THE BROADSWORD AND THE BEAST

A new incarnation for Jethro Tull and one that I really like in this album. "Beastie" - Dealing with phobias and fears - Love this one. It is not Tull of old however it's good rocking Tull. "The Clasp" - very much more keyboard orientated incorporating the sound of Tull albeit a much modified sound. "Fallen on Hard Times" - again a modified version of the Tull sound however old Tull can be heard clearly here. "Flying Colours" - I love this track. The emotions that run through this are powerful. "Slow Marching Band" - Another very emotional piece of work - love it. About the death of a loved one? "Broadsword" - Epic track dealing with a Viking or Norse invasion - Love this - a great deal. "Pussy Willow" - Very good cross between old Tull and the more modern Tull. Gee I wonder what this could be about? "Watching me, Watching you" - Very clever play on words - a good electronic rock track. "Seal Driver" - Hot Damn! I love this track. Very emotion laced music here. Kind of makes a guy want to have an adventure. "Cheerio" - pleasant little ditty.

This represents the original album and I absolutely love it - Sorry Tull purists (of which I'm one) but this is heading for a 5 star rating from me.

"Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow" - interesting mix of Folk and Rock. "Jack A Lynn" - very nice powerful slower number. "Mayhem Maybe" - nice ditty with an interesting tale. "Too many Too" - straight forward rock track. "Overhang" - oooooo the dreaded hangover - good track. "Rythm in Gold" - interesting Rock track. "I'm your Gun" - another interesting Rock track. "Down at the end of your Road" -

I don't get the many who don't like this album - to me it is a total winner. Jethro Tull weren't a sell out in the vein of later Phil Collins Genesis. This represents a way more rock orientated Tull however the distinctive Tull sound was still very much part of the music. This is an album full of emotion and that, when it's well represented, nearly always scores for me. 5 easy stars from me.