THICK AS A BRICK 2 (AKA: TAAB2)

Thick as a Brick 2, or TAAB2 as it has come to be known, was possibly the most anticipated album of the year. I recently purchased the deluxe version the day it was released in the US, and went home to listen to it twice on a surround sound edition. This brings me to the first part. Steven Wilson, as is usual, creates a fantastic surround edition and mixes the album perfectly. It sounds vintage, but not too vintage to where it sounds awful. The only thing that sounds modern is the guitar, and that could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the person. I find it bad, but not awful. I prefer the less- distorted, tube amp sound that was attained on albums such as the original Thick as a Brick.

The actual album is very nostalgic, and is much more major-sounding than the original beast. I love the flute, and the acoustic guitar is also perfect. Unfortunately, the bass doesn't have that "pick" sound like Jeffrey was able to attain on the original. The keyboard is alright, but not fantastic. The drums are the same way. Some songs are great, and some aren't good at all. I also cannot get over the fact that Ian Anderson released it under his name and without Martin Barre.

All in all, I would definitely suggest this album. It is worth checking out. It may not be the best album ever, and it probably isn't near the best album of the year, but it is a very good Tull (excuse me, Ian Anderson) release.

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