There was so much more to Ian Anderson than standing on one leg giving his all, on some sweat soaked stage on tour. Witness Jack-in-the-green where he plays the full instrument range himself. I have mentioned in several reviews whereby I hate music being pigeon holed and Jethro Tull were a law unto themselves. And so good because of that. Money on them being completely side lined by the music industry, we should all rejoice that the 70’s, amongst other stuff, was a period of musical experimentation by the record companies to some degree. It is reflected within.
Jethro Tull shone out throughout, although I suspect this offering, released in 1977, as punk was all the rage, was given short shrift by the likes of the NME at the time. But listening more than 40 years later, there is much to delight. The title track is a masterpiece although probably not one for your first dance with your new girlfriend at the school dance. But it has everything and the side closes with one of the best Christmas songs ever to be released.
The musicianship on here is exceptional. It was a slightly new direction for Tull, treating trad folk songs with rock, which works beautifully. Witness Velvet green which kicks off Side 2. Anderson’s voice at the time was simply magical and suited the music (and image) perfectly.
I really like this and whether you are tasting Tull for the first time or adding to the collection you will not be disappointed.
