I would say all the musicians that are and have been in this band are so underrated. Barlow has alway been one of my fave's along with Jeffrey Hammond.
@@Ferretbomber As stated in another comment below - far and away the best line up Tull have had: Anderson/Barre/Barlow/Glascock/Evan/Palmer. They were a powerhouse live, and I enjoyed every minute!
I think so too. Not that Anderson didn't always surround himself with top notch musicians but this lineup really clicked. The concert videos from that era are a joy to watch.
This song has it all. Massive guitar riff, rhythmic flute, deep pounding bass, fast driving drums, swirling organ...My only complaint is that it was over too soon. Ps, Songs from the Woody.
Tull is criminally underrated... they are never even put up for rock hall consideration (not that the hall has any meaning). Appreciate youtubers like yourself shining new light onto amazing pieces like this.
You should listen to Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow. The whole song is in 5/4 time and is very rhythmically complex. When I first tried figuring the time signature out I kept getting confused and thought it was changing through the song. It took a while to figure out it was all in 5/4.
Read an interview with Barlow, reflecting on his time with Tull. He said he'd given a listen to A Passion Play and was impressed with the work (his own included), now i don't know if that means it was more complex than Hunting Girl, but i'd say overall, APP is up there in with the most demanding pieces of music by Tull, though certainly not as "festive" as SFTW - it is, after all, told by a dead man...
@@benoitdesmarais2948 In another interview Barlow said, that his playing in these times (in the 70s) was sometimes a bit "bussy" (over the top), and I agree with that.
Tull is an experience laced with imagery and imagination. So much crisp movement in their songs...one of the few bands that does it for imagery purpose instead of merely showing off. Every note played has a purpose and will make you look forward to as you play along with your fingers, feet, teeth, whistle, etc
Two words: Bursting Out. You’ll find a band at the absolute height of their powers effortlessly navigating these complex arrangements. Ian Anderson the crazed master of ceremonies and Barriemore Barlow perhaps the premier rock drummer of his day boosting the octane of his full throttle drumming in this live setting.
Unfortunately, the mix and some tinkering with the track order (at least on the original release) somewhat stifled the live enjoyment. But as far as I know, 'Bursting Out' has been remastered since?!
@@murdockreviews I saw them on that tour, amazing show, but when i bought Bursting Out, i listened to it once, and never again - horrible mix and sound quality. There's no way No Lullaby is better than on Heavy Horses. Skating Away sounds "tin canney" as hell, acoustic guitar has none of the richness of the studio recordings. More fun to watch the live New York show from that tour on You tube - at least you get the band's energy if not the sound.
@@benoitdesmarais2948 thanks for sharing. Would have liked to see Tull during that period, because live they probably were at the top of the game. But I wasn't even born then. Really a missed opportunity that live-album. But I have to check; I seem to remember there's a remastered version of 'Bursting Out' now that has better sound. I might be mistaken, though.
@@murdockreviews The original Bursting Out was a mix of songs from different shows, but most of the material came from the concert in Berne, Switzerland. The whole unedited Berne show came as a part of Heavy Horses 40th Anniversary Box that came out few years ago, remixed in both stereo and 5.1, so the sound is much better, but some of the performances could be inferior to what was on Bursting Out.
I have been a fan for over 50 years now. Uh oh! Man am getting old. But as Ian Anderson says in the song" Your never too old to rock n roll if your to young to die!"
Knew you'd like this one! As I relisten to Songs From the Wood I recall how this has always been my favourite JT album (maybe joint favourite with Minstrel in the Gallery, which I hope you'll do next).
What a great song! Ian's songwriting skills and the band's stellar arrangements are on full display! There was a news show from the late '70s-'80s called nine on New Jersey - they used the Hunting Girl opening as their theme music. I always used to think "Damn, that sounds familiar, where have I heard that before?"
Jethro Tull is the heaviest sounding Folk-Rock band the UK produced. Sharp and humorous are a trademark. Those who enjoy this JT phase, might also like Arbouretum and their mix of heavy pychedelia with an English folk flavour (oddly enough, from Austin, Texas)
This album definitely has the best lineup at their best; firing on all eight cylinders! As you noted their playing is tight, and yet has a certain easy feel. This and Heavy Horses are my favorite JT albums and are why I'm such a big fan. I have to admit part of why they appealed to me so much is that they captured the feel of living on our farm out in the country. So when I went away to college just two years later down in VA and was getting homesick at times, these albums felt like having a little bit of home. Please keep going and head to Heavy Horses after you're through! Thanks for listening and sharing! Peace from SF
A brilliant song that is one of my favorite because of every instrument and Ian’s vocals. The drummer drives the tune rather obviously in a fantastic way!
This song and Velvet Green are my personal favorites on this album. Velvet Green is my Schools song, reminds me of living in the Pine Barrens and taking long naps on the sphagnum moss in the cedar swamps. On the good ol' simple days.
You don't came across a band like Jethro Tull daily. I met one of my best friend through their music! I was posting a newspaper ad, looking for their albums, after I have discovered "Aqualung", he saw it, and came to us my with my brother, asking me what I was looking for exactly :) Since then we had so much fun together! So music makes friends, and makes people happy. (sorry for my english)
Another great song from one of my favorite Tull albums. For me, the creativity and lyrics are off the charts in this one. Wait until you get to Pibroch. The counterpoint and change in direction throughout are incredible.
An aspect of the lyrics that may escape non-British listeners is the underlying social commentary. It’s about sex, of course, but it’s also about social class. The “hunting” isn’t the kind where you wear camo and shoot ducks; it’s about fox hunting, an upper class led “sport”, a rural romp, a very public display of money and power and privilege. The titular “Hunting Girl” feels it’s her right to do as she pleases with the “low born so and so” and he is happy to oblige, at least until he realised that “he might come to some harm”. Harm from whom? From the Girl’s family and friends if they discover their al fresco liaison. So, it’s a rocking, rollicking ride with a hidden commentary about “country pursuits” (!) and country politics.
"Hunting Girl" is my favorite song off the album. Seeing Tull play it live in 1977 was perfect! Listen to the live version on the album 'Bursting Out.' One of the best live rock albums ever and it's a double!! And Ian Anderson's intro to the song is classic English humour! 😉✌
One of my favourite JT songs of all - this and Velvet Green, to come later on the album. Oh, and Fire at Midnight. As you say, snappy: they play so tight on this album. Thanks for covering these gems.
Back in the early 80's when I came to discover Tull's catalog beyond radio played hits, this album became a favorite. Solstice Bells was the first song that grabbed me but Hunting Girl became a fave. It's great to see your response as so positive and the comments from everyone about the drums have me a fresh perspective. Again, thank you for entertaining me... A normal local so and so. Minstrel in the Gallery and War Child have to be on your Tull radar to react to next.
Although respected I agree Tull are underrated. Some of the most innovative stuff of the seventies and just look at the competition. I still think Close to the Edge is probably prog's masterpiece for me, but damn, on some days A Passion Play is mighty close.
I remember when this album came out. My tastes were moving more towards punk and new wave. Bands like Tull and Genesis were being written off as bloated Dinosaurs. Genesis adjusted, which is fine. Tull really didn't. I bought the record, loved it, listened to it all the time, when none of my hip friends were around. Glad Ian didn't give in...
We had an English teacher in high school who would assign students to read one of the Canterbury Tales to report on. Then she warned us that The Miller's Tale was a bit on the bawdy side and we should NOT read it as it was too 'adult'. As a result, every single student managed to read two of the Canterbury Tales - the one they reported on and The Miller's Tale. I tell this story because Hunting Girl is the Miller's Tale of Songs From the Wood - it is a bawdy story in stylized poetry that disguises but does not hide the sheer filthiness of the story.
@@JustJP Chaucer is a lot like Shakespeare (and was Shakespeare's hero of old) in that if you can make it through a page or two, you can arrive at a point where you forget you're reading poetry and even that it's an archaic form of the language. I've always suspected Ian Anderson was a fan of both. You don't write that kind of witty bawdy lyrics without some kind of ground in the tradition.
I was so young & naive when I bought Too Old To Rock And Roll, I thought this line from Pied Piper referred to a ten pound note! "I've a tenner in my skin-tight jeans. You can touch it if your hands are clean."
I didn't know too much about the Tull back in '77 but a friend from down the street took me to a concert back in June 1977 on Tull's "Songs From The Woods" tour and I was sold immediately. Boy, could these guys play. The harmonies, the breaks and consequent re-prises. Beau-ti-ful. Thanks for the memories, JP. You're still a lovely fellar.
Great song. I've seen it in concert done several times by JT. Once a friend took binoculars purposefully so he could get a close-up on what Barrie was doing on the drums.
As always with Jethro Tull, subtle changes in tempo/key/lead instrument leads to powerful effect....Ian sings well here too, smart and clever lyrics kicks the piece up to masterpiece
Interesting structure of a song. I must admit to liking this woodsy feel better than city life deal, uhh. Yeeah. No flute fatigue yet. Band bangin out a broken groove, I liked it. Finally, woke up enough to understand the bow being there. Duh, but turns out, it was a different kind of prey. Peace and Music
You see what bands took from the prog movement and what bands needed to be in a different genre cause its a high bar that is set from the top 5 or 6 and Tull is definatly there, and my personal prog rock favorite.
I avoided this album for years because I thought it was an all acoustic recording due to the misleading title. I love it now of course. Hunting Girl is probably my favorite.
When you're done reacting to this album do yourself a favour and listen to it in it's entirety in one sitting. It has a wonderful flow from start to finish.
OH... JustJP, if you liked the double bass work on Hunting Girl, then you really need to listen to A Passion Play. The double bass drumming on that is pheonominal!! Probably the most intricate double bass work I've heard in any rock or prog rock song, period.!!!
You're almost done with this album. Glad you like it. Minstrels in the Gallery should be next. Move back a few albums lol. Talking about the stars aligning, the guys in the bands you mentioned were all extremely intelligent art students born in post WW2 Britain. I've always said that generation made the best music we'll ever know.
Such a joyful tongue-in-cheek song with lyrics which create imagery of low-born serfdom versus high-born aristocracy. The 'Hunting Girl' is of course a mischievous tomboy. The whole song is a great showing of all the band's talents and for me this album, from 1977, is one of their finest....oh, by the way, they are fantastic to see in concert as well!
Jethro Tull at their Prog height of complexity during these years !! Love this one : D Again JP please check out Tulls live cuts of this song ! And could you tell us why you don't review Live videos much, especially the Classic Prog greats who always perform better ! I've always wondered : )
Love this album. Looking forward to your take. That was so enjoyable thank you so much for your take on this and insights. Really really very well done
Great album. Great musicianship. Great review and I believe you still have A Passion Play, Warchild, Minstrel in the Gallery, Too Old to Rock and Roll ..., and Heavy Horses et al.
Justin, I have a suggestion for one of your next Subscriber Goals. I hope you give thought to hearing the Days of Future Past album by The Moody Blues. It's the first progressive concept album and it's STILL one of the best. Starting with The Day Begins and ending with The Night, it's one of the most beautiful, influential, and enjoyable pop/prog albums ever!
JP always a pleasure you have to check out storm watch again with dispatch and they never cease to amaze me and I agree whole heartedly about all of the bands lining up acting and all of those delicious progressive music that now is being re-discovered thanks to a gentleman like yourself so I hope you’re able to check it out storm watch unbelievable thanks again JP always a pleasure
Knew you’d like this song. You should watch the live 1977 video of Tull doing this. Ian produces a riding crop on stage... and tells the story of the kinky high-born hunting girl.
Another prog song from Ian with a amusing lyric of Hunting Girl-s. He just loves poking fun at sexual tendencies. And the band is just fantastic. Martin, Palmer, Barlow, Glasscock and Ian.
@@martinhayward4466 Oh, I agree John Evans on keyboards did a great job when playing in Jethro Tull. It’s just that he wasn’t on the Songs from the Woods Lp. David (Dee) Palmer was.
@@martinhayward4466 Oh yeah I see that now, thanks. I didn’t see John listed when checked earlier. I see that he stayed with the band through Stormwatch. Then came the “big split” as they called it. I’ve always liked John Evans, he was such a character as well as a great pianist and keyboardist.
This is one of the most iconic Tull songs from their mid-70s era for me. Love Ian's self-deprecating humour in this as well. And more burst guitar from Martin which was such a common thing from him.
Speaking of double bass drum: it wasn't that much popular in the 70ties, was it? But in fact, Tull has been using it as early as the Benefit era, so when Clive Bunker was still in the band. And I'm thinking of which band could have been using it even earlier. Well, Cream and Ginger Baker comes to mind. But were there any more?
Justin, in your spare time, you should check the movie ,' Rock and Roll Circus'. There is a very early performance by Jethro Tull, the Who doing a mini rock opera, and John Lennon performs Yer Blues. You'll live it.
Reminds me of Stonehinge by Spinal Tap. I stopped listening to Tull after mid 70s because I started not being surprised by them. But they were the first Prog band I saw live with YES in 1971.
YOU KNOW WHAT JUSTIN, I JUST THINK IAN WAS IN A HAPPY HAPPY TIME AND PLACE IN HIS LIFE WITH THIS WHOLE ALBUM, IT'S SO GOOD AND FUNNY TOO AND SO FAST AND UPBEAT, IT'S JUST SO GOOD TO LISTEN TO, VERYYYYY NICE MAN! :) MY FAVORITE TRACK EVEN THOUGH I LOVE IT ALLLL WOULD BE ( THE WHISTLER )
I’ve said it a thousand times, I’ll say it again: Barrie Barlow is the most underrated rock drummer of all time.
AGREED!
I would say all the musicians that are and have been in this band are so underrated. Barlow has alway been one of my fave's along with Jeffrey Hammond.
Agree. And Martin Barre the most underrated guitar player of all time.
John Bonham once stated that the only drummer that could replace him in Led Zeppelin was Barriemore Barlow!
Barlow, right along with BJ Wilson from Procol Harum.
The drumming in this track is phenomenal.
It really is!🥁
Barrie is just plain sick. Can't say enough about his contribution to this era of Tull.
@@Ferretbomber As stated in another comment below - far and away the best line up Tull have had: Anderson/Barre/Barlow/Glascock/Evan/Palmer. They were a powerhouse live, and I enjoyed every minute!
This Tull lineup is by far my favourite - every single member of the band was just at the top of their game. Love it.
Yes, the BEST LINE-UP!!
I think so too. Not that Anderson didn't always surround himself with top notch musicians but this lineup really clicked. The concert videos from that era are a joy to watch.
Agree 100%.
That is 4 Yes's so far. Anymore?
This song has it all. Massive guitar riff, rhythmic flute, deep pounding bass, fast driving drums, swirling organ...My only complaint is that it was over too soon.
Ps, Songs from the Woody.
😅
Perhaps like the brief encounter with a hunting girl against a tree in the forest, that one time which the song seems to be about
the live version on bursting out is even better
Bursting out live 😳? I hope no one was injured.
This album is an all time classic
Tull is criminally underrated... they are never even put up for rock hall consideration (not that the hall has any meaning). Appreciate youtubers like yourself shining new light onto amazing pieces like this.
I think the only reason Ian would want Jethro Tull to be invited to the RRHOF would be so he could tell them where to shove it.
Agreed, the R 'n R Hall of fame is a serious embarrassment
They won the Heavy Metal Grammy in 1992. :) (typed with a small bit of sarcasm)
@@davmtu I mean, it is a good album, with some crazy guitar from Martin. but. yeah.
As a drummer, I have to say, that rhythmically this is one of the most complex songs (if not the most) by Jethro Tull IMHO.
You should listen to Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow. The whole song is in 5/4 time and is very rhythmically complex. When I first tried figuring the time signature out I kept getting confused and thought it was changing through the song. It took a while to figure out it was all in 5/4.
Agreed, Barries Hi-hat work is stellar!
Read an interview with Barlow, reflecting on his time with Tull. He said he'd given a listen to A Passion Play and was impressed with the work (his own included), now i don't know if that means it was more complex than Hunting Girl, but i'd say overall, APP is up there in with the most demanding pieces of music by Tull, though certainly not as "festive" as SFTW - it is, after all, told by a dead man...
@@benoitdesmarais2948 In another interview Barlow said, that his playing in these times (in the 70s) was sometimes a bit "bussy" (over the top), and I agree with that.
@@maxwellshammer5283 True, but I suppose the drumming is not, or not fully real. Kinda synth-like by Vetesse....
Barlow is the most underrated drummer in the history of rock. He belongs among the greats like Peart, Palmer and Bonham
Truth.
Bonham actually said that Barlow was one of the best British drummers.
@@uapuat I remember reading that too. If I'm not mistaken Bonham said that about the time Songs From The Wood came out.
@@uapuat What Bonham actually said was that Barlow is THE best of them ;)
@@kozlorf Well, he wasn't wrong.
Naughty Zoot! Naughty naughty Zoot! Love this tune. Not enough S&M ballads
Drummer here too. Great! I get a Gentle Giant vibe on this.
I'd say Songs from the Wood is the most underrated JT album. It has a unique sound.
Love Tull. Love this album. Cannot count how many times I've seen them. Always a treat.
Songs from the Wood AND Minstrel in the Gallery are my faves. ☺
Jethro Tull make me happy. 😊
Me SOOOO TOOO
Underrated as NOT IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME! Total crock! Love this band and this album.
Tull is an experience laced with imagery and imagination. So much crisp movement in their songs...one of the few bands that does it for imagery purpose instead of merely showing off. Every note played has a purpose and will make you look forward to as you play along with your fingers, feet, teeth, whistle, etc
Two words: Bursting Out. You’ll find a band at the absolute height of their powers effortlessly navigating these complex arrangements. Ian Anderson the crazed master of ceremonies and Barriemore Barlow perhaps the premier rock drummer of his day boosting the octane of his full throttle drumming in this live setting.
Unfortunately, the mix and some tinkering with the track order (at least on the original release) somewhat stifled the live enjoyment. But as far as I know, 'Bursting Out' has been remastered since?!
@@murdockreviews I saw them on that tour, amazing show, but when i bought Bursting Out, i listened to it once, and never again - horrible mix and sound quality. There's no way No Lullaby is better than on Heavy Horses. Skating Away sounds "tin canney" as hell, acoustic guitar has none of the richness of the studio recordings. More fun to watch the live New York show from that tour on You tube - at least you get the band's energy if not the sound.
@@benoitdesmarais2948 thanks for sharing. Would have liked to see Tull during that period, because live they probably were at the top of the game. But I wasn't even born then.
Really a missed opportunity that live-album. But I have to check; I seem to remember there's a remastered version of 'Bursting Out' now that has better sound. I might be mistaken, though.
Agreed!! The first time I saw Tull was during the 'Songs From the Woods Tour' and they were perfect! ✌✌
@@murdockreviews The original Bursting Out was a mix of songs from different shows, but most of the material came from the concert in Berne, Switzerland. The whole unedited Berne show came as a part of Heavy Horses 40th Anniversary Box that came out few years ago, remixed in both stereo and 5.1, so the sound is much better, but some of the performances could be inferior to what was on Bursting Out.
I tell you 20 years from now you will hear JT and still love it
I'd bet you're probably right!
Well so far it has been 53 years!
I have been a fan for over 50 years now. Uh oh! Man am getting old. But as Ian Anderson says in the song" Your never too old to rock n roll if your to young to die!"
Yes...they are underrated! Can’t get enough.
Thanks JP. To me, Tull and their style of music has no rival.
Knew you'd like this one! As I relisten to Songs From the Wood I recall how this has always been my favourite JT album (maybe joint favourite with Minstrel in the Gallery, which I hope you'll do next).
Love this song as I have mentioned before,lol, My second favorite behind Velvet Green, love your channel 👍
Ty!
Barriemore is a goddamned BEAST in this one. And Tull is definitely underrated.
What a great song! Ian's songwriting skills and the band's stellar arrangements are on full display!
There was a news show from the late '70s-'80s called nine on New Jersey - they used the Hunting Girl opening as their theme music. I always used to think "Damn, that sounds familiar, where have I heard that before?"
Writing while you are still listening.
My favourite JT album as I have said before and this is full of odd timings and great drumming.
Love this song, love this album! Thank you so much :-)
Barrymore Barlow is an absolute beast.
Jethro Tull is the heaviest sounding Folk-Rock band the UK produced. Sharp and humorous are a trademark.
Those who enjoy this JT phase, might also like Arbouretum and their mix of heavy pychedelia with an English folk flavour (oddly enough, from Austin, Texas)
Wow... How good is this.... So unique
I can't tell you how glad I am that you are listening to this album, Justin. Just fantastic.
I'm glad youre enjoying it as well😃
This album definitely has the best lineup at their best; firing on all eight cylinders! As you noted their playing is tight, and yet has a certain easy feel. This and Heavy Horses are my favorite JT albums and are why I'm such a big fan. I have to admit part of why they appealed to me so much is that they captured the feel of living on our farm out in the country. So when I went away to college just two years later down in VA and was getting homesick at times, these albums felt like having a little bit of home. Please keep going and head to Heavy Horses after you're through! Thanks for listening and sharing!
Peace from SF
A brilliant song that is one of my favorite because of every instrument and Ian’s vocals. The drummer drives the tune rather obviously in a fantastic way!
This song and Velvet Green are my personal favorites on this album. Velvet Green is my Schools song, reminds me of living in the Pine Barrens and taking long naps on the sphagnum moss in the cedar swamps. On the good ol' simple days.
Another songs from the wood songAnd a doozy at that! Can’t wait for this one always enjoyable always entertaining always on point love you
This is one of my top three Tull albums. Every member of the band just kills it and the arrangements are breathtaking.
They played this one live till in the mid 80s - great song, tends to get forgotten when peoply talk about this record
Love this album. Barlow! You are in for a treat as Tull really show off in the next few albums...
You don't came across a band like Jethro Tull daily. I met one of my best friend through their music! I was posting a newspaper ad, looking for their albums, after I have discovered "Aqualung", he saw it, and came to us my with my brother, asking me what I was looking for exactly :) Since then we had so much fun together! So music makes friends, and makes people happy. (sorry for my english)
Thats awesome Borges! Music bringing people together
Another great song from one of my favorite Tull albums. For me, the creativity and lyrics are off the charts in this one. Wait until you get to Pibroch. The counterpoint and change in direction throughout are incredible.
An aspect of the lyrics that may escape non-British listeners is the underlying social commentary. It’s about sex, of course, but it’s also about social class.
The “hunting” isn’t the kind where you wear camo and shoot ducks; it’s about fox hunting, an upper class led “sport”, a rural romp, a very public display of money and power and privilege.
The titular “Hunting Girl” feels it’s her right to do as she pleases with the “low born so and so” and he is happy to oblige, at least until he realised that “he might come to some harm”. Harm from whom? From the Girl’s family and friends if they discover their al fresco liaison.
So, it’s a rocking, rollicking ride with a hidden commentary about “country pursuits” (!) and country politics.
High born hunting girl with strange kinkies meets a low born so and so that just wanted to help a beautiful lady
Well said 👍🏻
No, it is the hunter who is about to inflict some more "harm" than his "normal" morals allow him to enjoy.
I envisioned this song about a doninatrix. Much later, Ian said it was about a dominateix that lived down the street
Once again I'm reminded why Justin is my current favorite reaction/reviewer. Well done!
Ty Major!
This song requires repeated listenings. It's even more fun when you know what's coming.
My favorite Tull - just masterful.
This is music mythology storytelling at its proggy finest
"Hunting Girl" is my favorite song off the album. Seeing Tull play it live in 1977 was perfect! Listen to the live version on the album 'Bursting Out.' One of the best live rock albums ever and it's a double!! And Ian Anderson's intro to the song is classic English humour! 😉✌
"This joker raised his hat, and talked about the weather" meant that he was totally naive regarding her intentions!
Had no idea until it hit him lol
One of my favourite JT songs of all - this and Velvet Green, to come later on the album. Oh, and Fire at Midnight. As you say, snappy: they play so tight on this album. Thanks for covering these gems.
Jethro Tull's amazing! 😘🥰😘
Back in the early 80's when I came to discover Tull's catalog beyond radio played hits, this album became a favorite. Solstice Bells was the first song that grabbed me but Hunting Girl became a fave. It's great to see your response as so positive and the comments from everyone about the drums have me a fresh perspective. Again, thank you for entertaining me... A normal local so and so. Minstrel in the Gallery and War Child have to be on your Tull radar to react to next.
Although respected I agree Tull are underrated. Some of the most innovative stuff of the seventies and just look at the competition. I still think Close to the Edge is probably prog's masterpiece for me, but damn, on some days A Passion Play is mighty close.
I remember when this album came out. My tastes were moving more towards punk and new wave. Bands like Tull and Genesis were being written off as bloated Dinosaurs. Genesis adjusted, which is fine. Tull really didn't. I bought the record, loved it, listened to it all the time, when none of my hip friends were around. Glad Ian didn't give in...
How could you know that Johnny Rotten loved Jethro Tull and Kate Bush! He had to do his own coming out ;o)
@@benoitdesmarais2948 He also loves one side of Physical Graffiti! Who would have thought?....
Best version to be found on live burstin' out!
We had an English teacher in high school who would assign students to read one of the Canterbury Tales to report on. Then she warned us that The Miller's Tale was a bit on the bawdy side and we should NOT read it as it was too 'adult'. As a result, every single student managed to read two of the Canterbury Tales - the one they reported on and The Miller's Tale. I tell this story because Hunting Girl is the Miller's Tale of Songs From the Wood - it is a bawdy story in stylized poetry that disguises but does not hide the sheer filthiness of the story.
Ian's got quite a bit of form in this area. Anyone who is prepared to put out a song called Kissing Willy def has some Benny Hill vibes going on.
I never got to read the Canterbury Tales, but I'd heard of them
@@JustJP Chaucer is a lot like Shakespeare (and was Shakespeare's hero of old) in that if you can make it through a page or two, you can arrive at a point where you forget you're reading poetry and even that it's an archaic form of the language.
I've always suspected Ian Anderson was a fan of both. You don't write that kind of witty bawdy lyrics without some kind of ground in the tradition.
May I suggest a close reading of the lyrics of Velvet Green!
I was so young & naive when I bought Too Old To Rock And Roll, I thought this line from Pied Piper referred to a ten pound note! "I've a tenner in my skin-tight jeans. You can touch it if your hands are clean."
I didn't know too much about the Tull back in '77 but a friend from down the street took me to a concert back in June 1977 on Tull's "Songs From The Woods" tour and I was sold immediately. Boy, could these guys play. The harmonies, the breaks and consequent re-prises. Beau-ti-ful. Thanks for the memories, JP. You're still a lovely fellar.
Nice! I'm sure that was a killer introduction to the band
Great song. I've seen it in concert done several times by JT. Once a friend took binoculars purposefully so he could get a close-up on what Barrie was doing on the drums.
As always with Jethro Tull, subtle changes in tempo/key/lead instrument leads to powerful effect....Ian sings well here too, smart and clever lyrics kicks the piece up to masterpiece
This and "Velvet Green" are Songs from the Morning Wood.
Another great reaction! Thanks Justin!
Anytime Keith!😃
Hunting Girl is my favorite song on this great album. Glad you really enjoyed it as well
Interesting structure of a song. I must admit to liking this woodsy feel better than city life deal, uhh.
Yeeah.
No flute fatigue yet.
Band bangin out a broken groove, I liked it. Finally, woke up enough to understand the bow being there. Duh, but turns out, it was a different kind of prey.
Peace and Music
You see what bands took from the prog movement and what bands needed to be in a different genre cause its a high bar that is set from the top 5 or 6 and Tull is definatly there, and my personal prog rock favorite.
'Slow Marching Band' off the Broadsword and the Beast album is worth a listen and review.
Best song on the album.
I avoided this album for years because I thought it was an all acoustic recording due to the misleading title. I love it now of course. Hunting Girl is probably my favorite.
Haha, so sophisticated music, such naughty lyrics (in high-brow language almost).
"Velvet Green" is another of those ;-)
Well regarded, yet still underrated.
“I raised the flag that she unfurled...” - BAWDY!
When you're done reacting to this album do yourself a favour and listen to it in it's entirety in one sitting. It has a wonderful flow from start to finish.
I agree I do that about every other week period for me it's a great album to do chores around the house 2
@@daveking9393 I also enjoy it while driving.
OH... JustJP, if you liked the double bass work on Hunting Girl, then you really need to listen to A Passion Play. The double bass drumming on that is pheonominal!! Probably the most intricate double bass work I've heard in any rock or prog rock song, period.!!!
I appreciate the variety.
Quite enjoyable JT track - it gets lots of airplay on the rock FM station here.
You're almost done with this album. Glad you like it. Minstrels in the Gallery should be next. Move back a few albums lol. Talking about the stars aligning, the guys in the bands you mentioned were all extremely intelligent art students born in post WW2 Britain. I've always said that generation made the best music we'll ever know.
Such a joyful tongue-in-cheek song with lyrics which create imagery of low-born serfdom versus high-born aristocracy. The 'Hunting Girl' is of course a mischievous tomboy. The whole song is a great showing of all the band's talents and for me this album, from 1977, is one of their finest....oh, by the way, they are fantastic to see in concert as well!
And of course all the rest. Great track.
At the age of 13 (!) Songs from the Wood and Traffic’s John Barleycorn Must Die were my favorite albums. Over forty years later, still my favorites.
That's made me very happy!
Awesome! Hope youre day is going well Mark😃
A sharp contrast to punk, emerging at the same time.
I could be wrong, but I have a feeling we may be treated to "A Passion Play" sometime in the foreseeable future.
Jethro Tull at their Prog height of complexity during these years !! Love this one : D
Again JP please check out Tulls live cuts of this song !
And could you tell us why you don't review Live videos much, especially the Classic Prog greats who always perform better ! I've always wondered : )
Love this album. Looking forward to your take.
That was so enjoyable thank you so much for your take on this and insights. Really really very well done
Thanks Dave!
Sharp, exacting prog by these greats.....
Thanks again, Justin! :) :) :) I have always known you'd love this album.
You were right pops!
Great album. Great musicianship. Great review and I believe you still have A Passion Play, Warchild, Minstrel in the Gallery, Too Old to Rock and Roll ..., and Heavy Horses et al.
Great choice as usual JP 👌
Justin, I have a suggestion for one of your next Subscriber Goals. I hope you give thought to hearing the Days of Future Past album by The Moody Blues. It's the first progressive concept album and it's STILL one of the best. Starting with The Day Begins and ending with The Night, it's one of the most beautiful, influential, and enjoyable pop/prog albums ever!
And this is quite literally a song from the "wood"
😅
Just an overall great album.
Glad you enjoyed Tull's musical dirty joke.
🤭
JP always a pleasure you have to check out storm watch again with dispatch and they never cease to amaze me and I agree whole heartedly about all of the bands lining up acting and all of those delicious progressive music that now is being re-discovered thanks to a gentleman like yourself so I hope you’re able to check it out storm watch unbelievable thanks again JP always a pleasure
The song that turned me onto Tull, many moon's ago
Many people say that the best rock drummer ever is Led Zep's John Bonham... Bonham said the best is actually Barlow :)
Knew you’d like this song. You should watch the live 1977 video of Tull doing this. Ian produces a riding crop on stage... and tells the story of the kinky high-born hunting girl.
That '77 BBC broadcast is incredible.
Another prog song from Ian with a amusing lyric of Hunting Girl-s. He just loves poking fun at sexual tendencies.
And the band is just fantastic. Martin, Palmer, Barlow, Glasscock and Ian.
Don't forget the great John Evan
@@martinhayward4466 Oh, I agree John Evans on keyboards did a great job when playing in Jethro Tull. It’s just that he wasn’t on the Songs from the Woods Lp. David (Dee) Palmer was.
@@scotstevens5263 He certainly was. Check the album credits. It was the first duel Evan / Palmer keyboard album.
@@martinhayward4466 Oh yeah I see that now, thanks. I didn’t see John listed when checked earlier. I see that he stayed with the band through Stormwatch. Then came the “big split” as they called it. I’ve always liked John Evans, he was such a character as well as a great pianist and keyboardist.
This is one of the most iconic Tull songs from their mid-70s era for me. Love Ian's self-deprecating humour in this as well. And more burst guitar from Martin which was such a common thing from him.
Burst guitar, nice way to put it. When Martin's not bursting, he is often subtlety elegant.
This album is the ultimate fall record. (Heavy Horses a close second)
Probably my favorite song on the album.
Still continuing to request "The Words of Aaron" by The Move and/or "She Said" by Barclay James Harvest. 🙏
Speaking of double bass drum: it wasn't that much popular in the 70ties, was it?
But in fact, Tull has been using it as early as the Benefit era, so when Clive Bunker was still in the band.
And I'm thinking of which band could have been using it even earlier. Well, Cream and Ginger Baker comes to mind. But were there any more?
Keith Moon, Carl Palmer..
Ray Phillips Budgie1970-73
Justin, in your spare time, you should check the movie ,' Rock and Roll Circus'. There is a very early performance by Jethro Tull, the Who doing a mini rock opera, and John Lennon performs Yer Blues. You'll live it.
Reminds me of Stonehinge by Spinal Tap. I stopped listening to Tull after mid 70s because I started not being surprised by them. But they were the first Prog band I saw live with YES in 1971.
YOU KNOW WHAT JUSTIN, I JUST THINK IAN WAS IN A HAPPY HAPPY TIME AND PLACE IN HIS LIFE WITH THIS WHOLE ALBUM, IT'S SO GOOD AND FUNNY TOO AND SO FAST AND UPBEAT, IT'S JUST SO GOOD TO LISTEN TO, VERYYYYY NICE MAN! :) MY FAVORITE TRACK EVEN THOUGH I LOVE IT ALLLL WOULD BE ( THE WHISTLER )
Such a good album. Wishing could get a turntable like the one on the back of the album cover