Trashing Jethro Tull

[Nonfatman]

If we are to avoid becoming like some other Tull Boreds Boards that dish out endless streams of Tull memorabilia and minutiae, discuss obscure, out-of-print Japanese editions of Tull releases, and speak of Tull and IA in nothing but the most glowing and reverential tones, then we must provide a thread for the opposing point of view.

So here's a place for our members to post negative reviews of Tull albums and shows, tell stories of friends and family members who utterly loathe Jethro Tull, and bitch, moan, gripe and complain about Tull to their heart's delight! (Tommie, are you out there?)

Jeff

[Nonfatman]

I'm going to start this off myself with a thread from the Sounds music forum, which contains a thread topic entitled
'Fuck Jethro Tull,' in which the participants go on and on about how much they despise Tull.

Naturally I wholeheartedly disagree with these numbskulls, but some of their posts are highly entertaining, like the following one from their ringleader, who goes by the moniker 'Ennui.' He writes, rather poetically, I must admit:

"They always come on shuffle
and its always a shit nasty song
with that goddamned flute.
Fuck them and their pussy-ass flute.
Fuck them 1000 times and throw them
in the dumpster with the rest of the trash.
Light the dumpster on fire and then
piss on the ashes.
Maybe keep Aqualung."

For more gems like those from Ennui and others, go to:

www.soundopinions.org/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t11654.html

Jeff

[Deleted]

I wonder how much "Ennui" has made with his little ditties, if you don't like something thats fine, don't listen. At the same time I don't think any thing should be taken to an extreme. But by all means voice an opinion

[Tullite]

the cheek of it !! they dont realise what they are missin ( apart from brain cells lol !! ) like you said jeff it has to be taken light hearted ! and not to heart.

[Tullite]

havin said that !! i have just reg my details and am gonna give em some shit !!

[Tullite]

i no doubt will be barred from " that " site pretty soon !! just waitin till i get permissions to post !! it has to be verified by the site. but i wont be there long lol, long enough to give them a tull lesson !!

[Cousin Jack]

but surely they are having a negative thread just like this

[Bogenbroom]

Ian's voice is SHOT!
There I said it. I feel much better now.

I went to my first Tull show last year (2 years ago?) and I was rather disappointed. It was a duplicitous experience being blown away I was finally seeing Tull manifest before my eyes and being let down by Ian's inability to hit those notes.

I lost a bit of respect for Ian when he admonished someone in the front row or two for doing something nobody else in the audience was clued into. He also encouraged us not to clap too loudly.

I can't listen to the new Ian solo material. He's stuck in a rut musically and I don't care to hear him sing any-longer.

[Tullite]

why did you wait so long to see tull ? ok hes got older and cant sing like he used to and has always admitted hes no great singer ! ( watch orchestral dvd ) he explains clearly why hes the singer who dident want to sing ! so being a tull fan you shouldve known ! the shows are clearly never gonna be same as years ago but the true fan allows for that.

[Bogenbroom]

Because I'm 33 and I didn't first hear Tull until I was 18 (1994 that would make it ) and I hadn't the opportunity until recently to go to a show. I haven't always lived in a thriving metropolis.

I'm aware of the singer who didn't want to sing. And I make allowances for his aged voice. It's a wonder he can sing at all anymore (and I'm very glad he still can given his surgery) but that doesn't make it sound good, now does it, or make it not seem like he's straining beyond his tolerances to spit out some of those notes. Plus, this sing-songy after the beat enunciation he has taken a shine to needs to be put to rest.

[Preston Platform]

There is usually a good discussion about Tull both positive and negative at prog ears
link below is to the forum
www.progressiveears.com/default.asp?bhcp=1

For a specific Tull thread just search and you will find lots of interesting discussion

[mike]

I'll just state that the Rubbing elbows was a tragedy and in the hall ways people were asking what happened to Ian and what was this show about?. A good TULL concert for me is Martin doing a Solo song at least once and ripping them out in correct tempo and then having "Doane" and the bass player keeping the rhythm section up to date and Ian knowing when NOT to sing!

Mike

[Tullite]

i can really only remember one bad show, when we went all the way to scotland for the celtic roots show at edinburgh. the venue , the support group , the sound was all real crappy and to top it off the bar stayed open right next to the hall they were playin in and the scots just kept on drinkin and dancing . we actually left early it was so bad !!

[Deleted]

That thread topic is hysterical.
Between 1977 and 1990, the only money I spent on Tull were two concerts (1984 and 1989). Starting with SFTW, I bought no new music. Not that I hated the band, I just wasn't into it.

[Mix]

What do I hate about Jethro Tull?
Nothing but here is a list of things that annoy me about Ian Anderson.

His Voice
I'm sure the Ian Anderson of 20+ years ago would agree. If there comes a time when you cannot deliver then you have to take action. Ian doesn't, he appears to be in denial or just doesn't care.
I've said forever that I think his vocals problems are caused by over touring because when he does put out new material recorded in the studio his voice is fine. Quality, not quantity.

The Aqualung syndrome!
I hate the fact that out of hundreds of songs Aqualung must be played every fucking time!!! The same is true for Loco and Brick. I've nothing against the songs but I just think it is kind of naff that Ian feels they must be played because people expect it.
I'd have much more respect if Ian was more stubborn and interested in doing different things. Tull has never been commercial.

Moving things forward
Throughout most of Ian's career he was always moving forward musically. With every new album you never knew what to expect. That's what I love about Tull, they were a progressive musical force but the last 10 years have been a case of floggin a dead horse. Ian has lost his musical drive and seems set on bleeding every last $ out of the Tull brand. He is, to quote his song "living in the past" or I should say "living on the past". He's still a great musician but I just don't understand how such a creative person can just stop being creative. In a recent interview he basically said it wasn't worth putting out a new album because he doesn't make the kind of money from albums he used too. My point is it shouldn't be about money, he has enougth fucking money already!!! Art Ian!!!!

Tull line up
I hate the flexible/disposable Tull line up. You never know who is going to be in the band apart from Ian. Some argue it doesn't matter because Ian is Jethro Tull. I think it does matter otherwise Ian might as well dump the Tull brand and go out as Ian Anderson. It's all so confusing and needn't be.

The good news
I have a much bigger list about everything I love about Jethro Tull/Ian

[Deleted]

All I can say is this you would be hard pressed to find better musicians anywhere than Ian Anderson and Martin Barre. Ian voice might not be what it once was was, but was it ever pure and silky no it was like and "old man wondering lonely " would of sound like

[TM]

Jan 21, 2010 12:29:23 GMT -5 @derekpith said:

All I can say is this you would be hard pressed to find better musicians anywhere than Ian Anderson and Martin Barre. Ian voice might not be what it once was was, but was it ever pure and silky no it was like and "old man wondering lonely " would of sound like

I'm sorry Derek. There's only trashing permitted in this thread. ;D

[Nonfatman]

All excellent points, Mix. I would add to that Anderson's not really giving a shit about what his fans want (as he has candidly admitted in recent interviews where he says his shows are instead about what he himself wants); his tendency at times to berate audience members (as both I and Bogenbroom have personally witnessed); and his periodic pot-shots at this country and American audiences.

As I have always said, I think Anderson is a brilliant songwriter and musician, but otherwise I have some mixed feelings about him.

Jeff

[Nonfatman]

Jan 20, 2010 17:25:23 GMT -5 mike said:

I'll just state that the Rubbing elbows was a tragedy and in the hall ways people were asking what happened to Ian and what was this show about?. A good TULL concert for me is Martin doing a Solo song at least once and ripping them out in correct tempo and then having "Doane" and the bass player keeping the rhythm section up to date and Ian knowing when NOT to sing!

Mike

You are right in that Rubbing Elbows was not as musically satisfying as I would have wanted, but I enjoyed it anyway. The format was so unique, and the different guest musicians, etc. from night to night, made for a show where no two nights were the same, different stories and jokes were told, and Ian was at his funniest. I saw three RE shows (Easton, Tarrytown and Town Hall) and each of them were different, particularly the Town Hall show which was on the second leg of that tour a few months later and featured some of the Rupi's Dance material which was brand new at the time.

Jeff

[TM]

Jan 21, 2010 9:10:04 GMT -5 Mix said:

What do I hate about Jethro Tull?
Nothing but here is a list of things that annoy me about Ian Anderson.

His Voice
I'm sure the Ian Anderson of 20+ years ago would agree. If there comes a time when you cannot deliver then you have to take action. Ian doesn't, he appears to be in denial or just doesn't care.
I've said forever that I think his vocals problems are caused by over touring because when he does put out new material recorded in the studio his voice is fine. Quality, not quantity.

I think This Was the case up until Roots To Branches. Ever since Roots his vocals sound "live."

Jan 21, 2010 9:10:04 GMT -5 Mix said:

The Aqualung syndrome!
I hate the fact that out of hundreds of songs Aqualung must be played every fucking time!!! The same is true for Loco and Brick. I've nothing against the songs but I just think it is kind of naff that Ian feels they must be played because people expect it.
I'd have much more respect if Ian was more stubborn and interested in doing different things. Tull has never been commercial.

Moving things forward
Throughout most of Ian's career he was always moving forward musically. With every new album you never knew what to expect. That's what I love about Tull, they were a progressive musical force but the last 10 years have been a case of floggin a dead horse. Ian has lost his musical drive and seems set on bleeding every last $ out of the Tull brand. He is, to quote his song "living in the past" or I should say "living on the past". He's still a great musician but I just don't understand how such a creative person can just stop being creative. In a recent interview he basically said it wasn't worth putting out a new album because he doesn't make the kind of money from albums he used too. My point is it shouldn't be about money, he has enougth fucking money already!!! Art Ian!!!!

Not that I disagree with you, but if no-one is buying the new stuff I can see the lack of desire to produce it.

[Mix]

Jan 21, 2010 15:51:04 GMT -5 TM said:

Jan 21, 2010 9:10:04 GMT -5 Mix said:

What do I hate about Jethro Tull?
Nothing but here is a list of things that annoy me about Ian Anderson.

His Voice
I'm sure the Ian Anderson of 20+ years ago would agree. If there comes a time when you cannot deliver then you have to take action. Ian doesn't, he appears to be in denial or just doesn't care.
I've said forever that I think his vocals problems are caused by over touring because when he does put out new material recorded in the studio his voice is fine. Quality, not quantity.

I think This Was the case up until Roots To Branches. Ever since Roots his vocals sound "live."

Jan 21, 2010 9:10:04 GMT -5 Mix said:

The Aqualung syndrome!
I hate the fact that out of hundreds of songs Aqualung must be played every fucking time!!! The same is true for Loco and Brick. I've nothing against the songs but I just think it is kind of naff that Ian feels they must be played because people expect it.
I'd have much more respect if Ian was more stubborn and interested in doing different things. Tull has never been commercial.

Moving things forward
Throughout most of Ian's career he was always moving forward musically. With every new album you never knew what to expect. That's what I love about Tull, they were a progressive musical force but the last 10 years have been a case of floggin a dead horse. Ian has lost his musical drive and seems set on bleeding every last $ out of the Tull brand. He is, to quote his song "living in the past" or I should say "living on the past". He's still a great musician but I just don't understand how such a creative person can just stop being creative. In a recent interview he basically said it wasn't worth putting out a new album because he doesn't make the kind of money from albums he used too. My point is it shouldn't be about money, he has enougth fucking money already!!! Art Ian!!!!

Not that I disagree with you, but if no-one is buying the new stuff I can see the lack of desire to produce it.

TM, come on man. His studio album vocals post RTB are ok. Sure the voice is older but I don't mind that. I loved his vocal work on SLOB and Lost in crowds from Rupi sounded like the voice from the 70's. Compare that to the strained wine we hear in concert where he cannot even be bothered to sing the correct melody anymore.

As for new recordings. Well firstly a creative person doesn't create because of $$$. They do it for a physical release. They just need to get this idea out. Having said that, Ian could make money. Let's say he records a new song this Saturday, mixes it on Sunday and puts it up as a paid download on jethrotull.com for $3.00 on Monday. If only a 1000 people buy the song that's 9 grand for one song!!!! Why has he not even tried this method? It seems the business man we though he was is as burnt out as the composer.

[Ulla]

Jan 21, 2010 9:10:04 GMT -5 Mix said:

What do I hate about Jethro Tull?
Nothing but here is a list of things that annoy me about Ian Anderson.

His Voice
I'm sure the Ian Anderson of 20+ years ago would agree. If there comes a time when you cannot deliver then you have to take action. Ian doesn't, he appears to be in denial or just doesn't care.
I've said forever that I think his vocals problems are caused by over touring because when he does put out new material recorded in the studio his voice is fine. Quality, not quantity.

The Aqualung syndrome!
I hate the fact that out of hundreds of songs Aqualung must be played every fucking time!!! The same is true for Loco and Brick. I've nothing against the songs but I just think it is kind of naff that Ian feels they must be played because people expect it.
I'd have much more respect if Ian was more stubborn and interested in doing different things. Tull has never been commercial.

Moving things forward
Throughout most of Ian's career he was always moving forward musically. With every new album you never knew what to expect. That's what I love about Tull, they were a progressive musical force but the last 10 years have been a case of floggin a dead horse. Ian has lost his musical drive and seems set on bleeding every last $ out of the Tull brand. He is, to quote his song "living in the past" or I should say "living on the past". He's still a great musician but I just don't understand how such a creative person can just stop being creative. In a recent interview he basically said it wasn't worth putting out a new album because he doesn't make the kind of money from albums he used too. My point is it shouldn't be about money, he has enougth fucking money already!!! Art Ian!!!!

Tull line up
I hate the flexible/disposable Tull line up. You never know who is going to be in the band apart from Ian. Some argue it doesn't matter because Ian is Jethro Tull. I think it does matter otherwise Ian might as well dump the Tull brand and go out as Ian Anderson. It's all so confusing and needn't be.

AMEN

This is exactly what I think!

[TM]

Jan 21, 2010 19:01:05 GMT -5 Mix said:

Jan 21, 2010 15:51:04 GMT -5 TM said:

I think This Was the case up until Roots To Branches. Ever since Roots his vocals sound "live."




Not that I disagree with you, but if no-one is buying the new stuff I can see the lack of desire to produce it.

TM, come on man. His studio album vocals post RTB are ok. Sure the voice is older but I don't mind that. I loved his vocal work on SLOB and Lost in crowds from Rupi sounded like the voice from the 70's. Compare that to the strained wine we hear in concert where he cannot even be bothered to sing the correct melody anymore.

As for new recordings. Well firstly a creative person doesn't create because of $$$. They do it for a physical release. They just need to get this idea out. Having said that, Ian could make money. Let's say he records a new song this Saturday, mixes it on Sunday and puts it up as a paid download on jethrotull.com for $3.00 on Monday. If only a 1000 people buy the song that's 9 grand for one song!!!! Why has he not even tried this method? It seems the business man we though he was is as burnt out as the composer.

I'm not suggesting Mix that his vocals are as poor on the albums as they are on stage. But, what I am saying is that he started singing in the 'style' of the way he sings live with the release of Roots to Branches. I'm not sure if it was deliberate or not but he either could not mask the deficiencies any longer or he chose not to.

Again, I'm not arguing the $$$ angle. You may well be right. But it may be something more important than money, it may be ego driven...

[Mix]

Jan 22, 2010 9:07:10 GMT -5 TM said:

Jan 21, 2010 19:01:05 GMT -5 Mix said:

TM, come on man. His studio album vocals post RTB are ok. Sure the voice is older but I don't mind that. I loved his vocal work on SLOB and Lost in crowds from Rupi sounded like the voice from the 70's. Compare that to the strained wine we hear in concert where he cannot even be bothered to sing the correct melody anymore.

As for new recordings. Well firstly a creative person doesn't create because of $$$. They do it for a physical release. They just need to get this idea out. Having said that, Ian could make money. Let's say he records a new song this Saturday, mixes it on Sunday and puts it up as a paid download on jethrotull.com for $3.00 on Monday. If only a 1000 people buy the song that's 9 grand for one song!!!! Why has he not even tried this method? It seems the business man we though he was is as burnt out as the composer.

I'm not suggesting Mix that his vocals are as poor on the albums as they are on stage. But, what I am saying is that he started singing in the 'style' of the way he sings live with the release of Roots to Branches. I'm not sure if it was deliberate or not but he either could not mask the deficiencies any longer or he chose not to.

Again, I'm not arguing the $$$ angle. You may well be right. But it may be something more important than money, it may be ego driven...

Sorry TM, I misunderstood what you meant about the vocals.

Regarding comments about Ian as a singer made at the start of this thread: am I the only one who thinks Ian was a great singer? I mean take his voice at its peak around SFTW/HH. He was awesome and I love the sound of his voice. I certainly can't fault him. His voice did change though but jump forward to Rock Island and I still think he's sounding great. Catfish is the first album to show the signs although I think he did some great vocal work on that album. Roots, as TM points out has less adventurous vocal work which has been the case ever since. I don't mind that. Its common for male singer to loose their voice a bit as they age. Mind you, McCartney still has it.

Re: the ego. I think you are right TM. But if Ian wanted the kinda praise and success of his past he needs to put some effort in and come up with the goods. He's too lazy when it comes to working as a band. The idea to him of shacking up with the band for months while they work through the construction of an album just doesn't appeal. It's all too easy to email parts in and for Ian to work alone at his pace. I can respect that but if he wants Tull to be on top again its going to take a different approach and perhaps some more unique talent in the band that matches Ian and Martin.

[Nonfatman]

Take a look at this absolutely vile "poem" entitled 'I Hate Jethro Tull,' written in the style of a rap song and posted on the Mombu heavy metal forum by Wilburn, who if I'm not mistaken was some kind of troll on a prior Tull discussion site, which is now defunct (alt.Jethro Tull or something like that?):

www.mombu.com/heavymetal/jethro-tull/t-i-hate-jethro-tull-3764228.html

The guy is obviously a cretin, but still there is something amusing about the lengths to which Tull-haters will go to spew their venom.

Jeff