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Post by tullite on Nov 21, 2009 15:51:54 GMT
ive always thought of myself as a die hard tull fan but allthough the shows are still good its getting to be "same old " over and over ! specially since breaking with andy and johnathan and now martins not there most of the time and no new material . at least ian used to have something to promote , yes i have still bought tickets to next years tour of uk but really hopeing for new material after all the touring ian does he must realise we have all heard it over and over again so much touring not enough recording WE WANT/NEED new stuff and we are hungry for it , its been way to long so come on ian give yer fans what they want , STOP BEING DULL AND BE TULL . Attachments:
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Post by shindizzler on Dec 11, 2009 4:37:13 GMT
I haven't seen them in 11 years for something like this same reason. I see the YouTube stuff and get my kicks from filling in gaps with old footage. I came on board back in 1989 and at that point the band still had something of a band identity. But, with the ever-increasing lineup changes, studio players, guests and half-Tull, half-IA band identity that is going on since say, 1991, frankly I am confused. Who constitutes Jethro Tull now, really? (I know what the website says) And, while for years I went easy on Ian's voice and his attempt to make the best of things, the more recent videos I have seen have been embarrassingly bad. That said, I'd still like to get a chance to see them, but not at the present ticket prices and often the shows are further and further out of town (at Indian casinos on the outskirts of my city). I too think they need to stop the endless touring for a bit, reform as a band for a bit and put out some new material. I know even that would essentially be what purists have always said---the Ian Anderson Show with MB and others---but jeeze, even something new would be nice. I love the Christmas album but that is already 6 years old, and it too is emblematic of the identity of the band being spread around to whoever is available at the minute. I have new respect for James Duncan's presence there now that I see his Fancy Toys stuff. For a long time I thought he was just "more available for a better price" than Doane or something like that. Still, if it is Doane's chair, I'd like to hear what he brings to this stuff. For a while I forgot what songs he played on on the Xmas album and I was laboring under false assumption. It turned out I was listening to JD(A) on Holly Herald! Good for James, bad for the sense that Jethro Tull remain a true band anymore.
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Post by kaibailey on Dec 11, 2009 4:48:53 GMT
I wouldn't call them Dull, but I do think the band has to stimulate themselves with some new energy. It almost seems like a routine now. This new album may bring new life--hopefully it will, but who knows.
On Ian's last solo tour he revisited some fairly lesser-heard Tull songs such as Dun Ringill and March the Mad Scientist. I found that very refreshing.
I would love to see new life in Tull. I have confidence that this new album will be a good one. If it's ever released.
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tommie
Master Craftsman
Posts: 392
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Post by tommie on Dec 11, 2009 5:08:23 GMT
Great , honest post , Shin. But why should Ian give us anything WE want when we continue to give him what the one and only thing HE wants : MONEY. Shin, also agree with ur timeline referencing about 1991. IA lost sooooooo much of my respect long ago. He lost his integrity long ago, too. Sad, really. And there will NEVER be a new Tull album. Wake up, y'all. The last new Tull album was 11 years ago!
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 11, 2009 8:08:00 GMT
I haven't seen them in 11 years for something like this same reason. I see the YouTube stuff and get my kicks from filling in gaps with old footage. I came on board back in 1989 and at that point the band still had something of a band identity. But, with the ever-increasing lineup changes, studio players, guests and half-Tull, half-IA band identity that is going on since say, 1991, frankly I am confused. Who constitutes Jethro Tull now, really? (I know what the website says) And, while for years I went easy on Ian's voice and his attempt to make the best of things, the more recent videos I have seen have been embarrassingly bad. That said, I'd still like to get a chance to see them, but not at the present ticket prices and often the shows are further and further out of town (at Indian casinos on the outskirts of my city). I too think they need to stop the endless touring for a bit, reform as a band for a bit and put out some new material. I know even that would essentially be what purists have always said---the Ian Anderson Show with MB and others---but jeeze, even something new would be nice. I love the Christmas album but that is already 6 years old, and it too is emblematic of the identity of the band being spread around to whoever is available at the minute. I have new respect for James Duncan's presence there now that I see his Fancy Toys stuff. For a long time I thought he was just "more available for a better price" than Doane or something like that. Still, if it is Doane's chair, I'd like to hear what he brings to this stuff. For a while I forgot what songs he played on on the Xmas album and I was laboring under false assumption. It turned out I was listening to JD(A) on Holly Herald! Good for James, bad for the sense that Jethro Tull remain a true band anymore. The official site will say "40 years of Jethro Tull" and for me that means still watching them live in concert after all this time. Someone said recently that they still have goosebumps when the band comes on stage.Certainly the band wouldn't be the band without Anderson/Barre ! My twopence worth as far as what they are doing now is given that Anderson/Barre have been doing it for so long they are bound to want to do other things apart from playing with Tull. However I think that more thought should be on the fans who want more than, as some might say, "a glimpse of Tull past" either in concerts or in rehashed albums. I've said in one of my very first posts here that they should stop touring and doing personal projects for a while and concentrate on something new. Any thoughts on why they don't do that?
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 11, 2009 10:18:20 GMT
The fault as I perceive it, seems to be one of the problems that have dogged the band from the beginning and that is bad publicity. You only have to think back to the Jethro Toe shenanigans and subsequent bad misrepresentations in the press over the years. It does make you wonder why no-one has ever said to IA “get yourself a good publicity machine who will look after the band’s interests and don’t mis-represent the band in advertising concerts”.
Make clear distinctions between Jethro Tull concerts (with Martin Barre and the current line up) and the Ian Anderson Band (with Florian Opahle et al) and then I reckon we’d all be happy because we‘d at least know what to expect and make our own minds up as whether to book tickets or not. I saw some of the advertising for the recent UK solo concerts which clearly stated it was Jethro Tull which in reality it clearly wasn’t.
It would be realistic to expect concert attendees to know exactly what to anticipate and this also applies to any future releases. Yes we all want an new Tull album with new material but if it is to be an album without Martin then clearly state it is the IA Band and let us make up our own minds whether to buy it or not.
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spenny
Prentice Jack
Posts: 39
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Post by spenny on Mar 6, 2010 19:02:47 GMT
I doubt very much if we will ever see a new Tull album. Will this be there last tour? I would doubt it very much. If Ian lives to be 100, he will still be touring as long as his health lets him. I would agree that the setlists tends to be the same over every tour but I would never let a tour go by without seeing them. It would be sods law if I decided to miss it - this would be the 1 they would play a whole new catalogue of stuff!!
Really looking forward to seeing the shows in Aberdeen, Perth and Glasgow.
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Post by parkbench on Mar 6, 2010 19:51:29 GMT
For me, yes - I got on board in 1989 as well (When a student!) and saw them every tour from then until I got a job, started family, etc in the early 2000s. I'm not saying that the band are "dull", but I just miss hearing new albums and am somewhat baffled by the cover versions.
Lineup changes... yes, there's been a few. I'd settled into seeing the same "band" on stage for years (Most of the time) so turning up for a gig to find it's all change again felt strange. Having said that, from the live clips I've seen the current band is pretty good...
I was planning to go to Brum in March, but haven't yet arranged tickets. The last gig I saw was the odd "acoustic tour" which left me in two minds - I loved some of it, but found some of it like elevator music. I did like the new material though, so was hoping for a new album.
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kleynan
Journeyman
Thick as a Brick
Posts: 89
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Post by kleynan on Mar 6, 2010 20:54:12 GMT
Being fairly New to Tull, they are far from dull to me, and what I find is so refreshing is also the variation of the tull catalogue. Had enough of the 70s Folk Prog era? Put on some Broadsword or Crest music, want some catchy blues tune with a twist? Jump back to the early Tull career and put a smile on your face with the bass-line from Living in the past. I'm sold, and likely will be for the rest of my life
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Post by nonrabbit on Mar 7, 2010 1:26:07 GMT
Being fairly New to Tull, they are far from dull to me, and what I find is so refreshing is also the variation of the tull catalogue. Had enough of the 70s Folk Prog era? Put on some Broadsword or Crest music, want some catchy blues tune with a twist? Jump back to the early Tull career and put a smile on your face with the bass-line from Living in the past. I'm sold, and likely will be for the rest of my life well that's it in a nutshell not only a long and varied catalogue of music - but still playing!
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Post by steelmonkey on Mar 7, 2010 2:38:19 GMT
It's all apples and oranges to me....the heights Tull reached form 70 thru 76 will never be matched...not even by Tull, current, 90s or 80s....there have been highlights, refreshing surprises and flashes of the peak year glory...but for me...it might well be 'dull' by comparision these days.....but if i compare a night with Tull these days....whatever configuration...to anything else I might do with my time, money and precious hours on the planet...I wouldn't call it 'dull'....not by a longshot...to this day, sitting in my seat or standing around...the moments before, during and after a Tull concert are sweet, savored, remembered and looked forward to again.
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Post by parkbench on Mar 7, 2010 7:50:26 GMT
Being fairly New to Tull, they are far from dull to me, and what I find is so refreshing is also the variation of the tull catalogue. Had enough of the 70s Folk Prog era? Put on some Broadsword or Crest music, want some catchy blues tune with a twist? Jump back to the early Tull career and put a smile on your face with the bass-line from Living in the past. I'm sold, and likely will be for the rest of my life I'm very jealous - JT was the first music I really got into and spent years collecting all the albums... It was pretty good finding each one and also great to have new albums coming out quite regularly - Rock Islands, Catfish, Roots, .com... JT seemed to have quite a following in 1989 at Uni, oddly for an old band and in the middle of the "Madchester" boom where everyone looked like they'd joined the Stone Roses. Having said that, I recently gave "Stand Up" a spin on the commute to work and hadn't listened to it for so long it was like revisiting an old friend... a stunning album!
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Post by nonrabbit on Mar 7, 2010 9:22:27 GMT
Being fairly New to Tull, they are far from dull to me, and what I find is so refreshing is also the variation of the tull catalogue. Had enough of the 70s Folk Prog era? Put on some Broadsword or Crest music, want some catchy blues tune with a twist? Jump back to the early Tull career and put a smile on your face with the bass-line from Living in the past. I'm sold, and likely will be for the rest of my life I'm very jealous - JT was the first music I really got into and spent years collecting all the albums... It was pretty good finding each one and also great to have new albums coming out quite regularly - Rock Islands, Catfish, Roots, .com... JT seemed to have quite a following in 1989 at Uni, oddly for an old band and in the middle of the "Madchester" boom where everyone looked like they'd joined the Stone Roses. Having said that, I recently gave "Stand Up" a spin on the commute to work and hadn't listened to it for so long it was like revisiting an old friend... a stunning album! I had a sabbatical from Tull for a fairly long while and coming back the music - well I'd go as far as to say the music was even better second time around. I knew it was always there but I just didn't get round to the "new" albums. ;D
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mix
Journeyman
Posts: 136
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Post by mix on Mar 7, 2010 17:17:43 GMT
Jethro Tull are one of, maybe my favorite bands. But I base this on the past. I love all the studio albums and I still think Ian is a wonderful musician but he's really let his own standards drop with his poor singing and the fact the he doesn't seem to care. The lack of new music is the killer for me. Yes, the current Tull/Ian is dull and I don't think I'd be too sad if he retired. Thankfully some of the best music ever written lives on their fine catalog of albums and I dare say there is still plenty of live material from their hey day in the vault. But when it is all finally over, the albums are what will remain of Jethro Tull and I think its a great shame that such a fine prolific writer as Anderson has all but dried up these last 10 years or so.
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spenny
Prentice Jack
Posts: 39
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Post by spenny on Mar 7, 2010 17:24:34 GMT
As long as the fans are willing to attend these shows, then they will keep on touring, and why not? Most of the shows sell out. I do agree with you that the lack of new material is very frustrating and I also agree that his vocals are certainly nowhere near what they used to be. Why do you say he doesn't seem to care? Can't say I agree with you on that one, but we are all indeed entitled to our own opinion. I think it will be the fans that decide when enough is enough, when and if the fans stop going to see the band (which, I don't think is ever likely to happen).
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mix
Journeyman
Posts: 136
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Post by mix on Mar 8, 2010 15:12:32 GMT
Why do you say he doesn't seem to care? A number of reasons. Regarding his voice, he must know its sounding bad but he does nothing about it. I've always said his voice suffers because it is exhausted from over-touring but he won't stop. I don't mind that he cannot sing like he used to. I'm fine with that but instead of only playing music that his voice can pull off he continues to do stuff that actually he just can't sing anymore and frankly it sounds bloody awful. Ian has one of my favorite voices and I always thought he was a great singer in the 70's. The album Songs from the wood perhaps being his peak vocal work but we all get old and I wish he would care and take care of what is left of his voice. I also don't think he cares for his most dedicated fan base and seems to refer to them as trainspotter sad types. I think he's bloody lucky to have us! And he clearly doesn't care about putting out new music. Anyway, at least we have the amazing catalog of albums which after 20 years (in my case) is still blowing me away.
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Post by steelmonkey on Mar 8, 2010 17:29:33 GMT
The first peek at a new setlist got me a bit over-excited...maybe because i thought Dun Ringhill was such a great opener, maybe because I missed Budapest the last couple years and I was happy to see my prophecy come true; SFTW getting liberated from the medely. A more sober and thoughtful analysis leaves me disappointed. Where are the rare songs he mentioned in interviews? Where are the surprises for long term fans like last years' debuts of March the mad Scientist and just Trying to Be? Why only one new song when we know there are at least three in concert ready shape? I think Mix is right in guessing that Tull does not prioritize or cater to the long term fans...this is yet another set list designed to gratify first or second time Tull ticket buyers...maybe fans who saw them once or twice 30 years ago and are willing to check them out...or maybe younger fans who want the live version of a classic band they discovered. I think it is no coincidence that 3 title tracks are being played live....easier to turn into CD sales while the memory of the gig is fresh ( note to Ian: The CDs are easily bought used and/or downloaded for free).
If this tour comes to or near me...I'll go...maybe twice if feasible...but the setlist looks like a compromise with songs that Ian and Tull have proved, more or less playable with the current voice restrictions. Nothing is easy and New Day Yesterday are great songs...but played to death the past 20 years and clearly inserted to try sell the Stand-Up reissue. Fat Man and Water Carrier in the same set are redundant...why not Set Aside from the same album...and if we really must chose from a smallish list of feasible songs, Mother Goose has a better heartbeat than old Fat Man. I have no way of really knowing which songs are impossible to sing and which are appropriate for recasting and repitching....couldn't Cry You a Song replace one of the Stand Up cuts. I understand that instrumentals are needed to pace the voice...but instead of pale schmalz like Eurology...what about adventurous instrumental versions of older songs...when Ian's voice was just starting to sputter they did a powerful Pussy Willow with no singing...Instrumental passages from the completely neglected Brick thru Minstrel era would be sooo much better than more Bouree, Serenade. I don't imagine some impossible set list...Balck Sunday-Dark Ages-Seal Driver-Passion Play......I am able to wish within the constraints of voice stress and ever-changing line-ups and even respect that ian and martin may have disowned a certain percentage of their old songs...but tipping the scales a little more toward the frequent flyer fans would be nice.
B
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Post by maddogfagin on Mar 8, 2010 17:49:39 GMT
Good points Bernie. Must admit when I saw the set list I felt a bit better and easier for having to miss this tour due to work arrangements etc. Gone are the days of touring on the back of a new album and gone are the days when audiences didn’t know some of the setlist for any given night. I can only hope that by the time the tour gets to Europe and the States that IA has seen sense and changed things around somewhat.
I still reckon that Tull and IA need a bloody good PA and publicity machine to advise them on what audience members and long suffering fans really want in the context of live shows and new music and albums.
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Post by steelmonkey on Mar 8, 2010 23:19:48 GMT
realistically...how does the message get transmitted to ian that we chronics so enjoyed the rare cuts last time out and want more of the same along with new songs......I hate to think he knows and just doesn't care....the whole New day crowd went ape$h1t for Passion Jig...and we still get serenade/bouree instead of similar instrumental flashbacks from the peak years.
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