|
Post by bambooflute on Aug 17, 2017 2:54:53 GMT
Interesting reading, people. Well done. I respect the hard work you do for fans, but I am done with social media (what little I use, that is). I do not use Facebook, and my experiences sharing my Tull opinions online elsewhere have been chequered, at best.
As early as 2002, when the official Tull website (briefly) had a live chat section, I was personally insulted and vilified for my musical opinions. They may not have matched the majority, but I stated them without making a personal attack on any individual, and I never passed judgment on those with a different point of view. Much later, with the advent of message boards, I was once again taken to task for expressing disinterest in the work of Martin Barre. Note it was the work - not the man. My opinion was called into question with the suggestion that if I were a musician myself then my feelings would be different or more valid. Well, this is utter tosh, obviously. I have helped run art galleries and the opinions of any visitor to the gallery are valid, regardless of their own artistic knowledge or skill. I have had people like and dislike my own works, which is perfectly fine. I never responded to a critical comment by asking the person if they were an artist themselves in order for them to justify their opinion. Can only a chef comment on a restaurant where they have eaten? No. Knowledge of the subject under discussion can add depth and texture to a critical discussion, but an individual's taste should not be the subject of derision. I don't like the electric guitar. So what? I am still a human being worthy of respect.
It got much worse, of course...and I've experienced, witnessed, and heard tales of some downright ugly fan behavior. At one point it was suggested that I was a troll because I had some negative opinions. I don't feel I was ever a troll, for I didn't make it personal. This is another aspect of social media that I find disgusting: if you are critical, those who dislike your opinion can label you with the T word. While I am in favor of positivity, Life ain't always sunshine and roses, and the ability to have honest discussions is rendered impossible without the ability to be critical. Constructive criticism is best, spirited criticism can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, but making it personal bleeds the humanity right out of it.
I often told Charlie I wished I were younger again, listening to my Tull on vinyl without personally knowing any other fans. Few of my friends or family have any interest in Jethro Tull, and maybe that is for the best.
To sum up, I would like to thank Charlie, Pat, and Erin for their hard work on behalf of the fans. Ian Anderson once said he felt that music is a very private thing, so I am going back to enjoying it on that level, away from people who insist that my opinions are wrong.
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Apr 6, 2017 9:50:21 GMT
As an addendum to my review, after an extra week or so of owning the album: The String Quartets definitely rewards repeated plays. In my initial thoughts, I neglected to mention how nice it is to have an official version of the Bach piece that IA and John O'Hara performed in 2010 on Anderson's solo tour of the USA (and maybe elsewhere, too?). Great album!š
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Mar 28, 2017 3:29:34 GMT
Look what the birthday stork has delivered! A shiny new Ian Anderson album. Well, technically new, even though it's a reworking of old material. What seems like a gimmicky concept on the surface has turned out to be an exciting little album with some exhilarating moments. There are a few clunky bits, as well, but overall this is quite good.
Since The Year One it has been my opinion that, of all the elements that constitute Tull music, the "rock" aspect feels the most out-of-place. The incongruity makes this album seem like a natural progression. Thus it is deeply ironic that the first track is the weakest. The classic "Living in the Past" just doesn't work as the strings attempt to emulate the famous rhythms of the piece. Thankfully, things improve dramatically with "Reasons for Waiting/Sossity." The already gorgeous melodies are achingly beautiful as performed by the strings and Ian Anderson's flute. But then he starts to sing...
For years I have defended IA's flagging vocals because his instrumental prowess has been superb compensation, Here I wish he dropped the vocals and left this as a completely instrumental album. The singing sounds more tired and threadbare than ever before, and actually detracts from the music. Thankfully, the vocals are limited to only a few tracks, but they really do spoil the flow. IA should stick to his strengths as the flute playing throughout is quite beautiful.
Surprisingly, two tracks feature the string quartet sans Anderson. A medley of "Songs From the Wood/Heavy Horses" and "Velvet Green." These highlight the timeless quality and versatility of the original music. My favorite track, however, is "Farm on the Freeway." It just drips with atmosphere and the flute is a killer.
So, yeah...a lovely experiment that illuminates some classic tunes in a different way. The vocals cost it a star, though.
**** out of five.
Regards, David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Sept 30, 2016 0:10:32 GMT
Sadly, it appears that message boards are no longer a popular venue, and Facebook has taken over. But lack of activity here should not be interpreted as lack of interest. I'd like to thank Charlie, Pat, and Erin for all of their hard work on behalf of the fans. I still love Jethro Tull, and always will!
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Jan 5, 2016 0:10:03 GMT
Apologies for the belated greetings. A bit of a holiday medical emergency over here, but nevertheless, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, may it let you meet the challenges it throws at you and allow you to win, with best wishes to ALL friends old and new! I hope things are all right for you, Pat. Happy New Year, and thank you for the great sentiment in your post! -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Jan 2, 2016 19:44:56 GMT
Charlie, I hope 2016 will be a great year for you! Already it is all yellow tights and codpieces for me! (ha ha)
-David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Jan 2, 2016 19:43:27 GMT
Happy New Year to you and thanks for your participation here also. Best of luck with your art. You are very talented. Thanks, Erin. That's very kind of you to say. Some people like my stuff, and some don't, but I'm okay with that! Hopefully you had a great New Year's and are poised to make 2016 very special. You are always very respectful and classy in your posts, even when we disagree! Thank you for that, as well. Regards and respect, David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 31, 2015 14:42:42 GMT
Happy New Year to Tull fans everywhere, and thank you to Charlie, Pat, and Erin for their hard work as the Jethro Tull Group, and for their input into the ongoing series of fantastic Jethro Tull reissue boxed sets. It is good to see that Warner Brothers gives you all a name check in the credits of said sets!
2015 was good to me, particularly in the second half of the year. My Tull highlights were finally seeing "The Witch's Promise" live on Ian's tour (instrumentally it was great, even if half the vocals came from the virtual guests) and rediscovering the "Too Old to Rock'n'Roll" album through Steven Wilson's remixes. It will never be one of my top Tull albums, but the remixes have removed it from the bottom of the pile and I have been listening to it a lot.
Personally, my artistic pursuits have flourished in the past few months. I have received a lot of positive feedback on my drawings through local exhibits, and, while I know I will never be in the Louvre, my "quirky style" (my words) has found a small but appreciative audience, and I am quite proud of that. I have also been asked to be one of three Assistant Curators at one of the local galleries - a volunteer position, but one that brings me into contact with more artists and art appreciators. So, it's all good!
I hope you all had a good 2015, and who knows what 2016 will bring?
Regards, David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 31, 2015 14:30:08 GMT
Thanks FTB. I would recommend seeing him if you get the chance again. There's bound to be something you like. And for around $20 a show you really couldn't go wrong. I also love Martin's acoustic playing more than most anyone's. There's some nice acoustic work sprinkled around on BTS for sure, even a song like "You and I" has very nice acoustic guitar harmonies. As for an acoustic tour? Here's what Martin said when we asked him recently. TJTG - You mentioned, that with āAway with Wordsā you did one acoustic gig. Would you ever consider doing more acoustic shows? MB - Yeah, well, itās in my little black book and we tried one and it was so successful. We just did one little gig down in Cornwall, but it was packed out. And the people, everybody really, really enjoyed it. It was percussion and three acoustic guitars. And yes, I would like to do it. I recall him saying that in the interview, but it was suggested to me that it's unlikely MB would ever bring a full-blown acoustic tour to the USA. Maybe we could ask him to do a sort of "light and dark" tour, with one hour of acoustic music followed by an hour of heavy stuff? Anyway, conjecture and two dollars will buy a cup of coffee, as they say. MB is in control over his future projects, so we will have to wait and see. Time will tell! -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 30, 2015 13:55:58 GMT
Your opinion is fine. Youāre entitled to your opinion here and itās perfectly ok to disagree as long as nobody jumps on eachother about it (as far as i'm concerned). Itās not an album I would expect someone who isnāt a huge heavy guitar fan to be interested in. I like to listen to how he arranges things and uses harmonies etc. I donāt put it up there with the Tull classics of course but I found it an interesting listen. I am a heavy/distorted guitar fan, and huge Barre fan and while at first I liked the album a lot I was not ābowled overā by it. (I really love āAway with Wordsā) I thought the Tull re-arrangements were so cool and different that he could just have worked those into his own songs. Or why would he have to rely on tull songs for his album? He does some really clever things musically that have nothing to do with the original Tull song. BUT.. After seeing this band live it absolutely put everything in a whole new perspective. This is a LIVE band and should be seen live! Dan Crisp is great. I didnāt expect to like him as much as I did but, he was awesome. I also wasnāt a fan of Ryan OāDonnell until I saw him live but he almost speaks the words softly. Heās a great talented guy but not my cup of tea for Tull songs really. Dan Crisp is a powerful, passionate singer and a great guitar player and integral part of a tight band that plays on all cylinders together. Very impressive. I find myself putting on the CD alot now and the songs and melodies have grown on me, getting stuck in my head because of the impression the show made on me. Dave I think even you would have enjoyed the show. They brought a great, fun, atmosphere and they played so well together. It was exciting. Martin has a renewed energy that I havenāt seen in many, many, years. The CD now reminds of that! I also totally get why he is recording the Tull material as he has to play Tull live but doesnāt want to do it like a cover band and still have his fans recognize them. Thatās respectable. I am starting to love some of his arrangements better than the originals. They sound SO fresh, and I LOVE how they do Sweet Dream (that riff has been stuck in my head). So.again we differ in opinion. But, I get it.. itās all good. Thank you for the very interesting and thought-provoking response. You referenced "Away with Words," and I must say that I DO enjoy Martin's acoustic guitar playing, but have been informed by a knowledgeable fan that the chances of Martin doing an acoustic tour are slim to none!! Ah, well... Your other point, that sometimes an album gains a new life after being seen live, is well taken. I have had this happen with me regarding a number of songs over the years. I'm still on the fence about seeing MB live, though... It just so happens that the Tull songs he chooses to play live number amongst my least favorites... I don't know. Maybe I should take the plunge if he ever comes around my way again - that way, at least I'll know for sure and can say "Yay" or "Nay" with a fuller perspective. It's only one evening, after all... Above all, thank you for being respectful. I respect you and how you articulate your opinions! -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 30, 2015 13:49:06 GMT
Boo, Hiss Not really. I mostly disagree, but as you say each to their own and we are more than happy to have reviews that add to the debate rather than detracting and putting all comments into the same old 'X' can do no wrong/'Y' can do no right' camps. I think this album shows Martin at his most inventive for quite a while. But it's late and I need some sleep, and so I'll try to add a bit more later. In the meantime, go to your room and write out a hundread times 'Martin is a rock god who should not be questioned' I wrote that out one hundred times, Pat, in my own blood. Ha ha ha... Thanks for having a sense of humor about it. I am, actually, interested in hearing why you do like the album. I am all for friendly debate. I used to like to go to the movies and then discuss them afterwards with my friends, and learning why they felt they way they did, regardless of their points of view. So, please, let me know! -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 29, 2015 14:04:25 GMT
Well, I was given a copy of Martin Barre's "Back To Steel" for Christmas. So, I guess I should review it, hmmmm?
I'm sweating a little. Maybe I shouldn't continue...but I will, because I think we should be able to share our honest thoughts.
Cards on the table: those of you who know my tastes may be aware that I am not a heavy rock fan. I have never liked bands where the electric guitar is front and center, turned up to ten. Take a look through my music collection and you will see tons of folk, acoustic, world music, and some progressive rock, certainly... Tull is the perfect band for me - with flutes, mandolins, acoustic guitars, saxes, accordions, whistles, and keyboards all adding texture, spice, and interest. Conversely, the heaviest band that I like is probably Marillion, and even then Steve Rothery does more interesting things with the electric guitar than... Ahem.
Maybe this was a bad idea.
So... the electric guitar, for me, is best when it is one ingredient playing a supporting role, rather than up front taking the lead. As such, I found "Back To Steel" a very difficult album to listen to. It was a Christmas gift, and courtesy demanded that I give it a try, and I sat down and tried to listen with an open mind. But it was painful. The worst track, "A Moment of Madness," felt like it was making my ears bleed. Razor sharp riffs and crunchy chords. Not my idea of fun. Where is the atmosphere?
The other ingredients do not help the proceedings. The band is lackluster, at best. As a singer, Dan Crisp lacks character - he is on key but that is about the best I can say about him. Then there are the covers! Why butcher the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby?" And what they did to "Skating Away..." (one of my favorite Tull songs) almost made me cry...
I keep reading that, with this album, Martin Barre has been released from the constraints of Tull and is making the music he always wanted to make, or words of that nature. I wanted to avoid making comparison of MB with IA, mostly because I do not want to be accused for being a sycophantic Anderson fan. I do not agree with everything that Ian Anderson has done, but it is his talent that made me a Tull fan. If this is Barre unleashed, then good luck to him. Without Anderson, Barre's music has no appeal to me. MB's "Back To Steel" is an album I doubt I will ever play again.
There's no right or wrong in this. It's all a matter of taste. It comes down to what flavor of ice cream you like, really. If you like the Martin Barre flavor, then that's wonderful. I will always reach for the label marked Ian Anderson. It brings me no pleasure to report that "Back To Steel" gets a big thumbs down.
Nice cover art, though!
Ducking and running for cover, David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 17, 2015 14:21:25 GMT
Well! Amazing what a Steven Wilson remix can do... As a fan of JT for 36 years, I had always placed "Too Old To Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young To Die" at the bottom of my list of Tull albums. There were a couple of songs that I liked ("Crazed Institution," "Salamander"), but overall it was not for me. Until now! The remixes on this new boxed set... Wow! Perhaps it was a poor mix that sabotaged this collection all those years ago, but I am finding myself really enjoying the remixes done by Mister Wilson. The songs, instruments, and (most dramatically) the VOCALS have a vitality that I never experienced in these songs before. It's a wonderful surprise, and a new lease on life for this album (Still don't like "Bad Eyed and Loveless," though!). It makes me wonder what a remix of "Homo Erraticus" would do for me... -David Hey now! "Homo Erraticus" 5.1 by Jakko Jakszyk is not too shabby. I can't stand the stereo mix after listening in 5.1. www.quadraphonicquad.com/forums/showthread.php?19015-Ian-Anderson-Homo-Erraticus-%28DTS-DVD%29&highlight=Homo+ErraticusI can't play 5.1, so I am unable to speak to that...but it's great that you like that mix! -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 17, 2015 0:22:09 GMT
I've heard that "Watching Me, Watching You" was the third song performed with Phil Collins, but not included in the video release. Do you know if this is true or just Tull legend? -David David Yes it was, complete with strobes. I think it was a bit of a weird one for the non-Tull fans in theaudience to comprehend. So, I would presume that there is film of it out there. it just didn't make the cut. www.theboyscoutmanual.com/galleries/?id=124#imageContainerI would love to see the full set! You are very fortunate to have been there - a very unique moment in Tull history! -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 15, 2015 13:57:45 GMT
I've heard that "Watching Me, Watching You" was the third song performed with Phil Collins, but not included in the video release. Do you know if this is true or just Tull legend?
-David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 15, 2015 13:55:55 GMT
The different interpretations of this are all very interesting. Thank you for sharing, Pat. I'm waiting for the cover of "Thinking Round Corners." Ha, okay, maybe not... -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 12, 2015 14:37:23 GMT
Well! Amazing what a Steven Wilson remix can do... As a fan of JT for 36 years, I had always placed "Too Old To Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young To Die" at the bottom of my list of Tull albums. There were a couple of songs that I liked ("Crazed Institution," "Salamander"), but overall it was not for me. Until now! The remixes on this new boxed set... Wow! Perhaps it was a poor mix that sabotaged this collection all those years ago, but I am finding myself really enjoying the remixes done by Mister Wilson. The songs, instruments, and (most dramatically) the VOCALS have a vitality that I never experienced in these songs before. It's a wonderful surprise, and a new lease on life for this album (Still don't like "Bad Eyed and Loveless," though!). It makes me wonder what a remix of "Homo Erraticus" would do for me... -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Dec 8, 2015 13:41:43 GMT
Wow, Pat. What are the odds? But then, you are the Quizz Kid! That status alone brings magical powers... -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 24, 2015 18:40:59 GMT
I had never seen this before today... very unusual!
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 24, 2015 18:38:28 GMT
Very nice! But why has A. Giddings done so little music in his post-Tull years?
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 18, 2015 14:30:45 GMT
THIS is Martin at his finest!
-David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 18, 2015 14:27:00 GMT
This is a brilliant song that Dee Palmer penned. It was my moms favorite (Tull) song and sadly when she passed this year I played it in her memory. I had the opportunity to thank Dee for composing this track and she was so kind to explain why she had written it. It was during the time that John was very sick as well as one of Dee parent. This song is very personal to me and probably my favorite least played songs.
So here is to John a true kind man from all accounts, a brilliant musician and may he rest in peace. Thank you for all of your music that you helped mold.
Beautifully put, Charlie. Excellent post! When was the last time Tull or Ian played this live? In all the years that I have gone to concerts, I have never seen it. -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 17, 2015 14:15:52 GMT
So, I was feeling a little down over the weekend (for various reasons, both personal and due to the terrible events on the news) and, almost randomly, I put the Thick as a Brick (1 & 2) Live in Iceland CDs on, and they really lifted my spirits. I enjoyed the tour both times I saw it, and had only listened to these CDs a couple of times since buying them last year. All I can say is that it was fun to rediscover the treats on offer: the current band really worked for me, as did Ryan O'Donnell's contributions (although I have always liked him). There were times when Ian's playing raised the hairs on the back of my neck. It all worked, in spite of a couple of mistakes on the second CD during TAAB2. I was surprised that IA allowed a live performance with some glitches to be released officially, but I actually prefer that to having him tweak it in the studio afterwards.
Anyway, sometimes what we need to lift our spirits can be right there under our noses!
-David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 17, 2015 13:45:50 GMT
It's amazing to me that there are still unreleased songs in the archive. Not that I'm complaining, mind you... -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 16, 2015 21:37:15 GMT
Thanks for posting these, Charlie... I only wish they had been included in the tour programme. An obvious choice, surely?? Anyway, as I sat there on the night I did catch a few references to past Tull songs: "Velvety Green" and "The Roots and the Branches of the Tull family tree." Well, obviously I loved those! Nice to have the words of the new songs, too... I know many weren't impressed by them, but I loved "And the World Feeds Me" and "Stick, Twist, Bust." Too bad we are unlikely to get studio versions of those... I like them better than anything on "Homo Erraticus!" -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 16, 2015 14:23:59 GMT
We don't normally get drawn into too many side issues here, and we certainly try to avoid politics, but tonight I think it's appropriate we pass on our thoughts to the victims and families of those who have been caught up in the carnage in Paris. While some argue over who's the best gutarist, what's the best album, France has declared a national state of emergency and there are 100+ music fans who have been killed and more held hostage at the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris where The Eagles of Death Metal were playing. The world has gone quite mad and life is far too short for this sort of shit. Pat, I have been offline for several days and this is my first chance to reply to your post. I'm glad you wrote what you wrote, well worth saying and well said. I have a pen pal in Paris and was relieved to learn she was home during the incidents, but so many more people weren't, and the whole tragic affair is just sickening. Perhaps someday humans can overcome their hatred and intolerance, but I am not optimistic. -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 13, 2015 15:42:26 GMT
Thanks David, It really was a group effort and obviously wouldn't have been much without Martin's generous approach last week-end, so, it was all stops being pulled out and a hectic week. I can't say I fully agree as regards the acoustic-electric debate, Martin's playing of either, as well as Ian's acoustic work rarely leave me unsatisfied, but I can understand your reasoning fully. Tull's back catalogue contains so many different and diverse types of song that it is probably more easy to prefer one style over another, in a way that many other bands cannot achieve. Hi Pat, You really did a fine job. I always sweat a little when sharing my opinions, because I know my tastes are unusual for someone of my age and gender...and even for a Tull fan! As a kid I never dreamed of owning an electric guitar... I fantasized about owning a flute, a mandolin, and a Hammond Organ! I bought a flute and mandolin, but never could manage the Hammond! Tried to play the other two and never could get a good sound out of the bloody things! Personally, I find healthy and polite sharing of different opinions is a thing to be celebrated, but it can be too easy to offend without intending to do so. And I think you're right - Tull's music is so diverse that there is something for everybody in there somewhere! -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 13, 2015 14:47:09 GMT
Great job with the interview, everyone. It was very interesting to read, but a difficult one for me to comment upon for several reasons. Firstly, I am glad you addressed his acoustic playing, because I feel that Martin on acoustic guitar is a joy to and the acoustic tracks are the ones that I always listen to on his solo albums. I cannot comment on his electric playing because... I don't really like the electric guitar, and I never have. Its presence in Tull was only made acceptable to me by the glue of the other instruments holding the whole thing together. As a result, I really do hope that Martin does an acoustic tour someday, because I would go to see that kind of show. I just can't work up the enthusiasm to go to one of his electric shows.
I have to disagree that it was a shame that the 1970s line-up ended and that the band lost its identity. Based on all accounts, it seems that the 70s lineup could not have gone for much longer for a number of reasons, so without new personnel Tull would have ended in 1980 or thereabouts, and I am glad it continued. If you look at my top ten Tull songs, half of them are post-1980.
Just my opinions, of course. But a very provocative and engrossing interview! Good job, everybody! I wish MB good luck on his North American tour.
-David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 9, 2015 22:18:32 GMT
Seems you enjoyed the show, that's great, I agree it might be better to try and just listen to the music, as if you try and follow the video you will get lost in it. I felt the same about the first set, very slow and dragged especially after a good version of Farm On The Freeway. The second set did pull up the overall enjoy ability of the show with the highlights for me Cheap Day return and Requiem. Hi, Charlie. I did enjoy it, after a shaky start! Thankfully the sets didn't arrive in the reverse order - if that had happened it would have put an entirely different spin on things! As I mentioned, "Requiem" was never a particular favorite on album, but I have a new appreciation for it now. That reminds me off the good old days when a great live performance could sell you on a song that you weren't sure about when listening to the studio version! Some of the magic is still there! -David
|
|
|
Post by bambooflute on Nov 9, 2015 22:15:35 GMT
A very fair and balanced view of your show, Charlie. I'm glad it was a positive experience overall. You also discussed O'Hara, Hammond and Robinson, all of whom I omitted to mention in my review. They were good and solid, and Robinson's bass caused the Earth to tremble! I think O'Hara has really grown into his role - I recall the first shows he did with Tull years ago were a little bit hesitant. So, bravo to all concerned.
For some reason, this line from "Nobody's Car" seems to highlight one of your major criticisms of the show:
"Oh, it's a weird scenario I've seen a thousand times before But only on the video"
Make of that what you will!
-David
|
|