CREST OF A KNAVE

This was something of a comeback album for Jethro Tull. The band had retired after 1984's Under Wraps, due to Ian Anderson's throat problems. Three years is not so long a time to be without such a fine band.

Anderson's voice is obviously an issue. He strains to hit higher notes, and even on the lower sections, he has a different timbre than on previous albums. And while he makes an effort to capture the sound of his previous albums, he seems to understand his new limitations, and tones down much of the music. Nonetheless, this is a very good album, although not as good as some the band will record in the next few years.

Farm On The Freeway and Budapest are the standouts on the album, while two of the harder rock tunes, Steel Monkey and Raising Steam are hampered by an annoying electronic drum track.

A nice restart for Anderson & company.