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Post by samatcn on Dec 15, 2016 16:53:19 GMT
Welp, I took the plunge. Gonna try not to listen to any of the other songs beforehand, though My immediate impression is that this has a good chance to become my favourite version of a Christmas Song... really nice. I'm more excited about the string quartet project than I thought I would be when Ian first mentioned the idea! Sam/atcn
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 20, 2016 8:48:11 GMT
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 20, 2016 12:17:01 GMT
RING OUT THOSE BELLS !!! Quite different from the first promo release which is almost a minute less. Now I can add this to my TULL Christmas 2016 Cd which has the download I got from Remy! LIFE IS GOOD
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 20, 2016 18:33:13 GMT
Sadly on first couple of listens this version of Solstice isn't doing it for me -I prefer the energy of the original. I suppose this type of arrangement will work better with some than others hope the rest do it for me. And sorry, but the rather over enthusiastic musician is putting me off a bit.
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Post by Equus on Dec 20, 2016 19:49:19 GMT
Sadly on first couple of listens this version of Solstice isn't doing it for me -I prefer the energy of the original. I suppose this type of arrangement will work better with some than others hope the rest do it for me. And sorry, but the rather over enthusiastic musician is putting me off a bit. I absolutely love it... but why not just avoid words altogether...?
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 20, 2016 20:09:51 GMT
... but why not just avoid words altogether...? Yes that thought went through my mind as well.
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stevep
Master Craftsman
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Post by stevep on Dec 20, 2016 20:12:23 GMT
"Sadly on first couple of listens this version of Solstice isn't doing it for me"
Feel the same as you NR, not keen on this at all !
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 20, 2016 20:25:53 GMT
"Sadly on first couple of listens this version of Solstice isn't doing it for me" Feel the same as you NR, not keen on this at all ! I don't know what you thought of Pass The Bottle - I thought that worked really well but this one is a bit flat. The vocals don't seem to be at the right pitch or maybe it's just that we're used to the faster paced original. It's too slow and laid back for "seven druids dancing in seven time and bells loudly chiming"
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stevep
Master Craftsman
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Post by stevep on Dec 20, 2016 21:05:25 GMT
I think "Pass the bottle" is quite good but like you I am not keen on the vocals on Solstice and as you say, it sounds a bit flat. I think I would have preferred it without the vocals.
I remember buying the original "Solstice Bells" single away back in the 70's (still got it in my record collection) and my best pal (also a big Tull fan) and I both thought it was awful. We were both into the heavier Tull music and did not like the move towards the more folkie stuff at all. All these years later, I really like it and you now hear it in pubs, cafes, shopping centres, etc. It seems to still fit in with the other Xmas music quite well even though it is quite different.
Maybe we just need a few more decades to like the new version...
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Post by Equus on Dec 20, 2016 21:08:10 GMT
... but why not just avoid words altogether...? Yes that thought went through my mind as well. I think that Ian did a nice job singing on Thick As A Brick 2, and Homo Erraticus, but this doesn't sound good to me... Hmm...
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 21, 2016 3:52:07 GMT
Yes that thought went through my mind as well. I think that Ian did a nice job singing on Thick As A Brick 2, and Homo Erraticus, but this doesn't sound good to me... Hmm... The main thing about this version is the instrumental playing by the Carducci String Quartet. Ian's vocals are very subdued which allows the strings to chime in as though they were singing themselves. Emma Denton on (cello) ROCKS !!!
In a sublime yet beautiful way, he allows the music to be the focus while adding a softer theme. No one expected this tune to be a re-peat of 1976 or the re-mix of Steven Wilson... It has a very classical feel as well as the unique arrangements which gives it new life. Let's imagine being in the Studio Crypt while 4 musicians are translating this in a new way... "Ring Out These Bells !!!! Thanks Santa TULL
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Post by futureshock on Dec 21, 2016 4:53:01 GMT
Everyone has their preferences and some people get old versions lodged in their memory apparatus, but HORSE FEATHERS, I think this new quartet version is very well done. There's a new twist, obviously. The original was very clearly presenting the vocals, percussion and bells loudly and boldly, up front in the mix, on a very simple melodic line, but this is a new artistic approach with good drive but the different voices of the quartet taking their presence into the equation, altogether it's a new tray of Christmas banana bread with the obvious shift of emPHASIS on the mixed spice and walnut of the quartet playing, and the vocals are a layer of theme and propulsive atmosphere, not as the main focus was delivered before.
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 21, 2016 8:49:51 GMT
Life's A Long Song which I believe was the first song in the catalogue to be given the "strings" approach worked beautifully in fact that video is a Tull classic. Agree with all that you say but I still think this is weak.
Some will work ( for some) and some wont.
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 21, 2016 9:11:10 GMT
Everyone has their preferences and some people get old versions lodged in their memory apparatus, but HORSE FEATHERS, I think this new quartet version is very well done. There's a new twist, obviously. The original was very clearly presenting the vocals, percussion and bells loudly and boldly, up front in the mix, on a very simple melodic line, but this is a new artistic approach with good drive but the different voices of the quartet taking their presence into the equation, altogether it's a new tray of Christmas banana bread with the obvious shift of emPHASIS on the mixed spice and walnut of the quartet playing, and the vocals are a layer of theme and propulsive atmosphere, not as the main focus was delivered before. Before making a final judgement on the album I'm going to wait until March when I can hear the recording in its entirety and I can sit down and listen to it through my favourite DT100 headphones and, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, hear all the nuances and performances on the album.
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 21, 2016 10:31:49 GMT
Everyone has their preferences and some people get old versions lodged in their memory apparatus, but HORSE FEATHERS, I think this new quartet version is very well done. There's a new twist, obviously. The original was very clearly presenting the vocals, percussion and bells loudly and boldly, up front in the mix, on a very simple melodic line, but this is a new artistic approach with good drive but the different voices of the quartet taking their presence into the equation, altogether it's a new tray of Christmas banana bread with the obvious shift of emPHASIS on the mixed spice and walnut of the quartet playing, and the vocals are a layer of theme and propulsive atmosphere, not as the main focus was delivered before. Before making a final judgement on the album I'm going to wait until March when I can hear the recording in its entirety and I can sit down and listen to it through my favourite DT100 headphones and, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, hear all the nuances and performances on the album. To date I've only listened to the first few bars of 'Pass the Bottle' and that's it. I'm not going to be tempted to listen to any other track from 'The String Quartets' until I listen to the album at home on 5.1. So there!
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 21, 2016 12:34:58 GMT
To date I've only listened to the first few bars of 'Pass the Bottle' and that's it. I'm not going to be tempted to listen to any other track from 'The String Quartets' until I listen to the album at home on 5.1. So there! Hello John, my name is Emma Denton and I really want you to listen soon.
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Post by samatcn on Dec 21, 2016 14:24:48 GMT
Before making a final judgement on the album I'm going to wait until March when I can hear the recording in its entirety and I can sit down and listen to it through my favourite DT100 headphones and, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, hear all the nuances and performances on the album. To date I've only listened to the first few bars of 'Pass the Bottle' and that's it. I'm not going to be tempted to listen to any other track from 'The String Quartets' until I listen to the album at home on 5.1. So there! I listened to these two tracks, but that's the only previews I'm going to sample, I'm being totally serial! I don't think this is as good as Bottle, but I don't find it as lacking as many of you guys seem to. Clearly the highest "bells" is a note Ian hasn't been able to reach comfortably in a long, long time, but I don't think it's that flat... In general Bells has never been a big favorite for me. I really liked the minor key bit and the outro of this version, and am still really hyped for the album! Regards, Sam/atcn
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Post by bassackwards on Dec 21, 2016 14:57:48 GMT
Everyone has their preferences and some people get old versions lodged in their memory apparatus, but HORSE FEATHERS, I think this new quartet version is very well done. There's a new twist, obviously. The original was very clearly presenting the vocals, percussion and bells loudly and boldly, up front in the mix, on a very simple melodic line, but this is a new artistic approach with good drive but the different voices of the quartet taking their presence into the equation, altogether it's a new tray of Christmas banana bread with the obvious shift of emPHASIS on the mixed spice and walnut of the quartet playing, and the vocals are a layer of theme and propulsive atmosphere, not as the main focus was delivered before. Well said future dude. If I'm not mistaken the arrangements were done by John O'Hara. Yes this is a very nice reimagining of the song. Wonderful in my opinion. A lot of very interesting Flourishes and details make the songs fresh.
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 21, 2016 19:54:22 GMT
To date I've only listened to the first few bars of 'Pass the Bottle' and that's it. I'm not going to be tempted to listen to any other track from 'The String Quartets' until I listen to the album at home on 5.1. So there! Hello John, my name is Emma Denton and I really want you to listen soon. Hi Emma, come round when the wife's out and we'll listen together.
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 21, 2016 20:56:13 GMT
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Post by geostrehl on Dec 22, 2016 14:42:00 GMT
I'm not really enjoying the new version of Solstice Bells. I preordered the signed CD and the signed album. That way, I can keep one sealed and still get to listen to the tracks! No, I'm not comparing the new Solstice Bells to the original. No, I'm not being critical of Ian's voice. Heck, I think that he sounds just fine. Maybe a bit soft with the higher notes, but I prefer a gentler Ian, anyways. My gripe lies with the actual arrangement of this version. I've always felt that John O'Hara was a fairly weak arranger, and this just further reinforces that notion. The string quartet is fine... after all, they're just playing what's been written for them. I think that some people confuse energy with being breathtaking! This band is very high-energy. It adds to the appeal. It's nice to look at, too. However, that doesn't really make the music any better. Close your eyes... much of the appeal has just disappeared. Have a close listen. The added layers and flourishes are nice, yet overpowering. In its attempt to appear clever and possibly neo-baroque, it buries itself beneath a very dense wall of flourishes, slides, and jarring rhythms that just aren't needed. Certain parts also appear "clunky". ---- I remember reading a review of Homo Erraticus once. The reviewer said that Ian was trying to appear clever and instead got buried with the vocals. The specific complaint was about how "every single musical note does NOT require a word" and that Ian was just cramming every syllable in that he could. While I don't agree with this observation (except for maybe a few parts of Pax Brittanica... some of the lines do seem rather contrived and unnatural), I feel that this critique could instead be placed upon this version of Solstice Bells. John has made sure that every second is filled with as much musical information as possible. This sounds clunky and unappealing. Also, often times, there is some harmony line (is it the cello or the viola... I can't tell with my laptop speakers) that just feels unsettling. It creates a harmony that makes it sound out of tune. If I could split the tracks up (5.1 remaster, anyone hahaha), I could isolate exactly what it is. So no, my criticism isn't with Ian. Ian, you can do no wrong. Great performance! But seriously, John O'Hara's arrangement is what's troubling me. His eagerness to layer musical information on top of more musical information (which may or may not actually sound musical or melodic) coupled with a high-energy string quartet (not a problem by itself, but again, visual appeal doesn't translate to the ears when driving in the car) leaves me longing for something else.
I speculate that if Ian would've chosen to collaborate with Dee Palmer on this project, the end result would be much closer to the sound that the majority of Ian/Tull fans would appreciate. Dee has the ability to create complex arrangements that still know how to breathe. And no, I don't have some type of grudge against John O'Hara. I'm just not a fan. That could be a long post in itself, but I'll spare you all from that!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Tull fans everywhere!
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Post by Equus on Dec 22, 2016 14:48:58 GMT
I have written a few songs myself, and usually I play them on my acoustic guitar. The funny thing about it is that people think that I write folk music... and of course, that's mostly how my songs sound like when I play them, but I have come to believe that just about any song can be turned into a heavy metal song, a rock song etc... etc... Just listen to Jethro Tull turned into classical music... So, no... I don't write folk music... Some of the songs are actually mend to be played loud and proud in a good old Rock 'N' Roll stile... I believe that a song can be transformed into any musical style that you like... If you can find the musicians who can and will play it... I think that Ian has proven exactly that... Well done Ian! When I watch this video, there is one thing I just don't understand... I mean... Who is the fine young lady in the video... Why is she walking away, and why isn't she wearing a rabbit, or at least a scuba diver costume?? Bring the rabbit and the scuba diver back, but please don't mention the lemmings... I won't mention them... ...Okay... I think it's Emma Denton... When it comes to Jethro Tull... everything matters...
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Post by bassackwards on Dec 22, 2016 16:44:55 GMT
I'm not really enjoying the new version of Solstice Bells. I preordered the signed CD and the signed album. That way, I can keep one sealed and still get to listen to the tracks! No, I'm not comparing the new Solstice Bells to the original. No, I'm not being critical of Ian's voice. Heck, I think that he sounds just fine. Maybe a bit soft with the higher notes, but I prefer a gentler Ian, anyways. My gripe lies with the actual arrangement of this version. I've always felt that John O'Hara was a fairly weak arranger, and this just further reinforces that notion. The string quartet is fine... after all, they're just playing what's been written for them. I think that some people confuse energy with being breathtaking! This band is very high-energy. It adds to the appeal. It's nice to look at, too. However, that doesn't really make the music any better. Close your eyes... much of the appeal has just disappeared. Have a close listen. The added layers and flourishes are nice, yet overpowering. In its attempt to appear clever and possibly neo-baroque, it buries itself beneath a very dense wall of flourishes, slides, and jarring rhythms that just aren't needed. Certain parts also appear "clunky". ---- I remember reading a review of Homo Erraticus once. The reviewer said that Ian was trying to appear clever and instead got buried with the vocals. The specific complaint was about how "every single musical note does NOT require a word" and that Ian was just cramming every syllable in that he could. While I don't agree with this observation (except for maybe a few parts of Pax Brittanica... some of the lines do seem rather contrived and unnatural), I feel that this critique could instead be placed upon this version of Solstice Bells. John has made sure that every second is filled with as much musical information as possible. This sounds clunky and unappealing. Also, often times, there is some harmony line (is it the cello or the viola... I can't tell with my laptop speakers) that just feels unsettling. It creates a harmony that makes it sound out of tune. If I could split the tracks up (5.1 remaster, anyone hahaha), I could isolate exactly what it is. So no, my criticism isn't with Ian. Ian, you can do no wrong. Great performance! But seriously, John O'Hara's arrangement is what's troubling me. His eagerness to layer musical information on top of more musical information (which may or may not actually sound musical or melodic) coupled with a high-energy string quartet (not a problem by itself, but again, visual appeal doesn't translate to the ears when driving in the car) leaves me longing for something else. I speculate that if Ian would've chosen to collaborate with Dee Palmer on this project, the end result would be much closer to the sound that the majority of Ian/Tull fans would appreciate. Dee has the ability to create complex arrangements that still know how to breathe. And no, I don't have some type of grudge against John O'Hara. I'm just not a fan. That could be a long post in itself, but I'll spare you all from that! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Tull fans everywhere! Wow, thanks G. Your comments are interesting. After what I've heard from these two songs I am now more of a fan of John O'Hara.
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Post by samatcn on Dec 22, 2016 17:53:43 GMT
I'm not really enjoying the new version of Solstice Bells. I preordered the signed CD and the signed album. That way, I can keep one sealed and still get to listen to the tracks! No, I'm not comparing the new Solstice Bells to the original. No, I'm not being critical of Ian's voice. Heck, I think that he sounds just fine. Maybe a bit soft with the higher notes, but I prefer a gentler Ian, anyways. My gripe lies with the actual arrangement of this version. I've always felt that John O'Hara was a fairly weak arranger, and this just further reinforces that notion. The string quartet is fine... after all, they're just playing what's been written for them. I think that some people confuse energy with being breathtaking! This band is very high-energy. It adds to the appeal. It's nice to look at, too. However, that doesn't really make the music any better. Close your eyes... much of the appeal has just disappeared. Have a close listen. The added layers and flourishes are nice, yet overpowering. In its attempt to appear clever and possibly neo-baroque, it buries itself beneath a very dense wall of flourishes, slides, and jarring rhythms that just aren't needed. Certain parts also appear "clunky". ---- I remember reading a review of Homo Erraticus once. The reviewer said that Ian was trying to appear clever and instead got buried with the vocals. The specific complaint was about how "every single musical note does NOT require a word" and that Ian was just cramming every syllable in that he could. While I don't agree with this observation (except for maybe a few parts of Pax Brittanica... some of the lines do seem rather contrived and unnatural), I feel that this critique could instead be placed upon this version of Solstice Bells. John has made sure that every second is filled with as much musical information as possible. This sounds clunky and unappealing. Also, often times, there is some harmony line (is it the cello or the viola... I can't tell with my laptop speakers) that just feels unsettling. It creates a harmony that makes it sound out of tune. If I could split the tracks up (5.1 remaster, anyone hahaha), I could isolate exactly what it is. So no, my criticism isn't with Ian. Ian, you can do no wrong. Great performance! But seriously, John O'Hara's arrangement is what's troubling me. His eagerness to layer musical information on top of more musical information (which may or may not actually sound musical or melodic) coupled with a high-energy string quartet (not a problem by itself, but again, visual appeal doesn't translate to the ears when driving in the car) leaves me longing for something else. I speculate that if Ian would've chosen to collaborate with Dee Palmer on this project, the end result would be much closer to the sound that the majority of Ian/Tull fans would appreciate. Dee has the ability to create complex arrangements that still know how to breathe. And no, I don't have some type of grudge against John O'Hara. I'm just not a fan. That could be a long post in itself, but I'll spare you all from that! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Tull fans everywhere! Wow, thanks G. Your comments are interesting. After what I've heard from these two songs I am now more of a fan of John O'Hara. I agree, very interesting criticisms! I probably haven't listened enough yet to make any calls myself... I guess I tend to find John O'Hara slightly studio musician-y; he does good work, but maybe not with a whole lot of character. But I like him just fine. Yes, DP is an amazing musician and she would have done a great job at this project. On the other hand, she has arranged a hell of a lot of Tull songs in the past, and I have to respect Ian's willingness to give his current coworkers the chance to shine. Geostrehl, have you listened to Pass the Bottle? It would be interesting to hear your perspective on that one - personally I think it's really good, much better than Bells! Cheers! Sam/atcn
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Post by geostrehl on Dec 22, 2016 18:39:59 GMT
Geostrehl, have you listened to Pass the Bottle? It would be interesting to hear your perspective on that one - personally I think it's really good, much better than Bells! Cheers! Sam/atcn Yes, I've listened to Pass the Bottle. I'd have to agree with you that it's much better than Solstice Bells. A Christmas Song was pretty simple to begin with. Sparse instrumentation. Lots of room to breathe. So it's been reworked and "filled in", for lack of a better term. Very nice. And Ian sounds great on it. I could do without the Jingle Bells intro, but eh, it's still pretty darn good. I'm interested to hear the rest of the album. Such a shame that the bigger hits are represented so much here. I'd love to hear "The foot of our stairs" section reworked. Maybe "North Sea Oil" or something like that. But I'm also an ass, so we've got to keep that in mind!
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Post by tullabye on Dec 22, 2016 21:10:19 GMT
Geostrehl, have you listened to Pass the Bottle? It would be interesting to hear your perspective on that one - personally I think it's really good, much better than Bells! Cheers! Sam/atcn Yes, I've listened to Pass the Bottle. I'd have to agree with you that it's much better than Solstice Bells. A Christmas Song was pretty simple to begin with. Sparse instrumentation. Lots of room to breathe. So it's been reworked and "filled in", for lack of a better term. Very nice. And Ian sounds great on it. I could do without the Jingle Bells intro, but eh, it's still pretty darn good. I'm interested to hear the rest of the album. Such a shame that the bigger hits are represented so much here. I'd love to hear "The foot of our stairs" section reworked. Maybe "North Sea Oil" or something like that. But I'm also an ass, so we've got to keep that in mind! yeah...why do we need Aqualung and LB again. Not really looking forward To Bungle being included but we will see, it may surprise. Personally I like Solstice Bells much better than Pass the Bottle which although pretty good isn't much different than the ALLM version. SB much more interesting.
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Post by futureshock on Dec 23, 2016 1:10:29 GMT
Surprised nobody commented on it yet, but the Quartets CD has one of the better TULL/Anderson album covers. Not a "best ever" but worthy of a flag. Thoughts?
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Post by geostrehl on Dec 23, 2016 2:40:18 GMT
Surprised nobody commented on it yet, but the Quartets CD has one of the better TULL/Anderson album covers. Not a "best ever" but worthy of a flag. Thoughts? YES! Agreed! It is a great cover! Better than many of the other covers we've seen over the years.
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 23, 2016 8:54:35 GMT
Wow, thanks G. Your comments are interesting. After what I've heard from these two songs I am now more of a fan of John O'Hara. I agree, very interesting criticisms! I probably haven't listened enough yet to make any calls myself... I guess I tend to find John O'Hara slightly studio musician-y; he does good work, but maybe not with a whole lot of character. But I like him just fine. Yes, DP is an amazing musician and she would have done a great job at this project. On the other hand, she has arranged a hell of a lot of Tull songs in the past, and I have to respect Ian's willingness to give his current coworkers the chance to shine. Geostrehl, have you listened to Pass the Bottle? It would be interesting to hear your perspective on that one - personally I think it's really good, much better than Bells! Cheers! Sam/atcn My thoughts as well. I suppose the temptation might have been "well it worked Ok the first time, so we'll do it again" whereas with John it gives a fresher feel to the arrangement and then it's up to the listener to say whether he/she likes it. Experimentation has always been one of the reasons I like Tull. Just when you think things have settled down, IA & Co go off down another musical path.
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Post by Equus on Dec 23, 2016 11:52:27 GMT
Surprised nobody commented on it yet, but the Quartets CD has one of the better TULL/Anderson album covers. Not a "best ever" but worthy of a flag. Thoughts? How different we think... but that's okay! I absolutely hate the front cover... Maybe it's too simplistic to me... Maybe it's something else that I don't like... The beard??
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