SONGS FROM THE WOOD

Since buying it on vinyl and cassette-tape when it first came out, I was always pleased with this whole album. For me, this is JT's first concept-album (at least, the one that works). Arguably, Minstrel in the Gallery is also conceptual, but Songs from the Wood weaves the concept throughout each and every song. Taken on their own merit, "Songs from the Wood," "Hunting Girl," and "Pibroch" are the pleasures of the album. Melodically and instrumentally tight, as well as beautiful musicality on each number, the marriage of folk-style lute and flute sounds with synthesized and organ keyboards and fuzz-pedal guitarwork all blend so well together as to make this one of the classic standard prog albums of the 1970s. Barre's electric guitar playing shines here (as it had on Minstrel), especially with the eerie metal opening to "Pibroch." Barlow's drumming is exquisite and precise, especially on "Hunting Girl," and Anderson is all-around in top form on vocals and various instruments. Certainly consider adding this to your 1970s prog collection.