 |
 |
|
| Marillion - Marbles |
 Released: 2004 Label: Intact Records / Dead Ringer (dist. Caroline Distribution) Cat. No.: 12772 (2CD) / 6501 (1CD) / 23 (US 1CD) Total Time: 2CD: 53:43 / 45:14, 1CD 62:03 (plus bonus material) | |
Reviewed by: Eric Porter, November 2004 2004 will go down as a banner year in the Marillion camp. A clever marketing campaign was launched urging fans to buy a few (3?) copies of the bands first single. The calculations proved correct, and thanks to the loyalty of the fans, Marillion ended up with two top 10 singles in the UK ("You’re Gone" & "Don’t Hurt Yourself"). Add to this a successful tour of the UK, and the bands first trip to the States since the tour fund of 1997. Marbles is the band's strongest release since Afraid of Sunlight. Thank Dave Meegan for helping mold the band's sound, as he has been at the controls for some time. "The Invisible Man" is a stunning opener, featuring an impassioned and gritty vocal performance from Hogarth. It tells the story of a man who has died (I assume) and struggles with the fact that he cannot connect with the one he loves, yet has to endure her hardships. Musically, the song has many distinct sections that seem to relate the characters loneliness, anger, and frustration. Moody, atmospheric, and emotional, with a wonderfully understated bluesy solo from Rothery that is the epitome of taste. The song's ending concludes the song in typical dramatic Marillion fashion. The "Marbles" segments (four in all) tell of Hogarth’s fascination with the little round glass objects as a child. Apparently he caused some anxiety for his neighbors when he decided to try hitting them with a tennis racket, and eventually had his marble collection confiscated. Two other outstanding tracks can be found on disc one. "Fantastic Place" just creates a wonderful feel, and Rothery again makes his mark. "Ocean Cloud" opens with a gloomy tone, backed by Rothery’s delayed rhythm guitar work. A song that clocks in at 21 minutes will surely get ones attention, and I must admit to having gone right to this track the first time I played the CD. It features the most aggressive playing to be found on the disc, but it seems that the main goal was to create a real sonic experience throughout the CD, and this was achieved. Kelly’s keyboards stand out, even when playing behind Rothery’s wonderful solos. It is just a very interesting track to listen to, and Kelly really gets some amazing sounds. Disc 2 has more of a commercial flavor, containing all three single releases so far (those previously mentioned and "The Damage"). The singles are good solid catchy pop songs, but these guys have been crafting singles for years, they just don’t get the airplay they should. "The Damage," which is the latest single, is the weakest of the three. I find Hogarth's vocals particularly annoying, very gravely and at times intentionally off key. The line "you’re a natural woman" just bothers me and I can't get past it. "Don’t Hurt Yourself" seems most inclined to work on radio, with its medium tempo beat, acoustic guitar, and hook-laden chorus. "You’re Gone" has a more modern feel to it, and some really pleasing guitar work from Rothery, it sounds like he is using the E-bow, sustaining notes forever. "Angelina" is an absolutely beautiful song, I get lost in it every time it plays, and Rothery again proves that less is more in the solo department. Disc 2 ends on a strong note with "Neverland," another powerful track with some great performances from Rothery. Marbles hopefully has served a number of functions for Marillion. It seems to have something for the old guard, who generally seem pleased with the flavor of the CD. The singles success has given the band more exposure, and hopefully added more loyal new fans. I will admit that it has taken a number of listens for this one to really hit me. It seems very melancholy and sad, but the more I listen, the power of the songs really come through, and Hogarth's overall performances are his best in many years. May the "Marbles" continue to roll. [See also Steph's and Marcel's reviews -ed.] More about Marbles: Track Listing: 2-Disc Version: Disc One: The Invisible Man (13:37) / Marbles I (1:42) / Genie (4:54) / Fantastic Place (6:12) / The Only Unforgivable Thing (7:13) / Marbles II (2:02) / Ocean Cloud (17:58) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.marillion.com Discography
| |