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Jethro Tull - A Little Light Music CD (album) cover

A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC

Jethro Tull

 

Prog Folk

3.65 | 195 ratings

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clarke2001
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
5 stars A brilliant live document from Jethro Tull. More than brilliant. This one is my favourite, actually - better than legendary "Live: Bursting Out". Why?

Well, it seems that the majority of the fans dislike this live document - stating some inconsistency issues, atypical sound (for Tull) or lack of the raw, rocking energy. Every track was recorded on the other place.

So what?

This one represents calm, moody, introspective, almost acoustic side of Jethro Tull. Musicianship is perfect (Dave's bass playing deserves closer attention), and the record is filled with emotions - this one is showing Anderson's singer/songwriter side.

There are only two weaker tracks on the record (weaker, but not bead by no means): "Too Old To Rock and Roll, Too Young To Die" is boring as usual, and "This is Not Love" with its heavy metal riff seems little bit out of the place. But everything else is just perfect, and I'm not exaggerating.

As I said, this is very introspective LP; try to imagine the best of the squeezed out moments from the "Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll, Too Young to Die" and "Crest Of a Knave" albums (two albums which are not bad, but they are not par excellance neither), and now try to imagine that squeezed emotions wrapped into a gorgeous, calm, acoustic set, with occasional bursts of electric guitar and lovely keyboard pads. Not to worry, it rocks, too.

I'm glad that band decided to include not the most common numbers for their live catalogue - and even in the case of the best known songs - they performed them in a very unique way: flute replaced piano in "Locomotive Breath" intro, "A New Day Yesterday" includes excerpt from "Kelpie", and "Bourée" is simply astonishing, utilising a part of another Bach's piece.

All the songs are providing a pure joy for a listener's ears, but I will only underline two highlights: incredible version of "Nursie", and sad and mournful "From A Dead Beat To An Old Greaser".

If you are looking fro a prog rock cliches and bravurosities, go search elsewhere. This is a calm and coherent statement of Anderson's maturity and genius; and it could be attractive to a wider rock audience too. A masterpiece, hands down.

clarke2001 | 5/5 |

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