Search - Marillion :: B Sides Themselves

Good, Representative Taste of D Dick!

Paul Ess. | Holywell, N.Wales,UK. | 11/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It speaks volumes that a compilation of early Fish-era Marillion b-sides, can be deemed a definitive, original work, well beyond it's tawdry intentions as a cash-in.

Here they are folks, the bits and bobs ya might have missed! Just keep that filthy lucre rolling in kids!

You get the idea.



To be interested in (the hour long!) 'B-Sides Themselves' (guffaw!) you need to realise just how good this group were in their first bloom of creativity.

The first four albums are superb wherever you bite your rock; and there is stuff on here at least as good, and in many instances, better.



Of course in the plastic, un-romantic world of disc and digital, a collection like this is redundant and essential at the same time. The b-side, to all extents and purposes, is a concept that doesn't really exist anymore; and isn't it Marillion-typical, that stuff that's meant as throwaway, keeps on being nigh-on indispensable 20-odd years on?



It's mind-boggling that sterling songs like 'Lady Nina' and 'Three Boats Down From The Candy' were cobbled together and pushed out into the pop world as filler.

Magnificent, lyrical masterpieces like 'Charting the Single' and

'Cinderella Search' just hidden away in the shadows. That the 17 minute prog symphony of evil: 'Grendel' originally appeared as a 'bonus' song is quite ridiculous.

The Fish ego must be gigantic.

If wasn't for 'B-Sides Themselves' I wouldn't mind betting there'd be fervent Marillion supporters who would scarcely be aware of their existence.



It doesn't need me to say it (so OF COURSE I'm going to!), the quality of Marillion's b-sides wipe the floor with most groups serious and genuine output.



The live/ jam thingy 'Margaret' is the only let-down. Although man-god Fish is on fiery form as drunken audience/choir ringleader, the whole thing reeks of condescension. One 'extra' that should've stayed buried in the studio vaults.



That aside, 'B-Sides Themselves' should be treated as a major work in all quarters. Certainly on a par with 'Script for a Jesters Tear' or 'Fugazi', and only slightly below Marillion's signature classic 'Misplaced Childhood' in the grand order of Fish pla(i)cings (sorry).



If only the record company had the class and grace to give this away free...



4½ stars"