THICK AS A BRICK 2 (AKA: TAAB2)

I was surprised when Ian Anderson decided to legitimately make a concept album, especially since the original Brick was a complete spoof on the notion that Aqualung was a conceptual piece. However, the music throughout this album is very strong, among IA's strongest "rock" music in a number of years. Like most IA/Tull music, there are a myriad of genres and styles, but this is what I find (and have always found) rewarding in IA's music.

Lyrically, IA questions what Gerald Bostick might be doing 40 years later. Five potential notions are suggested: greedy bank manager, homosexual homeless man, Afghan War soldier, evangelist preacher, and an ordinary man (single and childless) who runs a local store. Each proposition is intriguing, yet sometimes disturbing.

Though not a "Tull" album, this is still rife with strong musical and lyrical elements. Highly recommended!!