From Amazon.com
It's a Shame (But No Wonder) my Copy Was Stolen
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: For a band named after an agriculturist, Jethro Tull's music has often fit their moniker. 1978's "Heavy Horses" is the last album in the Tull catalog that is almost always universally approved of by music critics (and we know they're always right, right?); i.e. it's often ranked as a great Tull album, and the last to get consistent kindness from the critics (even "Crest of a Knave" is knocked because it inappropriately won a Grammy in the heavy metal category - get over it already).
And "Heavy Horses" is indeed a masterful piece of work, and the last Jethro Tull record to feature one of their most memorable lineups in fine shape (the next album, "Stormwatch" would see ailing bassist John Glascock only appearing on three songs, and by 1980, only frontman/songwriter Ian Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre remained).
Loosely themed as a bit of a wake for pastoral imagery in the age of machinery, both the music, lyrics, and performances fit the "concept" to a T, or to an A, as Anderson's lyrics are quite often baffling, but somehow always poignant and moving, and his vocal performance on the album is one of his absolute best. Tull's signature acoustic guitars, mandolins, and of course the trusty flute, lilt across the album flawlessly, and the electric guitars, basses, and Barriemore Barlow's concise, often furious drumming are welcome as well, and never outweigh or distract from the more earthy elements. The nine-minute title track, unedited, is one of the band's greatest pieces, and the presence of the classic 'No Lullaby,' the intriguing 'Rover,' and the somehow-catchy 'Moths' are music for pleasure, even when jarring.
Ian's vocal problems detract but still a great album
Album Rating: (4 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: I, personally LOVE this album. If you are not a Tull FAN, I would recomend aqualung as a first buy. If you are into Prog then go straight for Think as a Brick. The compositions on heavy horses are great and the instrumental playing superb. Where this album falls short is in Ian Anderson's vocal tracks. He is clearly losing his voice at this point. It is still a great album in spite of the gruffer vocal quality.
A Pleasant Surprise to a Classic Era Tull Fan
Album Rating: (4 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Heavy Horses - (1978) 11 Tracks (2 bonus) **** (49:28)
Heavy Horses is one of the lower rated Jethro Tull albums, so I was a little hesitant to purchase this one, especially since I did not recognize any of the songs except for the title track, which I had on a best of compilation. Well, let me tell you, it didn't take a bunch of multiple listens to enjoy this one. This album was indeed a pleasant surprise for me. There are quite a few really good songs on it and I feel it is the perfect companion record to the previous (and very good) Songs From The Wood.
The only problem with this album is that there are no really great 5-star songs on it. There are a lot of good songs on it, just not any great classic tracks in my opinion. But, on a positive note, the two bonus tracks, Living in These Hard Times and Broadford Bazaar, are as good as the other songs on the album, making this remaster a good bargain for your hard earned buck. I actually liked the Rover best of all the tracks. And for all the "Proggers" out there, Heavy Horses clocks in at a respectable 9 minutes, and that's not the only long song on here.
Don't be swayed by the few bad reviews of this album, give it a listen for yourself.
ONE OF TULL'S BEST
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Heavy Horses is an underrated piece of work. Although arguably missing some of the "fun" of Songs From the Wood..It is still filled with melodies that stay with you. I think many reviewers of Ian's work just dont get it(thick as two short planks). Much of Tull's work is an uncanny mixture of acoustic,celtic,folky, music in a Rock setting. This album shows this in spades. "Acres Wild: with its mixtures of acoustic guitar, mandolin, bagpipes and Martin's wonderful electric guitar blend perfectly.The musicianship is beyond reproach. Barrie Barlow, on drums and percussion, really shines on this album. The extra tracks are fun and "living in these Hard times" is indeed timeless. Many retractors should listen again with an open mind and maybe a pint(lol).
great, underrated album
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This album doesn't sound like any other album ever made by anyone. Even Tull only made one like this. There's certainly a Celtic influence, but I really don't think you could call this folk music. Many of the songs have such a strong, upbeat rhythm, it's almost like celtic disco?? Not perfect (I still can't quite get my ears around "Journeyman") but still one of Tull's best. Rover is my particular favorite. Makes me wanna hop in my truck and drive away whenever I hear it. The two bonus tracks are also very good and fit well with the rest of the songs. The whole album always gives me sort of a cold feeling. In a good way. No matter what time of year it is, I feel like I'm watching the first snowfall of the winter.
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