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Jethro Tull - Crest of a Knave CD (album) cover

CREST OF A KNAVE

Jethro Tull

 

Prog Folk

3.23 | 677 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars This is definitely not a good album to start with Jethro Tull even though all characteristics of Tull sounds are offered here. For me personally, this album sounds like the solo project of Ian Anderson or in musical vein it's similar with "A" project which initially would be a solo album by Anderson. The difference this album with previous albums of Tull is probably on the use of keyboard / synthesizer which is now very obvious in this album. Take the opening track "Steel Monkey" which starts off with a kind of industrial music with the punch of electronic equipment (keyboard). It's not something special with respect to traditional or typical Tull's music but it's not a bad track.

The second track "Farm On The Freeway" is truly my favorite especially with the ambient opening of soft keyboard, guitar, flute and soft vocal line that brings the music into more dynamic venture resembling the origins of Tull's musical characteristics. "I was a rich man before yesterday ." is my favorite lyrical part which remarks the music moving up into a more dynamic style with blues influence. It's definitely an excellent track especially with great interlude showing a combination of guitar riffs and flute solo. Quality-wise this track is at par excellent with the band's legendary track such as "Locomotive Breath", "Aqualung", "Cross-Eyed Marry" etc.

"Jump Start" shows the band's typical music with acoustic guitar accompanying voice line with flute-work. "Said She Was A Dancer" is a sweet ballad. "Dogs In The Midwinter" blends flute work with electronic, industrial music. "Budapest" is another killer with the same quality as second track "Farm On The Freeway". It starts off with soft flute-work and soft keyboard in ambient style followed with the acoustic guitar work and voice line. Very good intro. The music is compromising traditional Tull's music with more electronic stuffs with obvious keyboard and electric guitar touch in bluesy style. I especially like the acoustic guitar fills combined with flute sounds. Terrific!

Other tracks "Mountain Men", "The Waking Edge" and "Raising Steam" are well crafted compositions. "Mountain Men" has a strong melody and one of my favorites. "The Waking Edge" has an Eastern nuance with the combination of acoustic guitar and flute. "Raising Steam" starts off with guitar riffs combined with electronic music with keyboard and electronic drums (sounds like it).

Overall, it's a good album even though not essential Tull albums. But you can hear all basic characteristics of Tull sounds: aggressive vocal line punctuated with flute shots and acoustic guitar fills. If you are new to JT you should not start with this album but try "Aqualung", "A Passion Play", "Thick As A Brick", "Stand Up" or "Heavy Horses". Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 3/5 |

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