TAAB2

Hi all, my first post here. I've been a Tull fanatic since Benefit. Just had to register to say the new one is f'n fantastic! He's done it again in a big way. who'd a thunk. More later when i get some free time.

Nice review, Pat! Not a million miles away from my own first impressions.

Didn't have a very good experience with the stream, though. Firstly, I wasn't able to get to it, via the Mrs's account, till 6.30, i.e. 1.5 hours beyond the 24. Not even knowing if the links would still be active, I was delighted when the page came up OK and I settled back waiting for the music to start. Nothing happened. After about 10 minutes waiting, I decided to click on the next track, the Pebbles Instrumental, and it played! Oh joy! I then heard another 4 or 5 tracks before the following one wouldn't play. Eventually I got to hear about half when the stream went and nothing would play! Giving up all hope of hearing it all, I went off to do something else when I discovered I'd had a problem with my broadband, sorted that out and got back on Facebook in time to hear the tracks I'd missed and a few repeats before passing out for the night!

So I heard the whole album, on shuffle, in a far from relaxed or attentive state - and still really liked it!

BUT... I couldn't help thinking as I was listening, how Martin would have done this. I've no problem with Florian. I think he's a wonderfully talented and capable guitarist - the highlight of the Canterbury Cathedral concert for me was his version of Bach's Toccata and Fugue - and he does a great job with the lead breaks and power chords but what I've always loved Tull for, and one of the key aspects that set them apart for me, is Martin's fills and incidentals. They were always so perfect, they were obvious. And, on one garbled hearing, that's what seems irreplaceable.

It's not a Tull album and it should have been a Tull album but it is the next best thing.

Cheers,
Jioffe.

Did anyone spot the Aqualung musical quote. It's pretty subtle and took me couple of double takes to hear it.

Welcome to The Jethro Tull Board, "bassackwards".... we'd like to know your first name, if that's okay with you, because I'd rather not call you bassackwards all the time! (It's okay if you prefer not, though).

We think we've got a good thing going, and that you're going to like it here a lot! I've been reading your posts about the new album, and I agree that it's better than we could have ever expected, and I think that's especially true about the lyrics and the various "Gerald" stories woven into the theme.

Unlike some of the more lighthearted IA releases, this is something we can really sink our teeth into!

Looking forward to chatting with you here, and if you are on FB, send us a friend request and we will add you to the "parallel universe" we've got going over there!



Jeff

I didn't notice that, but like I said, I was listening under adverse circumstances. Where can that be found?

Jeff

Listened to the whole thing for several times now.
Lets speculate a bit and say this is Tull album, even if it isn't. As such I must admit it's way better than the last studio effort "Dot.Com", but I won't even try to compare it to original Taab cause it's obviously quite different musicaly. Also, it doesn't really deliver that continuous piece feel, even if I take in consideration that stream version wiped out the links between songs and that there are several theme reprises. It appears to me more like a collection of separate songs. Overall I like it very much. It's a mixture between classic Tull and Ian's solo stuff with some nice surprises thrown in. Flute work isn't so extremely to the fore anymore, but this might be a good thing here, so there is enough space for other musicians to introduce themselves. My only complaint is that the arrangements should have been made richer and production more adventurous. I can't get rid of the feeling, that there is often alot of empty space within the sound picture.( Didn't Ian say that electric guitar was recorded on only one track through the entire album?) Also in some places music sounds quite live, the fact from which the live versions will benefit the most, I guess. On the other hand it's not extremely proggish, although I would dare to say that some sections are clearly flirting with rock opera style. Spoken parts are maybe overused, but then again they don't harm too much, because for the most part they're done quite nicely.
So, all in all, very solid stuff, although not sensational, but we really can't wish anything better from the poor old bugger who lives just down the road, can we?

And now some short impressions about 17 sections:

1.) From A Pebble Thrown:
Good enough start. I just don't like that initial keyboard intrusion which is recorded in a very raw manner and turns out a bit amateurish.

2.) Pebbles instrumental:
I'm still struggling with this one. Reminiscent of "Eurology" and "Boris dancing" style.

3.) Might-Have-Beens:
Still wondering if this was necessary.

4.) Upper Sixth Loan Shark:
I really like the beggining only. Otherwise "Set-Aside 2".

5.) Banker Bets, Banker Wins:
After listening the sample only, this one has grown on me as a full piece. Echoes of very classic Tull. (theme maybe overused through entire album....some fresh melodies might have been better option)

6.) Swing It Far:
Nice melody, but alternating subtle parts with aggressive rocking might work on some other Tull songs, but definitely not here imo..
And there is another "but"....the ending section of this song is maybe my favourite candy on the entire record. This kind of moments really makes you think: " Is there anyone else who can do this the way Ian does?"

7.) Adrift And Dumfounded:
Although already familiar from live shows, this one might be my favourite as it's very consistent and overall well done. Somehow reminiscent of "Beside Myself". My only complaint is that keyboard arrangement worked much better in earlier live version.

8.) Old School Song:
Revisiting the original. Nice cheerful chorus, but I've never been a huge fan of pumping rhythm.

9.) Wootton Bassett Town:
I'm not sure if I can be fully comfortable with keyboard sound patterns, but this song certainly convinced me with it's dramatic growth structure. Also thumb up for Ian's vocals on this one!

10.) Power and spirit:
This time the jump from acoustic intro to rockish ground does the trick!

11.) Give Till It Hurts:
What a pleasant refreshment, but unfortunately way too short. Ian should develop this a bit more because it really works.

12.) Cosy Corner:
I never thought I will actualy like this. Very spirited and warm. Also hats off to John for horns arrangement.

13.) Shunt And Shuffle:
I'm really sorry guys, but what I'm going to say will probably turn out as a blasphemy.....this one could have been an outtake from almost any Tull record. Wasn't "Beltane" an outtake as well?

14.) A Change Of Horses:
I think we all agree this is basicaly a great song....yet it could have been done much better in many aspects - instrumentation, arrangements, production...

15.) Confessional:
I like it....simple as that!

16.) Kismet In Suburbia:
Simply, one of the best tracks on the album...

17.) What-Ifs, Maybes, Might-Have-Beens:
...but this one is not!


Overall 7/10

Yes, Jeff, you asumed correctly. It was all about musical aspects. I still have to dig a bit more into the lyrical concept and I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks and Hi Jeff, My name is Jer. Hey Mr. Monkey, The Aqualung quote is in Adrift and Dumfounded.

In view of many people's comments and my own first impressions, should the album more rightfully be called, "What-ifs, Maybes, Might-have-beens"?

Cheers,
Jioffe.

Maybe a bit harsh....at least 8/10 in my book.

Some thoughts on Brick 2 in a half drunk stuper. I'll go out on a limb and give it a 10, ie compared to other music. In the Tull/ Anderson annals I still give it a 10. Concept gives it more cohesivness than brick 1 or PP. It's not so off the wall. (Brick 1` is my favorite music of all time). Lyrics, not overly clever, but I like the directness. Music, not as profound as Brick 1 (no orgasms) but actually holds my attention better and has very few plodding spots. Clever intermingling of Brick 1 themes and oftentimes rather subtle. Love the use of HH melody, and can hear some nice use of Farm on the Freeway at some powerful spots. This music is made to be played live and feels like the 5-6musicians can pull it off rather well if Ian's voice holds up. Oh yeah, Ian's voice. Best in years and even with some loss of dexterity is still quite expressive and no one else could sing this. Warmer than ever! Contrary to popular opinion I like the spoken parts, though not wild about Shunt and Shuffle. They really don't seem intrusive at all in this context, which is more like a Tommy or Quadrophenia. I don't mind it's not such a flow like Brick 1, it's a totally different animal. It probably will be compared to Quadrophenia, remember O'hara orchestrated it? and the other voice, actor, what's his name, played a lead role. More blasphemy, I like that Martin is not involved. I luv Martin. But I think that the difference in the sound gives it more freshness to my ears. I think Martin is incredible, but his runs tend to get a little stale, (don't hurt me). Thank youse for being here. None of the old gang seem to have the time for such things as Tull (the passion or our youth) any more.