It's all about sincerity, really. Why does Linkin Park piss me off so much? I dont know, maybe because they sing rap some bullsh*t story with these cheesy drums and lyrics. On the other hand, why do i kind of enjoy "Call me Maybe"? Because its about a shy chick wanting to talk to dude. And you know what, she sings it like that. If we had, say, Susan Boyle singing these tripped out songs about weird folk fantasy, it would sound like a f*cking joke. Nothing changed. The songs are the same, the lyrics are the same, the cover is the same (Although that would be creepy) and everything else is the same. It would sound horrible because Susan Boyle doesnt care about milking girls, whistlers and heavy horses. Most people don't. But Jethro Tull pours energy into this album. They are writing silly folk songs infused with hard rock. They know, and they don't care if people don't get it or like it. Most people would make fun of Jethro Tull if they saw them play live. They look insane. What most people wouldnt make fun of, however, is the music. Like i just said, they are silly songs. You would think everyone would make fun of songs like Jack-In-The-Green. But they don't. Because Jethro Tull knows that this music is good, and they believe in it. And they make everyone else believe it too.
A great album is a collection of terrific songs, rapid fire, one after the other(See-Let It Be, License To Ill, Led Zeppelin 2).
A masterpiece occurs when everything in the universe somehow aligns to make an album what it is. The songs take you on a journey, the album art makes you question life and even the track order can entertain you for an hour(See-Revolver, Paul's Boutique, Led Zeppelin 4). Songs From The Wood is not perfect. It's not as tight as Thick As A Brick or as wide in scope as Aqualung. No, its about people gathering around a campfire, singing songs and getting drunk. Some people would call an album about topics as silly "The Hunting Girl" pointless and stupid. I disagree very strongly. After all,
somebody's gotta bring bring back dinner for the big feast tonight.
Recommended Tracks-
All of them. Had to pick one? Ring Out, Solstice Bells.
Rating - 9.5/10
