LIVE - BURSTING OUT

Bursting Out gives us two discs of solid Jethro Tull live performances, featuring content primarily from albums circa 1973 - 1978. Admittedly not my favorite time frame of output for this great prog band. So, while the band's instrumental performances are great, they are used on a fairly mediocre setlist.

However, there is still a lot to like about this album for Tull fans. The rhythm section of Barlow and Glascock is on fire throughout the show, with a fine production that lets us hear every bass and drum riff clearly. However, there isn't very much playfulness or emotion in the group's playing. That isn't to say that they aren't tight and exciting, but Burstin Out lacks any "wow" moments that showcase their talent in a way that sticks with you. I wouldn't say that they're phoning it in... maybe more that they're so professional at this point that the music lacks the vibrancy that being rough around the edges can sometimes bring. Still, entertaining instrumental performances are the highlight of the album.

Anderson's vocals are another matter for me. I've never been that large of a fan of his, and his vocal style sounds even more underwhelming in the live setting. He is excellent at phrasing, but his range is poor, so his vocals sound identical from track to track; as if he were singing the same lyrics over and over again while the band plays different songs. If you're a fan of Anderson, you'll probably be pleased, because his voice is finely produced letting you hear every gusty tremolo. I'm much more a fan of his flouting, which is characteristically good throughout Bursting Out.

So overall not enough to make Bursting Out a mandatory live album for the casual Tull fan, but enough good stuff to make for an occasional listen.

Set-list: 2 - Instrumental Performances: 3 - Lyrics/Vocals: 2 - Stage/Energy: 3