Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Marillion
Label: EMI Records
Release: 1984
Length: 12:03
Rating: 4.5/5
Marillion were in their neo-prog rock phase, defined by the unique vocal and lyrical contribution of the charismatic Scottish highlander Fish, an unrepeatable attraction both in the studio and on stage. To promote their second studio effort “Fugazi” (1984), they put out two singles. The first of them was “Punch and Judy”, a fiery track of unusually dramatic intensity, crowned with a pompous chorus. What really stands out is the unforgettable transition into the melancholic chorus, with excellent guitar-and-keyboard passages from the Steve Rothery-Mark Kelly axis, backed by a frenetic bass line from Pete Trewavas, while Ian Mosley makes his debut behind the drums. Fish’s vocal theatricality, which runs through the whole piece, tells the story of a dysfunctional marriage in a witty, vivid way.
Punch and Judy is, after all, the title of a puppet show especially popular in the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon lands, where a male and a female puppet beat each other up (usually with sticks). Think of it as something like our own Pavliha and Micka. This failed relationship is wittily illustrated by the excellent cover, directed by the cult illustrator Mark Wilkinson, who designed the covers for all of the Fish-era Marillion releases. Interestingly, “Punch and Judy”, which is their only officially recorded and released song written with the involvement of the short-lived drummer Jonathan Mover (GTR), was the only single from the period when they were signed to EMI for which they didn’t shoot a promo video. For the B-side of the 12-inch vinyl edition they picked unabridged, re-recorded versions of the fan favorites “Market Square Heroes” and “Three Boats Down From the Candy”, which are their only official recordings with John Marter on drums.
“Punch and Judy”, one of the most vivid and entertaining moments on the cult album “Fugazi”, still delights today in single form too. Above all, though, it’s a fine proof that Fish-era Marillion boasted an exceptionally bold and sharp sense of black humor, something that those who link this period mainly with the mental and spiritual wounds of their Scottish giant often forget.
Line-up
Fish – vocals
Steve Rothery – guitar
Mark Kelly – keyboards
Pete Trewavas – bass guitar
Ian Mosley – drums on “Punch and Judy”
John Marter – drums on “Market Square Heroes” and “Three Boats Down From the Candy”
Production
Nick Tauber
Track list
1. Punch and Judy
2. Market Square Heroes (Full re-recorded version)
3. Three Boats Down From The Candy (Re-recorded version)
