What does it sound like?:
In February 1977, Ian Anderson surprised fans and critics alike with the direction and sound of this, the tenth Jethro Tull album, Songs From The Woods. It perhaps rather controversially marked a move away from their well-established prog rock sound, although that was still very much in evidence at times, towards a more rural, rustic theme, influenced heavily by the countryside and its folklore, legends and rituals.
Subtitled The Country Set, it now is reissued as the next release in this ongoing and unremittingly excellent series of Tull reboots, and damn fine it is too. The deluxe set comprises a whopping three cds, two dvds and a bulky ninety six page book.
The first cd, as usual, contains Steven Wilson’s new stereo mix of the original album, one of the band’s more commercial offerings with its mix of rock, folk and prog influences. This is augmented by a number of associated recordings from that period – some of these have appeared before such as Strip Cartoon, which I always associate with TOTRR and One Brown Mouse, which likewise I place with Heavy Horses. Speaking of which, there’s no place here for Beltane, which has appeared on previous reissues as a bonus track, as presumably it is earmarked for the HH reissue in the fullness of time. The major finds here though are two of the previously unreleased tracks: Working John, Working Joe, which eventually turned up a few years down the line on the ‘A’ album, is decent enough, while maybe not being out of the very top drawer. On the other hand, Old Aces Die Hard, is an excellent long (9 mins) complex piece, apparently discovered in an almost finished state on a tape reel, presumably overlooked for whatever reason at the time and then subsequently forgotten. This song is a real find, only recently having been given its title by Ian Anderson, and, as Steven Wilson said recently, it is the undoubted highlight of the treasure chest of unreleased material that has so far been unearthed in this series.
The second and third cds contain a reconstructed live set from two nights on their 1977 US tour – this has been put together and remixed by Crimson stalwart Jakko Jakszyk, and is previously unheard. As you’d expect, the set is a mix of greatest hits plus the then current album, although there’s maybe not as much from that as you might expect. A good job has been done with the sound though, and it does well in capturing the band’s live shows in that era. It is slightly odd to think that in late 1977, as England was in the grip of punk, Tull were playing to sold out arenas on a US tour.
DVD wise, the first has the usual plethora of mixes – a 5.1 surround version, plus transfers of the original and new stereo mixes of the album and its bonus tracks – there’s even a handful of quad mixes included. The second dvd has video footage of a full concert, taken from the big screens at one of the shows used on the live cds. This has been unseen since that night almost forty years ago, and shows the band in great form. I’m not a great watcher of concert dvds, the music alone is enough for me, but this is certainly worth a look from a historical perspective if nothing else.
Completing this package is the usual top quality book, which is a fascinating read – among other things, there’s track by track notes by Anderson, lyrics, articles on the writing, recording and touring of the album, including a complete timeline of events, and also on the construction of the live album and DVD.
What does it all *mean*?
This is quite simply a great album, recorded by one of Tull’s strongest line ups. It has stood the test of time far better than some of their other albums, and this deluxe reissue is a credit to both the band for originally making such a marked change of direction at the time of recording, and to Steven Wilson for the work that he’s done in what was obviously something of a labour of love.
This series of reissues just keeps getting better and better – I’m already waiting for Heavy Horses, which will presumably follow next year, and then subsequently Stormwatch, to complete this trilogy of what many would say are the band’s last great albums.
Goes well with…
A flagon or two of country ale.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Kitchen prose, gutter rhymes and divers.
Almost Simon says
I ordered this back in April, wasn’t sure but dug out my old cd remaster and gave it a listen. Again, wasn’t sure but by the end of the album I was sucked in. Less than £20 seems a rather good deal. I loved the last reissue, Too Old To Rock and Roll was right up my street. I try my best to resist the Tull but I suspect I will love this. Already had my amazon dispatch email so looking forward to listening tomorrow. Will definitely get some ale in for the weekend, likely London Pride rather than country ale though but that will suffice.
Colin H says
I too have had the amazon dispatch email. Go on Barge, tell us what the remix of the original album sounds like – anything stand out as significantly better on first listen?
Twang says
The remix sounds superb. Like the others there’s more space around the instruments, and what I noticed particularly is the lovely feral analogue synths burbling away and offsetting the flute lines in the instrumental parts, e.g. in the breakdown part of the title track. I think it’s a brilliant album anyway, but it’s like meeting an old friend and realising you love them a whole lot more than you realised. I listen to it regularly anyway but it sounds even better with a wash and brush up. The extras are fun too but frankly having a definitive version of one of my fave albums is worth the price of admission in itself.
Colin H says
Splendid! Has it inspired you to put any of the songs into your own live act?
Twang says
Um no. I do play “Mother goose” and “Locomotive breath” though!
Bargepole says
Just to reiterate Twang’s comment – the sound is first class, sharper and with more separation – the keyboards in particular seem to have benefitted, but everything is just better!
Colin H says
Once again, Bargepole is the British Library depository of progressive rock!
Twang says
Those layered vocals sound fabber than ever too.
Johnny99 says
Mine should be delivered today – really looking forward to this and (hopefully) “Heavy Horses” next year. So far the Tull reissues have been exemplary.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Mine came today – one of my favourite Tulls, thanks to @Twang tipping me off when I once scoffed at anything post-Passion Play.
I also got the Mike Westbrook re-issue today. Now that is really something else. Top tip, that – thanks to @Colin H.
No idea why the “at” thing hasn’t worked for your name Col, sorry.
Gatz says
You need a hyphen – @colin-h
Colin H says
Mine also arrived today – hurrah! Took a rare late afternoon off and listened to disc 1 twice and currently disc 2. Terrific stuff!
Richie B says
I feel privileged to be part of the Country Set.
Just getting to the end of disc 1, getting used to Solstice/magic bells in 4/4!
Also like that he’s pushed the piano up in the mix.
Colin H says
A perhaps rare example of Mike Batt making something LESS commercial than it already was.
Twang says
It’s really weird in 4/4 isn’t it.
Colin H says
Yes!
Richie B says
Yeah but it works as a “heavier” more riff-led version I reckon, and really like One Brown Mouse.
Colin H says
The Mouse is splendid in any form…
Twang says
Just makes me anxious for the HH reissue. On the Tull podcast we discussed which is better and I contended SFTW is the stronger album but HH has some brilliant songs. Mouse of course, but also Moths and I find something very moving about the title track – IA doesn’t often do love songs but this one is very touching. “One day when the oil barons have all burned dry… they’ll beg for your strength, your gentle power, your noble grace and bearing”
Richie B says
SFTW for me, but HH is a suitably wistful follow up, The Mouse Police never sleep is the stand out track for me. And here’s some pics of his old farm http://www.thomashoblyn.com/portfolio/residential_gardens/pophleys-buckinghamshire
Bartleby says
SFTW here too. But had the HH production been less dense, IA less keen on his low harmonies and Broadford Bazaar made it onto HH, that might have tipped it the other way.
bricameron says
Any chance of a song?
Rec Room says
Here you go Bri,
The sound of dopamine shooting into the forehead. Some people don’t get Tull. Me? I don’t get tequilla, but people who don’t get Tull… man, I feel bad for those people.
Bargepole says
The standalone cd and vinyl versions of SW’s new mix are available from 4 August.