SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR

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.