The album is a masterpiece-such rich textures complete with woodland themes and the rural majesty of the English countryside. Fair maidens, woodland fairies, mugs of ale, scotch pines- to me this was the apex of Ian Anderson’s creativity and this was by far the best lineup Jethro Tull ever had.
“SFTW” is a top-tier Tull tune. The whole album is great, full of intricate arrangements and playing. My favorite track on the album, and one I’ve not seen mentioned by anyone else, is “Velvet Green.”
This is what Tull is all about...English and Scottish ballads...filled with visions of fairies and midsummer nights and leaded windows... Touches my English chromosomes😊
Barrimore Barlow,Jethro Tull's drummer, deserves much more love and respect than he gets. He very deftly navigated through Ian Anderson's very tricky and complex arrangements during this period. Clive Bunker was an amazing rock drummer. Barrimore Barlow was a fantastic premiere drummer who was a very strong influence on Neal Peart. That is saying something.
RIGHT ON! John Bonham called him ," The greatest rock drummer England ever produced." That album also had Glasgow on bass who amazed. He later played drums on a few of Malmsteens albums.
This was the first CD I ever owned. My hubby told me now I could get rid of my album. I told him I had had the album longer than I knew him, and he would be going before the album did. He's still here, and so is my original album of Songs from the Wood!
I love this song. I love this whole album. Hunting Girl, Velvet Green, The Whistler, and Fire at Midnight are all some of my favourite Jethro Tull songs.
Jethro Tull....enough said! Thanks for bringing great music to people who never heard. I WILL listen to your recommendation, because it is your recommendation.
Drummimg. You didn't mention the drumming. With Barriemore Barlow you get the most challenging drum parts in the 70ties prog rock genre. You did Thick As A Brick with him of course, it were just the beginnings, you are yet to discover all of it :)
Agreed. Barlow's part weren't just challenging, they also were melodic in the Ringo Starr fashion where the right drum might get several beats to itself. Also broad in style, jazz-leaning on Thick as a Brick, rockier on following albums, and orchestral on this song.
I would call this a favorite - not necessarily THE favorite - of Jethro Tull's albums for me. I love listening to it start to finish just for the beauty of the arrangements and some of Ian's best flute work.
This album is one of the 7 perfect Jethro Tull Albuns : Stand Up / Benefit / Aqualung / Thick as a Brick / Passion Play / Ministrel in the Gallery / Songs from the Wood. These seven are equally top perfection for me.
I'm aging myself, but I've been listening to Jethro Tull since the 70s. This song still gets me moving, juking and jiving every time! Another favorite album of mine. I'm such a prog.
This was also the first time I saw Tull live; on their 1977 Songs From The Wood tour, at Brussels' Forest National venue. Loved it as I hadn't known the lads before. A friend living down the street, who was five years my senior, dragged me along to every concert he went to. I was just sixteen at the time and since he was twenty-one, my mom trusted hime to take me along. Loved those days. The wonder of experiencing new music like Zappa, Genesis, Jethro Tull and Yes. Gives me goosebumps remembering those days.
From what I have read this album and "Heavy Horses" were the 'country' albums that were written as they became successful and the individuals bought big houses in the country and began to set down roots. Stay safe and Keep on Rocking.
I think this song came after they toured with Gentle Giant and I can hear some influence creeping in there! This is my favorite Jethro Tull album and one of my favorite albums period. Such a great listen, Steven Wilsons remix actually really brings out all the best little hidden details in the mix as well!
Please please please please please continue with a full album listen thru. Songs From the Wood followed by Heavy Horses, the band's most folk period. Could go for a long string of Tull reactions, much like the long strings of Genesis reactions you put out.
Saw them at Madison Square Garden in 1977 during the Songs From The Wood tour. Word was before the concert that Ian was not feeling well. That the promoter had pressured Ian to go ahead with the sold out concert. He was great as usual.
Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson have been making amazing,unique music for the best part half a half a century and IMHO this album is when they had the best line up and at their most creative best. It's a timeless classic......filled with sounds and that conjures up images of "Olde England" . Many instruments used are considered of an ancient origin......yet it rocks......transitions to die for,lyrics historically correct and folklore revered.....amazing.
This was the song I listened to so much when I was young. I was introduced to a lot of prog stuff and jethro tull stuff at a young age (probably around 2-3ish of age) and I enjoyed it then. For a while, I didn't listen to it that much at one point or another. It was still all prog, classical, rock, that kinda stuff, but I started listening to jethro tull again at about 5-6th grade. Im only 18, turning 19 now, and I recently had a reignition of my love for prog stuff and its just been great early 70's stuff that I just enjoy.
I learned from visiting Scotland 40 yrs ago that you better not refer to them as “ British “. I remember being a little surprised when I stepped in it that way and got “the look” in return ! Historical memory runs deep .....
Amazing song. It takes balls to start with 40 seconds of a cappella singing. "Poppies red and roses filled with summer rain". Are you kidding me!?!? "Kitchen prose and gutter rhymes". Genius!
The change in gears from their previous album is quite remarkable. So filled with pagan imagery and folk themes but still retaining a progressive rock prowess. I remember hearing this album as a wee lad and being enchanted by all the exotic instrumentation like the marimba, mandolin and pipe organ. A treasure.
Ian Anderson one of top five all around talent in rock history. Writes music AND lyrics, plays great guitar, flute, sings, performs unbelievable in his prime. Huge body of work etc etc. Real genius!
I remember the exact place I was the 1st time I heard this song I believe it was in 78 Smoking a joint in my friends basement I was totally consumed and mesmerized. I purchased the album the next day.. amazing song and album
I forgot how progressive this song was. I always loved their medieval feel bits the best and the other parts took away from that. Now that I’m older I love both parts equally. You should listen to Jack-A-Lynn.
Justin...this was the #1 Tull album in our house. Yes...the previous albums were good...BUT for some reason we all really liked this one alot. Note: got to see them tour for this album and what a treat. Note #2. Funny story. The night of the Tull show it was raining and raining. Not a problem. Hop on train to Grand Central...take subway to Times square...take train to Penn Station which is right under Madison Square Garden. Ha! Not a drop of rain touches us. Going home reverse to process. We get off our stop...still raining. We walked home and splashed into every big puddle we could see. It was a blast!!! Get home looking like drowned rats laughing it up. Dad looks at us and says....You crazy kids!! Then Says...what you guys do walk into puddles? We all 3 respond in unison...YEP!! What a great show and great fun!
Prepare for a stroll through the heartlands of Jethro Tull. I've always considered this album along with Heavy Horses and Stormwatch as a trilogy of sorts which sadly ended with the death of their bass player, John Glasscock. These three albums plus the live one they did, is my overall favourite period in the band's history. The lineup was great and they were on top of their game. Barriemore Barlow was one of my favourite drummers and there is definitely a hint of his influence in Neil Peart's playing. His live solo on Bursting Out is brilliant!
Fantastic way to start the day! Rustic is the word. A progressive, dancing, rustic celebration of woodland nature and what it inspires. EVERY song is good. More! More! 🎉
I’ve waited for over 30 years to eventually here this whole album. This motivated me. Thanks!! Btw, please do more IQ!! So underrated and definitely worthy of more exposure.
I really enjoyed JustJp and his approach here. Does not stop the song, plays it through and shares his insight at the end, which is so accurate! Sort of spot on, and the lyrics go dreper...!
@@JustJP I’m listening to an AWESOME Yes album called The Ladder. I had forgotten how amazing it was. It never was popular, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great. Consider this a request. I mean, it’s Yes! It’s top notch!
Yes! Great choice of a song, I hope you'll continue with all the album cause it's one of my top 3 Tull albums. Side note: Palmer usually didn't played the organ but a string emulation synth (like an Arp Solina or similar) and a portative organ which you can hear better on other songs on the album. (The portative organ is essentially a small pipe organ made out of wood).
I had been waiting for you to eventually come around to this song. I think I may have even brought it up once. It's an incredibly busy song and isn't just progressive. It's PROGRESSIVE! And you're right, the first listen is an earful, it's the subsequent listens where you can appreciate the melody and composition after the shock wears off. :) This was my first Tull album I owned. A friend gave it to me for my birthday back in '77 when it came out. I've always loved it. It's got a lot of really good songs on it.
Glad you picked up on the Gentle Giant influence in your initial analysis. GG supported Tull on tours around this period, and it's pretty clear on this album and Heavy Horses that a little bit of their brazen complexity rubbed off on them! Both those albums are top tier Tull, so please keep chipping away at them when the mood takes you.
Elizabethan folk-prog, at a time when punk broke in the UK. Tull always were on a path of their own :-) Drums by Barrimore Barlowe immaculate as always.
What a treat for me my favorite Jethro Tull album songs from the woodWith a great title song! Always play this album around the holidays and the beginning of winter. Wonderful stuff I know you will like it. Cannot wait for your reaction and analysis thank you love you
This album, TAAB, passion play, aqualund, stand up and benefit are the perfect jethro tull albums. This is the first album of a the Tull folk trilogy. This one is the best.
My first Tull album and bought it when it was first released as a lad of 17. It was and still is one of my favorite albums ever. Like said before, not a bad song on the album. Quinessential and a must have 70's Tull album. It's a classic mini-epic, a first song classic and I hope you do the rest of the album.
I wore out at least half of Tull's albums, this one is one of them. Great song, great album, great reaction Justin. I always liked the little 1 and 2 minute songs that Tull always have on their albums. Keep them coming.🎸🎵🎤👍
No matter what mood I happen to be in this song (album really) always makes me feel more mellow and relaxed. Hard to pick a favourite Tull album but this is very near the top. I think your analysis hits the nail right on the head. If you don't do the entire album I think you should at least do Velvet Green, I think that's my personal favourite. On second thought, just do the whole album.
I love Songs from the Wood. Great song, and great opener to one of my favourite JT albums. I love the juxtaposition of folk, rock and classical on this album. Thanks for the review in that cool "Tribe Called Quest" T shirt. 😎
Jethro Tull did so many fine albums but this one is definately in my top 3 or 4. If you intend on reacting to the entire album, you're in for a treat. Enjoy.
Another great LP from a great year of music. 'The Whistler' and 'Cup of Wonder' are great listens as well. They had a great run of albums heading towards the end of the decade. I am particularly fond of 'Stormwatch' which was released in 1979. That was the first JT vinyl I bought and it lead me to taking up the flute. 'Elegy' & 'Home' of that LP are just beautiful....
Oh, that song is pure magic. As you say, it teleports you into the nature. La Jose was a really good recommendation, very lovely. I have a new suggestion for you to listen: One O'clock tomorrow (FM). FM are really cool and their album Black noise is a masterpiece.
You truly are a lovely fellar. That's why I keep coming back. After all, I don't NEED to watch a nutty guy reacting to music I've known for almost fourty years. But there's something refreshing about seeing some folks reacting to stuff I personally like and have done so for decades. Plus, you're a "good" reactor, in the sense that, first of all, you don't interrupt the music, and, secondly, you're totally and completely honest about yer feelings of the song you've listened to. That's a rare feat these days. So, hey, carry-on my man. I'll be watching you...
The harmonies off the top of this song kill me every time. So intricate, and just how many time signatures are there in that song anyway?? I saw a Tull concert in the late 80’s where they opened with this. Most of the vocals were pre-recorded, but it was still a good start to the show, Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow has similar medieval style harmonies and complex rhythms. Recommended!
This is one of my all time albums from any band. It has a very special place in my heart, it was my late first wife's very favourite one. My No.1 Tull song is from here too 'Velvet Green'. Very nice review Justin.
Hey J, since you started this vid with a latin inspired rec. I have one for you. Rik Emmett (former lead guitarist of Triumph) is a classic trained guitarist and has some wonderful pieces from his solo work. He's one of my top 3 favs ever. Try "el cuento del gadjo" from his solo album "ten invitations from the mistress of Mr. E..." Gorgeous piece from an Instrumental album. Even if on your own time. Oh and Songs from the wood album is great :) Tull Rules!
I won my copy of SFTW at a score-less-than-21-with-three-darts stall at the St. Giles Fair in Oxford in 1980, and I've liked it ever since. Not least for the implications of the title song. In case some folk don't realise, I assume the song references BEER from the wood. In short, unpasteurised beer served under gravity from wooden barrels. One would have to position the barrels well in advance of broaching to allow sediment to settle, and then mell in the spigot and allow further time before drinking. This involved work and patience, but afforded the beer character and quality, and it was still to be found in the Oxford of forty years since (Morrrell's. Morland, and oooh, Hook Norton; fine breweries all).
Good choiceJP. I’ve seen the band live since Warchild. My all time favorite band. I’m just a Baker St. Muse walking down the gutter thinking how the hell am I today? I tried to catch my eye but I looked the other way.
Velvet green next! Also, you should go check out live versions of any tull songs that are available. A lot of Ian's lyrics really stand out to me. Another one you should check out is life's a long song
Yay, more love for Passion Play. It's a contender for my best album of all time along with Close to the Edge, Moving Pictures and Lamb Lies Down. So many are down on Passion Play but for me it's just 40 mins of perfection.
I really enjoyed the video, Justin! That's exactly how I reacted to this song when I first heard it back in the day. It needs a couple more listens to take it all in. :-) This song was the one that got me excited about Jethro Tull. It's a progressive masterpiece. I was in a band and the guitarist was a huge Jethro Tull fan. I was always more of a Yes, Genesis and Rush fan. Still, I definitely enjoy Jethro Tull, Camel, Renaissance, Gentle Giant etc. I still need to hear more Van der Graaf Generator and some Italian progressive rock though. I like them all and there's a lot of great music out there. Enjoy the music and have a great day.
Bravo Justin! An iconic album. I find the production a little 'understated' in the way that this song is such a whirlwind, but everything is so clean and - kind of insulated from the whole picture. It's wonderful work. Kitchen prose and gutter rhymes.. I could listen to that all day. By the way, Espiral is very lovely and etherical. Thanks for the recommendation. Reminds me of vacationing in Spain. Well, the parts I could remember..
There isn't a single bad song in this album I've listen to it from start to finish at least a thousand times in my life
what he said
Ditto. Tull's best album for me. A woodsy medieval vibe throughout the entire album.
And the 2 following albums are not far below this one
Absolutely.
This.
The album is a masterpiece-such rich textures complete with woodland themes and the rural majesty of the English countryside. Fair maidens, woodland fairies, mugs of ale, scotch pines- to me this was the apex of Ian Anderson’s creativity and this was by far the best lineup Jethro Tull ever had.
“SFTW” is a top-tier Tull tune. The whole album is great, full of intricate arrangements and playing. My favorite track on the album, and one I’ve not seen mentioned by anyone else, is “Velvet Green.”
Agreed, Velvet Green is pure poetry! I still remember the first time I heard it!
I have requested Velvet Green a couple of times. Let's not give up🙂.
But think not of that my love
I'm tight against the seam
And I'm growing up to meet you down on Velvet Green
Yes, Justin needs to hear Velvet Green.
And the hardest to play according to Ian.
Velvet Green has some great sexual undertones. ;-)
14 years old, this was my first Tull album. It was not my last...
I was 12 or 13, to be fair i have no idea if i heard this first and TAAB after or the inverse.
Just skip Under Wraps and you'll be fine. :)
5 y.o., the same, thanks to my uncle who is big fan, me too, obviously. Greetings from Bulgaria! JT deserve much more recognition.
This is what Tull is all about...English and Scottish ballads...filled with visions of fairies and midsummer nights and leaded windows... Touches my English chromosomes😊
Amazingly, they could even pull this song off live.
Like magicians, they always make it look easy ...
With backing tapes for the chorus voices
They're wizards 🧙♂️
This song is super good live.
Barrimore Barlow,Jethro Tull's drummer, deserves much more love and respect than he gets. He very deftly navigated through Ian Anderson's very tricky and complex arrangements during this period. Clive Bunker was an amazing rock drummer. Barrimore Barlow was a fantastic premiere drummer who was a very strong influence on Neal Peart. That is saying something.
And a big influence on John Bonham. They were from the same City.
RIGHT ON! John Bonham called him ," The greatest rock drummer England ever produced." That album also had Glasgow on bass who amazed.
He later played drums on a few of Malmsteens albums.
@@williamfranz6639 : I’m guessing you mean John Glascock
Can't wait for Hunting Girl.
This was the first CD I ever owned. My hubby told me now I could get rid of my album. I told him I had had the album longer than I knew him, and he would be going before the album did. He's still here, and so is my original album of Songs from the Wood!
Lol!! I love that Joan😃
This is my favorite Jethro Tull album I am looking forward to this
This is my favorite Tull album also!
It's been my favorite since I first heard It 40 years ago. Ahhh, the pleasures of folk prog.
Mine as well - some albums just resonate with your internal vibes. I never get tired of these songs.
Yes it's one of my as well, along with heavy horses and storm watch, what a trio of albums, not forgetting all the rest.
Mine it's probably Benefit, but it's on my Top 5 of Jethro's. :)
This is one of their most accessible albums. Solid from start to finish. Enjoy the ride.
I love this song. I love this whole album. Hunting Girl, Velvet Green, The Whistler, and Fire at Midnight are all some of my favourite Jethro Tull songs.
Fire at Midnight has become one of my dearest favorites, such a lovely little tune!
One of my all-time faves, musically complex, yet it flows with the grace of a tiger. Classic Elizabethan prog-rock
Back in the day, Ian Anderson would roam the stage with the grace of a tiger.
This album from start to finish is incredible. It's worth listening to in one sitting.
Another excelent song by Tull, and Songs from the wood, is also a great album, one of the best by Jethro Tull.
Great album. I would also recommend the Minstrel in the Gallery album.
Baker street muse
Jethro Tull....enough said! Thanks for bringing great music to people who never heard. I WILL listen to your recommendation, because it is your recommendation.
Well thank you, hope you enjoy it
71 yr. old music fiend since 1960. Love all Good music and Ian Anderson is the Best of All!!!
Walk through an English wood at any time of the year and a Jethro Tull song will pop into your head.
I was hooked on this song the second I heard it. After all these years and after countless plays, I never got bored of this song or this album.
Drummimg. You didn't mention the drumming. With Barriemore Barlow you get the most challenging drum parts in the 70ties prog rock genre. You did Thick As A Brick with him of course, it were just the beginnings, you are yet to discover all of it :)
IMO most underrated rock drummer of all time.
I would actually say, that Barriemore Barlow was Mike Portnoy of the 70ties ;)
Agreed. Barlow's part weren't just challenging, they also were melodic in the Ringo Starr fashion where the right drum might get several beats to itself. Also broad in style, jazz-leaning on Thick as a Brick, rockier on following albums, and orchestral on this song.
I would call this a favorite - not necessarily THE favorite - of Jethro Tull's albums for me. I love listening to it start to finish just for the beauty of the arrangements and some of Ian's best flute work.
This album is one of the 7 perfect Jethro Tull Albuns : Stand Up / Benefit / Aqualung / Thick as a Brick / Passion Play / Ministrel in the Gallery / Songs from the Wood. These seven are equally top perfection for me.
Agreed, but I'd add Living in the Past, which is so much more than your typical compilation album.
I'm aging myself, but I've been listening to Jethro Tull since the 70s. This song still gets me moving, juking and jiving every time! Another favorite album of mine. I'm such a prog.
"poppies red and roses filled with summer rain" The joy of life and exhuberance of this song kills me!
This was also the first time I saw Tull live; on their 1977 Songs From The Wood tour, at Brussels' Forest National venue. Loved it as I hadn't known the lads before. A friend living down the street, who was five years my senior, dragged me along to every concert he went to. I was just sixteen at the time and since he was twenty-one, my mom trusted hime to take me along. Loved those days. The wonder of experiencing new music like Zappa, Genesis, Jethro Tull and Yes. Gives me goosebumps remembering those days.
This is the first Jethro Tull album I bought and still own :) Absolutely love it.
My favorite Tull number out of so very many good ones!
From what I have read this album and "Heavy Horses" were the 'country' albums that were written as they became successful and the individuals bought big houses in the country and began to set down roots.
Stay safe and Keep on Rocking.
I think this song came after they toured with Gentle Giant and I can hear some influence creeping in there! This is my favorite Jethro Tull album and one of my favorite albums period. Such a great listen, Steven Wilsons remix actually really brings out all the best little hidden details in the mix as well!
Please please please please please continue with a full album listen thru. Songs From the Wood followed by Heavy Horses, the band's most folk period. Could go for a long string of Tull reactions, much like the long strings of Genesis reactions you put out.
Saw them at Madison Square Garden in 1977 during the Songs From The Wood tour. Word was before the concert that Ian was not feeling well. That the promoter had pressured Ian to go ahead with the sold out concert. He was great as usual.
Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson have been making amazing,unique music for the best part half a half a century and IMHO this album is when they had the best line up and at their most creative best. It's a timeless classic......filled with sounds and that conjures up images of "Olde England" . Many instruments used are considered of an ancient origin......yet it rocks......transitions to die for,lyrics historically correct and folklore revered.....amazing.
This was the song I listened to so much when I was young. I was introduced to a lot of prog stuff and jethro tull stuff at a young age (probably around 2-3ish of age) and I enjoyed it then. For a while, I didn't listen to it that much at one point or another. It was still all prog, classical, rock, that kinda stuff, but I started listening to jethro tull again at about 5-6th grade. Im only 18, turning 19 now, and I recently had a reignition of my love for prog stuff and its just been great early 70's stuff that I just enjoy.
I learned from visiting Scotland 40 yrs ago that you better not refer to them as “ British “. I remember being a little surprised when I stepped in it that way and got “the look” in return ! Historical memory runs deep .....
My favorite Tull album and that's saying a lot. Cheers J.P.
Amazing song. It takes balls to start with 40 seconds of a cappella singing.
"Poppies red and roses filled with summer rain". Are you kidding me!?!?
"Kitchen prose and gutter rhymes". Genius!
Great Song. Great album. Their most 'folky'.
The change in gears from their previous album is quite remarkable. So filled with pagan imagery and folk themes but still retaining a progressive rock prowess. I remember hearing this album as a wee lad and being enchanted by all the exotic instrumentation like the marimba, mandolin and pipe organ. A treasure.
This whole album is fantastic!One of my all time favorite albums!ipurchased this upon release in 1977 and have loved it ever since!👍🏻❤️☮️🎼🎤
Good morning!!! Love this song.
Ian Anderson one of top five all around talent in rock history. Writes music AND lyrics, plays great guitar, flute, sings, performs unbelievable in his prime. Huge body of work etc etc. Real genius!
I remember the exact place I was the 1st time I heard this song I believe it was in 78
Smoking a joint in my friends basement
I was totally consumed and mesmerized.
I purchased the album the next day.. amazing song and album
I forgot how progressive this song was. I always loved their medieval feel bits the best and the other parts took away from that. Now that I’m older I love both parts equally. You should listen to Jack-A-Lynn.
I think this is the song that blew my mind and made me willing to go out and buy any Tull album I could find without hearing first. Awesome!
Justin...this was the #1 Tull album in our house. Yes...the previous albums were good...BUT for some reason we all really liked this one alot.
Note: got to see them tour for this album and what a treat.
Note #2. Funny story. The night of the Tull show it was raining and raining. Not a problem. Hop on train to Grand Central...take subway to Times square...take train to Penn Station which is right under Madison Square Garden. Ha! Not a drop of rain touches us. Going home reverse to process. We get off our stop...still raining. We walked home and splashed into every big puddle we could see. It was a blast!!! Get home looking like drowned rats laughing it up. Dad looks at us and says....You crazy kids!! Then Says...what you guys do walk into puddles? We all 3 respond in unison...YEP!!
What a great show and great fun!
Lol! That sounds like it was a really great night 🌧
back to Tull. Great !!!
Watch the live version of this classic at the 1978 presentation at Madison Square Garden, it's just Spectacular.
Oh yay! Love this!!
Prepare for a stroll through the heartlands of Jethro Tull. I've always considered this album along with Heavy Horses and Stormwatch as a trilogy of sorts which sadly ended with the death of their bass player, John Glasscock. These three albums plus the live one they did, is my overall favourite period in the band's history. The lineup was great and they were on top of their game. Barriemore Barlow was one of my favourite drummers and there is definitely a hint of his influence in Neil Peart's playing. His live solo on Bursting Out is brilliant!
Yes. Lucky enough to see them live on the Stormwatch tour. Great stuff.
@@bjwnashe5589 Wow! That would have been Pegg’s first tour with them?
Oh yeah! Wonderful number, great album. I recommend "Cup of Wonder" from this album as well. Thank you Justin.
HEYYYYYYYYYY!!! LOL :) SUCHHH A HAPPY HAPPY ALBUM JUSTIN! :) LOVE HOW YOU'RE DIGGING INTO TULL AND IAN! SOLSTICE BELLS, HAS THE WHISTLER TOO! :)
Fantastic way to start the day! Rustic is the word. A progressive, dancing, rustic celebration of woodland nature and what it inspires. EVERY song is good. More! More! 🎉
I’ve waited for over 30 years to eventually here this whole album. This motivated me. Thanks!!
Btw, please do more IQ!! So underrated and definitely worthy of more exposure.
This is my favorite Tull album. It's just strong, catchy, and progressive from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed JustJp and his approach here. Does not stop the song, plays it through and shares his insight at the end, which is so accurate!
Sort of spot on, and the lyrics go dreper...!
Thanks so much catot! Appreciate that a lot
I am a Jethro Tull fan who has never heard this song before. Wow! What complexity! This band is TIGHT!
I got to listen to this again.
👍🏻👍🏻
I'm in the same boat!😁
@@JustJP I’m listening to an AWESOME Yes album called The Ladder. I had forgotten how amazing it was. It never was popular, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great. Consider this a request. I mean, it’s Yes! It’s top notch!
Yes! Great choice of a song, I hope you'll continue with all the album cause it's one of my top 3 Tull albums.
Side note: Palmer usually didn't played the organ but a string emulation synth (like an Arp Solina or similar) and a portative organ which you can hear better on other songs on the album. (The portative organ is essentially a small pipe organ made out of wood).
Just got more excited as the song played! This one is worth doing as a whole what a treasure this album is love you
I had been waiting for you to eventually come around to this song. I think I may have even brought it up once. It's an incredibly busy song and isn't just progressive. It's PROGRESSIVE! And you're right, the first listen is an earful, it's the subsequent listens where you can appreciate the melody and composition after the shock wears off. :) This was my first Tull album I owned. A friend gave it to me for my birthday back in '77 when it came out. I've always loved it. It's got a lot of really good songs on it.
Oh my Justin, Hooray more Jethro Tull. I always so appreciated the tones, singing and instrumentation on this album. Thanks for this.
Glad you picked up on the Gentle Giant influence in your initial analysis. GG supported Tull on tours around this period, and it's pretty clear on this album and Heavy Horses that a little bit of their brazen complexity rubbed off on them! Both those albums are top tier Tull, so please keep chipping away at them when the mood takes you.
Great album, I especially love Pibroch (cap in hand) so heavy and ultimately so sad. Thanks for another awesome video Justin 😃
I'm digging the drum work.
Elizabethan folk-prog, at a time when punk broke in the UK. Tull always were on a path of their own :-)
Drums by Barrimore Barlowe immaculate as always.
Another great video. Another great song on this album is Cup of Wonder.
What a treat for me my favorite Jethro Tull album songs from the woodWith a great title song! Always play this album around the holidays and the beginning of winter. Wonderful stuff I know you will like it. Cannot wait for your reaction and analysis thank you love you
2nd best JT album!
Glad you're getting to this one.
This album, TAAB, passion play, aqualund, stand up and benefit are the perfect jethro tull albums. This is the first album of a the Tull folk trilogy. This one is the best.
I'd give that accolade to storm watch myself.
My first Tull album and bought it when it was first released as a lad of 17. It was and still is one of my favorite albums ever. Like said before, not a bad song on the album. Quinessential and a must have 70's Tull album. It's a classic mini-epic, a first song classic and I hope you do the rest of the album.
I wore out at least half of Tull's albums, this one is one of them. Great song, great album, great reaction Justin. I always liked the little 1 and 2 minute songs that Tull always have on their albums. Keep them coming.🎸🎵🎤👍
One of my all time favorite albums.
It's one of my favorite JT albums. A different sound. England in the middle ages.
No matter what mood I happen to be in this song (album really) always makes me feel more mellow and relaxed. Hard to pick a favourite Tull album but this is very near the top. I think your analysis hits the nail right on the head. If you don't do the entire album I think you should at least do Velvet Green, I think that's my personal favourite. On second thought, just do the whole album.
I love Songs from the Wood. Great song, and great opener to one of my favourite JT albums. I love the juxtaposition of folk, rock and classical on this album. Thanks for the review in that cool "Tribe Called Quest" T shirt. 😎
Ty Mark💿🎧🎛
Jethro Tull did so many fine albums but this one is definately in my top 3 or 4. If you intend on reacting to the entire album, you're in for a treat. Enjoy.
Another great LP from a great year of music. 'The Whistler' and 'Cup of Wonder' are great listens as well. They had a great run of albums heading towards the end of the decade. I am particularly fond of 'Stormwatch' which was released in 1979. That was the first JT vinyl I bought and it lead me to taking up the flute. 'Elegy' & 'Home' of that LP are just beautiful....
Such a warming feel good album. I've always loved it.
Got this album together with Heavy Horses. My first Tull albums too and still favourites after all these years!
Oh, that song is pure magic. As you say, it teleports you into the nature.
La Jose was a really good recommendation, very lovely.
I have a new suggestion for you to listen: One O'clock tomorrow (FM). FM are really cool and their album Black noise is a masterpiece.
absolute pleasure watching your face experiencing this for the first time
Ty😁
You truly are a lovely fellar. That's why I keep coming back. After all, I don't NEED to watch a nutty guy reacting to music I've known for almost fourty years. But there's something refreshing about seeing some folks reacting to stuff I personally like and have done so for decades. Plus, you're a "good" reactor, in the sense that, first of all, you don't interrupt the music, and, secondly, you're totally and completely honest about yer feelings of the song you've listened to. That's a rare feat these days. So, hey, carry-on my man. I'll be watching you...
Thanks so much Jimmy, I appreciate that a lot 🙏
My second favorite Tull album
A top 3 album from my favorite band. I hope you can listen to it all the way through, it's just superb. Love seeing your reaction, thank you.
Pure magic, as is the whole album.
One of my favorite Tull albums. Hope you do more off this, especially Velvet Green
The harmonies off the top of this song kill me every time. So intricate, and just how many time signatures are there in that song anyway?? I saw a Tull concert in the late 80’s where they opened with this. Most of the vocals were pre-recorded, but it was still a good start to the show, Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow has similar medieval style harmonies and complex rhythms. Recommended!
This is one of my all time albums from any band. It has a very special place in my heart, it was my late first wife's very favourite one. My No.1 Tull song is from here too 'Velvet Green'. Very nice review Justin.
Hey J, since you started this vid with a latin inspired rec. I have one for you. Rik Emmett (former lead guitarist of Triumph) is a classic trained guitarist and has some wonderful pieces from his solo work. He's one of my top 3 favs ever. Try "el cuento del gadjo" from his solo album "ten invitations from the mistress of Mr. E..." Gorgeous piece from an Instrumental album. Even if on your own time. Oh and Songs from the wood album is great :) Tull Rules!
I won my copy of SFTW at a score-less-than-21-with-three-darts stall at the St. Giles Fair in Oxford in 1980, and I've liked it ever since. Not least for the implications of the title song. In case some folk don't realise, I assume the song references BEER from the wood. In short, unpasteurised beer served under gravity from wooden barrels. One would have to position the barrels well in advance of broaching to allow sediment to settle, and then mell in the spigot and allow further time before drinking. This involved work and patience, but afforded the beer character and quality, and it was still to be found in the Oxford of forty years since (Morrrell's. Morland, and oooh, Hook Norton; fine breweries all).
Good choiceJP. I’ve seen the band live since Warchild. My all time favorite band. I’m just a Baker St. Muse walking down the gutter thinking how the hell am I today? I tried to catch my eye but I looked the other way.
Nothing on any of those three JT albums (SFTW, HH,Stormwatch) even comes close to the greatness of Baker St. Muse or - frankly, to the rest of MITG.
@@vdggmouse9512 Agreed. I also like Black Statin Dancer as well.
Velvet green next! Also, you should go check out live versions of any tull songs that are available. A lot of Ian's lyrics really stand out to me. Another one you should check out is life's a long song
One of my favorite JT songs. You should watch them do this song live, it's so fun.
Used to play this in our Tull tribute....one of the trickier ones!!
Hats off to any band that can keep track of all the time changes in this song!
This whole album has a woodsy-acoustic pagan feel and is one of my top ten favorite rock albums of all-time.
Songs from the Wood and Passion Play: my favorite albuns of Jethro Tull
Yay, more love for Passion Play. It's a contender for my best album of all time along with Close to the Edge, Moving Pictures and Lamb Lies Down. So many are down on Passion Play but for me it's just 40 mins of perfection.
I really enjoyed the video, Justin! That's exactly how I reacted to this song when I first heard it back in the day. It needs a couple more listens to take it all in. :-)
This song was the one that got me excited about Jethro Tull. It's a progressive masterpiece. I was in a band and the guitarist was a huge Jethro Tull fan. I was always more of a Yes, Genesis and Rush fan. Still, I definitely enjoy Jethro Tull, Camel, Renaissance, Gentle Giant etc. I still need to hear more Van der Graaf Generator and some Italian progressive rock though. I like them all and there's a lot of great music out there. Enjoy the music and have a great day.
I love everything Jethro Tull, I get to see them live a few years back, not front row but close... Ian Anderson is scary close up
One of the best songs of the band. And one of the hardest to play on drums.
Bravo Justin!
An iconic album. I find the production a little 'understated' in the way that this song is such a whirlwind, but everything is so clean and - kind of insulated from the whole picture.
It's wonderful work.
Kitchen prose and gutter rhymes.. I could listen to that all day.
By the way, Espiral is very lovely and etherical. Thanks for the recommendation.
Reminds me of vacationing in Spain. Well, the parts I could remember..