SONGS FROM THE WOOD

This one opens Tull`s folk-rock trilogy. Folksy elements which were strong on previous albums completely crystallized on «Songs from the Wood». Yet the album is far away from typical output of folk-rock bands, it is even different from its prog-folk rivals. Undoubtedly it bears the mark of Ian`s unique eccentric charisma. «Songs» are also joyful and unstrained that distinguishes them from «Heavy Horses» and «Stormwatch». Besides this Barry`s talent shines all through the album, his drumming here is so peculiar, that is what I never heard either before or after this period.

The title track sets the mood for the entire album : a capella intro demonstrates lush vocal harmony, hilarious melody brings a feeling of lightness, complexity coexists with accessibility. A masterpiece, one of the best songs in the whole Tull`s catalogue.

Ian`s drinking aria «Cup of Wonder» gets me thinking about this as if it is a kind of a sequel to "Let's drink from the joyful cups". Cheers !

Irrespective of what lyrics tells, Robin Hood vibe is present in many songs. Bouncy, reckless and mischievous «The Whistler» comes to my mind as a good example.

Ambitious «Pibroch (Cap in Hand)» begins with a heavy guitar which emulates bagpipe sound. Intermitting with baroque and folk this stroke repeats twice again: in the middle and in the end. This dark track contrasts with the rest of the songs.

Other tracks are outstanding too. Here and there Ian throws hedonistic tunes and lyrics with a generous hand.

So, all this is to make you feel much forest than you could know. «Songs fom the Wood» really deserves 4,5 stars. Rounding makes a 5-star album of it.