Stormwatch (W/4 Bonus Tracks) [Original recording remastered, Extra tracks]

In many ways *Stormwatch* is the last Jethro Tull album; *A*, its followup, started life as an Ian Anderson solo effort and future efforts would lack the classic lineup ... and the stately Elgar-meets-folk-rock grandeur of Jethro Tull at its finest. Perhaps that explains the pervasive feeling of melancholy which suffuses this album: everyone involved knew that things were coming to an end.

"Floating slowly out to sea in a misty misery." (from "Flying Dutchman")

While Ian Anderson had been Tull's leader since *Stand Up,* he had always relied on the efforts of his backing musicians, particularly the electric guitar of the much underrated Martin Barre. Drummer Barrimore Barlow and keyboard whiz John Evan left Jethro Tull not long after *Stormwatch* was released, while bassist John Glascock passed away of a heart ailment shortly thereafter. This may explain why their contributions seem almost perfunctory: *Stormwatch* has the same basic sound as *Heavy Horses* and *Songs from the Wood* but lacks the instrumental pyrotechnics of prime Tull. (On the other hand, David Palmer's orchestral arrangements are more important than they ever were before... or would ever be again... on this CD, particularly on the instrumental tracks "Warm Sporran" and "Elegy").

"I'll be coming again like an old dog in pain
blown through the eye of the hurricane
down to the stones where old ghosts play... " (from "Old Ghosts")

That's not to say this isn't an excellent album. "Dun Ringill" and "Home" are great acoustic tunes which feature Ian Anderson at his best. "Orion," "Old Ghosts" and "North Sea Oil" are solid Tull, and while "Dark Ages" and "Flying Dutchman" are a tad overlong, they're definitely enjoyable. It's not *Thick as a Brick* or *Living in the Past* ... but it's a solid effort from Ian Anderson, one of rock's most creative and talented musicians.

I never really cared for Orion and North Sea Oil, but live, they were fantastic. When Tull performed this album on tour, half of the set was basically playing this album. Dark Ages is the true Tull gem on this work. It captures Anderson's dislike of prejudices and ignorance in the modern world and almost serves as a warning. All of this against a backdop of some of Barre's best guitar work and Palmer's most inventive talents. Something on the Move is the relunctant "hit" that smashed through the airwaves of FM. Elegy is actually written by Palmer for the loss of his father--not for Glasscock as many believe. Glasscock died as they were recording this album. Flying Dutchman is a cross between a Sea-Shanty and a reflective song about the past.

My favorite tracks are Old Ghosts--a nearly perfect mix of acoustic and electric Tull, and Dun Ringall--THE perfect Tull acoustic song. This is a reflective CD for Anderson, one I am sure was difficult to make since there are glimpses of longing and regret displayed in the lyrics and the mood of the album.

One can assume that Anderson knew this would be the last of the "regulars" Tull album and planned to put the past to rest. Many fans are quite personal and angry about this album as not being up to par with the others. They see this as lacking enthusiasm and the good-natured spiritness of Tull. I really do not see it as such. I see it as the close of an era--a death of sorts of the band--a band that was given an opportunity to be reborn. The ensuing albums until Broadsword were...uh...a bit "embryonic" but Tull rebounded nicely.

Enjoy Stormwatch with a nice Stout or Porter on a cold winter night.