Script for a Jester's Tear by Marillion

Script for a Jester's Tear, Marillion's 1983 debut album, the first of a four-part series that included the subsequent albums, Fugazi (1984), Misplaced Childhood (1985), and Clutching at Straws (1987), centered around Jester, the jester played by Fish during the album's live concerts.

It is also the only Marillion album to feature drummer Mick Pointer, who left the band after the album's promotional tour.

An album that most of us need no introduction, having become a classic.

Fish-era Marillion begins with some of the most progressive pieces of their discography, with complex compositions that are at once dark and emotional. These songs are exceptionally written and performed. Despite my great and often professed passion for Misplaced Childhood, Script for a Jester's Tear is probably their best work together with Fugazi.

Hypnotic, painful, and melancholic songs, splendid vocals, both melodic and screamed, and Rothery's guitar is splendid and very emotional.

All the songs are beautiful, from the title track "Script for a Jester's Tear" to the intense "Forgotten Sons."

One of the best prog rock albums of the '80s, and if anyone hasn't heard it yet, definitely check it out.

The Tracks

1. Script for a Jester's Tear (8:39)
2. He Knows You Know (5:22)
3. The Web (8:48)
4. Garden Party (7:15)
5. Chelsea Monday (8:16)
6. Forgotten Sons (8:21)
Running Time: 46:41

Line-Up

- Fish - vocals
- Steve Rothery - acoustic and electric guitar
- Mark Kelly - piano, harpsichord, Korg CX-3 organ, synthesizers (Minimoog, Roland Jupiter-8, PPG Wave, Sequential Pro-One, Yamaha CS15)
- Pete Trewavas - Rickenbacker bass and Fender fretless bass
- Mick Pointer - drums, percussion
Featuring:
- Pete James (Abbey Road) - effects Soundtracks
- Peter Cockburn - News Voice (6)
- Marquee Club Parents' Association Children's Choir - Backing Vocals (6)