STAND UP

In "Stand Up" Tull has shown quite a transition from the previous year's release "This Was". Along with the presence of Mick Abrahams went the pure blues sensibility present on that album. This one is more of a folk rock effort.

Barre was introduced to the band (After auditioning several guitarists including Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath) and is shown to be a competent but not overly talented guitarist here. Ian's songwriting is quickly picking up momentum, though nowhere near something like the magnificent "Thick as a Brick".

The album is very even, displaying the excellent quality control present on all of the first 6 albums. The lyrics have that trademark Anderson wit and insightful quality. The song's are warm and positive accentuated through the use of the tight song format.

Highlights: Bouree, Back To The Family, Nothing Is Easy, We Used to Know

Essential folk rock!