Going back to 1983: It had taken me a few listens to get into, but Script for a Jester's Tear ultimately won me over. So I was quite excited to obtain Fugazi as soon as it was released to the marketplace. I had yet to hear IQ and other bands coming from the neo prog camp - or what was starting to be referred to as the New Wave of British Progressive Rock. Therefore Marillion was my gateway drug into contemporary progressive rock. As their music went, so did my interest in it.
The opener 'Assassing' is an exhilarating piece, and had me thinking real time that this was going to be an album for the ages. But it quickly dropped off from there - at least in terms of energy level. It was something of a head fake - a distinctive turn to hard rock. Which in retrospect many of the neo prog bands were quite adept at. Ultimately I didn't even hold onto Fugazi, thinking it second rate prog for newbies, falling into that 90s crowd that turned their collective noses up at such twaddle. It wasn't until 2005 that I decided a revisit was in order. OK - now I get it.
Fugazi is a progressive rock album. There's a revelation, eh? Why I didn't have the patience for it initially is rather perplexing considering all the 70s albums I'd absorbed by then. Most of them not exactly easy listening. Perhaps because Marillion were a contemporary group - and they did after all start the album off guns-a-blazing - I guess I just wanted more of that. Rather Fugazi has all the trademarks of the neo prog genre with digital instrumentation, complex yet accessible compositions, and a Gabriel-esque vocal delivery. The reality is Marillion were a foundational group of the movement versus a follower. Major label exposure and subsequent sales totals only pushed the new genre into the limelight for the masses. It wasn't to last but the middle 80s held much promise, thanks to the efforts of Fish & Co.
For 2023, it brings in the whole 80s nostalgic pull. Of course I conveniently filter what I want from it, and I'm completely dishonest with myself on what the 80s reality truly was for me. Nothing beats rose colored glasses. You oughta buy a pair of 'em. +1 listen.
Ownership: LP: 1984 EMI. Gatefold. Online purchase (2011). Decided to get the original UK since it's a gate versus the single sleeve American version. Even today, the original UK press is very affordable online, though finding in the wilds here in the States is tough. My first copy, as noted above, was purchased upon release (1984 Capitol). You don't see this version outside the house much either.
CD: 2005 EMI (Japan). Papersleeve edition. This CD brought me back to Fugazi.
1984; 2005; 2011; 4/23/23 (new entry)
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