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Jethro Tull - Stormwatch Audio CD

A fair review of the Jethro Tull "Stormwatch" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Jethro Tull reviews here, or go back to the Jethro Tull tabs.

Jethro Tull Band: Jethro Tull
Title: Stormwatch
Rating:
Release Date: 2004-04-06
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: North Sea Oil - Chris Ward 2: Orion 3: Home 4: Dark Ages 5: Warm Sporran 6: Something's on the Move 7: Old Ghosts 8: Dun Ringill 9: Flying Dutchman 10: Elegy 11: Stitch in Time [*] 12: Crossword [*] 13: Kelpie [*] 14: King Henry's Madrigal [*]

Mostly Cloudy with a Chance of Thunder Storms
It's More or less a typical "modern" Tull song. Stormwatch - (1979) 14 Tracks (4 bonus) *** ½ (59:39)

This album starts off with the lively North Sea Oil. Orion is an interesting song with some fast-paced sections followed by multiple breaks of nothing but acoustic guitar and Ian's voice. There is a bit more "orchestration" on these modern era songs than I am used to. Home is the closest thing to a ballad I think I've ever heard Jethro Tull do. It is different. Now we get to Dark Ages, the longest track on the album clocking in at 9+ minutes. I must say this is one of the better songs on here; it is highly varied in its style, and has some really good guitar work a little past half-way thru the song, but it is not dominated by it. Again, there is the ever present orchestration in the background, reminding you that this is not classic 70's era Tull. Another semi-interesting thing is that this album contains 2 instrumentals. Personally, I think Ian was just running out of ideas for lyrics and decided to just present the music without any words. I found that most of the lyrics on this album to be quite "cryptic" and not easy to follow if there was any story-line at all. Something's On the Move is another quite lively little number, with plenty of Mr. Anderson's flute and Martin Barre's guitar. But, again, more odd lyrics that seem meaningless to me. Now, Flying Dutchman, obviously about a sailing ship apparently lost at sea (I was able to follow this one) is another stand out track, which contains some of the best flute playing of the entire album. Something else to mention is a couple of the bonus tracks are as good as or better than anything on the original album. I especially liked the feel of Crossword.

They didn't exactly "hit it out of the ballpark", but if you are a true fan you'll want to pick this up anyway. Three and a half stars rounded down to just three. Hey, they can't all be great.
.


And the Stormwatch brews a concert of Kings!
All the elements that made Songs From The Wood and Heavy Horses brilliant are present here: the same line-up, great arrangements and daring songwriting. Stormwatch is most probably the last great Jethro Tull album and also a sort of lost, underrated gem. It's a fitting close to this beautiful trilogy. Dark Ages must be one of their best late seventies tracks, with Dun Ringill and Flying Dutchman coming close. I'm not sure why this album is so misunderstood, given the amazing songs that unfold cleverly Ian Anderson's wit once more. If in doubt, give it another chance for sure. And get this remastered version for soundsake!.


Full of mystical imagery and atmosphere.
This music has a lot to offer. . it will take your mind off to far away places and put you in a magical mood. The image and atmosphere that the lyrics build rival the music that this band is pouring out song after song.

The only reason I think so many people could consider this a bad album is that they kept a very closed mind in listening to it. . . or perhaps they listened to it expecting something else.

Whatsoever, I suggest finding a copy of this album, and listening to it with an open heart and an open mind. You will benefit from it--these musicians are your friends. What do you have to lose?.


Jethro Dull, yes quite dull
I would categorize this album with the likes of Rock Island. With the exception of Dun Ringill, this is one boring album.
And Ian sounds like an old man trying to sound peppy. Nothing against old men: I actually love Ian Anderson's solo works in "Rupi Dance" and "Secret Language of Birds" where his voice worked very well with the music.
.


The Last "Classic" Tull Album
Such is the case with Jethro Tull. I guess it goes without saying that losing four band members would radically change a group's sound. The bass player became very ill, contributing to only three of the album's original ten tracks, and dying shortly thereafter. The drummer, the keyboard player, and the string arranger also left the group after "Stormwatch" was released. All four added their own eclectic touch to Tull's landscape of sound through much of the 1970s. I consider "Stormwatch" to be a kin to "Heavy Horses," originally released the prior year, both with a similar sound and both being greatly remastered. But, "Stormwatch" is the last "classic" Jethro Tull cd. It is deliniated by the major upheaval in the line-up of the band. I am actually a huge Tull fan through "Broadsword," but I realize that with only Ian Anderson and Martin Barre remaining as front-man and guitarist after "Stormwatch" that the vintage years of the band were behind them. This fact led Ian Anderson to want to make a solo effort. But, as we know, the next Jethro Tull album would then be in the making, which added some new members to the Anderson-Barre mix.


You can see a complete list of all Jethro Tull discography, or go back to the Jethro Tull tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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