Marillion
Script for A Jesters Tear
Black Vinyl

In 1983, Marillion's debut album was released, smugly called the "second best Genesis". In fact, parallels can be drawn between Fish's singing, which was slightly reminiscent of Peter Gabriel, and the made-up appearances of Fish (Derek W. Dick). Musically, however, early Genesis ("classic prog") differ from Marillion, who celebrated melodic neo-prog. However, Marillion has repeatedly stressed that early Genesis were of course an inspiration.

Except for the song "Script for A Jesters Tear", which was recorded in the studio, the other songs were part of the live performances before the release and therefore not really new. Only on this album can you hear the drummer Mick Pointer, who was later replaced by Ian Mosley. In addition to Pointer on drums, there were Fish (vocals), Steven Rothery on guitar, Pete Trewavas on bass and Mark Kelly on keyboards.

It begins with the sad love song "Script for A Jesters Tear", in which Fish deals with his difficult relationship with his girlfriend. Quiet beginning, emotional guitar, broken lyrics that characterize the individual phases. Cheesy and yet romantically sad and beautiful. "He knows, you know" could almost be a party hit and the song actually went down well live. It's about drug abuse and people who knew everything beforehand and of course know everything better. The song "The Web", which is about depression, deserves great praise. The song keeps jumping back to its basic musical pattern. Great prog!

“Garden Party” is an ironic song about the upper class and their narrow-minded garden parties. Fish still has a strong voice, Pete with humorous bass structures. Always good for singing along live. “Chelsea Monday” is about a young woman trying to become famous. A very dark song, perfectly intoned by Fish. Music and lyrics in step, emotional guitar solo. Easily keeps up with “The Web”. At the end the woman jumps into the Thames. The not really easy song “Forgotten Sons” comes at the end and has a lot to offer. After listening to it several times, this song also sticks in your head. It is about the victims of conflicts that we ourselves caused, particularly the Northern Ireland conflict. Time for the conclusion.

I listened to the newly remastered LP from 2021. The vinyl is flawless. The sound is much better and yet I prefer listening to the old vinyl, just because of the charm. "Forgotten Sons" just doesn't sound right to me remastered. Highlights are "Script for A Jesters Tear", "The Web" and "Chelsea Monday". But the other songs are just good too. A masterpiece? Of neoprog, in any case. Original or new remaster? Both are good, but I think the original is better. Marillion got me into prog in the first place.

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.