B'SIDES THEMSELVES

B'Sides Themselves is only of interest because of the 17+ minute Grendel. Grendel is an exceptionally well done epic and probably the best composition released by Fish-era Marillion. It hearkens back to the early 1970's and shows some strong Genesis influences. But I must warn listeners that one section of this song is an almost note-for-note ripoff of Apocalypse in 9/8 from Genesis' Supper's Ready. Whether it was a ripoff or just a tribute to Genesis, I can't be certain. If this is a problem for you, then I'd recommend avoiding this album. Otherwise, it's the main reason to obtain this.

The rest of the album is clearly for collectors and completionists as it consists chiefly of B-sides from singles and one live track. None of this is really that good and probably why none of it ever made it onto a Marillion studio album. Overall, four stars for Grendel, two stars for the rest. Three stars seems appropriate.