From Amazon.com
true album-oriented rock
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: When I first heard this album, at its time of release in the 70s, I was hooked. Coming from an Anglo-Saxon heritage, it naturally stirs my soul and is one of those rare albums that gives one the illusion of a total diversion from the present day when sequestered under headphones. It is by far the very best of Tull to me, if I were made to make a choice. A lot of thought, and no doubt research into madrigals, went into its concept. At its release, no one had conceptualized whole albums like Tull could. What's remarkable is how repeatedly playable the album was, and still is, at a time when no one published recordings anything like them.
Jethro Tull At The Top Of Their Game
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: If you're looking for another great Jethro Tull album from the 1970's and you already have Aqualung, this is an excellent choice. Ian Anderson and Martin Barre really hit their stride here, producing an album that doesn't get heard very much but is one of the band's finest. They do an outstanding job of evoking a musically-based emotional experience of what life in the woods might be like, while still retaining that Jethro Tull sound. And they do it with a strong mix of acoustic, folk-based music, and harder driving electric guitar rock. The bonus tracks are a nice plus, and the sound quality is excellent.
Tull at their Prog-Folkiest
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Songs From the Wood - (1977) 11 Tracks (2 bonus) ****½ (53:03)
Now this is some real Prog-Folk music! Far from the blues based rock these guys started out with from the early days. The album starts off with Ian's a cappella voice and continues on just as one would expect from a bunch of medieval, codpiece wearing minstrels. But, at the same time, much of this album begins to rock out with plenty of electric guitar riffing, sprinkled with acoustic guitar and flute.
I think the best two songs are the title track and Hunting Girl. With Jack-in-the-Green, Cup of Wonder, and Velvet Green coming in a close second. Songs From the Wood is an over-all nice listen as there are really no bad songs that I would consider "filler" on here. This remastered version contains two bonus tracks, Beltrane and a live version of Velvet Green recorded by the BBC in Concert from 1977. Four and half stars rounded up to five. A recommended addition to your Jethro Tull collection.
Tull's transition into folk/prog rock
Album Rating: (4 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Songs from the Wood Strange sliver by the fire,strange boots in the hallway. What can I say about songs from the wood that every Tull fan doesn't already know. Like it's one of the best Tull albums ever and very popular among fans. I understand why, It is a great album, a little softer than the previous ones like Aqualung and Minstral but that's the great thing about 70's Tull. Every album was different and had it's own sounds and concepts. Bottom line is that Songs from the wood is awesome and I think it;s a damn disgrace that Tull hasn't been considered for the rock&hall of fame. They contributed a hell of a lot more to rock than (The loving spoonfull) for example. Anyway if you like Tull than you should buy songs from the wood. Warning, it might take a while to grow on you if you're used to earlier Tull but it's worth it.
Songs from the Wood - a great album
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Jethro Tull "Songs from the Wood" is one of my all time favorite albums.
It is a great mix of true rock liberally stirred into ancient Celtic folk music. The classic guitar and rock and roll flute mix beautifully with dulcimers, mandolins and a host of other instruments. The lyrics are interesting and entertaining as well. What's not to like?
I can listen over and over and never get tired of it.
Purchases
1 Songs From The Wood
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