CD of the Week (3)

Marillion: Season's End

This was the first Marillion album after the departure of Fish (who will be in Lisbon in a fortnight, by the way), raising questions as to whether the group's music could survive the departure of its muse. 18 years on, the answer is an emphatic yes!

This 1989 album reflects important issues of the day such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the armed struggle in Northern Ireland and global warming.

As ever, the band knows how to use musical textures and timings to support the lyrics and their messages - musical capabilities sadly lacking in 99% of modern pop. In fact, that must be the main reason that the CD has been in the car now since September 24 while other music has been swapped out.

Apparently the band will be coming to Lisbon in April 2007. I'll be there.