PUNCH AND JUDY

"Punch and Judy" is a single release by UK progressive rock act Marillion. The single was released through EMI Records in Jaunary 1984. It was released two months prior to the release of the band´s second full-length studio album "Fugazi" (March 1984), where the A-side appears as track number 2. The B-side features re-recorded versions of "Market Square Heroes" and "Three Boats Down From the Candy", which both appear in their original studio versions on Marillion´s debut single "Market Square Heroes" (October 1982). The re-recorded versions feature drummer John Marter, who would very shortly be involved in Marillion (along with drummers like Andy Ward and Jonathan Mover, who did not record with the band) between the firing of original drummer Mick Pointer and the hiring of Ian Mosley (who plays on the A-side).

Both a 7" version and a 12" version was released, but they contained the same material, although the 12" version of "Market Square Heroes" is 49 seconds longer than the version featured on the 7" version of the single.

"Punch and Judy" is quite the interesting progressive rock song, featuring lyrics about a relationship/marriage gone sour. The lyrics are quite brilliant, with several examples of everyday relationship issues ("Who left the cap of the toothpaste tube", "Who forgot to flush the loo") and the routine boredom that a lot of relationships enter at some point. There is also a strong longing described in the lyrics of falling in love and enjoying each other in the beginning of a relationship. Lead vocalist/lyricist Fish have outdone himself on this one.

The re-recordings of "Market Square Heroes" and "Three Boats Down From the Candy" aren´t that neccessary as the originals were both high quality recordings, but the sound production has been given a lift in quality and both are great songs. Although all 3 tracks on the single/maxi-single are available elsewhere (the title track on "Fugazi" (1984) and the two B-side tracks on the 1988 "B'Sides Themselves" compilation album), a 4 star (80%) rating is still deserved when this release is judged by its own merits.