Hi there.
Now where do I begin on this one?
I won’t bore you with a band history or trying to describe the music. You just need to listen to it. Marillion seem to appeal to a wide range of people who’s other musical tastes stretch form Prog to Punk, Metal to New Romantic 80’s Pop, so your own musical taste isn’t necessarily important as to wether you will like them or not. Keep an open mind!
I would recommend the following albums:
Marbles Their most recent album from last year, and quite simply stunning. Shows off their knack for writing more conventional pop rock tunes (includes 2 hit singles) as well as 20 min prog epics and lots more in between. This is where the band are today so you may as well start with this.
Clutching at Straws However, if your only exposure to Marillion is via this site then chances are what you have heard has been something from this album. This is the bands fourth album (1987) and the last one with original frontman Fish.
Brave Dark concept album from 1994 considered by many fans (and to some extent the band as well) to be their best work.
Afraid of Sunlight A loose concept album dealing with the pitfalls of fame and celebrity. 8 songs with connecting themes as opposed to a story running through it.
Not sure what part of the world you are in, but getting hold of any Marillion music is easier doing it directly from the bands web site (and ensures the band get more money from the sale).
http://www.marillion.com/racket/music.htmlI hope enjoy the music of Marillion. But be warned; there’s a lot of catching up to do so this could become expensive. Visit the Marillion forum and say hi, we won’t bite.
http://www.marillion.com/forum/index.php