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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2014 21:06:57 GMT -5
The concept album makes surprise top ten return with neolithic opus from Jethro Tull's Ian AndersonIt is a three-act, musical history of Britain featuring songs about a nomadic Neolithic settler, Christian monks and an Iron Age blacksmith - the “concept album” is making a comeback with the surprise chart success of the latest release from Ian Anderson, the frontman of Jethro Tull. A “prog rock” pioneer, the 66 year-old Anderson is set to enjoy his biggest UK hit for more than 40 years with Homo Erraticus, an unashamed concept album, which examines “key events from throughout British history” and offers “a number of prophecies for the future”. Read full article: Link
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Post by Dan on Apr 22, 2014 22:06:05 GMT -5
I agree with the previously expressed opinion that if this was a Tull record it would be considered the best since Broadsword. Good days indeed! Just one fan's opinions... Hopefully after another 10 listens the album will sound as good. Fingers crossed. I'm glad many people like it but I read the interview where it was considered the best Tull record since Broadsword and I guess you guys never got around to listening to Crest of a Knave. It doesn't even hold a flute swab cleaning to The Secret Language of Birds. The irritants that bothered me on the first few listens still haven't gone away and increase with every play. It will probably be the first release where I don't bother to memorize all the lyrics. Not to be all negative, I actually like Florian's playing and the fact that there is new Ian Anderson music. For myself , simple changes would have made this an above average album. Lose the first 49 seconds of Puer Ferox Adventus, get rid of the Face, Space gibberish , we're coming in, Hot Mango Flush whatever its called bit on Enter The Uninvited, fuzzy megaphone, echo effect on The Turnpike Inn, chorus on The Browning of the Green , spoken word on whatever the name is of the other track I skip, etc. Yeah, I get the idea that Ian Anderson is a musical genius , prog God, but I would just rather the music speak for itself and not have throw these little clever embellishments like hanging a neon sign around the music to say, "Look at me! I'm Prog Goddammit!" Dan
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Post by Biggles on Apr 22, 2014 22:29:55 GMT -5
Wow! did you not know that the entire song "Minstrel In The Gallery" was built around a solo that Martin performed on the War Child tour. The passage on studio recorded version, from 2:19 thru 3:56 is the actual solo he performed live on the WC tour. And the intro on Pibroch begins (and ends) with the greatest echoplex laden solo for all time. When I saw the Warchild concert they opened up the show with the Minstrel bit before going into Wind Up. When I first heard the Minstrel album I recognized it right away. Ahh.. perhaps I've been too hard on craigz. He may be perceiving those solos as melodies. Understandable, Martin had a way of weaving his guitar parts into the tracks. My bad! however, yes indeedy doo, I remember that MITG bit too.
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Post by Biggles on Apr 22, 2014 22:39:58 GMT -5
Ian with the same songs and a 1952 Martin 0-15 would've probably worked.
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Post by TM on Apr 22, 2014 23:23:53 GMT -5
I listened to the album last night on some pretty good Shure sound-canceling earphones and noticed it for the first time - I'm hearing a gate-like sound after Ian stops singing but I don't hear much reverb on the vocals themselves. There is some effect on the voice, of the kind you would only notice if it wasn't there - perhaps a bit of doubling or exciter, in addition to the slapback and delay. I do wish the drums were to the fore a bit more at times though. Shure sound canceling earphones? You must have been on a plane. Actually they are my riding earbuds (which some may think is crazy) but it allows me to listen to music at a comfortable level while quieting my Vance & Hines. They work well on planes too. ;-)
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Post by Geneman75 on Apr 23, 2014 4:05:43 GMT -5
I have to say that I really like H.E. - a lot more than Taab2. Congrats to Ian and the band on this one for a job well done. I've noticed a difference in the stereo and 5.1 mix as I sat through the whole thing today. In Cold Dead Reckoning the line "Will testimony tarnish and will sticky reputation cling?" is sung by Ian on the stereo mix but Ryan sings this in the 5.1 mix. In the Making of video Ian is talking about vocal guide-lines that he recorded for Ryan to listen to before adding his bits. Maybe this is a case of a guide-line making it in to the final mix? Just curious, I guess.
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Post by Preston Platform on Apr 23, 2014 7:17:31 GMT -5
That's interesting. I have not heard the 5.1 mix ..seems strange to have this variation
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Post by Nonfatman on Apr 23, 2014 9:45:18 GMT -5
I have to say that I really like H.E. - a lot more than Taab2. Congrats to Ian and the band on this one for a job well done. I've noticed a difference in the stereo and 5.1 mix as I sat through the whole thing today. In Cold Dead Reckoning the line "Will testimony tarnish and will sticky reputation cling?" is sung by Ian on the stereo mix but Ryan sings this in the 5.1 mix. In the Making of video Ian is talking about vocal guide-lines that he recorded for Ryan to listen to before adding his bits. Maybe this is a case of a guide-line making it in to the final mix? Just curious, I guess. I agree, Gene. I think the new album is pretty good. There are a lot of things that bother me about the lyrics, and four or five similarities to prior songs that are too close, but musically, most of it sounds fresh and energetic. TAAB2 was tedious at times, an effort to get through. But HE, with its pulsating pace, never gets boring, and it kind of flies by....in a good way. I like it. Jeff
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2014 10:53:52 GMT -5
www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/chart-alert/6062716/paolo-nutini-kiesza-top-uk-chartsThe next highest newcomer on the album chart was “Homo Erraticus” (K Scope), the new solo release by Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson, at No. 14. It’s his highest-ever U.K. ranking as a soloist and his first time in the top 20 since Tull’s “Roots To Branches” reached No. 20 in 1995. The last Tull album to place higher was 1977’s “Songs From The Wood,” which reached No. 13.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2014 10:54:48 GMT -5
www.rollingstone.com/music/news/like-a-neon-rainbow-20140422#ixzz2ziE29WzuIan Anderson: Homo Erraticus (Kscope) One of the most noticeable aspects of the continuing career of Ian Anderson, the well-known, flute-playing founder of Jethro Tull, is that he—unlike many, many, many of his contemporaries—hasn’t really shown the signs of aging that most of us have taken for granted in our ‘60s-era pop stars. Now 66, the man plays, sings and writes as well as he ever has—certainly as well as he did for much his band’s ‘70s peak—and, as always, his songs remain admirably literate or charmingly incomprehensible. Which means, surprisingly or not, that as albums go, this is quite good.
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Post by Dan on Apr 23, 2014 12:08:33 GMT -5
www.rollingstone.com/music/news/like-a-neon-rainbow-20140422#ixzz2ziE29WzuIan Anderson: Homo Erraticus (Kscope) One of the most noticeable aspects of the continuing career of Ian Anderson, the well-known, flute-playing founder of Jethro Tull, is that he—unlike many, many, many of his contemporaries—hasn’t really shown the signs of aging that most of us have taken for granted in our ‘60s-era pop stars. Now 66, the man plays, sings and writes as well as he ever has—certainly as well as he did for much his band’s ‘70s peak—and, as always, his songs remain admirably literate or charmingly incomprehensible. Which means, surprisingly or not, that as albums go, this is quite good. Holy Crap! A positive I.A. review from Rolling Stone! I guess there is a new age dawning here. Dan
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Post by TM on Apr 23, 2014 19:41:14 GMT -5
www.rollingstone.com/music/news/like-a-neon-rainbow-20140422#ixzz2ziE29WzuIan Anderson: Homo Erraticus (Kscope) One of the most noticeable aspects of the continuing career of Ian Anderson, the well-known, flute-playing founder of Jethro Tull, is that he—unlike many, many, many of his contemporaries—hasn’t really shown the signs of aging that most of us have taken for granted in our ‘60s-era pop stars. Now 66, the man plays, sings and writes as well as he ever has—certainly as well as he did for much his band’s ‘70s peak—and, as always, his songs remain admirably literate or charmingly incomprehensible. Which means, surprisingly or not, that as albums go, this is quite good. Holy Crap! A positive I.A. review from Rolling Stone! I guess there is a new age dawning here. Dan RS is dead to me after the Boston Bomber edition.
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Post by Dan on Apr 23, 2014 19:55:07 GMT -5
Holy Crap! A positive I.A. review from Rolling Stone! I guess there is a new age dawning here. Dan RS is dead to me after the Boston Bomber edition. I really don't pay attention to Rolling Stone. I have no time. I vaguely remember a cover after the bombing. Were they sympathetic to the bombers? Dan
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Tullabye
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Post by Tullabye on Apr 23, 2014 20:46:59 GMT -5
I like the opening of PFA. I think it adds the perfect atmosphere for the song and I really like Isn's singing during those 40 + seconds as well. Had to get that off my chest after the continued whine about it. There I feel better now
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Post by Dan on Apr 23, 2014 21:50:41 GMT -5
I like the opening of PFA. I think it adds the perfect atmosphere for the song and I really like Isn's singing during those 40 + seconds as well. Had to get that off my chest after the continued whine about it. There I feel better now Not a continuing whine just a difference of opinion. Just can't take all the 'masterpiece' talk from devotees who would pay to hear the genius of I.A. blowing his nose into a tissue or rinsing and spitting out his mouthwash. Now , I feel better. Dan P.S. I had to go back and listen to the first 40 seconds I deleted and wonder if it even constitutes singing.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2014 22:09:55 GMT -5
I like the opening of PFA. I think it adds the perfect atmosphere for the song and I really like Isn's singing during those 40 + seconds as well. Had to get that off my chest after the continued whine about it. There I feel better now Not a continuing whine just a difference of opinion. Just can't take all the 'masterpiece' talk from devotees who would pay to hear the genius of I.A. blowing his nose into a tissue or rinsing and spitting out his mouthwash. Now , I feel better. Dan P.S. I had to go back and listen to the first 40 seconds I deleted and wonder if it even constitutes singing. So, you obviously feel the need to insult those that hear it different than you? Is that the role of a fan forum?
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Post by Dan on Apr 23, 2014 22:42:31 GMT -5
Not a continuing whine just a difference of opinion. Just can't take all the 'masterpiece' talk from devotees who would pay to hear the genius of I.A. blowing his nose into a tissue or rinsing and spitting out his mouthwash. Now , I feel better. Dan P.S. I had to go back and listen to the first 40 seconds I deleted and wonder if it even constitutes singing. So, you obviously feel the need to insult those that hear it different than you? Is that the role of a fan forum? The only person I heard complaining here about the first 40 seconds of Puer was myself and so I took a direct offense about it being considered whining. I don't consider a fan forum to only be about presenting the positive side and glowing praise when I don't feel it warranted. There is a certain faction of fans that feel Ian can do no wrong and would pay for a recording of him passing morning gas or a hundred dollars of his used bath water on ebay. I try not to be all doom and gloom and troll and trash the new release but I only like about half of it and I can't fathom some reviews that are saying this is the best Tull release since Broadsword and one even saying it rates with Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play. Craig, is there anything negative you can say about the new release? It will go a long way on seeing where you stand on this. Dan
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Tullabye
Ethnic Piano Accordian-ist
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Post by Tullabye on Apr 23, 2014 22:46:34 GMT -5
I like the opening of PFA. I think it adds the perfect atmosphere for the song and I really like Isn's singing during those 40 + seconds as well. Had to get that off my chest after the continued whine about it. There I feel better now Not a continuing whine just a difference of opinion. Just can't take all the 'masterpiece' talk from devotees who would pay to hear the genius of I.A. blowing his nose into a tissue or rinsing and spitting out his mouthwash. Now , I feel better. Dan P.S. I had to go back and listen to the first 40 seconds I deleted and wonder if it even constitutes singing. Didn't mean to twist your knickers but I think that the first part iof that song is just fine and the song is definitely better off for it. Don't know if you're the one who edited it out but I was very surprised to hear that someone disliked it enough to do so.
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Post by TM on Apr 23, 2014 23:04:48 GMT -5
As a long time Tull fan (1974), I don't take it personally when I hear another fan's critical opinion on IA or Tull. As long as this person is a legitimate fan and not a IA hater or troll, I enjoy hearing the different views. Dan is an avid Tull fan and a staff member here, he is neither a hater or a troll and he, like everyone else has the right to state their honest opinion.
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Post by TM on Apr 23, 2014 23:16:58 GMT -5
Not a continuing whine just a difference of opinion. Just can't take all the 'masterpiece' talk from devotees who would pay to hear the genius of I.A. blowing his nose into a tissue or rinsing and spitting out his mouthwash. Now , I feel better. Dan P.S. I had to go back and listen to the first 40 seconds I deleted and wonder if it even constitutes singing. Didn't mean to twist your knickers but I think that the first part iof that song is just fine and the song is definitely better off for it. Don't know if you're the one who edited it out but I was very surprised to hear that someone disliked it enough to do so. When I first heard that song I couldn't listen to it. The sound effects came off as extremely cheesy and sans lyrics, the song was just too plodding for my taste. I immediately envisioned this song sending fans to the restrooms, or worse yet, to sleep - as witnessed during TAAB2 material. But after sitting with it with earphones and lyrics I now love the song - and I'm no longer bothered by the intro. This is a truly great song.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2014 0:03:20 GMT -5
Some of my thoughts after many listens. First, I think this is an excellent record. A nice surprise from an artist that I had given up on a long time ago. Is HE the best Tull album since Broadsword? No, probably not. Not because it is not good, but because there has been a lot of other good Tull records during that time. Is HE a masterpiece? Again, no. But, I am quick to add that I am not sure what a "masterpiece" means for a rock album. A perfect record? My favorite Tull period is TAAB through Stormwatch. These are some of my all time favorite albums, but I would be hard-pressed to say any of these is a masterpiece. I hate playing the "best since..." game, but right now I would say it is the best Tull since RtB. Definitely better than the Christmas Album. Probably better than Dot Com. Dot Com has some decent songs, but overall it is a bit plodding. Probably better than Catfish. Catfish has not aged very well for me. I find comparing HE to other solo albums to be more difficult. It is definitely better than Rupi's Dance, but I do like SLOB. Time will tell, however, whether I play HE or SLOB more often. I have a few specific criticisms: - My biggest is that I wish there was more acoustic guitar in some of the arrangements, like in "Doggerland".
- I think some of the shorter songs could have been a bit longer. Tull is no stranger to shorter songs. A lot of the songs during the 70's were under 4 minutes. But, some here are a little too short. I like "Turnpike Inn" a lot, but it feels like it ends too abruptly after the instrumental break.
- I wish there was one more epic track with an extended instrumental section.
- I like "Browning of the Green", but would have liked a more rocking instrumental break with guitar solo than the reprise of the "Doggerland" theme.
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Post by Dan on Apr 24, 2014 0:37:16 GMT -5
As a long time Tull fan (1974), I don't take it personally when I hear another fan's critical opinion on IA or Tull. As long as this person is a legitimate fan and not a IA hater or troll, I enjoy hearing the different views. Dan is an avid Tull fan and a staff member here, he is neither a hater or a troll and he, like everyone else has the right to state their honest opinion. Thanks , TM and sorry you felt the need to step in and have to 'defend' me. And to anyone who cares; of course I am a Jethro Tull/ Ian Anderson fan or I wouldn't be here. I had a brief private message with Paul and asked why, at the age of 52 am I still infatuated with a band ? I bought two deluxe versions ( one of the first 250) of the new cd, 5 copies of the cd/dvd version paying extra shipping on a couple so I could get them as close to the release date as possible, downloading the mp3 option because I hadn't received the cd 's yet, being one of the first to pay for a spot at a convention going on in Long Island, paid for membership and stood in line the old fashioned way to try to get the best possible seats for another show closer to me and swapping and just sharing some of the tracks with members here before the release. There are a few things I can thank Ian Anderson for and maybe I'll start a positive only thread for a later day. I remember reading an early (1978?) article or so where he stated that all he saw was a sea of denim in the audience and I remember a brief period where I tried not to wear jeans before I realized that I actually liked wearing them and they were comfortable and didn't need to worry about an opinion of some rock and roll guy. As I get older, my views both socially and politically get further and further apart from Mr. A. and I concern myself more with the music than any interviews. I apologize if I bring a hint of negativity to the board at times and my opinions are not a reflection of the Board Members as a whole. I never bring up the voice issue and no Martin is something I'm ready to let go of. ( Not ready to call anything Tull without Martin though) Try as I might, I just can't get that same ,warm, enveloping , positive, masterpiece feel of the new disc/album. Not all negative, I think Florian is sounding good here and hope he gets to crank it a little live. However, I listened to the band interview part while they were critiquing the new cd and John O'Hara got a little excited about "The Engineer" because that one had the accordion in it and I'm afraid he needs to go now. So, cheers to all, the tall and the small and remember, everyone is from somewhere even if you've never been there. Dan
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Post by Dan on Apr 24, 2014 0:40:05 GMT -5
Some of my thoughts after many listens. First, I think this is an excellent record. A nice surprise from an artist that I had given up on a long time ago. Is HE the best Tull album since Broadsword? No, probably not. Not because it is not good, but because there has been a lot of other good Tull records during that time. Is HE a masterpiece? Again, no. But, I am quick to add that I am not sure what a "masterpiece" means for a rock album. A perfect record? My favorite Tull period is TAAB through Stormwatch. These are some of my all time favorite albums, but I would be hard-pressed to say any of these is a masterpiece. I hate playing the "best since..." game, but right now I would say it is the best Tull since RtB. Definitely better than the Christmas Album. Probably better than Dot Com. Dot Com has some decent songs, but overall it is a bit plodding. Probably better than Catfish. Catfish has not aged very well for me. I find comparing HE to other solo albums to be more difficult. It is definitely better than Rupi's Dance, but I do like SLOB. Time will tell, however, whether I play HE or SLOB more often. I have a few specific criticisms: - My biggest is that I wish there was more acoustic guitar in some of the arrangements, like in "Doggerland".
- I think some of the shorter songs could have been a bit longer. Tull is no stranger to shorter songs. A lot of the songs during the 70's were under 4 minutes. But, some here are a little too short. I like "Turnpike Inn" a lot, but it feels like it ends too abruptly after the instrumental break.
- I wish there was one more epic track with an extended instrumental section.
- I like "Browning of the Green", but would have liked a more rocking instrumental break with guitar solo than the reprise of the "Doggerland" theme.
Craigz, Do you have the deluxe edition and heard the demo versions? Basically, Ian with just an acoustic guitar.
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Post by Preston Platform on Apr 24, 2014 1:03:14 GMT -5
[/quote]Craigz, Do you have the deluxe edition and heard the demo versions? Basically, Ian with just an acoustic guitar.[/quote]
Do you like them ?
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Post by Mix on Apr 24, 2014 12:22:51 GMT -5
Tull/Anderson really are a polarizing musical force aren't they? I'm amazed at the faint praise HE has gotten on the fan forums. I agree with the previously expressed opinion that if this was a Tull record it would be considered the best since Broadsword. Its certainly his best work since SLOB but really this is a Tull album and I think it whips Dot Com and RTB's ass! I've listen to the album 3 times now so only just starting to take notice of the lyrics. I'm right with you Willie, the entire album is jam packed with British/English word candy. Beautiful observations as only Ian can do. I think that's why a lot of our American friends are finding it all a bit too much, not enough 'Freeway', 'Sidewalk' references. But that stuff was only borrowed for commercial reasons, Ian is British and this stuff is from the heart though I suspect most foreign audiences will just not get most of the references. Its certainly very well produced and I forget his name but the guy who did the mixing did an awesome job, hope they ask him back for the next album. But my last gig, one of the last Tull gigs in 2011, I went along so fearful of Ian's voice being a shadow of its self but came away completely reassured. I actually think Ian is delivering his best vocal performance on a record since the late 80's and what got me is I hear many moments of his 70's power voice, something I would never have expected. Its wonderful! They certainly are a tight band, easily the best thing since the Anderson, Barre, Pegg days but your man on keyboards..... I was listening to his playing in the car and like most Tull keyboard players, none of the has ever come close to John Evans, but I'd say John O'hara, while not as technical as Evans is really getting close. Not in every way but its like he's really studied JE's playing and worked hard to deliver that style. Yep, again, its quite political and addresses the current climate in England at the moment. The country is swamped with cheap labour from Eastern Europeans seeking a better life, not unlike illegals from South American heading up north. The only difference is ours are legal and British people are starting to get, shall we say, a little fed up. The album covers the history of the British Islands showing this deep rooted immigration dating back to Roman Invasions and before. Its all culture, its all bent us into who we are. Ian has captured the moment in an album concept and presented a history of these lands. Its actually really, no REALLY fucking great. I really think, when all is said and done this album will be regarded in Ian's top 5 works. I think maybe I find two songs that you might call fillers. The last track, does revisit the 3rd track, all be it with different words and arrangement. I did find the final bit of music at the end at bit odd. I'm thinking this might be the closing sequence for the live shows. I wonder how many left over tracks are in the can? I'm so delighted Ian has delivered the goods. Way better than TAAB2. I can't for the life of me understand why so many 'real fans' here are not over the moon. Just pray, Ian's dishes out a few more albums at this level. He's really on a role.
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