Share the post "Album review: MARILLION – Marbles In The Park"
earMUSIC [Release date 20.01.17] 2-CD/DVD/Bluray
Available on 2xCD, DVD, and Blu Ray formats, Marbles In The Park – the centrepiece of the 2015 Marillion weekend convention at Center Parcs, Port Zelande, in The Netherlands – is a curious release.
Not least because it coincides with the release – via the band’s website – of a 3 DVD/Bluray – box set of all 3 nights – the other two, being a ‘normal’ set (including the whole of Anoraknophobia) and Singles Night – a reasonably chronological canter through the band’s singles output, including the Fish era. The latter, a ‘must have’ for fans, I would have thought. The other two nights are also each available on 2xCD sets.
So really, there’s a good range of ‘pick and mix’ options. But given the fanaticism and loyalty of the band’s fan base, it’s hard to see who would opt for Marbles In The Park on DVD or Bluray, when you effectively get all three nights for the price of two in the Out Of The Box, box set.
And for those on a budget – at the time of writing at least – the Marbles In The Park CD set is significantly cheaper on the band’s website than Amazon’s pre order price.
But, back to the main event – part of each bi-annual Marillion weekend focuses on a past release and in 2015 it was Marbles (2004) turn to be given an end to end stunning live show, with spectacular lights and back drop projections, supplemented with encores of ‘Out Of This World’ and ‘King’ (Afraid Of Sunlight (1995)) and the more recent ‘Sounds That Can’t Be Made’.
It has to be said, having just seen the FEAR tour (and the dramatic borrowed set opener of ‘The Invisible Man’), that Marillion really are on the top of their game at present. Whoever is working on their stage shows has got them visually just about perfect. Add that to the band’s artistry, and H’s energy and charisma, and you’ve got a truly winning combination.
From a personal perspective I’d have to say Marbles isn’t perhaps the Marillion album I’d reach for out of choice but, as with their entire catalogue, there’s always some lurking gems and from an audio/visual perspective Marbles In The Park is both compelling and utterly absorbing.
Some might say, ‘look, we’ve already had Marbles On The Road on DVD (2004), so why would I want to invest?’ Well, let me tell you. In The Park makes On The Road (which incidentally, didn’t include the full unabridged album) look like a home movie. It’s a piece of glorious widescreen cinematography that you will want to watch again, and again. *****
Review by Pete Whalley
Album review (F E A R)
Gig review (November 2016)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 6 April 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 8 April 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025
THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 21 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
Recent (last 30 days)
Share the post "Album review: MARILLION – Marbles In The Park"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
