SONGS FROM THE WOOD

The last Tull's masterpiece from the golden era. Actually the last Tull's masterpiece in general. And this one is very unique. Yeah, right. Like the others are not. I know. But sound is just impressive. And songs, arrangements, complexity and lyrics of course.

Basically, this is maybe the most focused non-conceptual album that I ever heard. It really sounds like group of wood-related songs: emphasis on acoustic parts, Celtic overtones, omnipresent flute (and tin whistle and similar instruments), but on the other hand, nicely incorporated synthesizer sounds (and some lovely piano and portative organ works) and occasional bursts of hard rock, too. This album is perfect amalgam.

"Songs From The Wood", the opening song, is an ultimate prog rock masterpiece. It is written in complex (and changing) time signatures, utilising really nice job from all the band members both vocally and instrumentally. And I just realised I don't wont to do the dissection of each particular song - not because of laziness, but because I'm not up to the task. Simply put, this album is rewarding it's listener with new impressions, emotions and stories every time when you'll give it a spin. That is masterpiece - no excuses from a fanboy. There are two weaker numbers on the record - "Pibroch (Cap In Hand)" is rolling slow, it's idea is not bad, but implementation is a bit too ambitious; and "Cup Of Wonder", which is not a bad song by no means, with it's catchy melodies but it's simply not on the same level with the others. These two are lacking a certain merry feeling and that hard-to-define presence of Anderson's songwriting genius. But that is not enough (luckily) to distract you from listening of the album, because everything else is unique in it's beauty, and beautiful in it's uniqueness, and yet so familiar and catchy.

The highlights: 1) Chorus sung by the lads in the opening tune; 2) Lyrics of the aforementioned; 3) Hard rock elements (please not guitars, bass and drumming) in "Hunting Girl"; 4) Lyrics of "Hunting Girl", too; 5) Bells in "Ring Out, Solstice Bells". Chorus too. Drums too. 6) Acoustic guitar in Velvet Green. And arrangements as well. 7) Background guitar/mandolin on "The Whistler"; 8) Everything else.

The greenest album ever.

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