Ralphy's C.D. Reviews

Review date 22-01-1999: Marillion - C.D. Radiation

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"Radiation" is the 10th normal (11th, if you include the B'sides-compilation "B'sides themselves") studio-album of the almost legendary symphonic rock band Marillion. It's the 6th one with Steve Hogarth as lead vocalist and writer of all lyrics. Although they were never a smash hit with the general public (except for their worldwide success "Kayleigh" with former singer Fish), they managed to create a huge and loyal following all over the world in the two decades of their existence. Guitarist Steve Rothery was in 1978 among the founders of the band, Pete Trewavas (bass) and Mark Kelly (keyboards) joined before the recording of their first single (Market Square Heroes) and drummer/percussionist Ian Mosley did the same soon after the release of their first landmark album "Script for a jester's tear".

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"Radiation" is probably the best Marillion CD since the debut of Steve Hogarth on "Season's end". This time it's no concept-album (of which they made quite a few), but all songs stand apart. The album's name is derived from the best song on the album "Under the sun". This playful rock song is about the ignorance and indifference of people towards the breakdown of the ozone layer. Yes, this is a band who sings about more than just love. The rocking "The answering machine" is about a failed reconciliation after a divorce and the peaceful "Now she'll never know" tells a tale about the regrets of a mournful adulterer. What "Cathedral wall" and "Born to run" are about I couldn't figure out, but the music stands firm like a (Cathedral) wall. The album closer "A few words for the dead" is a 10 minute epic on having a positive life attitude instead of seeking revenge for past wrongdoings. "Three minute boy" tells the tale of the rise and fall of a one hit wonder and the single release "These chains" is about the pressure and especially the restrictions we all lay on ourselves voluntarily, but which hinder us in our growth. All in all Marillion is back big time. I rate this album with an 8.0 .

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