One can view The Best of Both Worlds as either an exercise in futility or a chance to become better acquainted with two very different incarnations of
Marillion. Split up into the band's two eras, The Best of Both Worlds features 14
Fish-led compositions and 15 tracks from the Mach II lineup featuring former How We Live frontman
Steve Hogarth on vocals. Truth be told, disc one features a plethora of spectacular essentials including "Script for Jesters Tear," "Assassing," and the single edits of "Kayleigh" and "Lavender." Revisiting songs like "Warm Wet Circle" and "Forgotten Son," it's easy to understand why this lot was so esteemed by their Euro audience. Oddly enough, and somewhat incomprehensibly, the epic "Fugazy" fails to make an appearance. Of the
Hogarth era, the best material is culled from his debut with the band,
Season's End and from
Afraid of Sunlight. Everything in between is pretty iffy. This collection is obviously a quote-unquote, hit-driven compilation, so consequently, some of the better
Hogarth moments like the title track from
Season's End or Berlin are omitted. If you've ever been curious about the band, The Best of Both Worlds is a good place to start. For a deeper understanding, spend some time with Script for Jesters Tear,
Misplaced Childhood,
Clutching at Straws, and
Season's End. For beginners only. ~ John Franck