At the time, Marillion's remarkable, full-fledged 1983 debut Script for a Jester's Tear was considered an odd bird: replete with Peter Gabriel face paint and lengthy, technical compositions, Marillion ushered in a new generation of prog rock that bound them forever to the heroics of early day Genesis. Intricate, complex, and theatrical almost to a fault, Script for a Jester's Tear remains the band's best and sets the bar for their later work. Filled with extraordinary songs that remained staples in the band's live gigs, the album begins with the poignant title track, on which Fish leads his band of merry men on a brokenhearted tour de force that culminates with the singer decrying that "…the game is over." "He Knows You Know,," a song sprinkled with drug paranoia and guilt; as the song veers to its chorus, Fish announces, "Fast feed, crystal fever, swarming through a fractured mind." If "The Web" hints at a grain of commercialism, "Garden Party" is a joyous anthem that showcases Marillion at the peak of its powers. Bogged down by some hilariously over-the-top British poetry, "Chelsea Monday" may be one of the album's lesser moments (if there are any), but the magical "Forgotten Sons" concludes the opus magnificently. Luckily for Marillion fans, EMI released a remastered version of Script with two different versions of "Market Square Heroes," "Three Boats Down from the Candy," "Grendel," "Chelsea Monday," the demo of "He Knows You Know," and an alternate track titled "Charting the Single." A vital piece for any Marillion head and an essential work for any self-respecting first- or second-generation prog rock fan. ~ John Franck, Rovi
Script for a Jester's Tear is the first album by the neo-progressive rock band Marillion, released in 1983. It reached number seven on the UK album chart and stayed on the chart for 31 weeks, the second longest chart residency of a Marillion album.[3]
The single released before the album was "Market Square Heroes", with the double B-sides "Three Boats Down from the Candy" and the 17 minute epic "Grendel".
"He Knows You Know" and "Garden Party" were also released as singles, and became Top 40hits in the UK.
All songs written by Derek Dick, Steve Rothery, Peter Trewavas, Michael Pointer, Mark Kelly, Diz Minnett & Brian Jellyman unless otherwise noted. (Copyright Marillion Music/Charisma Music/Chappell)
"Script for a Jester's Tear" (Derek Dick/Steve Rothery/Peter Trewavas/Michael Pointer/Mark Kelly) – 8:44
The album was originally released on Cassette, vinyl LP and 12" Picture Disc. The album was released on CD sometime afterwards. In 1997, as part of a series of Marillion's first eight studio albums, EMI re-released Script for a Jester's Tear with remastered sound and a second disc containing bonus material, listed above. The remastered edition was later also made available without the bonus disc.
A new 180 gram vinyl pressing will be released in February 2012 by EMI. It will be identical to the original vinyl release from 1983.
"Marquee Club's Parents Association Children's Choir" - backing vocals on "Forgotten Sons" (short fragment of "Ring a Ring o' Roses").
Peter Cockburn – newcaster's voice on "Forgotten Sons".
Production
Produced by Nick Tauber
Recorded and Mixed by Simon Hanhart
Digitally remastered by Peter Mew and Mark Kelly at Abbey Road Studios London April - July 1997
Notes
Although their first single "Market Square Heroes" never appeared on the original album, it can be briefly heard during a short radio segment prior to 'Forgotten Sons'.
According to Fish, Script for a Jesters Tear is the first of a trilogy of albums, and classified as 'bedsit thoughts'. Fugazi was deemed 'hotel thoughts' and Misplaced Childhood as 'home thoughts'. This was to enable the listener to understand the feelings and surroundings that shaped the songwriting.
There was supposed to be a rubber plant featured on the album's cover, per Fish's request - part of Fish's stage theatrics at the time included tearing apart a rubber plant at the climax of The Web. However, Mark Wilkinson, who air-brushed this and several other albums for Marillion, forgot to include it.
The version of "Grendel" on the remastered CD is not the same version as the original 1983 17 minute B-side single release.
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