STORMWATCH

On the whole, this is awfully dispiriting, generic Jethro Tull, with unmemorable melodies that are indifferently performed. The only exceptions are "Dun Ringill", an acoustic ballad with at least a shade of life, and "Dark Ages", a forgettable song with an exciting middle section: our final opportunity to hear Martin Barre and the great Barriemore Barlow working out together!

Three of the bonus tracks on the 2004 remaster are superior to anything on the original album. Both "A Stitch in Time" and "Kelpie" are first-rate folk prog, and "King Henry's Madrigal" sounds more like a jig: it's a jaunty instrumental, superbly arranged and played with flair by the entire band.