CATFISH RISING

Being a veteran fan of the Tull, I have to say that this album is weaker than its predecessors ("Crest" or "Rock Islands"). The major influence in this effort is the blues one (which is not my cup of tea).

The opener is almost hard rock standard : heavy bass and very strong guitar attack. Ian's singing performance is also forced IMO. "Occasional Demons" is a blues-rock without a lot of feeling in which some similarities with Dire Straits in the vocal parts can be noticed. "Roll Yer Own" is a pretty weird and useless blues song.

"Rocks on the Road" is one of the few of them : more complex and structured. This rock tune is above average (which is not too difficult here, I admit). Short, but good guitar break at the end of the song. Still, the bluesy background is obvious.

"Sparrow on the Schoolyard Wall" is also a solid hard rock style number : heavy bass and good drumming. The duo guitar/flute works pretty well. It is a catchy song. Not a great one, but OK.

"Thinking Round Corners" features some good fluting but does not reach the highs (again this bluesy groove...). Another blues with "Still Loving You Tonight" with some beautiful guitar breaks, it is a very melodious song and can be considered as a highlight.

"Doctor to My Disease" brings us back to the good Tull songs : it rocks, it rolls, it has a strong melody with great flute breaks. Considering the overall weakness of this album, this one is a pleasant surprise and one of the few highlights (two in a row) !

"Like A Tall Thin Girl" has an Indian (food) flavour. Ian seems to be really found of Indian food. On their official web-site, there is a whole section dedicated to this, with Ian advising on what you should get (or not get) in the Indian restaurants flourishing in the UK ! : "I dont care to eat out in smart restaurants, I'd rather do a vindaloo : take away is what I want".

The next song "White Innocence" is again a Dire Straits type one : I am slowly getting bored of this. If I want to listen to Knopfler, I spin "Communiqué", "Tunnel Of Love" , "Sultans..." etc. But I do not expect the Tull to do so. Too much is too much.

The last three songs are rather similar to the rest of the album : repetitive and bluesy. It is the second album in a row that could be titled "Dire Straits revisited by Jethro Tull". It is their more blues oriented album since "This Was". For die-hard fans only. Two stars.