THIS WAS

Ian Anderson really pushed to have this album called "This Was" because he knew their style would be different on the next record. Mick Abraham's wanted to keep playing this Blues styled music and left when Anderson wouldn't give in. I thought i'd like this album better because I do like heavy Blues rock in the style of LED ZEPPELIN and CREAM, but there is really a lack of heaviness and guitar for my tastes.

"My Sunday Feelings" is uptempo with flute and drums leading the way. Vocals join in.The guitar is laid back 1 1/2 minutes in. "Some Day The Sun Won't Shine For You" features harmonica and guitar with dual vocals. "Beggar's Farm" is my second favourite song on here. The focus is on Anderson's vocals.The flute is soft after a minute. The tempo picks up as the guitar comes in. They're going full out 3 1/2 minutes in. "Move On Alone" is kind of a catchy mid-paced tune.

"Serinade To A Cuckoo" is an instrumental led by flute, drums and guitar. "Dharma For One" is uptempo with a drum solo. "It's Breaking Me Up" is very Bluesy with harmonica and vocals. "Cat's Squirrel" is my favourite. Heavy like ZEPPELIN to open with some nice guitar. "A Song For Jeffrey" opens with bass and flute as guitar and drums join in. The tempo picks up and the vocals arrive. "Round" is a short laid back tune with flute.

It's interesting to see TULL's evolution from this Blues flavoured debut to the second album in which Anderson incorporated many styles, to the third ("Benefit") where we hear that classic TULL sound. They had arrived.