Search - Jethro Tull :: Songs From the Wood

A Fanciful Frolic in the Woods

Lonnie E. Holder | Columbus, Indiana, United States | 10/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I give Ian Anderson credit for daring and imagination. In 1975 Ian Anderson moved to the country. A former PR man, Jo Lustig, buys Ian a book on British folklore and legends. Suddenly Ian Anderson creates an album inspired by his surroundings and the book and "Songs from the Wood" is born. Even better, Jethro Tull returns to experimenting with musical themes and styles, turning their backs on the heady commercial success of "Agualung" and "Warchild." The result is interesting and fun. For those of us who enjoy an eclectic collection of uncommon music, it is a must for our collection.



The opening track is the title song. The lilting opening sets the tone of the album and provides an intriguing entry into the fanciful worlds sung by Jethro Tull. The words are initially sung without musical accompaniment. Then the song kicks into folk style. The folk style then transitions into progressive-sounding rock during the extended bridge. After the bridge the style changes back to a folk style that is powered by rock instruments. This song promises the CD will be interesting.



The second song has its roots in Pagan mythology. "Jack-in-the-Green" is referred to by many names, including The Hidden One, the Cylenchar, Green Jack and Green George. Jack-in-the-Green was protector and nurturer of the woods. This song has a style that is based in folk and asks the musical question whether Jack still exists in this modern world of cars and power lines.



The following song ties in the previous song and a later song. "Cup of Wonder" refers to a variety of Pagan rituals, including "Beltane," which evolved into May Day. There are a couple of ways to interpret this folk-rock song. One way has dark overtones. The other, which I think is in line with the tone of the album, is to interpret the references as being celebratory and fun. Thus the "cup of crimson wonder" is probably a cup of wine. This song is interesting and unusual.



The song "Hunting Girl" is incredibly sexual, with barely concealed imagery. Indeed much of the imagery is not concealed at all. Once again the style is folk-rock. The song has a high-born woman taking advantage of a low-born peasant; a peasant who would likely find himself in serious trouble if someone else were to happen upon the pair as they lay in the field.



In "Ring Out Solstice Bells" Ian Anderson tells of the winter solstice celebration. This song is interesting because it makes references to Druids, who were Celtic priests, and yet the Celts did not celebrate the winter solstice (at least, my brief research appears to indicated they did not). The song is still fun and enjoyable in the context of this album, but it may be historically inaccurate.



If the song "Velvet Green" were written a few hundred years ago it would be funny because part of the song is an attempt by a young man to convince a young woman to make love to him. This song would thus imply that guys have changed little in hundreds of years, which is likely in any case. The heart of the song is being close to nature, literally and figuratively, and the discussion of the tryst seems to emphasize how intimate the relationship with nature should be.



The next song is an interesting song and difficult for me to interpret. The folk style of "The Whistler" seems to me to describe the character of the singer, who is a minstrel of some type. Jethro Tull has a similar song in "Minstrel in the Gallery," though that song was less folk and more rock. The only words that are confusing are those of the first stanza, which make the song sound like a love song. Perhaps the first stanza is a warning that if you submit to his whiles you will not get him to stay.



"Pibroch (Hat in Hand)" is a sad song. A man has traveled to his true love's house, perhaps to ask her for marriage. However, when he gets there another has arrived ahead of him. A "pibroch" is a dirge, and this rock-flavored folk music is very dirge-like, with deep organ and bass. Even when the music changes to a lighter tone, the sound is like a scolding. This song is one of the most creative and imaginative on this CD.



The original ending to the CD was "Fire at Midnight," which celebrates relaxing by the fire with his love at the end of a long hard, day. This song is sung minstrel-like, which is often how I see Ian Anderson. Perhaps he styles himself as a minstrel as well.



This re-mastered CD contains two additional songs. The first is "Beltane," a song about celebration of the Celtic festival Beltane. Beltane was either the biggest Celt festival, or one of the biggest, and was celebrated on May Day. The song uses the festival to promote closeness to nature. The song also makes reference to the "green man," the subject of the second song.



The last track is a live version of "Velvet Green." From the viewpoint that this additional track helps fill the time available on the CD it is a positive addition. The small variations from the studio version are interesting, but the song feels a little bit out of place.



There are other groups that have attempted folk-rock with a Celtic theme. However, Jethro Tull did it with unique combinations of instruments, vocals and styles. Every time I hear Ian Anderson I am reminded of a medieval bard or minstrel. "Songs from the Wood" keeps the promise of rock music to be sufficiently flexible to encompass any style. I wish there were more groups in the world that would attempt to create music that is new and refreshing while being somewhat melodic. More than 25 years after this album was recorded it still sounds new and original. There are few albums that can claim that.

"

Join the chorus if you can, it'll make of you an honest man.

Armchair Pundit | Durham City, England. | 09/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When most people fancy a lungful of crisp clear country air, they go, not surprisingly to the country.

But I don't, I merely put on this CD and I'm there, whistling alongside the Poachers, sharing a fire at midnight with the Badgers,and all of us singing Songs from the Wood.

If your foot doesn't start tapping when Cup of Wonder comes on I'd check your pulse. Every song on this album is good, so good in fact that Mr Anderson decided to release a song from it on the "Ring Out Solstice Bells" EP,

and he didn't release many singles.

Some people try and pigeonhole the music, some call it folk rock, others prog rock, I just call it good music.

All the songs sound as fresh and vibrant as they did all those years ago.

Of all my Tull albums this is the one that gets the most played.

(Although, "Thick as a Brick" isn't far behind.)

All tracks composed and produced by Ian Anderson.

~~~~

Here's a snippet of lyrics from the title track.

Let me bring you all things refined:

Galliards and lute songs served in chilling ale.

Greetings,well-met fellow hail!

I am the wind to fill your sail,

I am the cross to take your nail:

A singer of these ageless times-

With kitchen prose,and gutter rhymes.

(Sheer poetry.)"