I'll take Heavy Horses any day. A much better disc, however I just did order This Was the collector's edition. Am I a hypocrite or what.
And the mouse police never sleeps.
So, Earl, I see you are still trying to avoid our nine-point analysis.
Seriously, though, of course we will count your vote, as is, when I finally get around to properly setting this latest round up, and announcing the commencement of voting.
But I find these types of "what's your favorite this or that" things dull without knowing what people's thought process is in reaching their conclusion, in other words I'd like to know the reasons why people prefer one thing over another. That's why I tried to come up with an objective test consisting of a set of categories that cover every aspect of an album.
Anyway, stay tuned for Round 11, This Was v. Heavy Horses, coming up soon!
Now, more than ever, The Jethro Tull Board kicks ass!
Joined: Sept 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 3,695
Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #185 on Feb 11, 2011, 10:27pm »
At long last, the return of Album Wars (This Was)! So who is ready?
Round 11: This Was v. Heavy Horses
To refresh our recollection, and for the benefit of our new members, let's review. We have developed a comprehensive nine-category system where we objectively analyze every aspect of the two albums that are "doing battle."
First Five Categories:
Two points are awarded to the winner of each of the first five main categories. In the case of a tie, each album earns a single point for that category.
Last Four Categories:
For the last four categories, which are of lesser importance, one point is awarded to the winner of each category, and in the case of a tie, neither album earns a point for that category.
Determining the winner of the round:
When you are done with all nine categories, simply tally up the total number of points for each album and award the round to the album which has amassed the greater number of points. Then, cast your vote in favor of the album which you gave the most points.
Ties:
As always, a round may end in a tie, so if the two albums have earned the same number of points, you must call the round a draw, and your vote will be counted as a tie.
Note: New policy!
In the past, we've sometimes been a little lax about the nine-category system, but from now on, in order for your vote to be counted, you must subject the two albums to the nine-point system, because that's what makes this interesting. Simply choosing one over the other, with little or no explanation would be boring.
Objectivity is the key here, as we are trying to keep subjective preferences out of the equation, to the extent possible.
As always, an album is delcared a winner of a given round, when it has amassed five votes from members of the board, based on the nine-point system.
So with that in mind....here goes with Round 11 - This Was v. Heavy Horses: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The main categories (two points awarded to the winner of each, but in the case of a tie, each album gets one point):
1) Does the album break any new ground?
This Was was recognized at the time as groundbreaking because of the interesting mix of blues, jazz and rock, and the introduction of flute as a lead instrument in a rock band. The striking imagery of Ian in a long tattered coat, perched on one foot like a stork, was also something new and different.
Heavy Horses, with it's rustic blend of acoustic and heavy rock, together with the very folksy lyrics about nature and animals, has been called the greatest folk-rock album ever recorded. Yet, the influence of Steeleye Span and Fairport is clear, so I'm not sure I would call Heavy Horses a groundbreaking album.
Therefore, this category, with its two points, goes to This Was.
2) The complexity/quality of the music: how adventurous is it? Are the melodies consistently good?
This Was sports six excellent songs which have good melodies, and are adventurous, but there are three or four pretty bad songs, too, like Move on Along and Round, for instance.
On Heavy Horses, the melodies are consistently great, and the title track is very adventurous, with many twists and turns. My only complaint is the repetitiveness of No Lullaby, although I do not feel that way about the title track, despite its length.
A close call, but I'm giving this category to Heavy Horses - so, two points go to HH.
3) The quality of the lyrics in terms of imagery, rhyme, metaphor, content and meaning.
No comparison really, here, as Heavy Horses is Tull's most poetic album, and This Was is not really known for its lyrics.
HH wins this category, and takes its two points.
4) How essential the album is to the Tull catalogue? Does it contain any Tull classics?
As with the previous round, this is a tough call. Both albums are essential to the catalogue. But TW has a four or five strong Tull classics, though, whereas HH really only has one, the title track, even though that is what I consider to be among Tull's top two or three greatest all-times classic. SFTW has more Tull classics (title track, Hunting Girl, Jack in the Green) than HH, and so I called this round a draw between SFTW and TW.
But, in this case, I would have to award two points to This Was over HH for this category.
5) How well-sung is the album?
On This Was, Ian is experimenting with his vocals, and although I like most of the singing on that album, I think HH finds Ian in very strong voice, with a gravelly quality that suits the rustic nature of the lyrics.
Two points for HH.
And now, the less important categories (one point is awarded to the winner of each, but in the case of a tie, neither album gets a point):
6) Are there any unusual or interesting musical touches, like the claghorn on This Was for example.
This Was has a claghorn and Ian's scat-singing through his flute. HH has the purring and coughing at the end of Mouse Police, plus the train sounds of Journeyman. Still, I'd have to call this one for TW.
One point to TW.
7) The overall packaging and presentation of the album, including artwork, liner notes, etc.
I like both the front and back covers of TW, plus I like the liner notes giving some information about the album, and writing as if it were the future, "This Was" how we were playing then, is clever, as if Ian were anticipating a very long career early on.
Heavy Horses has a great album cover and back panel as well, but I'm giving this to TW.
One point to TW.
8) Production and sound quality of the album.
Heavy Horses wins this category, and it's single point.
9) Does the album have a sense of humor?
Neither album is what you would call humorous, so I'm calling this a draw.
Zero points for either album. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So adding up the points, I awarded 6 points for TW, but 7 points for HH, so my vote is for Heavy Horses in this round.
"There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but second best."Doris Lessing
"If you agree with me on nine out of twelve issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on twelve out of twelve issues, see a psychiatrist."Ed Koch
Bogenbroom One of the Youngest of the Family member is offline
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Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #186 on Feb 25, 2011, 11:13pm »
1) Iam (ha!) less knowledgeable about the musical landscape of HH's contemporaries than I am of TW's so I feel unqualified to make an immediate hypothesis. Is it unfair of me to call a tie?
TW-1 - HH-1 2) I'll not reiterate how groundbreaking I think TW was for the time and pop music and as I previously stated, I'm not sure what was happening concurrently with HH however, HH is head and shoulders above TW in terms of complexity. The quality is also bar none IMO whether in comparison betwixt the two or against pretty much anything of the time, HH is one dem fin sounding album in sonic quality as well as melodious content.
TW-1 - HH-3
3) I'm not sure Ian composed a more subtly dichotomous album than what HH possesses (note, I said ALBUM). Intrinsically complex lyrically speaking as few others can achieve (musically as well? hmmm), HH is so poetically rustic in its broad stroke brushes yet the delivery is knife-sharp exposition.
TW-1 - HH-5
4) It depends on what Tull is to you. If you're a middler, TW probably contains more essential material. As one who adores TW yet has explored Tull's further catalog, I would give up (as much as it pains me) TW in a heartbeat over HH. TW does a fine job of describing what Tull may be but one of the strongest suits Tull possesses is the lyrical content. On that HH wins alone. Delve further and although one is able to loosely define Tull by episodic musical adventures (often, typically in threes) TW is a simple outline of who and what Tull is where HH not only encapsulates and expands, it does so in such a simply refined manner the pores of Old Man Tull's skin are exposed to anyone who cares to take a second glance.
TW-1 - HH-7
5) With TW Ian isn't quite sure of who he is as a singer. HH on the other hand the bard is fully aware of who he is, where he's been and what he wants to express.
TW-1 - HH-9
And now, the less important categories (one point is awarded to the winner of each, but in the case of a tie, neither album gets a point):
6) Along with the previously stated refinement comes less risk taking (not that that's either good or bad). TW wins this skirmish.
TW-2 - HH-9
7) As clever as TW is in the packaging dpt, my preferences lean towards the subtly strong-willed gent leading two rather large, fierce-looking equine. I think it presages the album contents more subtly and definitively than what TW states.
TW-2 - HH-10
8) Production and sound quality of the album.
Not much to add here. HH holds the lions share of quality here.
TW-2 - HH-11
9) Since neither album's lyrical content hold much humor, I'll award a point to TW based on the album title and cover alone.
TW-3 - HH-11
« Last Edit: Feb 26, 2011, 12:05am by Bogenbroom »
1) Iam (ha!) less knowledgeable about the musical landscape of HH's contemporaries than I am of TW's so I feel unqualified to make an immediate hypothesis. Is it unfair of me to call a tie?
TW-1 - HH-1 2) I'll not reiterate how groundbreaking I think TW was for the time and pop music and as I previously stated, I'm not sure what was happening concurrently with HH however, HH is head and shoulders above TW in terms of complexity. The quality is also bar none IMO whether in comparison betwixt the two or against pretty much anything of the time, HH is one dem fin sounding album in sonic quality as well as melodious content.
TW-1 - HH-3
3) I'm not sure Ian composed a more subtly dichotomous album than what HH possesses (note, I said ALBUM). Intrinsically complex lyrically speaking as few others can achieve (musically as well? hmmm), HH is so poetically rustic in its broad stroke brushes yet the delivery is knife-sharp exposition.
TW-1 - HH-5
4) It depends on what Tull is to you. If you're a middler, TW probably contains more essential material. As one who adores TW yet has explored Tull's further catalog, I would give up (as much as it pains me) TW in a heartbeat over HH. TW does a fine job of describing what Tull may be but one of the strongest suits Tull possesses is the lyrical content. On that HH wins alone. Delve further and although one is able to loosely define Tull by episodic musical adventures (often, typically in threes) TW is a simple outline of who and what Tull is where HH not only encapsulates and expands, it does so in such a simply refined manner the pores of Old Man Tull's skin are exposed to anyone who cares to take a second glance.
TW-1 - HH-7
5) With TW Ian isn't quite sure of who he is as a singer. HH on the other hand the bard is fully aware of who he is, where he's been and what he wants to express.
TW-1 - HH-9
And now, the less important categories (one point is awarded to the winner of each, but in the case of a tie, neither album gets a point):
6) Along with the previously stated refinement comes less risk taking (not that that's either good or bad). TW wins this skirmish.
TW-2 - HH-9
7) As clever as TW is in the packaging dpt, my preferences lean towards the subtly strong-willed gent leading two rather large, fierce-looking equine. I think it presages the album contents more subtly and definitively than what TW states.
TW-2 - HH-10
8) Production and sound quality of the album.
Not much to add here. HH holds the lions share of quality here.
TW-2 - HH-11
9) Since neither album's lyrical content hold much humor, I'll award a point to TW based on the album title and cover alone.
TW-3 - HH-11
Hi, Jason, long time no speak!
Great to read your post here, thanks for jumping in and registering your vote. I see it was no contest for you, as between these two albums, which surprises me just a little, because I remember that you really like TW!
Round 11 score so far: Heavy Horses - 2 votes This Was - 0 votes
"There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but second best."Doris Lessing
"If you agree with me on nine out of twelve issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on twelve out of twelve issues, see a psychiatrist."Ed Koch
Morthoron Potent Glockenspielist member is offline
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Joined: Jun 2010 Gender: Male Posts: 619
Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #188 on Feb 27, 2011, 2:42pm »
1) Does the album break any new ground?
TW expanded on the blues-rock format of bands like Cream, The Bluesbreakers and Fleetwood Mac, integrating jazz and folk references into the mix.
HH is the 2nd in a series of pastoral/folk-themed albums, and although it's a good album, it's not as important as Songs From The Wood. It continues the ambience but does not add to it.
TW gets 2 points.
2) The complexity/quality of the music: how adventurous is it? Are the melodies consistently good?
HH is far more complex than TW, although I think TW is more adventurous than HH. "Never Sleeps the Mouse Police" is downright annoying.
1 point each.
3) The quality of the lyrics in terms of imagery, rhyme, metaphor, content and meaning.
Hands down HH is lyrically better, particularly songs like "One Brown Mouse", "Heavy Horses" and "Weathercock".
HH gets 2 points.
4) How essential the album is to the Tull catalogue? Does it contain any Tull classics?
Highly debatable. As both belong to the ten albums of Tull's classic era, I think either is indispensible, particularly since their styles are completely different. But TW does present the first part of Tull's evolution, therefore it is more important from an historical sense.
2 points for TW.
5) How well-sung is the album?
On HH, Ian Anderson exhibited the throat problems that later were more pronounced. But the compositional quality of the songs are such that his growl is appropriate. I don't think Ian had reached the level of great singer on TW, it would take a while to develop
2 points for HH
6) Are there any unusual or interesting musical touches, like the claghorn on This Was for example.
Well, HH has violin on "Acres Wild", but not much else different from previous albums. And TW does have a claghorn and the flute and blues harp on "My Sunday Feeling".
1 point for TW.
7) The overall packaging and presentation of the album, including artwork, liner notes, etc.
I am not enamored of either album cover really. TW's is funny though, as are the liner notes.
And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George, who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision...
Bogenbroom One of the Youngest of the Family member is offline
Joined: Jan 2010 Gender: Male Posts: 63
Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #189 on Mar 2, 2011, 9:21am »
Great to read your post here, thanks for jumping in and registering your vote. I see it was no contest for you, as between these two albums, which surprises me just a little, because I remember that you really like TW!
Round 11 score so far: Heavy Horses - 2 votes This Was - 0 votes
Jeff
Thanks! Between work and a two year old, my board time has been nil. I'll try to poke my head in every now and then though :wave:
TW expanded on the blues-rock format of bands like Cream, The Bluesbreakers and Fleetwood Mac, integrating jazz and folk references into the mix.
HH is the 2nd in a series of pastoral/folk-themed albums, and although it's a good album, it's not as important as Songs From The Wood. It continues the ambience but does not add to it.
TW gets 2 points.
2) The complexity/quality of the music: how adventurous is it? Are the melodies consistently good?
HH is far more complex than TW, although I think TW is more adventurous than HH. "Never Sleeps the Mouse Police" is downright annoying.
1 point each.
3) The quality of the lyrics in terms of imagery, rhyme, metaphor, content and meaning.
Hands down HH is lyrically better, particularly songs like "One Brown Mouse", "Heavy Horses" and "Weathercock".
HH gets 2 points.
4) How essential the album is to the Tull catalogue? Does it contain any Tull classics?
Highly debatable. As both belong to the ten albums of Tull's classic era, I think either is indispensible, particularly since their styles are completely different. But TW does present the first part of Tull's evolution, therefore it is more important from an historical sense.
2 points for TW.
5) How well-sung is the album?
On HH, Ian Anderson exhibited the throat problems that later were more pronounced. But the compositional quality of the songs are such that his growl is appropriate. I don't think Ian had reached the level of great singer on TW, it would take a while to develop
2 points for HH
6) Are there any unusual or interesting musical touches, like the claghorn on This Was for example.
Well, HH has violin on "Acres Wild", but not much else different from previous albums. And TW does have a claghorn and the flute and blues harp on "My Sunday Feeling".
1 point for TW.
7) The overall packaging and presentation of the album, including artwork, liner notes, etc.
I am not enamored of either album cover really. TW's is funny though, as are the liner notes.
1 point for TW
8) Production and sound quality of the album.
No question, HH.
1 point for HH.
9) Does the album have a sense of humor?
Neither are particularly funny.
0 points.
THIS WAS wins in a close one, 7 points to 6!
Thanks for your vote, Greg, we both called it 7-6, but with different winners.
"There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but second best."Doris Lessing
"If you agree with me on nine out of twelve issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on twelve out of twelve issues, see a psychiatrist."Ed Koch
Morthoron Potent Glockenspielist member is offline
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Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #191 on Jun 29, 2011, 6:20am »
Hmmm...Jeff, I think we need to pick up the pace here. At the present rate, and what with social security almost certainly being done away with, I don't think I'll last into my 80s to get through all the Tull albums.
And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George, who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision...
Hmmm...Jeff, I think we need to pick up the pace here. At the present rate, and what with social security almost certainly being done away with, I don't think I'll last into my 80s to get through all the Tull albums.
You're right, Greg, we've got to get this thread moving again if we're ever to get through this. I'll get on that in the next day or two.
I also should look to see where we stand with the most recent lyric quizzes, if they've been answered or are still pending.
Joined: Aug 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 4,628 Location: By Scotch Corner
Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #193 on Jun 30, 2011, 10:06am »
Here's my .02.
1) Does the album break any new ground?
While HH was in essence "SFTW Part 2", I think we can say that This Was was a bit more ground breaking with it's mix of blues, jazz and Kirk-ish flute.
TW gets 2 points.
2) The complexity/quality of the music: how adventurous is it? Are the melodies consistently good?
Four kids scratching the surface just can't compete with the seasoned line-up of HH.
HH gets 2 points.
3) The quality of the lyrics in terms of imagery, rhyme, metaphor, content and meaning.
No question here that the scope of topics is pretty limited when singing the blues. The songs on TW do not match the content and imagery not to mention the metaphors derived from the animal themes in HH.
HH gets 2 points.
4) How essential the album is to the Tull catalogue? Does it contain any Tull classics?
Well, having become a Tull fan in about 1975, I first heard TW in probably 78 or 79. I could never feel like it was an essential part of Tull's collection since it played no role in my attraction to the band or anyone I knew. I really didn't like the record until Tull started introducing songs from it into their live act which I guess was in the 90's.
HH has been one of my favorites and of course the title track is probably one of their last "classics" that they done.
I'm going to go with a tie on this one.
TW gets 1 point. HH gets 1 point.
5) How well-sung is the album?
While there first signs of Ian losing his voice are evident on this record it is still is far better then the singing style on TW.
HH gets 2 points.
6) Are there any unusual or interesting musical touches, like the claghorn on This Was for example.
While TW does have the Claghorn, HH has some unusual sounds as well. The "shuffling" sound of Barrie's drums in Journeyman for instance, as well as the use of DP's portative organ which gives several songs a different flavor. The 12 string on Rover....and the violin playing in unison with Martin on HH is also something you don't hear everyday from your average rock band.
HH gets 1 point.
7) The overall packaging and presentation of the album, including artwork, liner notes, etc.
I was always fond of the HH album cover. Not so much with TW.
Now, more than ever, The Jethro Tull Board kicks ass!
Joined: Sept 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 3,695
Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #194 on Jun 30, 2011, 8:55pm »
Okay, so thanks to Greg and Paul for reviving the Album Wars competition, in which we are currently embroiled in Round 11, between Heavy Horses and This Was, which now sees HH taking a 3 vote to 1 vote lead over poor This Was. But HH still needs two more votes to win this round, so let's see if This Was can mount a comeback!
I would like to see some of our enthusiastic new members weighing in here, maybe The Chook, Aplane, Jrpipik or Geneseo, or perhaps even today's new members!
To refresh our recollection, and for the benefit of newbies, let's review the object of our game and the simple rules.
We have developed a comprehensive nine-category system where we objectively analyze every aspect of the two albums that are "doing battle."
Album War Rules:
First Five Categories:
Two points are awarded to the winner of each of the first five main categories. In the case of a tie, each album earns a single point for that category.
Last Four Categories:
For the last four categories, which are of lesser importance, one point is awarded to the winner of each category, and in the case of a tie, neither album earns a point for that category.
Determining the winner of the round:
When you are done with all nine categories, simply tally up the total number of points for each album and award the round to the album which has amassed the greater number of points. Then, cast your vote in favor of the album which you gave the most points!
Ties:
As always, a round may end in a tie, so if the two albums have earned the same number of points, you must call the round a draw, and your vote will be counted as a tie.
Note: New policy!
In the past, we've sometimes been a little lax about the nine-category system, but from now on, in order for your vote to be counted, you must subject the two albums to the nine-point system, because that's what makes this interesting. Simply choosing one over the other, with little or no explanation would be boring.
Objectivity is the key here, as we are trying to keep subjective preferences out of the equation, to the extent possible.
As always, an album is delcared a winner of a given round, when it has amassed five votes from members of the board, based on the nine-point system.
So with that in mind....here are the categories. When preparing your post, you can simply cut the categories from this thread, paste them into your post, and then complete your analysis for each of the criteria. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The main categories (two points awarded to the winner of each, but in the case of a tie, each album gets one point):
1) Does the album break any new ground?
2) The complexity/quality of the music: how adventurous is it? Are the melodies consistently good?
3) The quality of the lyrics in terms of imagery, rhyme, metaphor, content and meaning.
4) How essential the album is to the Tull catalogue? Does it contain any Tull classics?
5) How well-sung is the album?
And now, the less important categories (one point is awarded to the winner of each, but in the case of a tie, neither album gets a point):
6) Are there any unusual or interesting musical touches, like the claghorn on This Was for example.
7) The overall packaging and presentation of the album, including artwork, liner notes, etc.
"There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but second best."Doris Lessing
"If you agree with me on nine out of twelve issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on twelve out of twelve issues, see a psychiatrist."Ed Koch
jrpipik Ethnic Piano Accordian-ist member is offline
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Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #195 on Jul 1, 2011, 7:48am »
Sadly, This Was is a hole in my collection. I always think of Tull as being as much Martin Barre's band as Ian Anderson's, so I was never interested in the Mick Abraham version.
Now, more than ever, The Jethro Tull Board kicks ass!
Joined: Sept 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 3,695
Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #197 on Nov 21, 2011, 3:43pm »
Let's get this thread going again!!! So far, This Was has lost all of its previous battles, and when we last left off, was losing to Heavy Horses by a count of 3 votes to 1 vote.
Please use the subjective point-scoring system developed by Greg a/k/a Morthoron in conjunction with TJTB, so as to include some discussion and comparative analysis under each category to make it more interesting. The point system and rules are here:
Joined: Nov 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 1,267 Location: Pittsboro, NC
Re: Album Wars (This Was) « Reply #198 on Feb 1, 2012, 7:00pm »
Okay, hunted down this topic so we can eventually finish This Was (sometime this decade )
1) Does the album break any new ground? Hard to say on this one. I personally think Songs from the Wood and Heavy Horses were incredibly groundbreaking from a folk rock perspective (for example, Tull succesfully merged disco and folk in "Acres Wild" not an easy feat). But This Was was obviously groundbreaking just in the fact that it was a blues album fronted by a flute. I'd have to say this is a tie.
2) The complexity/quality of the music: how adventurous is it? Are the melodies consistently good? This one definitely goes to Heavy Horses, very adventurous album, This Was had a lot of creativity in some places, but was generally a blues album. Melodies definitely go to Heavy Horses.
3) The quality of the lyrics in terms of imagery, rhyme, metaphor, content and meaning.
Heavy Horses is one of Ian's best in terms of lyrics, and I mean to whole album. Definitely HH.
4) How essential the album is to the Tull catalogue? Does it contain any Tull classics? Again I think this would have to go to Heavy Horses. Definitely one of Tull's essential albums.
5) How well-sung is the album? This Was had some great singing on it, but I think Ian had really developed his vocal style well by the time of HEavy Horses.
6) Are there any unusual or interesting musical touches, like the claghorn on This Was for example. I know I'm missing something, but I don't remember any instruments out of the norm on the Heavy Horses album, perhaps other than the short purr you hear at the very beginning. I must be missing something, but for now this one will have to go to the Claghorn.
7) The overall packaging and presentation of the album, including artwork, liner notes, etc. One of my favorite album covers ever is HH.
8) Production and sound quality of the album. This Was was definitely produced well when you consider the price it was done for, but how can it compare to HH.
9) Does the album have a sense of humor? Again would have to go to HH. Neither album has much humor, but I think you all are forgetting the coughing of the furball at the end of "Mouse Police"
This Was: 2, Heavy Horses: 12 (if I counted right)
Okay, hunted down this topic so we can eventually finish This Was (sometime this decade )
1) Does the album break any new ground? Hard to say on this one. I personally think Songs from the Wood and Heavy Horses were incredibly groundbreaking from a folk rock perspective (for example, Tull succesfully merged disco and folk in "Acres Wild" not an easy feat). But This Was was obviously groundbreaking just in the fact that it was a blues album fronted by a flute. I'd have to say this is a tie.
2) The complexity/quality of the music: how adventurous is it? Are the melodies consistently good? This one definitely goes to Heavy Horses, very adventurous album, This Was had a lot of creativity in some places, but was generally a blues album. Melodies definitely go to Heavy Horses.
3) The quality of the lyrics in terms of imagery, rhyme, metaphor, content and meaning.
Heavy Horses is one of Ian's best in terms of lyrics, and I mean to whole album. Definitely HH.
4) How essential the album is to the Tull catalogue? Does it contain any Tull classics? Again I think this would have to go to Heavy Horses. Definitely one of Tull's essential albums.
5) How well-sung is the album? This Was had some great singing on it, but I think Ian had really developed his vocal style well by the time of HEavy Horses.
6) Are there any unusual or interesting musical touches, like the claghorn on This Was for example. I know I'm missing something, but I don't remember any instruments out of the norm on the Heavy Horses album, perhaps other than the short purr you hear at the very beginning. I must be missing something, but for now this one will have to go to the Claghorn.
7) The overall packaging and presentation of the album, including artwork, liner notes, etc. One of my favorite album covers ever is HH.
8) Production and sound quality of the album. This Was was definitely produced well when you consider the price it was done for, but how can it compare to HH.
9) Does the album have a sense of humor? Again would have to go to HH. Neither album has much humor, but I think you all are forgetting the coughing of the furball at the end of "Mouse Police"
This Was: 2, Heavy Horses: 12 (if I counted right)
Heavy Horses is the winner! (not surprising)
Hallelujah! Thanks, Kai, for updating ths particular round of Album Wars, and now, with your tally, Heavy Horses has pulled into a commanding lead. The score so far, is:
Heavy Horses - 4 votes This Was - 1 vote
But it's far from over, because it takes 5 votes for an album to win a round, so maybe This Was can still make it interesting!
Would anyone else like to participate in our Album War game? The rules, and our mandatory nine-point analytical scoring system, can be found here:
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So who is ready?
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