#mick pointer

Marillion: B’Sides Themselves (1988)

Like countless British bands, before and after (but precious few progressive rock outfits of any generation), Marillion were known to regale/exploit their most ardent fans with non-album B-Sides -- most of which eventually became bonus cuts for deluxe CD reissues in the late ‘90s.

Years earlier, however, cost-conscious consumers who weren’t willing to dig into their wallets for every limited edition 12-inch or 7-inch single could at least experience these “rarities” via 1988’s B’Sides Themselves collection.

Of course, this being Marillion, it makes all the sense in the world that they would dive headlong into the monumental “Grendel” (*), which, at 18 minutes of multi-sectioned pomp and grandeur, was probably Fish and co.’s attempt at replicating their heroes, Genesis’ “Supper’s Ready.”

Most of the songs that follow are of a more conventional size, yet anything but in every other sense, as Fish spews inspired verbal diarrhea of epic proportions (even by his standards) all over “Charting the Single,” ponders the double-edged sword of fame for the umpteenth (riveting) time on “Tux On,” and gets beyond elliptical while his band mates steal the show on the instrumentally sublime “Three Boats Down from the Candy.”

Conversely, “Lady Nina” relies on an unusually repetitive electronic drum bed, and “Margaret” is little more than a live encore vamp, complete with band member introductions, including for original drummer Mick Pointer, still with the band in ‘83.

And, speaking of live albums, three of the standout offerings here had already cropped up on Marillion’s -- namely their effusive first single “Market Square Heroes,” the exquisite “Cinderella Search” (both featured on ‘84’s Real to Reel), and the punchy “Freaks” (‘88’s The Thieving Magpie).

Anyway, as a convenient catch-all for the purpose of rounding out Marillion’s ‘80s discography behind Fish, before the portly Scot was replaced by Steve Hogarth, B’Sides Themselves remains hard to beat.

* Which may or may not be based on the monster from Beowulf, or a waitress singer Fish met in Cornwall one Friday night.

Today, I want to share my excitement about a fantastic prog rock band that I discovered a while back, Arena! 🎸 And it's all thanks to my love for Marillion, who led me to this incredible musical journey.

"The Mirror Lies" is an extraordinary song by Arena that has captured my heart and imagination. Its deep and thought-provoking lyrics have me pondering its meaning long after the music fades away. 🎶 The band's ability to blend powerful melodies with intricate instrumentation is simply mesmerizing.

Arena consists of incredibly talented musicians, each contributing their unique flair to the group's sound. With Clive Nolan on keyboards, Mick Pointer on drums (of course, the former Marillion drummer!), John Mitchell on guitar, Kylan Amos on bass, and Paul Manzi on vocals, their collective talents have propelled them to great success in the world of progressive rock.

Arena's journey in the music industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Their albums have garnered critical acclaim and have earned them a dedicated fanbase around the globe. Their creativity and innovation have kept the prog rock genre alive and thriving.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the birthday boy himself, Mick Pointer! 🥁 Mick's passion for music started at a young age, and he honed his skills to become one of the most influential drummers in the progressive rock scene. Did you know that Mick's time with Marillion in their early days played a significant role in shaping the band's signature sound?

As I eagerly await Arena's new album, "The Theory of Molecular Inheritance," set to release on 2nd September 2022, I can't help but wonder what sonic wonders await us this time. 🤩 The anticipation is almost too much to bear!

Marillion Script for a Jester’s Tear 1983 EMI ————————————————— Tracks: 1. Script for a Jester’s Tear 2. He Knows You Know 3. The Web 4. Garden Party 5. Chelsea Monday 6. Forgotten Sons —————————————————

Derek William Dick “Fish”

Mark Kelly

Mick Pointer

Steve Rothery

Pete Trewavas

Marillion Script for a Jester’s Tear [Expanded Edition] 1997 EMI ————————————————— Tracks CD One: 1. Script for a Jester’s Tear 2. He Knows You Know 3. The Web 4. Garden Party 5. Chelsea Monday 6. Forgotten Sons

Tracks CD Two: 1. Market Square Heroes 2. Three Boats down from the Candy 3. Grendel 4. Chelsea Monday [demo] 5. He Knows You Know [demo] 6. Charting the Single 7. Market Square Heroes [alternative version]—————————————————

Derek William Dick “Fish”

Mark Kelly

Mick Pointer

Steve Rothery

Pete Trewavas

Marillion Script for a Jester’s Tear [Super Deluxe Edition Box Set] 2020 EMI ——————————————————————— Tracks CD One: Script for a Jester’s Tear [2020 Stereo] 01. Script for a Jester’s Tear 02. He Knows You Know 03. The Web 04. Garden Party 05. Chelsea Monday 06. Forgotten Sons

Tracks CD Two: Market Square Heroes EP [2020 Stereo Remix] 01. Market Square Heroes 02. Three Boats down from the Candy 03. Grendel 04. Charting the Single

Tracks CD Three: Live at the Marquee Club, London (12/29/82) 01. Garden Party 02. Three Boats down from the Candy 03. Grendel 04. Chelsea Monday 05. He Knows You Know

Tracks CD Four: Live at the Marquee Club, London (12/29/82) 01. The Web 02. Script for a Jesters Tear 03. Forgotten Sons 04. Market Square Heroes 05. Margaret

Tracks Blu-ray: Documentary: Sackcloth and Greasepaint – The Story of «Script for a Jester’s Tear» Script for a Jester’s Tear [2020 Stereo] 01. Script for a Jester’s Tear 02. He Knows You Know 03. The Web 04. Garden Party 05. Chelsea Monday 06. Forgotten Sons Script for a Jester’s Tear [2020 Stereo 5.1 Surround Remix] 07. Script for a Jester’s Tear] 08. He Knows You Know 09. The Web 10. Garden Party 11. Chelsea Monday 12. Forgotten Sons Market Square Heroes EP [2020 Stereo] 13. Market Square Heroes 14. Three Boats down from the Candy 15. Grendel 16. Charting the Single Live at the Marquee Club, London (12/29/82) [2020 Stereo] 17. Garden Party 18. Three Boats down from the Candy 19. Grendel 20. Chelsea Monday 21. He Knows You Know 22. The Web 23. Script for a Jesters Tear 24. Forgotten Sons 25. Market Square Heroes 26. Margaret

Tracks LP One: Script for a Jester’s Tear [2020 Stereo Remix] 01. Script for a Jester’s Tear 02. He Knows You Know 03. The Web 04. Garden Party 05. Chelsea Monday 06. Forgotten Sons

Tracks LP Two: Market Square Heroes EP [2020 Stereo Remix] 01. Market Square Heroes 02. Three Boats down from the Candy 03. Charting the Single 04. Grendel

Tracks LP Three: Live at the Marquee Club, London (12/29/82) 01. Garden Party 02. Three Boats down from the Candy 03. Chelsea Monday 04. Grendel 05. He Knows You Know

Tracks LP Four: Live at the Marquee Club, London (12/29/82) 01. The Web 02. Script for a Jesters Tear 03. Forgotten Sons 04. Market Square Heroes 05. Margaret ———————————————————————

Derek William Dick “Fish”

Mark Kelly

Mick Pointer

Steve Rothery

Pete Trewavas