of The Lamb). When I noticed this just released album in my favorite record shop Supertracks in The Hague it was love at first sight: the wonderful artwork by Mark Wilkinson (layered with mystical associations), the poetical lyrics ("yet another emotional suicide", "catalogue princess, apprentice seductress" and "who order desecration, mutilation, verbal masturbation in their guarded bureaucratic wombs", splendid words!) and the amazing equipment like the Rickenbacker bass, Yamaha SG guitar (like Steve his hero Carlos Santana) and Minimoog synthesizer, could it go wrong with all these ingredients?

No! From the very first moment on this pivotal neo-progrock album you are carried away to the wonderful and compelling world of early Marillion. Four long captivating compositions and two short, catchy songs. Fish delivers inspired, often emotional vocals and beautiful poetical lyrics. Steve Rothery his guitar work(between Hackett, Latimer and Gilmour but with the emotional overtones from Santana) is very powerful with lots of great, very sensitive soli. The keyboards from Mark Kelly range from tender piano and harpsichord to flashy Minimoog runs and bombastic eruptions on his Yamaha and Roland synthesizers. Peter Trawavas plays fluent and propulsive, only Mick 'E.T.' Pointer his drum work sounds sometimes a bit too tight. My absolute highlight is Forgotten Sons, Fish his statement against the UK policy in Northern-Ireland: Marillion succeeds in a very emotinal and compelling way to translate that tension, anger and sadness into a mindblowing epic composition with one of the emotional 'grand finales' in the progressive rock history: "for a second you'll be famous but labelled posthumous" ... it's about Northern Ireland but "l'histoire se repète": Vietnam, Afghanistan, Irak and all those many other countries were young soldiers were, are and will be manipulated by governments that are only interested in money and selling oil and weapons ...

"Peace on earth and mercy mild, Mother Earth is loosing her children" ....

First and foremost, I'll not even get into the unfounded Genesis comparisons. Although Fish can be somewhat compared to Peter Gabriel in sound and stage presence, Marillion and Genesis really don't sound that much alike. Not so much that deserves so much discussion.

Kicked off by the title track, everything about "Script" is emotional. From Fish's amazing lyrics and vocal output to Rothery simply punishing the guitar, it is truly a song for the ages. The only problem is Pointer. Marillion made such an upgrade in sound with Ian Mosley replaced Pointer. Live versions after Mosley's dismissal are much more fluid. Especially the beginning when Kelly and Pointer keep time with one another.

"He Knows You Know" is a classic example of how underrated Mark Kelly is as a keyboardist. Great textures about three minutes in, with Rothery tearing off (yet) another memorable solo. This tune just has a nice driving beat and Pointer actually sounds decent with his kick drum work.

"Garden Party" gets a bit cheese laden at times, but it's got some nice work by Trewavas and Pointer, keeping impeccable time. I do prefer the way Mosley handles the later live versions, however. Much more of a fluid drummer than Pointer.

"Forgotten Sons" is a pretty powerful anti-war track. Very haunting vocals by Fish, but could've done without the little "Although I walk in the valley of death..." part in the middle; however, everything else about the track is very moving. Again, I can't say enough about Rothery's guitar solo and lazer-like slashing in the middle. Such an underrated guitarist.

I'll always be a Hogarth follower; however, I can't dismiss the work of the Mad Scotsman. A masterpiece will be created a couple of years down the road in Misplaced Childhood; however, Script really laid the foundation of years of memorable music created by a group of very underappreciated musicians.

Script for a Jesters Tear is the debut album of five-piece Neo-prog band Marillion, the album that thrust prog back into the public conscience and effectively started the Neo-prog boom of the 1980's early 90's. So after more than 20 years, what can one say about this album?

The most obvious stand out is Fish. He has a singing style that is incredibly theatrical, in fact he is the closest anyone has got to singing like Peter Gabriel, though he uses this style in a completely different manner, more like that of Peter Hammil, and accentuates it greatly. And I love it, he communicates the feelings, even imagery, that he instils into the songs brilliantly, a charismatic front man if ever there was one.

Its not just his singing style that dominates this album, he proves to be an impressive song writer as well. The main basis for this would be his self destructive lifestyle witch lends itself brilliantly to the themes of the songs here. Speaking of the themes, a lot of these songs focus on the individual, with Garden Party and Forgotten Sons being the exceptions. In Script for a Jesters Tear he sings about himself, how he played as the class joker in an attempt to deflect criticism of his size and the fact that he was on the social boundaries. He Knows You Know was about his drug and alcohol abuse, The Web about infatuation with someone (at least that's what I get from the lyrics here) and Chelsea Monday is the search for fame. What makes these lyrics so special is that they weave a story, seemingly giving the album characters, and character, to really think about, that leave a lasting impression in your mind.

Musically this band rocks in most quarters, with Rothery immediately marking himself out as one of the most emotional guitarists of the time, each riff, lick, solo suit's the song brilliantly. OK, he's not the most technically gifted guitarist of all time but that doesn't matter here, his guitar lines aren't overly simple and they work around the keyboard passages to add a real sense of feeling.

Mark Kelly's keyboard lines move between slow, simple backing to Fish's voice to powering the atmosphere behind the solo's of Rothery or leading the melody. Not a lot needs to be said here, he's just extremely well suited to this style of music, you just have to hear the songs to find what he adds.

Pete Trewaves is probably the stand out musician of this album, he has a unique and powerful style of playing bass that drives the songs forward. Sadly, Pete's partner in the rhythm section, Mick Pointer, was not quite up to the task. His drum lines are acceptable but his eventual full time replacement Ian Mosley would have done much better here. Because of this its Pete's bass work that holds the songs together more than the drums, but having said that, Pointers work isn't inappropriate, it just lacks a technical edge that many other drummers have.

Overall this is quite an amazing album, most definitely one of the strongest debut's in the prog world, and historically the album that kicked the Neo-prog movement into high gear, even if it wasn't the first one there. Despite its flaws in the rhythm section, this album is stunning because of its immaculately formed songs and deserves everyone of the 5 stars.

Script for a Jester's Tear for me falls into the same category as Minstrel in the Gallery and Songs From the Wood, they are very good but not quite masterpieces. Script for a Jester's Tear shows Marillion at the height of their power, excellent compositions, musicianship and ideas all contribute to the overall quality of the music on this album. MArillion is a very Genesis sounding band, but they aren't all out copies as they also combine more modern rock with Symphonic Prog.

The result is very good and there are some very memorable moments on Script for a Jester's Tear. The guitar work on Script for a Jester's Tear is one large difference between Marilion and Genesis, MArillion's guitar passages are generally heavier and more dominant. While Genesis seem to relay on them more as fillers. The Vocalists are very similar, which isn't a bad thing as they are both very good singers. I only wish Fish would sing in a Scottish accent as it sounds good and add character to the music.

Synthesizers and Keyboards are a very important feature of Script for a Jester's Tear and they succeed in creating haunting and strange sound scapes. The sound of the Synthesizers on Script for a Jester's Tear sound much more modern, if you get my idea. But there are a few good old style mini-moog (at least I think It's a mini-moog) solos here and there, the solo on the Web comes to mind.

Script for a Jester's Tear is perhaps the best song on the album; it is a very progressive song which follows the same basic pattern as many other prog songs. There is a fantastic guitar solos and the closing section of the song is very good. The other highlight of Script for a Yester's Tear is the Web which is another very proggy song. The other songs on the album aren't quite as impressive but are still excellent. The synthesizer work on The Web is a highlight of the album, it is spectacular.

1. Script for a Jester's tears (4/5) 2. He knows you know (3/5) 3. The web (4/5) 4. Garden party (3/5) 5. Chelsea Monday (3/5) 6. Forgotten sons (3/5) Total = 20 divided by 6 =3.333 = 3 stars

Good, but non-essential

Script for a Jester's Tear is in summary a very good album but is not quite at the masterpiece level, but hey, it still is an excellent album and it is very high on the PA top 100. I'd recommend Script for a Jester's Tear to all symphonic fans as it is very interesting to see a more modern approach to classic prog.

The album that, according to many critics, resurrected prog in the early Eighties, "Script for a Jester's Tear" is (in my very humble opinion) the best Fish-era effort from Marillion. Though accused by many of being mere Genesis clones, the British five-piece were in fact more original that that, as well as considerably darker. There is nothing in Genesis' output that can compare to the unrelenting gloom of the tracks, with even the apparently lighter-hearted "Garden Party" being a corrosively ironical indictment of British upper-class society and manners. Fish's dramatic, sometimes exaggerated vocals do not recall so much the more understated Peter Gabriel (besides a very slight similarity in timbre) as Peter Hammill's all-out theatrics. The same can be said for his lyrics, which rank indeed among the most impressive in prog, though sometimes - just like his vocals - they can border on the overblown. The title-track opens the album in a quiet, nearly understated way, with Fish almost whispering the words, before the band kicks in with a great guitar performance by Steve Rothery. The following song, "He Knows You Know, released as a single, could be awarded the prize of the 'commercial' song with the darkest, most despairing lyrics ever - a deeply disturbing tale of drug addiction punctuated by dazzling keyboard work by Mark Kelly. Lengthy "The Web" is probably the proggiest song on the album, but also the least memorable to these ears - it definitely goes on a bit too long, though the performances on it are excellent.

Venomous "Garden Party", with its staccato rythm, sweeping synths and Fish's deceptively humourous vocal delivery, lightens the musical (if not the lyrical) mood - before the band plunges into misery once again with the chilling, all-too-credible tale of a girl's wasted life that is "Chelsea Monday". A cautionary tale for all those young women who live vicariously through celebrities and glossy magazines, waiting in vain for fame and fortune, it is a musically simple piece, enhanced by Fish's poignant vocals. The best track on the album, however, is saved for last, with "Forgotten Sons" - a haunting, bitter indiction of the tragedy and waste of life that is the ongoing struggle between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, ranking alongside The Police's "Invisible Sun" as the most memorable song on this tragic situation. The song opens with a strong rythmic beat, with Fish singing almost hysterically; then, a soaring Rothery solo leaves room for a chanting, almost whispered section in which Fish, backed by an almost military drumbeat, rants against the choices of the British government. The song climaxes with another beautiful, atmospheric guitar solo, and Fish's stark, poignantly true final words: "Peace on earth and mercy mild/Mother Brown has lost her child/Just another forgotten son". Easily the best Marillion song ever.

Fish-era Marillion cover art is undoubtedly not to everybody's taste, and in sharp contrast with the minimalistic style favoured by most Eighties bands. However, I find that its larger-than-life, gaudily coloured imagery suits the lyrical and musical content quite perfectly. Though "Script for a Jester's Tear" may not be a full-blown masterpiece, it is almost required listening for everybody who is keen on understanding the evolution of prog from its Seventies beginnings to its contemporary developments. For all that Neo-Prog may be an acquired taste and much too derivative for some, it is a phenomenon that cannot be ignored - and it does not come much better than this album.

I wonder how many GENESIS fans jumped ship to this new band called MARILLION in 1983.IQ released "Tales From The Lush Attic" the same year.As a prog fan i have so much respect for these guys.To see many of the seventies greats change to what was fashionable back then,changing styles.Then along comes this new band to take up the mantle of progressive music,at a time when it was not the popular thing to do.In fact i'm sure a lot of industry insiders felt they were committing suicide with their careers.Funny thing was that they even gained some commercial success with this new take on seventies prog.On this their debut album the star of the show is no doubt FISH with his animated vocals and wonderful lyrics, he drew a lot of attention to the band.The lyrics are emotional,thought provoking,very personal and dark.He sings about love,drugs,society,suicide and politics. To hear the self titled track open this record is so inspiring to me.I can't help but think of Peter Gabriel when Fish opens the song with those reserved vocals.It kicks in at 1 1/2 minutes.Great sound 2 minutes in.Check out the chunky bass as Fish sings with emotion.I have to mention Steve Rothery,the guy can flat out play and he really has his way with his guitar on this first track.I like when it settles 4 1/2 minutes in,i'm reminded of the intro.Kicks back in.Such a great track! "He Knows You Know" becomes bombastic with Fish spitting out the lyrics.A calm before 2 minutes then it kicks back in with some excellent synths and bass.Guitar follows lighting it up. "The Web" is my favourite track on here.The moods change often and the main melody sounds so good.Love the guitar 4 minutes in. "Garden Party" opens with the birds chirping and people talking.Hey it's a garden party! The song changes from bombastic to mellow quite often.Fish gets theatrical later on."Chelsea Monday" is such an emotional song,and Steve has a lot to do with that with his weeping guitar that is so sad,until it turns into an uplifting ,soaring solo after 2 minutes.Pure emotion right there.Check out both Fish and Steve after 5 1/2 minutes. "Forgotten Sons" is Fish delivering a theatrical vocal display.Some spoken words as Fish says the same words in the background with passion.Some nice bass and guitar follows.Best part of the song for me is before 6 minutes to the end.The guitar soars and Fish sings.The perfect ending. This album isn't without it's faults but it's a classic that breathed life into the dying progressive music scene and at the same time helped spawn a new genre.

The year was 1983. Progressive was a genre forbidden to be talked about in the press at the time. Or so it seems. Nevertheless for some musicians it did not matter. Music came first and if some punters decided prog was no more, then some would prove them wrong. And Script For a Jesters Tear was one of the first and surely the strongest one to emerge that year, showing the world prog music was alive and well and having a great breed!.

I still remember how I felt at the time as the sole human being who still enjoyed prog music. When I heard this album I was completely bowled over. Yes, the singer has a voice so similar to Peter Gabriel it misled a lot of people to believe they were copying early Genesis (some very ignorant ones still do!) Poor Fish! Was he guilty of having a similar voice? But the music was quite original, exciting and new. The lyrics were so unique! Fish proved to be one of the true poets fo his time (Twelfth Night's Mann was another). Every track here is a gem. Contrary to Genesis fantasy stories, the subjects here are much more down to earth, dealing with drugs , personality crises, the irish conflict, the hollywood lure, etc. All songs are wraped up with great melodies, the band played brilliant and unlike 70's too much keyboard oriented work, this new british acts would give the guitar a proeminent play.

This album is a a neo prog classic and worth all the praising it has been giving since its release more than 20 years ago. No wonder Marillion was considered the main figure of the neo prog movement. How many bands star with a work as powerful as this one? And how many delivered such great albums in a row? (I'm talking about Marillion WITH Fish, of course). Highly recommended to anyone who likes prog music in particular or good music in general.

Marillion´s official debut is a very good one and if you consider that the prog scene in the 80´s was not that good, it is a lucky that this album exists, mainly because Marillion inspired many neo-prog bands which would keep carring the prog flag during the 80´s.

One thing that is generally mistaken is that Marillion is a Genesis ripoff. But the truth is that Fish tries to immitate Peter Gabriel too hard and the result is not good because Gabriel himself had not a good voice and he compensates this fact with great technique, his theatrical skills and great woodwind playing. Fish tries to immitate Gabriel but without the same creativity and theatrical skills, so the result is not good.

About the songs, all of them are good and most clocks at at least 7-minute mark. The songs are all well played, mainly the guitars and the keyboards. The bassist is very competent also. The best songs in my opinion are Script for A Jester´s Tear, Garden Party, Chelsea Monday and Forgotten Sons, with superb instrumental arrangements, mainly the great guitar playing by Rothery. One thing that annoys me much in some songs is the singing, when Fish tries to sound very much like Gabriel and he even loses the tone.

Anyway, the album is very good despite of the futile Fish efforts to sound like Gabriel and it is a very good example of neo prog and one of the best Marillion albuns, so it is recommended to prog fans.

Script For a Jester's Tear is the first full length album from neo-prog pioneers Marillion. This one album launched an entire movement, a fact that always impresses me. The band takes almost all of its sound from Gabriel-era Genesis, but they do not rip off their idols. Fish's thoughtful and metaphorical lyrics are as strong as Gabriel's but they are much more bitter. Rothery's style is identical to Hackett's, but he stands out whereas Hackett blended in with Tony banks' keyboards too often. Trewavas is slightly better than Rutherford. Pointer and Kelly sound too much like Collins and Banks, but they are not blatant rip-offs.

The songs on Script are not epic in length, but they are longer than the majority of the songs being written at that time or even now. Every song has an inventive arrangement. The album is sort of a big breakup song, only the couple was never together. It is a tale of unrequited love, and Fish fills his lyrics with his trademark irony. The concept follows a poet's unrequited love and its effects on him. The title track starts things off softly until Trewavas enters. Rothery's decent solo arrives and raises the bar. It's more moving than technical, and it stays true to the symphonic soloing of Howe and Hackett, not taking up too much room. The difference is that his guitar sound much more modern than Howe or Hackett; Steve cements his 80s guitar in Marillion's sound on this song.

He Knows You Know deals with the poet using drugs to give him an escape from his sorrow. I like Trewavas funky bass on this, but the track didn't grab me for a long time.

The Web is my favorite song on the album. Rothery's solo is superb, and the poet ponders whether he should move on.

Garden Party shows that the poet decides to leave his pain behind him and mingle with society. Fish viciously attacks the hypocrisy of society on this number. I have a feeling Oscar Wilde would have loved this song, and the whole album for that matter.

Chelsea Monday directs Fish's rage towards high society women. The poet pictures the perfect societal woman as one who essentially lives her life out of fashion and other wemen's magazines so she does not have to live her own life. The arrangement on this track gives me the creeps.

Forgotten Sons shifts the attack now to politics and the subject of war. The poet wonders why young men and women must die for their governments; Gatot says it also deals with the IRA's attack on the Harrod's department store. Then Fish gives a manifestation of man's interal conflict with himself. Primal instincts vs. intellect and morals, etc.

The flaw of this album is that concept sort of slips. We go from unrequited love to pondering war. However, Fish does manage to tie it all in, and the result is a triumph of prog. Though not as good as Mispalced Childhood, this album is a must own.

Grade: A-

While not quite the masterpiece many claim it to be, "Script" is still a solid album-- but really only when one considers that: this is the first piece of "progressive" music to come around for a while, and that it is from a band which is very much in its infancy. When compared to the band's later, Fish-era albums, "Script" can be seen for what it really is: experimentation, and an attempt to discover a unique sound.

That being said, it is still a great example of the times and of "neo-prog". Fish's vocals are reminiscent of Gabriel's, but lack control; fortunately, he is a passionate and emotive singer, and even though he sometimes sounds a little goofy, it doesn't detract from the music. The rest of the band itself plays well given their burgeoning style, but aren't as cohesive as they will be on later albums. Along with the dramatic title track, "Garden Party" stands out as the most interesting tune.

Marillion's early, melodramatic, and emotional album isn't perfect, but its probably the most accessible and enjoyable of the progressive revival.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4

The best of the Fish era albums without a doubt and a very enjoyable rock album. Obviously I'm in the minority as to the importance of Marillion but I do respect that they carried the torch during this somewhat bleak period.

I saw the band live twice during this period and what struck me was how little they seemed to enjoy themselves. Fish especially looked like he couldn't wait to get off the stage. There was almost no interaction between the members, no smiles, little enthusiasm. The crowd was definately appreciate though and I enjoyed myself too. The first time I saw them was opening for Rush. What a double bill! The second time, during the Clutching tour, the band played all the new material and not even one song from Script. While the audience was calling out for Script and unhappy about not hearing any, I thought it was really brave of the band to stick with the new material.

There's not much need to break down the songs as it has been done many times by others. They are high quality, well composed, and well executed. The title track is a classic in any time and I'd never deny them that. 3 1/2 stars.

I could hardly have chosen a better album for my four hundredth review on PA (a lot more to come). As I have mentioned in some other reviews, I stopped listening to prog music from 1978 to 1996. I had actually no idea who Marillion was till the year 2001. A colleague of mine leant me "Misplaced Childhood" and here we go...

I purchased the single CD version of "The Script" in 2003 and I couldn't believe my ears. Yes, I have LOVED Genesis (and still do of course) like a maniac in some ancient times and no, I have no problem with a band sounding as Genesis when the level of the songs are of this caliber.

There are not a single weak moment here. All compositions are brilliant. Kelly on the keys is outstanding, both Pointer and Trewavas offer a solid rhythmic section, Rothery's work is subtle and so pleasant.

Then, Fish. He makes my flesh creep (especially on this first officail release). And I'm listening to him while I write. Yes, he sounds as Peter, and yes, he knows, you know. Actually Fish gave a try at almost all the instruments because he wanted to be in a rock band. But he was by no way gifted. Then, some friends told him he should try the vocals since he had some similaritites with Gabriel while he was humming. He was very proud of this. He liked Genesis, and Yes (hence his nickname : Fish; partially because he was a fan of Chris Squire). The other origin of his nickname goes back, apparently, straight to his youth during which he would spent endless times in the water of his bath...

To find a better track than another is very difficult here. The title one maybe with this delicate voice ? Or "Chelsea Monday" with this wonderful guitar and mellotron sound ? Or "Garden Party" with these aerial vocal passages and its strong instrumental ones ? Or "The Web" with this great guitar break ? Or "Forgotten Sons" and this background riff at times sounding like "Watcher" and the incredible final section ...Throughout the album, rather intricate lyrics have also contributed to the filiation with Gabriel.

All this work is so nice and melodious than any Genesis fan couldn't resist I guess. At least I couldn't. Almost thirty years later. "He Knows, You Know" is maybe the least achieved number : but still, it is a good one. The proof of time did not have any negative effect to this fantastic album, like the greatest ones to which it belongs.

What is also remarquable, is that Marillion put a lot of attention in the design of their sleeves (albums, but singles as well). An incredible look really. From their logo to some Fish's costumes.

A year later, in 2004, I was already in my Marillion mania period and I purchased the double CD (24 bit digitally remastered). This is another great habit from the band. They will re-release almost (if not all) of their earlier recordings with a complete bonus CD (not one additional and miserable track or two of little interest like it is mostly the case). No, what you get there is truely another great FIFTY additional minutes of fabulous music.

Alternate versions of their single "Market Square Heroes" as well as for "Chelsea Monday". Another of their single is featured as well in an alternate version : "He Knows You Know", the very nice B-side "Three Boats Down From The Candy" and finally "Grendel".

I just love this number. Of course, at times it sounds as "Supper's Ready". But it is also a sublime track. One of my fave of the band. It is very much the central piece of this double CD set. IMO, it superseeds all the other numbers (even if lots of people do not like it because of its "Supper's Ready"'s cloning.

What else can I say ? If you have not listened yet to this masterpiece of prog music, you only have one thing to do : buy it, lend it, rob it. But do get it !

If you have read my reviews of the last seventeen bands I have commented, you know that I do it vertically. Meaning from start to finish. Almost all the way through. This will be a marvelion travel.

Five stars, of course.

Market Square Heroes/Three Boats/Grendel whetted my teenage appetite. My local stores did not have Script and I first saw it (and bought it) on a day trip to Bath while on school hockey tour to Cheltenham/Monkton Coomb/Dean's Close. Ten days of waiting to play it were rewarded as a bunch of spotty mates called round to listen to the latest offereing from the Scottish wordsmithand the English band.

We heard a melancholic album, introspective, emotional and dramatic. This was an album that has resonated for me: a few years after its release I was attending Garden Parties by still (heavily polluted) Cam waters while studying at Cambridge: at home during vacation I listed to the band playing Forgotten Sons at Maysfield Leisure Centre a few weeks after a family friend was murdered by the IRA. This was not, and is not, a detatched musical piece. It confronted real contemporary political issues. No punches pulled. It satirised the elite. (always an easy target). Maybe this is lsot on the present generation. Forgotten Sons stands the test of time. SLF wrote many but they were from Ulster and saturated in the political ethos.

it's definitely in my prog desert island discs let alone a 5 star.

This album has been a mystery to me for over twenty years. Why do people like it so much?

Perhaps I can supply an answer. It was issued in the same year that GENESIS and YES supplied the market with albums seen as betrayals of progressive sensibilties ('Abacab' and '90125' respectively). And look, here's a band playing like they were GENESIS from the 1970s! No wonder the progressive community lapped MARILLION up, to the point of inventing the perfectly silly genre title 'neo-progressive' to describe this so-called renaissance.

Trouble is, I did not share the progressive community's opinion. I found both '90125' and 'Abacab', while not either group's best work, to be perfectly acceptable offerings. This, on the other hand ...

I wish I could share your fun. I must say I rate 'Misplaced Childhood' very highly because of its integrated approach, and parts of 'Fugazi' appeal to me. I'm also a fan of HOGARTH-era MARILLION. This album, however, frustrates me. Everything is so obvious, nothing has any hidden depths, nothing invites me back for a second listen. I give it a spin every year or so, and I've yet to discover anything of interest. In fact, I listened to it three times over the weekend before writing this review. So, how does this album compare to those of their '70s heroes? Well, FISH'S obvious influence (to VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR fans, AT LEAST) is PETER HAMMILL, and Derek Dick is no HAMMILL. He struggles to sing (though he gets better on subsequent albums), and his lyrics are just too trite for the genre. Mick POINTER is definitely no PHIL COLLINS ... need I go on? There isn't a song here that can hold a candle to the acerbic lunacy of 'Lemmings' or 'Plague', or to the sweet melodies of 'Firth of Fifth' of 'Entangled.'

There are many other incongruous aspects to this band and album. MARILLION take their name from J.R.R. TOLKIEN'S masterwork, 'The Silmarillion', yet they seldom if ever reference fantasy motifs. What an odd choice of names for blue-collar proggers.

I respect the consensus of the progressive comunity, and acknowledge that in most people's eyes this is a five-star album. But it's important to have a variety of opinions, so here's mine. If you love melody and beauty above all else in your music, I fear this album may disappoint you, as it did (and does) me. On the other hand, the weight of evidence suggests that if you are a fan of '70s progressive music, you'll enjoy MARILLION'S first four albums, this included.

With progressive rock dying a quiet death in the late 1970's, and ultimately when foundation groups like Genesis and Yes switched to radio-friendly AOR/pop music by 1983, along came Marillion. Marillion's debut album Script for a Jester's Tear was the lone beacon of hope for prog rock in the 1980's, amidst a sea of digital pop songs, drum machines and an endless wallpaper of MTV videos. It actually did quite well in the U.K. considering the time period, but was basically lost in the U.S. (Indeed, I myself only discovered it 13 years later). Marillion started what would later be called the neo-progressive movement, a long list of bands chiefly influenced by Genesis, Yes, and symphonic prog rock, but with varying doses of AOR sensibilities allowing much of their material to be more "radio friendly." Unfortunately very few of these bands ever got any radio airplay, especially outside of the U.K.

Marillion's Script for a Jester's Tear is the foundation of neo-progressive rock, the ultimate pinnacle of this much maligned sub-genre. Led by vocalist Fish, Scotland's answer to Peter Gabriel, the group would construct some of the most thoughtful and compelling lyrics and subject matter since pre-Lamb Genesis. Keyboardist Mark Kelly became the 1980s answer to Tony Banks, though tended to focus more on atmospherics then solos. Script for a Jester's Tear has some of the lushest synths I've ever heard (like Genesis meets Eloy), and it's nice to hear more analogue synths then the digital ones that became so prevalent during this time. Steve Rothery is quite a skilled and competent guitarist, not quite in the same league as the prog greats, but very respectable nonetheless occasionally suggesting a Gilmour influence here and there. Drummer Mick Pointer is exceptional, though I don't think Marillion makes as good use of his skills as he would show later when he joined Arena (Pointer would leave after this album). Finally, the group is complete with excellent bassist Pete Trewavas.

Each song on Script for a Jester's Tear is a masterpiece, musically and lyrically. It is probably the best symphonic prog rock album released since Close to the Edge and Selling England by the Pound. Well deserving of five stars, a must-have for all symphonic and neo prog fans, and a historically significant contribution to the genre.

Almost perfect... or just perfect? Marillion was introduced to me (or I was introduced to them) by my old table tennis coach. He always thought that Marillion would be too mind boggling for me, the 17 year old Rush, Metallica and Iron Maiden fan in the second half of the eighties, but one day I visited his home and he was playing Clutching at Straws - which was just released at the time. I borrowed Misplaced Childhood and Script for a Jester's Tear and on my next visit we enjoyed the Live at Loreley VHS. I was hooked - and then suddenly Fish left. Luckily, the guy stayed long enough with the band to leave four remarkable albums, including the grand opening Script for a Jester's Tear.

From the vocal note of of the title track up to the last note of the title track, up to the last second of Forgotten Sons, this album manages to get my attention, which is rare for me - always being occupied with many things in parallel. Even now, while writing this review, the album keeps distracting me from just writing about it. Script for a Jester's Tear is a poem put to music, with painful emotions showing in both the vocals and the music. It gives me goose flesh, even after having known it for 20 years now. The follower He Knows You Know seems to have been a single that I missed out on, not knowing Marillion at the time. I can't imagine it did much in the charts, with what we now know and say about eighties pop music. The song pounds on and on, driven by bass and drums, while Fish shares the Jester's opinion on God - only interrupted temporarily by a flashing piece of energy generated by the keyboard and guitar breaks.

After this, The Web has always given me the creeps. The music fits the mood of the lyrics, the Jester drowning in his memories - almost whispering, than screaming out and complaining. Breathtaking, until the opening of Garden Party - a completely different beast. The keyboards fading in, followed by a strong beating of bass and drums - then Fish' vocals. A great opening for a great party track, with lyrics that mean more and more to me over the years, as I learn to see how society (pun intended) operates. As I read in another interview on this site: the lyrics are pure venom, but of a kind that I can stand. On a personal note, the track always reminds me of a garden party at a friends house. He was a huge Marillion fan, but I spent over an hour convincing the hired disc jockey to play this one. I insisted our host would love it, he insisted I was drunk. Oh well... I won.

Chelsea Monday is a classic one for me. The opening lulls me into quiet moods, until Fish shuts up to give Steve Rothery some room for a guitar solo, accompanied by the keyboards of Mark Kelly. Time to just stop writing and listen for a bit...

The anger of Forgotten Sons, represented by hacking rhythms and 'jangling' - for lack of a better word in my English vocabulary - keyboards reach their peak in a prayer that might scare me stiff if it would be played to me unexpectedly in the dark. When this album is mentioned, this track isn't the first that comes to my mind, due to my love for Garden Party and Chelsea Monday, but like the latter it is among Marillion's best - and certainly one of darkest.

All in all, Script for a Jester's Tear is one of the most treasured albums in my collection, and one of the few of my older ones that was given playtime during a ten year period without much serious listening to music. A classic to me, and to progressive rock - no matter what bad critiques the band had to suffer from the hard core Prog crowd of the 70s. The anger and emotion in this album, as well as the musician ship are akin, but from a different nature than the Genesis classic it was said to be a copy of. I like them both and grant them both 5 stars on the ProgArchives.com scale.

I totally agree with Menswear's description of this album as "drama-prog", where the focus is less on the music and more about the theatrics. I'm generally not moved terribly by lyrics, and I tend not to enjoy shrill (though emotional) notes. Thus, I'm not moved overall by Script from a Jester's Tear. I'm glad Marillion kept the prog fire burning, and there are some terrific musical moments to be found here (even for a curmudgeon like myself), but I cannot use the term "masterpiece" to describe this album.

Script for a Jester's Tear. I have to admit, this is one heckuva way to introduce yourself to the world. The beginning is absolutely haunting, and the lyrics are incredibly painful. The weeping clown on the cover could be considered rediculous, but it does fit this song extremely well, and so I love it. I FEEL that clown's pain! Now, let's address some of the weaknesses: Fish hits some absolutely awful notes, and the percussion is so generic that it really detracts. As creative and powerful as this song is, I simply cannot overlook these aspects.

He Knows You Know, The Web, Garden Party. Some good synth runs, decent guitar work, and creative lyrics, respectively, but overall these songs are too slow, and the truly enjoyable moments are few and far between. Here the drama-prog borders on the rediculous. On The Web, when Fish passionately belts out "But even Jester's cry!", I always laugh, because I have a difficult time taking this seriously.

Chelsea Monday. Simplistic and overlong, this song still is powerful. Finally a display of the guitar prowess of Rothery I've been hearing so much about, put to anthemic melodies, and the result is a strong (though depressing) tune.

Forgotten Sons. Fortunately, Marillion has another epic to match the quality of the opener. These guys are certainly creative, from the catchy intro, to the spacey instrumental, to the twisted interpretation of the Lord's Prayer, to the absolutely provocative anthemic conclusion. Here Fish's passion and voice perfectly match the music (not to mention his thoughtul and relevant lyrics), and the result is a killer album closer.

Four stars because this is a debut, the album's historic significance in prog, and for the opening and closing tracks. The rest is entertaining at best and boring at worst.

MARILLION were formed as ''Silmarillion'' in Aylesbury,Buckinhamshire,UK by drummer Mick Pointer and guitarist Steve Rothery.In 1981 they shortened their name to MARILLION,the same time when vocalist Derek Dick ''Fish'' joined the band.A lot of important gigs would follow,before the band released their debut album named ''Script for a jester's tear''.Very much influenced by the music of GENESIS and VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR,the band developed their own superb style based on melodic solos,atmospheric keyboards and the theatrical performance of FISH.The abstract lyrics of and the dramatic vocal chords of Fish would give the band an extra mystic flavor,but the album would also include some catchy tunes added for good measure...''Script for a jester's tear'' finally meant to be a progressive rock classic,containing some of the most atmospheric,well-crafted and intense tracks ever to be heard and it desreves till' today a special place in my heart and collection.A true gem of the 80's progressive rock-era!

An early day hero album you might say. And since I am a true neo progger I should love this and give it 5 stars without hesitation. But alas .... This is not the case. And I will try to explain why. Twenty years ago I absolutely loved this. Marillion was the progressive revival and of course we will always be thankful to them. But the problem is that in my perception this album is nowadays outdated and I'm reviewing it now so what can I say ? I'm not judging for sentimental reasons. I'm judging the music and my feeling about it. But don't worry, of course there's still a classy vein about this, at least most of the songs.

My favourites are the title track, Chelsea Monday and The Web. The other 3 songs are a lot less, particularly Garden Party. But even the three favourites have slipped away from me. It's still good (I'm somewhat ambiguous about it, I know) so what to do ? We'll leave at 4 stars (3,75).

I actually can't recall exactly when or how I first heard of Marillion, but I do know that they were my first real delving into more obscure prog bands that weren't as well-known in the public's eye (Before this time I had only been listening to the obvious prog bands such as Pink Floyd, Yes and Dream Theater). This particular album was actually my first experience with Marillion, so isn't it fortunate that it is so fantastic?

I was lucky enough to find myself a copy of the now out-of-print (I believe) double-disc remastered edition. However, I am going to review only the album proper, as I don;t think that the bonus disc is part of the album experience per say.

This masterpiece begins with a very simple, mellow intro featuring Fish singing his signature theatrical vocals overtop of Mark Kelly playing single piano chords. This soon evolves into a moment of silence, then we now jear the keyboard sounds as Kelly plays a tune that makes me feel like I am in some medieval court right away. Soon, Steve Rothery comes in with absolutely brilliant acoustic guitar that even further creates the illusion of some older time period. What I like about Marillion's music (and this will continue all throughout the album) is that, for me, it not only makes me feel emotions, but it also transports me to physical places in my head, and the picture becomes so clear to me that the mood is set once and for all, and I believe in the story Fish is telling for the rest of the album's duration. The first track as a whole eventually becomes a very heavy rocker and Rothery shows his true abilities as a guitar master. And let us not forget Pointer and Trewavas, who also contribute greatly to the overall sound of the record. Just when you think you know where the track is going, it once again takes another dramatic turn into a more ballad-like structure, with soaring moody guitar work and the always amazing voice of Fish complimenting one another as the track fades out, leaving the listener excited to hear what will come next.

As amazing and moving as the first track is, here comes another great one, which what I believe was the original single from the album (though I could be mistakes), He Knows You Know. The lyrics found here are, in my opinion, actually rather weak, especially when compared with the lyrics of the previous track, although this really is of no matter, since the music itself holds up on it's own very well. In fact, the musicainship found on this particular song is so good, frankly Fish could be singing about badgers, mushrooms and snakes and the song would still be very powerfull. Kelly really shines here, with a very cathy yet unusual keyboard riff that accompanies Rothery's rhythm guitar section of the song, then becomes the backing track to another perfect guitar solo. At one point, the song also introduces a very punchy, catchy chorus that repeats a few times in very typical song structure manner. This is where the proto-prog label comes from I believe, because these guys, while clearly progressive, definately have a very straightforward rock edge to them that I think would normally make them more accessible to people; sadly for them, they were around at the wrong time, and to this day many people don't know who they are simply because they debued in an era where prog rock was still not the most revered of musical styles in existence. In this chorus, Fish starts off on one of his shouting sections. The first of many. While some people could find this annoying, I actually like the intensity of the man's vocal performance; it really brings an extra punch to the band's music. Here in the chorus, he yells You've GOT! Venom in your stomach, you've GOT! Poison in your head . . . and so on. I really like this, as it puts alot of power and aggressivness to the song. Like I say, not everyone will like this about Fish-era Marillion, but for me it really heightens the listening experience. (By the way, this is not all that Fish can do. He also has a very beautiful soft side to his voice that gives me chills at times)

Bringing together tracks 2 and 3 is a quite hillarious interlude that has a very Pink Floyd-like quality to it, in which a ringing phone is featured . . .

The Web redeems the album's lyrical prowess with Fish's poetry being once again shown in all of it's glory with such lyrics like: 'I'm the cyclops in the tenement, I'm the soul without the cause'. A moment in the song that is particularly striking is when the music becomes very song, and Rothery dishes out a rather tasty clean guitar section as Fish quietly sings overtop of it. However, another potentionally funny moment happens immediately after when Fish suddenly and inexplicably shouts out the last part of a verse. Like I said, it may take some time for this vocal style to grow on you, but there is no reason why it ultimately couldn't do just that. Something definately worth a mention is that this song features possibly the best guitar solo found on the entire record by Steve Rothery, and it truly shows how greatly underrated of a guitarist (and indeed, the band itself) he is. Actually, Rothery is among my all- time favorite guitar players, just because he has such a great ear for catchy melodies without losing his own originality along the way. The solo I am speaking of in this particular song is truly beautiful, and I get chills every time I hear it. Pointer also does an exceptionally great job on this track, playing some truly complex beats without being too showoff-y. Finally, Mark Kelly has his finest moment on the album with an otherwordly uplifting keyboard solo that sends my imagination to outer space and beyond!

Garden Party - Possibly the most epic song on this album, despite it's meager length. It begins with a very interesting rhythm set by both Trewavas and Pointer, followed by a placid keyboard riff, which backs up Fish in his most theatrical-style vocal work found in Jester. Here he makes full use of voice projection, rounding his 'r's and singing in a very original manner that sounds more like speaking than singing, and yet it still has a tune. Difficult to explain, but the voice work is definately exceptional on this song in particular. Kelly once again shows his ability to produce spacy keyboard solos and Rothery doesn't do too bad of a job himself at accompanying the madness that is this song's structure. It feels all over the place, yet it works so well to give the listener that frantic feeling that Fish no doubt intended.

The next song is Chelsea Monday, and quite honestly is my least favorite track on the album. However, it is still great in and of itself, so just because I like it the least doesn't mean that isn't a good song. The looped voices at the beginning don't really make sense to me, and they feel out of place. However, Trewavas does his best bass work on this song, with a riff that really gets me quite emotional, and bass rarely does that to me. It's probably due to the keyboard and guitar lines accompanying it, which all combined make for a very moving backdrop for Fish to dish out more theatrical voice work in front of. Steve Rothery also gives another very beautiful guitar solo, his second- best on the record. Slowever, and a bit jazzier, which reminds me very much of David Gilmour. Following that, he impresses yet again with very haunting clean guitar work. All the while, Fish is doing some of his best lyrical work of all time, and Pointer is doing a great job of keeping everything together in a very slow, accurate backbeat. Yet more voices now, but this time, they are actually understandable, and I suppose at this point in the song don't really add or take away anything. They are just there. The song then abruptly ends. Not too shabby for my least favorite song on the record. In fact, it's quite enjoyable.

Ah, Forgotten Sons, the finale of this true prog masterwork. Well, the song's opening actually isn't the greatest, with more seemingly aimless yelling from Fish, but like I say, I actually like this aspect of the man's voice, so I quite like it. The keyboard work here makes me feel like I am sailing the seven seas with a group of pirates, which really gets my blood pumping evreytime I hear the riff begin. At around the 02:15-02:20 mark, the song begins it's main section: a man's rather calm voice presenting the song's lyrics in spoken word, while a maniacal Fish screams the same lyrics in the background. Backing these rather dramatic but enjoyable vocals is Steve Rothery's best rhythm work I have ever heard. Truly exciting to listen to every time. Building on to that after a little while is Trewavas' excellent playing, giving the already entrancing rhythm guitar an extra punch with his accompanying, equally impressive rhythm section. Pointer and Kelly also do not dissapoint here, all together giving this section of the song a very heavy, crunching edge to it. Now, the song changes yet again and we now hear the song's rhythm become very military and march-like, while Fish recites a slight mockary of a traditional prayer. This could potentionally be the album's most dramatic moment yet, or it's funniest. I must admit, I laughed aloud when I first heard Fish's drawn-out, overly-exaggerated Arrrrrrrrrrrmen!, but over time, I have grown to love this part of the album, and it really cements the experience for me. As a whole, I think the album gous out with a bang, and the entire experience makes it very worth while to anyone interested in more underrated prog bands.

Overall the album is terrific. I happen to think it's essential, but I understand that many people seem to think that Marillion simply ripped-off Genesis. However, I think that is unfair. (Although, not being a Genesis fan myself, I may not hear the similarities between the two simply because I'm not familiar enough with their music). Frankly, I think that Marillion are compared to Genesis so much because Fish's singing voice happens to resemble Peter Gabriel's a bit. But this band has so many original moments in their music, I think it is an unjust claim for anyone to make that Marillion is merely a Genesis 'clone'. For anyone who has put off listening to Marillion simply because they have heard negative things about them, please, give this album a try, as it has some truly epic moments on it. It is as far as I am concerned a hidden gem lost among many unoriginal neo-prog bands. Quite a shame that more people haven't given it (Or indeed, Marillion themselves) the respect it deserves, but for those of us who know just how precious it, the wonderful listening experiences never cease to return each time we play 'Script For A Jester's Tear'.

Happy listening.

I discovered Marillion by accident in the mid-nineties, and I wasn´t convinced the first time I heard them. I remember that it was Fugazi I heard first. I lend it on the public library in my home town and dismissed it after a couple of listens because I found it too eighties art rock like for my ears and I didn´t have no love for Fish voice. I had been listening to Genesis for quite some time and even though I could hear some similarities I found Marillion way too strange for my taste. The thin eighties production didn´t help on my impression. Well things change don´t they ? I quickly adapted to Marillion and especially Fish weird soprano which was something I hated the first time I listened to him. Today Fish is one of my favorite singers and I love his style. He is outstanding and very original even though there are traces of Peter Gabriel in his singing.

But Marillion is more than Fish of course and the other musicians are also outstanding in their own way. It´s not because the technical level is very high though. Almost anyone could play these things with ease. It´s more the way the songs are composed and the way the notes are played. Both Rothery and Kelly are excellent musicians. I really enjoy Rothery´s guitar solos which are really pleasent and melodic while Kelly makes the most beautiful simple soundscapes with his keyboards. Mick Pointer ( Arena) on drums and Pete Trewavas makes for a great rythm section even though Pointer isn´t the best drummer in the world. Pointer would leave Marillion after Script for a Jester´s Tear.

Marillion´s debut album Script for a Jester´s Tear is a classic prog rock album in my ears. One of the best ever made. Now you can classify this a neo prog or anything else for my sake, to me this is just prog rock.

The songs are melancholic and emotional journeys. Fish lyrics are a very big part of the early Marillion, and exceptionally well written IMO. Lyrics normally don´t mean that much to me, but in Marillion´s case it´s quite the opposite. You could say the lyrics are pretentious, but I think they are very heartfelt and they move me every time. Especially with Fish tortured delivery. But Fish also has humour which is best displayed in the song Garden Party. Those lyrics just crack me up every time, they are so intelligently written. Script for a Jester´s Tear is about broken love and Chelsea Monday is a song about loneliness. All songs are very well written. The music is extremely melodic and very keyboard dominated and symphonic, but when there are solos it´s always from the guitar. There are very few keyboard solos in Marillion´s music.

The sound quality is not really good, but it´s allright. It´s kind of a mixed bag. Marillion don´t deny their seventies influences but as it was the eighties especially the drums and the keyboards had a very eighties like sound to them.

Script for a Jester´s Tear is one of my all time favorite albums and one of the few prog rock albums I think fully deserves 5 stars. Don´t ever underestimate Marillion because the technical level in their compositions are not that high. Marillion´s music is about so many other and more important things than showing of their technical skills. Beautiful just beautiful emotions.

MASTERPIECE

I instantly liked this. With the first tones of the title songs I got that reassuring feeling that this is going to be a pleasant ride. Where Misplaced Childhood offered a selection of songs that at once gave me a both hopeful and fearful view on the rest of Marillion's discography, Script For A Jester's Tear instantly clicked. With loads and loads of review, I'll at least try to get something across with this one.

The biggest problem I had with Misplaced Childhood was the fact that Fish dominated that record to such an extent that the rest of the band ended up in the background. That's not a problem here, as the band in this stage seem to have had a more democratic approach when creating their music. I love the fact that Mark Kelly's keys aren't trapped in the woodwork this time, and are allowed to shine with what they are. Melodic, ambient and providing structure without ever going over the top. No instrumentalist does that. Not even the emotional solos of Steve Rothery. It's all very solid and disciplined, yet always interesting and proficient and naturally this enhances the lyrical and vocal strength of Fish. I rarely listen very carefully to lyrics. Up until now Rush has been the only band that really made me follow the vocals as something else than just another instrument. I can now add Marillion. It's impossible not being drawn in to the world of Derek Dick when he delivers such powerful, dark lyrics in a dramatic Peter Hammilll-esque way. It's just that he does it even better.

It's when you listen to an album such as this you realise why neo-prog and symphonic are separated genres. Script is a symphonic album by nature, but it achieves that goal in a different way than we're used to. Without tens of different instruments, Marillion emphasises strongly on the synthesiser. Perhaps inevitable, but here it adds so much dynamics, tension, melody and atmosphere that it easily take on the role of an orchestra. Somehow understated, it still remains a favourite on the album, and Mark Kelly deserves the attention if only for the crucial role he has in shaping Marillion's sound. The arrangements are all very good, and this is another element making Marillion something unique in the 80's rock scene and something I think is often sadly overlooked by critics of the whole genre. There are some questionable segues here, I admit that, and some ideas wander off in the distance in strange ways. But this is a debut after all, the hunger and passion makes up for such problems.

Melodic, emotional and powerful pseudo-symphonic rock with lots of colours from it's time, and a very pleasing album. Very addictive: 4 stars.

//LinusW

3.5 stars really, but I have to round it up because of its historical importance as well as its quality when compared to other discs in this dark era of music.

Calling it the first neo-prog album is up for debate. While many bands in the eighties and some later on followed somewhat closely this marillion sound, you can also argue that post-Gabriel Genesis was the band that brought this genre and influenced Marillion to sound like the band we all are familiar with.

I do not think I should describe the album is too much detail as great reviewers already did, as the band is very well-known here, and because the first available sample is a summary of the band's sound. Just expect clear-crisp production, theatrical feel, lush and modern keyboards, thick bass, emphasis on melody and harmony, and various prog elements except for perhaps complexity .. phew, long list.

I think I could divide the album into two parts: the greater songs and the lesser songs. I really feel that three songs are clear standouts while there is not a single song that feels like the weakest/strongest song in the album.

The greater tracks: _Script for a Jester's Tear: It begins with just the vocals, piano is later added and after a couple of minutes a fantastic driving theme appears. The rest is quite dynamic, making this an epic in the vein of Musical Box.

_The Web: I have heard this song in some guitar compilation and I remember it flooring me. There is a lot to love here: the emotion in the vocals, the amazing keyboard work, the wonderful musical ideas, the coherence, the dynamics and that special guitar solo.

_Forgotten Sons: Quite an interesting track. While the introductory groove and vocals are easily my least favorite part of the album, it is short and the rest is quite wonderful. The highlight for me is the middle of the song. Around minute two, there's an incredibly groovy guitar riff with someone reciting a poem while Fish screams the lyrics at the same time. Later in the song, a similar thing happens, but more dramatic and with a haunting military drum line. Between them, there is a psychedelic instrumental section. The ending is a fitting melodramatic finale.

The lesser tracks include the melodic but somewhat AOR-ish "He Knows You Know", the whimsical and synth-driven Garden Party, and the somber "Chelsea Monday" which features atmospheric electric guitars. All of them are quite enjoyable once they grow on you, though they do not leave as much of an impact as the three other tracks I mentioned.

Recommended, an important album in the history of progressive rock that still manages to be quite enjoyable. For fans of melodic rock and people who don't demand ultra-progressive works. Also, for people who find lyrics an important aspect of music.

The Dawn of a New Era

It's strange for a member of the Neo Prog Team not having released "Script for a Jester's Tear", for many the masterpiece of MARILLION (The most iconic band of the sub-genre) and for almost everybody the album that defined Neo Prog.

May sound contradictory, but I refused to review this album because until a few years ago, I believed Neo Prog was a "B" class sub-genre, a prejudice that took me time to leave behind, but when listened the music with open ears, understood that there is really fantastic that would be a shame not to listen, so it's time to review the point where everything started.

The album is opened with the title song and the band gives one of their most memorable performances. The introduction is sung almost "a capella" with Fish's peculiar Scottish accent and emotional range, only a soft piano makes company to his unique style, but then the change comes, a sudden burst of energy and power, the keyboards of course have that particular sound of the 80's, in the meanwhile, Fish takes us on a trip trough different moods from the peaceful calm of the start to the anguish and pain we can feel as the song advances, all performed with a quality that few vocalists achieve in one of the most clear operatic styles.

From the beginning we can notice that Neo Prog brings something different the guitar passes from being a dark instrument left behind the keyboards in traditional Symphnic to be a main character in this new genre, and Steve Rothery is a great ambassador of the style.

From start to end, almost nine minutes of great Prog Rock.

"He Knows You Know" starts with the guitar in crescendo and soft vocals announcing another sonic explosion, which in this case is not as powerful and the opening track, only from this point I can listen the clear GENESIS references and Fish's style boosts the effect.

The best section of this track is the middle instrumental break where Mark Kelly, Pete Trewavas and Steve Rothery get involved in a keyboard, bass and guitar duel, with the appropriate drumming by Mik Pointer simply fantastic.

"The Web" is a track that defined another facet o Neo Prog, starts dramatic with an almost Symphonic structure and a Gabriel like vocals with that style that only Fish is capable to create, but as it advances and gains in energy, moves more towards a hard Rock territory, first as a power ballad and then rocking as professionals, not the most progressive track despite the radical changes, but pure energy and power, the final guitar solo sumarizes the blend of two genres.

"Garden Party" is a classic in every sense, with a strong GENESIS influence, lush keyboards, unconventional rhythm, radical changes and to crown the song, excellent and deep lyrics, everything you can ask from Prog can be found here.

"Chelsea Monday" is another display of social poetry by Fish, enhanced with the dramatic and obscure music, this song shows us you don't need a vocalist that sounds like nothing matters as in most Indie, because Fish's dramatic voice can transmit whatever he wants, without giving the listener the urge to blow his brains or run for a Prozac pill.

A great album is defined by how well the songs are balanced, and MARILLION achieves complete success in this field, "Forgotten Sons" is another dramatic track, but in contrast with the previous, it's almost frantic without falling in excesses, the guitar interplay with the whole band is impeccable and the subtle keyboards combine perfectly, another high point. Again the powerful lyrics combining with the radio broadcast and the almost military march in the middle fit perfectly but the organ and mellotron (or a digital version) keeping the suspense, enhance everything. Another masterpiece.

We should only give the maximum rating to an album if it's essential, well, if the defining album of a genre is not essential, I don't know the meaning of the word, but "Script for a Jester's Tear" is much more, is a masterpiece that I should had bought ten years before I did. So five stars it is, and without any doubt.

A rather weak beginning

I am probably quite alone in my opinion, but I consider this album to be rather half-hearted and somewhat naive. The title track as well as The Web and Garden Party are very good songs, but the other three songs here have never made any kind of impact on me whatsoever. He Knows You Know, Chelsea Monday and Forgotten Sons are hardly progressive and I think that they lack any strong melody. These songs are strongly dominated by Fish's theatrical and somewhat eccentric vocals rather than on melody. He often talks instead of sings, which I have a hard time with. I was never a big fan of his vocal style, but I think he became better over the years.

I also agree with the usual complaint against Neo-Prog in general and Marillion in particular, that they sound too close to Peter Gabriel-era Genesis. I think that with each new album, Marillion would slowly develop their own sound. In my opinion, this debut was only a rather weak beginning. It was with Misplaced Childhood and Clutching At Straws that they finally dispensed with the most obvious Genesis influences and allowed something new and more original to come up to the surface.

If Fish-era Marillion is your favourite band then this album is, of course, essential. For the general Prog-fan there are far better albums both by this band and in the Neo-progressive sub-genre.

My first safari into the jungles of Neo-Prog occurred about a year and a half ago and it was a total disaster. I bought "Dark Matter" by IQ and I was so underwhelmed and disappointed by it that I kept my distance from the entire genre until I could get over the heebie-jeebies it gave me. But this band called Marillion continued to intrigue despite their dubious labeling. Here in my neck of the woods (the USA) they get nary a mention in the media and I never even knew they existed until I discovered this site and found that they are quite well-respected by many whose opinions I respect. Ever in search of music that will knock my boxers off, I finally took another trek into this odd corner of Progville and grabbed up their highest-rated CD, "Script for a Jester's Tear." While it didn't generate any WOW! moments for me, at least this time I don't feel like I got ripped off.

First of all, it's their debut and those can be tricky affairs, as we all know. Secondly, they released this very progressive album in '83 when the once-mighty spirit of prog was suffocating, caught in the strangle hold of the viral scourge known as MTV. You gotta give them props for having the jumbo-size spheres to create something that was obviously a case of swimming against the pop tide. Thirdly, anyone who sounds as much like Peter Gabriel as Fish does is inevitably going cause the group to draw a host of understandable comparisons to the "Nursery Cryme" and "Foxtrot" era of Genesis. But, in his defense, I don't get the impression that he's imitating PG at all. He just has that kind of voice, coupled with a very theatrical delivery. And I find the band's music to be much more representative of early 80s New Wave than classic symphonic rock. Plus, the keyboard work is exceptional from beginning to end and the intelligent lyrics are literate and meaningful.

However, in my book a group is only as good as its drummer and whether it was just inexperience in the studio environment, acute indigestion or whatever, the percussion section is the albatross draped around the neck of this album. There's also a lack of compositional imagination in a few places where it seems like the group was satisfied to just coast along, something that the truly great ones hardly ever did.

"Script for a Jester's Tear" is a splendid way to start. A quiet, subdued intro allows lead singer Fish to set the dimly-lit aural stage with sorrowful lines telling us that he's "once more in the playground of broken hearts," a place many of us have visited all too often in our lives. Soon the band jumps in and one of the things I like right off the bat is the refreshing brightness of the production. (Alas, If only Genesis' first four ill-engineered albums could've possessed that redeeming quality!) It definitely makes the journey through the CD a lot more enjoyable. Steve Rothery's fuzzy guitar rides are nothing special here but the music is engaging as Fish sings about being "yet another emotional suicide/overdosed on sentiment and pride." Dynamics are always an admirable trait to display and when they back off to make room for some uncluttered space in the middle section it keeps things from getting stale. They emerge from the other side in a half-time motif where Mark Kelly's keyboards sate the room with a great big, full sound that surrounds Fish's passionate vocal as he asks his lost lover "can you say you still love me?" It's heartbreaking to witness the honest and sincere pain he conveys.

The powerful "He Knows You Know" is next. It has a slick Alan Parsons Project aura about it that makes it instantly accessible and, while the chord progression is nothing we haven't heard numerous times before, the striking vocal performance makes this tune the high point of the proceedings for me. The song is about addiction and the tie-in with the previous cut lies in the fact that the protagonist doesn't realize that his substance abuse is the reason his woman left him behind. Again, Kelly's dreamy keyboard textures and tones are wonderful as they support the dramatic singing of words like "when your conscience whispered/the vein lines stiffened/you were walking with the dead" and "you learned your lesson far too late/from the links in a chemist chain." Some may think Mr. Fish is emoting way over the top here but considering the subject matter I don't think it would have worked any other way. So far, so good. This is pretty decent stuff.

But maybe I spoke too soon. During "The Web," the drum set deficiency surfaces and the whole atmosphere is affected. The unusual arrangement on this track involves a lot of changing time signatures and shifting tempos, requiring steady and supremely confident leadership from the drumkit to pull it all off. Mick Pointer may have acquired that talent further along in his career but here he just doesn't have the chops and the tune suffers accordingly. The poignant lyrics describing the poor sap's self pity and withdrawal from society ("I'm the Cyclops in the basement/I'm the soul without the cause" as he stares at "faded photos exposing pain/celluloid leeches bleeding my mind") are almost wasted because of Pointer's distractingly weak patterns wavering underneath. Steve's fine guitar solo and Mark's excellent keyboards keep it from being an embarrassment.

"The Garden Party" is burdened with the same flaw but this time it arises from Mick's dragging the groove. He's following the group instead of blazing the trail for them. It's a shame because this is an interesting number on all the other fronts. Fish's colorful description of a ritzy soiree belies more of the problem-addled, jilted beau's jaded opinion of the world his former lady love inhabits than a true observation of it. His sarcasm literally slithers across the notes. "Couples loiter in the cloisters/social leeches quoting Chaucer/Doctor's son, a parson's daughter/where why not and should they oughta" and "chitters chat and gossips lash/posers pose and pressmen flash." You don't often find clever rhymes like that in Progland. I adore Kelly's sharp keyboard accents that follow the softer segments and his synthesizer lead is a treat but the rhythm section never locates a "feel" and it leaves me unsatisfied.

"Chelsea Monday" has a slower pace and the song's conventional beat is better suited to Pointer's skills but the somewhat pedestrian chord progression becomes tiresome after a few minutes. Perhaps it was designed to be no more than a smooth, uncomplicated platform for Fish's acrid, biting vocalizations. In that case it works. Here he describes his former object of affection in jealous, unflattering terms and it only serves to emphasize his deplorable insecurity. To him she's become a "catalogue princess, apprentice seductress/living in her cellophane world in glitter town" who is "drifting with her incense in the labyrinth of London/playing games with the faces in the neon wonderland." In other words, she's moved on and he hasn't. It's not a great tune but better crafted than the two that preceded it.

That seems to signal the abrupt end of the sad jester's story because the closer, "Forgotten Sons," is unlike anything that came before it. Here the singing performance is outrageous and near-histrionic as Fish immerses himself in an effective anti-war anthem that is complex, moody and somewhat challenging to dissect. After a rocking start the band segues into a more eccentric movement where stark spoken words ramble over a lone, distorted electric guitar. A Steppenwolf-like psychedelic section ensues over tepid, unsure drumming before a crowd chanting ominously above a military march takes over, creating an unnerving, tension-filled atmosphere. Once again it is the keyboard mastery of Mark Kelly arriving like the cavalry in the nick of time to save the piece from overindulgence and insanity. His melodic, cavernous wall of organ and synthesizers gives the album a spectacular fadeout that helps to make it all worthwhile.

I'll admit that I didn't warm up to this album immediately but somewhere around the 5th or 6th spin I started to discover its charms so my advice is to let it grow on you a bit. There's a lot to like. If you're a fan of early Genesis then Fish's affected vocal style shouldn't bother you at all and along the way you'll discover that Mr. Kelly does an extraordinary job on this recording. (I've noticed that the band changed drummers before their next go-round so I figure I must be right about my assessment of Mike Pointer's inappropriateness as the guide for this group.) If anything, this CD has made me reconsider the whole Neo-Prog category and I'll be a lot more open to exploring it further in the future. During the dark ages of the horrible MTV plague, when our kind of music was as hard to find as Jimmy Hoffa's body, Marillion kept the prog fires burning and they deserve a medal of honor for that accomplishment alone. "Script for a Jester's Tear" is no stunner, but important nonetheless and pretty darn entertaining. 3.2 stars.

Review 69, Script For A Jester's Tear, Marillion, 1983

Script For A Jester's Tear is a hard one for me to review. Several aborted efforts have ended in deletion. The reason for this is that it is an album which is extremely consistent in both its strengths and weaknesses, and the number of both of these makes it sort of challenging to write about without feeling like the review's becoming a list. Still, I'll try.

Clearly there are a lot of musical ideas in the constantly changing pieces; we get touches of psychedelia, symphonic moments, quirky light jaunts, an arena-rock solo and even a tad of blues. All of the members (except Pointer) seem fairly involved and capable, though not individually massively distinctive. The lyrics are pretty solid, depressive and entertaining, and the general accusations of sounding too much like Genesis... well, I don't really see it.

The negatives really come from the execution of some of these ideas. Various sound effects similar to those on The Wall often feel like forced insertions, especially damaging to Chelsea Monday, and they are a bit too frequent for my liking. Mick Pointer, as often mentioned, does not do the world's most sterling job here, but I honestly think that he isn't that much of a hindrance to the band's ideas. Complex and distinctive drum parts aren't there, but they aren't really called for. Finally, the trite Garden Party doesn't really seem to fit the album's mood for me, and I think that the weaknesses simply make the overall album less of a pleasure to listen to. Overall, the album's still pretty strong, but its charm was, for me, too soon worn away by the weaknesses.

The title track has pretty much all of the strengths, and very little of the weaknesses, with the soft 'Here I am once more... in the playground of the broken hearts' executed brilliantly by Fish. His vocals and the lyrics throughout are to match, and the band supports neatly and provides new contexts for it. The fact that the same line is executed again with a virtual roar and not feeling at all out of place alone makes for pretty good listening. Mark Kelly's keys control a lot of the tempo changes and ideas, while Rothery's superb rocking solos add force, and the rhythm section, especially Trewavas do manage to escape monotony and make their own contribution. The psychedelic ideas are equally at their most successful, with repeated words and whispered overdubs intensifying the atmosphere. The song's a sample on PA at the moment. Have a listen for yourself, and enjoy. A brilliant opener, and not to be missed.

The ambiguity of He Knows You Know extends beyond the title, with spat-out words, great lines like 'Light switch. Yellow fever. Crawling up your bathroom wall/Singing psychedelic praises to the depths of the china bowl', and the psychedelic ideas and repeats fit in solidly. Pete Trewavas especially seems to be on top form, with great aggressive bass-work. The keys fit in over the top, adding a couple of riffs and chords over which Rothery's guitar can characteristically explode all over the place as well as adding a couple of subtle edges to vocal lines. The fairly random tack-on of the maddened phone call at the end is admittedly nice in the context of leading up to The Web, but feels a little off in ending He Knows You Know. Still, I do enjoy it a lot.

The Web begins with a series of very aggressive, almost big-band on guitar-and-drums, stabs, before Fish joins in to provide a rather excellent set of vocals, both featuring some extended bits of vocal phrasing which are quite interesting, as well as the more normal lines. His own aggressive confusion (something that so few vocalists can handle well) is supplemented by harmonies and low key effects. The musical side is initially little more disjointed than the previous couple of pieces, occasionally feeling like a bit of a crib for his vocals, though it pulls together very well later on. The swelling and whirling keys are a highlight of the piece, and, though Pointer is a bit more of a drawback here than on the previous couple, the playing is otherwise top notch. Not quite sure what it is about Rothery's almost cut-off, yet extremely full, guitar tone that gets me every time, but it does. Unfortunately, the ending seems a little vulnerable in comparison to the rest of the song, with a rather uninteresting set of riffs crossed with irritating synth tones, though there are still a few points to commend in there. Overall, however, the piece is another success.

Garden Party is a bit of a disappointment following these pieces, with the voices on the opening feeling a little too unnatural to me, and the repeated jumpy bass-and-drums riff being present for far too much of the long and rather sarcy piece. A few of the effects do work well, as do some of the keyboard choices. Fish letting his hair down with the lyrics and vocals is a partial success, with a couple of amusing moments (particularly the Chaucer rambling and a rather fed up 'Oh god, not again'). Only of a few of the ideas really fail, most notably the repeat of 'flash', but the piece overall simply doesn't feel very satisfying to me.

Chelsea Monday contains the worst of the special-effects barrages, with idiotic paper/news announcements and supposedly Cockney or Australian (I can't work out which) conversations with needless line repeats. A couple of less driven-into-the-ground effects supplement Fish's vocal, but without the precision that characterises some of the earlier choices. Pointer's percussion, also, doesn't add a lot, feeling needlessly shouty. However, I absolutely love some of the other components of the song. Trewavas' superb bass line, Rothery's wails and Fish's high, slightly more like Peter Gabriel than usual, vocals are thoroughly enjoyable. The emotional Gilmour-esque guitar soloing rips through the headphones the first couple of times, and the acoustics and keyboard touches add a bit more survivability to a song that desperately needs it. This was my favourite piece from the album on the first listen, but the cringeworthy effects uses seriously damage it for me now. Shows off the Floyd influence, but not in a heavily positive way.

Forgotten Sons, thankfully, is a much more rewarding experience, with a range of kicking riffs from all quarters (especially the mock blues/hard rock one from Rothery), and a serious range of emotions and ideas, including a rather more biting and impressive sarcastic opening becoming gradually a bit more serious and without losing the satire. Heck, even Pointer sounds good on this one. Fish's vocals are powerful and biting, and with lines like 'You're just another coffin, on its way down the emerald isle' and his mock prayer, the lyrics match. Psychedelic edges and wails jump out at all points and add a lot of fun. A keyboard solo section is brilliantly handled by Kelly, and the general atmosphere is tremendous. Hearing the 'halt, who goes there?' line gives me shivers every time, and I'm quite impressed that somehow the range of ideas is stunningly summed up in an ending, complete with a choral mellotron and Fish at his most Gabriel-esque, perhaps the only things which remind me bluntly of Genesis in the whole album. A great conclusion.

So, strengths everywhere, but some really, really annoying weaknesses around the middle and not enough consistency in the fascination. Don't get me wrong, it is a good album with some very good tracks, and I can understand why it's so well-regarded, but I still get that painful twinge in anticipation of Chelsea Monday's 'she had a smile on her face' every time I go to connect the CD with the CD player. Should be a definite purchase if you're a bit fonder of The Wall than I am. Perhaps the only people I wouldn't really recommend it to are those who are really picky about drummers. Enjoyable, and it nets three stars from me.

Rating: Three Stars Favourite Track: Script For A Jester's Tear

I hate to use the overrated, but I'm afraid I have no choice here.

Don't get me wrong, this is a neat album. It is historically significant, too, being one of the major factors in spawning the neo prog movement, which arguably saved progressive music as a whole. However, the music here is progressive in the most generic sense of the word. Most of the tracks sound like Marillion trying to be Genesis. I don't mind bands drawing influence, even, if they must, a heavy influence, from other bands, but on more or less all the tracks save for the final one, it sounds like they used an imaginary Peter Gabriel to produce their album. The sound, then, is lost in the 70s, kind of piddling around and never moving forward really. This problem will be the one to haunt almost all neo prog until well into the 90s.

Here, we have the beginning not only of the band but the first of the four albums from the Fish era. The man has a unique voice when he chooses to use it thus, giving tracks like Forgotten Sons and the title track a lot of punch and flair. The musicians are all talented; however, none of them really stand out as particularly skilled or exciting, at least on this record. The general criticism of neo prog bands playing only safe prog rather than pushing the boundaries applies a bit less to this record than to later ones, still. The very quiet intro to the title track kicks into a surprising bit of bouncy keyboards. Forgotten Sons is a haunting and raging cry for justice, with a few sounds from Fish that could almost be called screams. He Knows You Know is a fun, fast paced tune. The rest of the songs are well-balanced, but on the whole they are sort of generic and nothing special.

This is a good album, don't misunderstand. I enjoy listening to it plenty. However, Marillion recorded several better albums, and other neo prog bands have done better, too. Genesis did better as well. In all, a worthy album to own for fans of the genre, but I'm not going to recommend it to everyone.

This is one of the most groundbreaking and good neo-progressive albums, and I love it. As such, I'm absolutely torn as to whether to give this album a 4 or 5 star rating. Let me elaborate:

It may seem silly to nitpick such an influential and well-composed album, but I feel conflicted to give this album a 5-star status mainly because of the less than competent drumming of Mick Pointer. This album would have been infinitely better with a better drummer, and thus it is not absolutely perfect. However, let me tell you why this album is still an extremely excellent addition to any prog collection.

1. Script for a Jester's Tear- Wonderful opening song here introducing us to the world of Fish. Fish's vocals and lyrics are perfect on this track, Kelly's keyboards are great, and Rothery crafts great guitar. Very good song. I'm losing on the swings... I'm losing on the roundabouts! 9/10

2. He Knows You Know- A great song, but possibly the worst one on here. The guitar work is great as usual, Fish keeps his spiteful lyrics and vocals up to a wonderful par here, and the tension in this song is fantastic. Wonderful guitar solo again from Rothery. 8/10

3. The Web- Possibly my favorite on here. The keyboard parts here are amazing and I love the continued pressure between the softer parts with the very odd keyboard effects and Fish's distant vocals and then the more upbeat parts. I absolutely love the part after Decisions have been maaaaaaaaaaaade! and the song breaks out into a wonderful keyboard progression from Kelly and further goes from there. Awesome. 9/10

4. Garden Party- Why is this song so underrated by so many people? The lyrics are fantastic, possibly Fish's best on the entire album, and the keyboards are once again perfect. This actually was a relatively popular song from the album, which is ironic, as people would be singing these lyrics without knowing that they very well could be the subject of them! I really like the overall structure of this one, but it's not perfect. 9/10

5. Chelsea Monday- Another great song. Fish and the crew seem to be very good at really crafting wonderfully crafted songs of a unique yet accessible manner! This song really rocks, especially with another ripping guitar performance by Rothery. Still, it is the song I always remember last for some reason, despite it being quite good. 8/10

6. Forgotten Sons- This is the ultimately perfect closer to this album. Even though I may think The Web could be my favorite song, this is its competition.. and as a song, it is much more objectively effective. The drumming can be overlooked here as Pointer has his best performance. Fish's vocals are FANTASTIC, Rothery plays possibly his most amazing guitar on the album (which really says something), and the song is perfectly structured. This is unarguably one of the greatest neo-progressive tracks ever composed. 10/10

I REALLY want to give this album 5 stars, but it is not a perfect masterpiece. The drumming is one major flaw, and the album is not without flaws... some of the songs are not crafted to absolute perfection and are not as memorable, despite being quite enjoyable. However, this is the first album you should get if you want to delve into neo-prog and it is an album that your collection really shouldn't go without.

A very excellent addition to any progressive rock collection.

Okay, I know, it's time! I will do it, no need to pay me and I do not need anymore prompting! I know some of you have been waiting for my theatrical take on this one, so here it is, in dripping splendor. For the others, don't bother reading further, it's a (yawn) booooring 5 star deal, again!

While it would be superfluous and even presumptuous to anoint this disc with "Prog Saviour", it certainly was a question of impeccable timing and in retrospect, a dying genre (for whatever reasons pundits wish to argue) was resurrected in extremis thanks to a talent, a vision and a dedication. We all know who the players are, they have been discussed, cussed, nailed, glorified, venerated and scorned ad nauseam within this site and countless others. This review will therefore stay away from the subplots and the corporate business contexts and stick to the music. Script for A Jester's Tear certainly inaugurated anew found spirit , slicing through the Duran Duran/Culture Club/A Flock of Seagulls monolith and found a still very hairy audience that demanded a little passion far removed from the "I Ran after the Girls on Film but Do You Want to Hurt Me" extravaganza bullied upon then impressionable youth. We have perhaps forgotten that this IMPORTANT recording starts off in incredible fashion, with the ultra-painful melancholia of the title track, sugared by mountains of Genesisian bitter sweetness, as far removed from a commercial hit as one can imagine, a brooding explosion of mayhem from a broken heart and the desperation that ensues. The guitar howls with exasperating fury, keyboards orchestrating the depth of the agony and the rhythm tandem follow radiantly in tow. Fish is not just a vocalist, he is a storyteller, a highly dubious character trait of progressive rock (that dinosaur genre, critics whipping boy). Yes, but do you love me? "He Knows You Know" hits you lyrically right in the gut ("he's got problems!") while Fish fervently spews his venom , "poison in your head" , raging convincingly, Kelly's synths whirl dervishly and Rothery spins some slick licks. This is the tune that most heard first, I know I did and it was a memorable moment indeed, even in Quebec where Prog never died. The slammed phone says it all as "the Web" kicks into hyper-gear, an über-symphonic avalanche ("Its symphony echoes") that masterfully contrasts 12 string acoustic pastels with colossal detonations of orchestral splendor, setting the velvet curtained stage for Fish to vent his deepest spleen. Temper, pique and malice are the props as the tall Scotsman sings like no other, crying, whispering, sobbing, raging and hurling his pain like some demon from a sci-fi movie. Rothery subtly comes in with an almost blood-drenched and gory "matador" solo that will lift every hair on your dizzied bleary eyed body. Frankly, I do not care if this is perceived as the second coming of Genesis, the music is positively brilliant and the entire premise exhilarating. These gents certainly had "cojones" to slyly slip by all the chat-topping elitist New Wavers, too smug in their lust and thus blind to the future legacy of this oft ridiculed band. Jokes on you, disco dudes! The disc only gets better, as "Garden Party" warbles through the maze, the reclining Fish hitting all the lofty ethereal notes, jousting with his burring Highlander intonations (crafty little devil!), slipping in a little porn, Kelly trouncing bolts from his banquet of keys and Rothery ramming home the champagne bottles , ice-buckets and all! Prog perverts, I daresay! And allegedly they probably got laid as often as the Durannies! Go figure! "Chelsea Monday" is where the boys get a little prissy, taking on all kinds of politically incorrect themes and getting positively rude musically (another Rothery barrage), gritty and angry as to create a new kind of prog-punk really! Progressive rock with a surly edge, a somewhat new phenomenon at the time and probably why they were immediately adulated by the somber masses who just couldn't cope with the nihilistic punk drone of the time. Lyrically, this is an acme of frustrated zeal, "patience my perfumed child". The background voices are like a riveting prog opera with wailing guitars slamming home the dire message. As if that was not challenging enough "Forgotten Sons" is an anti-war rant (twas the Falklands War, just finished) loaded with "snipers, fighters and boys baptized in war", Rothery's axe screaming like an Exocet missile aimed at the Sheffield, imminent burning flesh, innocent pawns in drunken generals' playgrounds and politicians' pernicious manipulation to save face. The guitar is raw, the rhythm is ballistic, marshalling drums and militaristic drills. "Verbal masturbation" is intoned with spit-laden contempt, for "Power and Glory" and "Amen" are extolled as the only refuge. Insanely heady and daring stuff indeed. These musicians actually had a social/political conscience, a cause which is how "rock" started out in the first place. A powerful and monumental recording that increases in value and majesty with each audition, year after year, a loving reminder of the musical Knights that came and saved Camelot. 5 feathered violins.

Marillion's debut failed to impress me the first time or two I heard it, but it has grown on me since. Certainly Fish sounds an awful like Peter Gabriel, both in his God-given voice and in his way of singing so theatrically; but this comparison wears out with repeated listens. I don't hear the terrible drumming that many profess to hearing, although I will say the drumming does nothing for me. Strangely, this is an album that's enjoyment value changes as it goes (for me anyway); I really like the first two songs, but things begin to drag after a while. In fact, my ranking of the tracks would be exactly as the tracks appear.

"Script for a Jester's Tear" Quiet vocals over piano begin the album. When the band comes in, they do sound rather like Men At Work, at least until the introduction of the synthesizer. The song stops completely to allow the next section to begin, a technique I don't particularly care for. Fish sings pensively over quiet acoustic guitar and easygoing synthesizer, before the heavier dramatic section comes in. The lead guitar during the next park (not to mention the overall sound) has an unmistakable 1980s sound, even as it fades out.

"He Knows You Know" At first, the vocals can be off-putting, but after only two listens, they grew on me. The tightly structured synthesizer work and subsequent guitar solo are excellent. It ends with a short but weird telephone call (a la Pink Floyd's "Young Lust").

"The Web" From heavy rock to more theatrical acoustic guitars, this might be the most varied song on the album. Mark Kelly's synthesizers are pleasing, and , despite a simplistic chord progression, Steve Rothery performs a rather sophisticated guitar solo. Speaking of chord progressions, the main one sounds like "House of the Rising Sun," so it sounds terribly derivative.

"Garden Party" The gentle noise of a party leads into the synthesizer-heavy introduction, punctuated by Pete Trewavas's bass and Mick Pointer's drums. Clean but strange guitar lets the music sound breathy, especially alongside Fish's vocals, which sound like they are outdoors. While the musicians do a fantastic job, I find myself largely bored, at least until the flashy solo from Kelly.

"Chelsea Monday" Trewavas plays the chords on his bass one note at a time, as Fish sings. Once again, the chord progression demonstrates a lack of creativity, particularly during the rather loud guitar solo. A clean guitar enters for the next segment, which features some intriguing lyrics. During the final guitar solo, there's some panned conversation that can be unsettling if heard through headphones- I look over my left shoulder every time!

"Forgotten Sons" My least favorite track on the album is the last one; it's just so hard to stay interested in. I enjoy the bass playing and synthesizer work the most, but largely, this song is directionless and irritating. The most aggravating part is the spoken vocal with the higher singing that accompanies it, and the warped recitation of The Lord's Prayer puts me off. The ending is the best part, with some tasty guitar bits and good vocal work.

Marillion - Script For A Jester's Tear

Review by ProgKidJoel

Marillion's debut album, Script For A Jester's Tear, is heralded by many as the birth of neo-prog. Heavily reliant on its Genesis roots, this is truly one of the best 80's prog albums.

1. Script For A Jester's Tear

The song that began it all - The song that flew the prog flag in the dark days of the early 80's and proved that prog wasn't dead. This opens with FISH's great lyrics and Mark Kelly's great piano work. Flowing onwards, it reveals a memorable synthesizer harmony and an equally memorable lyric. As it flows onwards, it seems this is going to be another guitar oriented arena rock track, although this couldn't be further from the truth. Peter Trewavas bass work is brilliant on this track, supplying a backbone to a solid guitar harmony, lyrics and keyboard work. The one area lacking on this track, and indeed, on this album, would have to be Mick Pointer's drumming, which although not terrible, is very bland and usually cackles on like clockwork. Easily the best track on the album, this is an incredibly strong opener which helps earn this album a high rating.

5 out of 5.

2. He Knows You Know

Another solid guitar led track, He Knows You Know is a song about drugs; FISH would often introduce live as "the drug song". Also followed by a shocking, heavy-handed lyric and great guitar work on Steve Rothery's part, this is one of the two singles from the album, the other being Garden Party. The bass is very good on this track as well, nearly as energetic as FISH's screams. Percussion took a turn for the better after its abysmal effort on the first track, and prove that Mick Pointer indeed does have some chops as a rock drummer, even if he can't read musical notation. Finishing in an intriguing spoken outro, this is another great track, although was marred in its efforts by its repetitiveness.

4.75 out of 5.

3. The Web

My second least favourite track from SFAJ'sT, this track isn't bad at all, although incredibly repetitive. At a glance, this is another saddened ballad, although is quite interesting after multiple listens. A less accessible track than the two that preceded it, The Web has earnt it self a place of fame as the name of Marillion's current official street teams. During Steve's softened guitar harmonies, a high pitched buzz hollows in the background, adding much dimension and depth to a decent track. The lyrics on this track are, once again, brilliant. A track about deciding what is right for yourself, and moving on from one stage of life to another, this track features on of Steve Rothery's famous guitar solos, and as always, this solo does not dissapoint. Carrying its trademark 80's keyboard and guitar oriented sound, this is another interesting track, perhaps not as good as the two which came before it.

4 out of 5.

4. Garden Party

Ahh, Garden Party. Perhaps the least depressing track on this album, FISH didn't hesitate to mock British high society in this entertaining and technically thrilling anthem. Led by a great keyboard melody from Mark Kelly, this track travels through several high brau mockeries of a Garden Party, as the title would suggest. It seems FISH was not a fan nor member or such mingling, and boy, did he let us know with these lyrics! The other single from this iconic album, the film clip to accompany is equally entertaining. The rhythmic section is incredibly consistent on this track, complementing the melodics in a way which is nothing less than technically fantastic. The keyboard solo is another great part of this track, and when met with an identical riff on the guitar, shows that Marillion are indeed technically relevant in the prog world. An incredibly entertaining and lovable track, this is another stand out on this album.

5 out of 5.

5. Chelsea Monday

My least favourite track on this album, although lyrically masterful, is somewhat boring and shows an unneeded change of pace from the previous four tracks. Yet again, great guitar work shows a high point for this track. A rather relative solo, however, as the melodies surrounding it are incredibly similiar to that of The Web, and, once again, are incredibly repetitive, as is the solo. Not a bad track, but it feels highly uninspired and even less entertaining.

3 out of 5.

6. Forgotten Sons.

Ay, there's the rub! My favourite track from this album, and easily the technically strongest, this is one of Marillion's most outwardly protestant songs. Lyrically inspired by the Northern Ireland conflict, and continuing onwards with a great keyboard led chorus, this track doesn't disappoint. Another great rhythmic section helps this track along nicely, as does its masterful guitar work, which is, upto and above the Marillion standard. Fully of typical wordy lyrics and metaphors, this track has four distinct sections. The first, a fantastic melodic opener. The second flows into a 60's style psychadelic hippie rock song, somewhat reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. The guitar work peaks here, and only slowly fades out. This track is backboned by what I'd say is one of the top-five funkiest bass lines I've ever heard. Flowing into a spoken bridge, the most heavy section lyrically is truly terrifying. My favourite section of this song is a fantasticly heart-wrenching outro, all brought together by its guitar work. The lyrics here are without a doubt the best on the album. Incredibly wordy and heartfelt, FISH brings tears to one's eyes in his typical fashion. The vocals here express incredibly anger and confusion, which the lyrics portray equally. Forgotten Sons is one of, if not Marillion's most solid protest track, and will go down as one of my favourites from the FISH era. Finishing on a high note, this was easily the best track the band could have picked for an outro, and it worked fantastically.

Other notes:

Perhaps overrated by some, this album definitely deserves five stars. Its worth mentioning that I have the 1997 Digital remaster, 2000 Repress, and that the sonic quality of this disc is inspiring.

5 out of 5. Not an average.

Keep listening! -Joel

Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett got back with Genesis and they're doing new tunes in the old style! What? Oh...

Well, if you were a fan of old Genesis back in 1983, Marillion came along and took up the style that Genesis had abandoned. If you have any doubts, get your hands on the remaster with Grendel, which is pretty much a dead ringer for Supper's Ready, other than having a coherent theme. And why not adopt an abandoned style? It was a really good one, after all. The band would eventually move away from it, but was nice while it lasted

I'm not entirely sure now but for some reason I quit following the band after getting this one even though I really liked Script at the time. I didn't get back into them until they were doing material more imitative of Pink Floyd (Brave/Afraid Of Sunlight). With Hogarth at the vocal helm, they did finally settle into a style of their own where they are stuck to this day.

For newbies to prog this won't be a bad addition to your collection after you've exhausted old Genesis. Assuming of course you've gotten hooked on old Genesis, are craving more, and don't mind an imitative act.

From the very start this album is conjuring up the great days of Genesis' 'Selling England by the Pound'.

Well, this used to impress me more when I was 16 then it does now. It's a bit uneven in song quality and the vocals sound strained at times. But the timing of the album and the exceptionally beautiful artwork and the standout tracks like 'Chelsea Monday' and 'the Web' still make this a classic album. Add the bonus disc with Grendel, Market Square Heroes and Three Boats Down From the Candy to it and we can upgrade from 3 stars to 4.

Marillion would only get better on subsequent efforts where they reached an better mix of their love for vintage prog with the pop sensibilities of the 80's.

Marillion debut album. Great event in progressive rock history - neo-prog was born. I am not a big fan of Marillion, but this album is great! With many influences from 70-s, you can discribe them as modern Genesis (from Peter Gabriel era).

Music is melodic , energetic and ...fresh!!! I believe this album will become classic ( and it is extremely rare thing when we speak abot so called "neo-prog"). I like Fish voice ther, drive and melodies, nice sound - everything!!!

It's pity, but after few more albums Marillion became just one of faceless neo-prog band. In fact, I am not sure about all that name - "neo-prog". It's more name about time, not music. For me Marillion debut became next logical step after canadian Saga few first albums. Saga isn't neo-prog, and Marillion is. What the difference? And more: after Marillion few first albums succcess there were born myriad of semi-professional band playing some mish-mash of Marillion, art-rock a-la 10 cc and Roxy Music, plenty of citates from all the possible bands from 70-s. Usually without new ideas at all, with very average tecnhique of musicanship, and with hundreds of faceless albums. All that was named neo-prog. Ok, there are few so-so bands, as IQ, etc., but all others aren't accessible for listening and I believe the history will delete them as synthy-pop from 80-s, or disco.

But this Marillion album will stay as perfect example of progresive from early eighties.

While the progressive rock revival of the early eighties gave birth to some excellent bands my initial impression of the early days of the neo prog movement was one of disappointment. Of that first wave of albums including Script For A Jester's Tear by Marillion and the first releases from IQ, Pallas etc, nothing came close to the excellence of the bands they were influenced by like for example Genesis and Yes. They fell short in the musicianship department and the songs though clearly inspired by the music I had grown up with in the seventies, to my ears were watered down versions with a more commercial edge.

With the benefit of twenty six years since it was released I'm able to look on Script For A Jester's Tear more favourably than I could have done then, judging it on its own merits rather than a direct comparison to the seventies heyday of prog. The word that went around at the time though was about this band called Marillion who were going to be the new Genesis, sounding like the band did in their early days. This was very exciting news as Genesis were now well and truly going down their more mainstream road. The reality was somewhat different however. Here was a band clearly influenced by Genesis, but lacking the musical skill and experience to truly pull it off.

Over the years I have grown to appreciate Script more as a reasonably good neo prog album. The six songs, most around the eight minute mark show a band developing their songwriting and musical skills with some decent melodies and enough space to stretch out over different musical themes. The results while being a little predictable at times and a bit leaden in execution, particularly in the rhythm section show a band with promise which would be fulfilled a couple of albums later on Misplaced Childhood and Clutching At Straws. The best of the bunch here is Forgotten Sons which flows better than most of the album, some of the musical joints lacking cohesion and some themes being undeveloped. Here though they nail it and create some musical tension, lacking on most of the record.

Script For A Jesters Tear while having grand intentions falls short of excellent, to a large extent down to the band at this stage lacking the musical chops to match their vision. Hats of though to guitarist Steve Rothery, who's Dave Gilmour influenced style was already showing promise. Marillion did get much better though and lets face it, this albums a far more satisfactory piece of work than the first Genesis album. Good but far from essential then.