So I've always been a fan of Jethro Tull, but I've recently come to realize the true gravity of Ian Anderson's songwriting. They put out an album every year from 1968 to 1980 and they're all excellent. The peak comes in 1977-78 with "Songs From the Wood", followed by the masterpiece "Heavy Horses". A lot of people like to joke about the theatrical and flamboyant aspects of the music. I think its one of the earliest and most successful combinations of folk and hard rock. Some of these riffs are just plain heavy. Ian Anderson never played with the same group of musicians for more than a few years, but all of them were outstanding. The guy is a fucking genius. Don't take my word for it, check out this brilliant performance from 1977:
You will see/hear the following:
25:10 - "Songs From the Wood"
Lighthearted medieval harmonies leading into some pretty heavy progressive rock. Outstanding lead guitar parts all throughout the song.
37:00 - "To Cry You a Song"
Another heavy one from the early 70's which summons some of the English psychedelic hard rock which was popular at the time. This is a great example of some insane flute playing and the range of Anderson's vocal style. He sounds less theatrical and folky, with more of a gritty blues thing going on. This song segues into...
39:33 - "A New Day Yesterday"
Check out some virtuoso flute playing at around 43:30
55:22
An insane performance by the entire band. Witness Ian Anderson play some incredibly tricky guitar parts while singing perfectly. He was a rare talent. Also Martin Barre (their guitarist) killing it on the xylophone.
Exhilarating.
You will see/hear the following:
25:10 - "Songs From the Wood"
Lighthearted medieval harmonies leading into some pretty heavy progressive rock. Outstanding lead guitar parts all throughout the song.
37:00 - "To Cry You a Song"
Another heavy one from the early 70's which summons some of the English psychedelic hard rock which was popular at the time. This is a great example of some insane flute playing and the range of Anderson's vocal style. He sounds less theatrical and folky, with more of a gritty blues thing going on. This song segues into...
39:33 - "A New Day Yesterday"
Check out some virtuoso flute playing at around 43:30
55:22
An insane performance by the entire band. Witness Ian Anderson play some incredibly tricky guitar parts while singing perfectly. He was a rare talent. Also Martin Barre (their guitarist) killing it on the xylophone.
Exhilarating.
