The earth-worshipping revelry of 1977's frisky Songs from the Wood was far removed from the heavyweight progressive rock of Jethro Tull's early years. Taking a leaf from the book of Steeleye Span, Songs from the Wood is br... more »ight and festive as it mines a rich, green seam of ancient British folklore for inspiration. By marrying the characters ("Jack in the Green") and traditions of the old religion's ritual calendar ("Ring Out Solstice Bells" was an unlikely Christmas hit) to their eccentricity and half-imagined interpretations of British traditional music, Tull came up with one of their albums. This collection unintentionally beseeches the concrete-jungle-dwelling set to retreat to the countryside. With tin-whistles, peppy acoustic guitar, medieval twists and turns, much May Day gaiety and debauchery, and even the odd touch of prog, Songs from the Wood still sounds bewitching in the 21st century. --Kevin Maidment« less
The earth-worshipping revelry of 1977's frisky Songs from the Wood was far removed from the heavyweight progressive rock of Jethro Tull's early years. Taking a leaf from the book of Steeleye Span, Songs from the Wood is bright and festive as it mines a rich, green seam of ancient British folklore for inspiration. By marrying the characters ("Jack in the Green") and traditions of the old religion's ritual calendar ("Ring Out Solstice Bells" was an unlikely Christmas hit) to their eccentricity and half-imagined interpretations of British traditional music, Tull came up with one of their albums. This collection unintentionally beseeches the concrete-jungle-dwelling set to retreat to the countryside. With tin-whistles, peppy acoustic guitar, medieval twists and turns, much May Day gaiety and debauchery, and even the odd touch of prog, Songs from the Wood still sounds bewitching in the 21st century. --Kevin Maidment
"This album is usually the answer to: If there was only one Tull album you could have....? And it is true that rarely in the modern era can you find such a unique and evocative work. Only a handful of times since has Tull matched or exceeded the effort you can hear on this CD. The bucolic life is not a concept you will find often (or ever, outside Tull) in a rock album. But here it is presented to perfection. From the horses hooves racing and whip-cracking in Hunting Girl to the marvelous Scottish country dance in Pibroch, this jewel of an album evokes the pleasures of the British countryside in all seasons. Martin Barre even gets the chance to mimick bagpipes with his electric guitar (Pibroch again), though that's not entirely successful. Weak points are almost non-existant, and really only the smallest of minor quibbles is possible in a work this powerful. The album was so successful in its concept and execution that critical acclaim at the time was practically universal. Tull followed with two more superb albums playing on different aspects of the same theme (Heavy Horses and the lesser known, but perhaps even more marvelous, Stormwatch). You can buy this CD with full confidence that there is no possibility of disappointment."
A SMUTTY / MELODIC / BEAUTIFUL ALBUM
JOHN HAGER | BECKLEY , WV | 11/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"MY TITLE FOR THIS REVIEW SOUNDS FUNNY I'M SURE. HOWEVER, TO THOSE WHO HAVE HEARD THIS ALBUM ON GOLD DISC (OR NOT) KNOW IT'S TRUE. THE GOLD DISC ADDS ONLY TO THE SOUND QUALITY , THE ORIGINAL QUALITY OF THE ALBUM SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. TULL IS CERTAINLY A MUSICAL TASTE AQUIRED (MUCH LIKE A GOOD BOURBON) AND LIKE THAT BOURBON THIS ALBUM DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH O'S IN SMOOOOOTH. WHEN THIS ALBUM WAS RELEASED IT CONTAINED A LOT OF THE SAME TULL THEME BUT THE MUSIC WAS A BIT OF A DEPARTURE FROM PREVIOUS ALBUMS. (AGAIN , AN AQUIRED TASTE). IT HAS ALWAYS TASTED JUST FINE TO ME. IF YOU PURCHASE THIS DISC AND LIKE IT , YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RETURN TO AMAZON AND ORDER " HEAVY HORSES". THIS ALBUM IS OF THE SAME VEIN AND JUST AS GOOD AN EFFORT. IF YOU BELIEVE YOURSELF TO BE A PERSON WHO LIKES THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE , ORDER BOTH THESE DISCS NOW .... YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.....AND WHILE YOUR LISTENING YOU CAN DRINK THAT FINE BOURBON FROM THE CUP OF WONDER!"
A TULL RHAPSODY
Bellagio | 03/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let's get it straight.Tull has done more to nature than most other rock groups.This album virtually takes you on a trip down English countryside.This album along with "Heavy horses" truly symbolises,the Folksier side of Jethro Tull.Listen to a potpourri of Instruments from Ian Anderson. sorry! Music Magician!"
In my opinion, Tull's greatest album
amarklin@deltasys.com | 04/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If someone asked what ONE album best sums up all that is great and wonderful about Tull, I'd point them to the amazing "Songs from the Wood." This album is like a musical version of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" -- full of fantasy, mischief, and magic. Its lush medieval imagery, unforgettable melodies, and vivid portrayal of the English countryside make for one of the most intoxicating albums I've ever heard. Pure enchantment, as another reviewer put it. Definitive Tull, "SFTW" is as merry, as joyful and as magical as some of Mozart's best-loved works. Even the sound quality of the recording is excellent, bringing out the beautiful tones and nuances of the acoustic guitar, mandolin, flute and other instruments, including Ian's incomparable voice. Dazzling!!!"