THE BROADSWORD AND THE BEAST

Jethro Tull

Prog Folk

3.29 | 771 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

The Broadsword and the Beast is for me a very good album, maybe it has the sound of 80's but that is not necessary bad. Songs still have the Jethro Tull sound in them.

Mine favourite here is Broadsword. Maybe for someone Broadsword is not some great musical achievement but for me it is more than an excellent song.It starts with darkness clouded melody and the sound of coming drums which are describing incoming trouble. You can almost see the ancient old leader in the high tower of the city that looks black sails of pirate ships on the horizon. And then he calls for his broadsword. Excellent imagery lyrics. Its funy that on the tour for Broadsword and the Beast entire stage was decorated to look like a pirate ship.The runic symbols around the edge of the cover are from the Cirth rune system used by J.R.R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings. The words are, however, English: the opening lyrics to Broadsword: "I see a dark sail on the horizon, set under a black cloud that hides the sun. Bring me my broadsword and clear understanding. Bring me my cross of gold as a talisman."

Other songs that should be mentioned are "Beastie" which opens the album, then follows an excellent "Clasp" which starts with gentle melody that soon goes into nice rhythmic drumming accompanied with excellent flute. "Fallen On Hard Times" is also good song with catchy tune. "Flying Colours" a bit boring in the beginning but when it goes in rhythm you discover nice pop rock song, I also like guitar solo here. "Slow Marching Band" is ok ballad, nothing spectacular but worth of listening."Cheerio" is very short and nice closer.

In some kind of more detailed review I would rate this album 3.6 but in the end ( mostly because of great Broadsword ) i'll give it 4 stars ( 3 after all ).

Archangel | 3/5 | 2010-1-8

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