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CD reissue. Marillion formed in 1979 and have sold over 15 million albums worldwide. Rightly regarded as legends of progressive rock, the band have also continued to evolve and have been keen to embrace the possibilities of the internet, using innovative ways to interact with listeners resulting in an incredibly loyal legion of fans around the world. Marbles received considerable attention when first released as the album had been funded by donations from fans who had pre-ordered the album before they started recording in return for having their name printed within the album artwork (over 18,000 names). The exposure that the band got with this (at the time unheard of) approach helped propel "You're Gone", the first single from the album, into the top 10 of the UK charts. Regarded in some quarters as their best album, Marbles was originally released through the band's own Racket Records label and produced by long-time collaborator Dave Meegan, featuring tracks mixed by Steven Wilson.
I followed this band pretty closely from 1985-1995 and it was only recently that I re-discovered their music. This 2004 release from Marillion is just wonderful. Indeed, I like this album enough that I regard it as one of their finest efforts.The overall sound of this album is, like many of the albums released with vocalist Steve Hogarth, very melancholy and atmospheric. However, the stadium rock influences are gone, and every track is solid. In addition to the adult contemporary (soft) rock style, the group seems interested in the current rock scene and the influences of Coldplay and Radiohead are pretty heavy. What sets Marillion apart from these groups however, is a greater emphasis on longer compositions. Vocals, however, are equally prominent.Although present on the first and last tracks, there really is not too much of the neo-progressive influence on Marbles; especially in contrast with albums such as Misplaced Childhood (1985) and Afraid of Sunlight (1995). Regardless, I like the direction this group is heading in. The songs are soft and very easy to listen to and I find both the lyrics and the music to be engaging. Hands down, my favorites on the album include the lengthy opening and closing tracks. The guys have grown as musicians and the playing is tasteful throughout - Steve Rothery is noteworthy in this respect (although the David Gilmour [Pink Floyd] influences poke through here and there).This album has spectacular sound quality (thanks to Dave Meegan) and the liner notes feature the lyrics and the recording credits along with some arty images. Total playing time of this single CD version of Marbles is somewhere around 64 minutes. I have not accessed the additional material included on the disc. Although there is a 2CD version of Marbles floating around out there, I was more than satisfied with this single CD version.All in all, this is one of the finest Marillion albums I have heard in a long time. My hope is that the group will continue to quietly put albums of high quality out; I certainly enjoy their music very much. Recommended along with their neo-progressive efforts with Hogarth at the helm including Seasons End (1989), Brave (1994), Afraid of Sunlight (1995), and the transitional (albeit very good) This Strange Engine (1997).
