On Mike‘s recomendation, I bought this CD for $4.99 on our annual trip to Taranna a little while ago. It was Mike, a gigantic fan of the band, who gave me one of their Crash Course CDs a while back too, so suffice it to say that he’s my main Marillion connection.
When I plugged in this CD, I had a small idea of what to expect, both from the Crash Course CD (for their sound in general) and, I quickly realized, from having heard Kayleigh back in the 80s.
And what did I make of this album? It’s fucking fantastic. Well ahead of it’s time sonically, I’d say. No word of a lie, I played this all of the way through and, when I reached the end of the first play and was mightily impressed, I played it again. And again. Three full plays in a day and a half.*
What drew me to this like a magnet? There’s something hypnotic and addictive to this sound, how it lets me drift along with it, yet still demanding my attention for the lyrics and the individual instruments’ efforts. It’s majestic. Not unlike Pink Floyd, in that respect. And like them, it’s melodic as hell, and completely arresting. There’s something for everyone here, and it’s all gorgeously realized.
The only negative here is that it’s taken me 29 years to get to it…
Two thumbs way up! I consider this one of the best scores of our trip this year. Thanks for the recommend, Mike!
* My three-year-old daughter also loved it. She happily sang and hummed along in the back seat of the car while it played, a sure sign she was into it. Of course, her saying “Daddy, I like that song!” made it fairly clear, too. So if Marillion was hoping for the three-year-old demographic, there’s a vote over here.
keepsmealive 
When I first heard Marillion of course the first 4 were the only ones that were out, but I quickly fell in love with this album. Alas I have probably played the album proper 3 times in the last 20 years, but it’s a huge one. Full of melody, passion, stinging guitar solos and deft wordplay. Of course now the ultimate Marillion album for me is Clutching At Straws, but MP is a great starting point.
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Thanks for chiming in! That’s another recommend for Clutching At Straws, so now it’s a cinch to be on my search list!
3 times in 20 years? I played it 3 times in 2 days! I’d say it’s time to go give ‘er another spin! 🙂
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I don’t think Aaron linked to me enough. Only four links! Is there a link shortage or something? Or have they started charging by the link??
😉
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Sorry. I’ll do more next time. 😉
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Was chatting with a friend about this one just the other day. Your enthusiasm for this has convinced me that I need to get it.
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J is awesome ^^^^
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GIVE ‘ER!
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Nice to have another Marillion fan in the world, and this is a great entry point. I agree with Mike that Clutching At Straws should be your next purchase. Of course, you’re better off going to the source by getting some Gabriel-era Genesis, who were clearly the main influence on Fish-era Marillion. I’ll be happy to give you recommendations on those but only if you ask. I try to avoid unsolicited advice as much as possible.
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You can advise me Rich. I’d like to go there.
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Seconded!
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Thanks Rich! Yeah, If I see CAS kicking around, I’d be willing to give ‘er a go for sure.
I have a bunch of Genesis here, I’d be curious to see which ones you’d recommend (and if I have them here already)! Consider your recommends solicited!
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Wait, did I miss something? I want to hear his opinion on this as well. 🙂
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Here’s the Genesis I have here [on either CD, LP, or CS (cassette)]:
genesis – genesis
genesis – selling england by the pound
genesis – genesis live
genesis – and then there were three
genesis – the best… (2lp)
genesis – duke
genesis – abacab
genesis – three sides live
genesis – genesis
genesis – invisible touch
genesis – we can’t dance
Not a lot, but not bad for a casual collector!
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Only one of those Genesis albums is from the Gabriel era…Selling England By The Pound…but it’s a great one. In fact, it’s probably my favorite from that era if for no other reason than Steve Hackett’s glorious guitar solo on “Firth Of Fifth” (although the rest of the album is fantastic). It’s a little more pastoral & less manic/quirky than earlier albums Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot, which are probably the best entry points coming directly from Marillion.
I’m also a huge fan of the post-Gabriel era. You have some good ones but you’re also missing my two favorites: A Trick Of The Tail and Wind & Wuthering.
Hope this helps in some small way. Happy listening.
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Wiki says Genesis – Live has Gabriel on lead vocals, but I assume you weren’t counting the live album since it’s not a studio album… I’ve played SEBTP and loved it – I need to go back and check out that guitar solo again – and I’ll look for ATOTT and W&W (thanks for the tips)!
I will be reviewing all of these albums in my (increased) posting schedule. All in good time! Cheers, Rich!
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Yep, good point about “Live.” My mind was solely on studio albums. For the ultimate Genesis live album, I highly recommend Seconds Out. Gabriel was gone by then but it was before the sleeker direction they would later take which scared off a lot of fans. It actually deserves inclusion on “Best Live Albums Of All Time” lists.
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Oh whew, after I posted that comment on the Live, I worried you’d think I was nitpicking! Haha. I’ve never heard Seconds Out – but now I wanna! That’s high praise indeed. Wahoo!
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With Bill Bruford on drums, right?
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I don’t have it here, but Wiki confirms Bruford on drums for Seconds Out.
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I believe only one song from Seconds Out featured Bruford on drums. Chester Thompson was the main drummer. The performance with Bruford was taken from a different tour.
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Did you do that off the top of your head, Rich? Because if so, that’s mighty damn impressive! You’re absoutely right.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seconds_Out#Personnel
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Yep, off the top of my head. Since I was a kid I’ve carefully read sleeve notes & credits and a lot of that information has remained stuck in my brain…especially when it comes to drummers (we sticksmen are like that).
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Well sir, I bow to your superior recall. I thought I had lots of that stuff in my head but WOW!
DRUMMERS OF THE WORLD UNITE!
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You caught me in a rare moment of clarity. As I approach the mid-century mark (only 18 months away) I’m amazed whenever I can recall anything.
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Modesty? After that display? Hahaha I’d say you’re doing just fine, man!
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This is the one tune that ended up on Seconds Out.
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Everything from Cryme to Three Sides Live is quintessential Genesis. Even I have a soft spot for the shapes (S/T) album but it’s clearly a cut below imo.
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Dammit now you guys are making me wanna get ALL the Genesis! 😉
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I am naked of understanding …
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Well-played! But I never pictured you in a pseudo silk kimono… more of a smoking jacket… made of Lego…
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WOW. 3 plays in a day and a half!!! I’m so happy!
I wasn’t sure if you would like it, but I wanted you to have the chance to try it. I’m glad it clicked.
NOW you need Clutching at Straws!
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Yeah, it worked with me on first play. Based on this (and the Crash Course), I’d definitely be up for some more. Thanks again for the recommend!
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What about it made you wonder whether I’d like it?
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I’ve not had much success with Marillion, turning people onto the band. In fact you might be my second-ever success story!
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I wonder why, I mean there’s so much to it to love right off the bat, and enough that makes you work for it to keep you coming back!
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My coworkers at the store hated them. They found Marillion pretentious, pompous, and dated.
I think the “dated” part really only indicates a closed mind on the part of the listener.
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Well, their loss. And we all know how it worked out with some of your co-workers. Coincidence? I THINK NOT.
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