Description
Jethro Tull – Songs From The Wood – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
40th anniversary edition. The Steven Wilson Remix
Comes in a shiny cover with a 24-page booklet.
Songs from the Wood is the tenth studio album by British progressive rock band Jethro Tull, released on February 11, 1977. Known for their unique blend of folk, rock, and medieval influences, Songs from the Wood marked a departure from the heavier, more hard-rock sound of Jethro Tull’s earlier albums, embracing instead an intricate, pastoral style deeply rooted in British folklore and traditional folk music. With its lush acoustic instrumentation, complex arrangements, and themes drawn from nature and mythology, the album is a celebration of rural life and the changing seasons, often considered one of Jethro Tull’s finest works and a key entry in the progressive folk rock genre.
By 1977, Jethro Tull was led by frontman Ian Anderson, who served as the band’s primary vocalist, flutist, and songwriter. Anderson’s fascination with British folklore, pagan themes, and the beauty of the countryside heavily influenced Songs from the Wood, resulting in a sound that combines folk melodies, acoustic guitar, and traditional instruments with the band’s progressive rock sensibilities. The album stands out for its intricate, multi-layered arrangements, blending elements of English folk music with Tull’s established rock style, and it’s regarded as the beginning of Jethro Tull’s so-called “folk trilogy,” followed by Heavy Horses (1978) and Stormwatch (1979).
The production is rich and textured, with prominent use of acoustic guitars, flutes, mandolins, and bells, complemented by electric guitars and keyboards. Anderson’s lyricism is vivid and poetic, reflecting both admiration for and playful engagement with the folklore traditions of rural Britain. The album’s themes of nature, mysticism, and simplicity were refreshing for listeners in the mid-70s, resonating as a return to simpler, more grounded concepts in the midst of a rock era often dominated by more extravagant or urban themes.
Key Tracks
“Songs from the Wood” – The title track is an inviting opener, featuring harmonized vocals, intricate guitar work, and a lively rhythm. It celebrates nature and rural life, setting the album’s tone with lyrics that invite listeners to “come join the band.” The track’s pastoral imagery and layered arrangements make it a quintessential Jethro Tull piece.
“Jack-in-the-Green” – A solo piece performed entirely by Anderson, “Jack-in-the-Green” is a nod to English folklore and the mythical figure representing spring and renewal. The song’s acoustic arrangement and whimsical lyrics create a mystical atmosphere, making it one of the album’s most folk-driven tracks.
“Cup of Wonder” – This upbeat, lively track is notable for its celebratory tone and references to British pagan traditions, including May Day celebrations. It has a catchy chorus and showcases the band’s skillful interplay between folk and rock elements.
“Hunting Girl” – A more rock-oriented track, “Hunting Girl” combines progressive rock energy with folk instrumentation. With powerful electric guitar riffs alongside Anderson’s flute, the song tells a playful and slightly risqué tale of a noblewoman and a huntsman.
“Ring Out, Solstice Bells” – A seasonal song celebrating the winter solstice, “Ring Out, Solstice Bells” is a rhythmic and joyful track that captures the spirit of ancient pagan celebrations. The song’s bell-like percussion and layered vocals make it both festive and atmospheric.
“Velvet Green” – One of the album’s standout tracks, “Velvet Green” is a complex piece that blends intricate acoustic guitar work with lush arrangements. The song’s lyrics explore pastoral romance and the beauty of the countryside, creating a vivid musical landscape.
“The Whistler” – Featuring a prominent flute melody, “The Whistler” is a lively tune with an Irish folk influence. The song tells the story of a wandering storyteller, adding a sense of myth and adventure to the album’s themes.
“Pibroch (Cap in Hand)” – One of the darker and more mysterious tracks on the album, “Pibroch” blends bluesy guitar riffs with haunting lyrics and Anderson’s flute, creating a powerful, atmospheric song that contrasts with the album’s lighter moments.
“Fire at Midnight” – Closing the album, “Fire at Midnight” is a gentle and reflective piece that brings the themes of the album full circle. It captures a sense of peace and contentment, symbolizing the warmth and comfort of home and hearth.
Songs from the Wood delves deeply into themes of nature, mythology, and the passage of seasons, evoking imagery of forests, folklore characters, and rural traditions. Anderson’s lyrics draw from ancient pagan and rural British customs, giving the album a timeless quality that speaks to a reverence for nature and a longing for simplicity. The album is both a tribute to the countryside and a playful exploration of the myths that surround it.
The production, handled by Ian Anderson, is lush and intricate, with an emphasis on layering and harmonic richness. Acoustic instruments like mandolins, flutes, and acoustic guitars are foregrounded, giving the album a warm, organic sound that contrasts with Tull’s harder rock albums. The balance between rock and folk elements is carefully crafted, allowing each track to feel both grand and intimate.
Upon its release, Songs from the Wood received critical acclaim and became one of Jethro Tull’s most celebrated albums. Critics praised the album for its innovative approach to folk rock and its intelligent, poetic lyrics. Fans also embraced the album’s nature-inspired themes, finding it a refreshing change from the more elaborate rock themes of the time. The album performed well commercially, reaching the Top 20 on the UK Albums Chart and the Billboard 200 in the United States.
Songs from the Wood remains a high point in Jethro Tull’s career, frequently cited as one of the greatest progressive folk rock albums of all time. It has influenced numerous artists in the folk rock and progressive rock genres, and its themes of nature and tradition continue to resonate with listeners who appreciate music that bridges rock with a deep sense of place and history.
Songs from the Wood endures as a defining album in Jethro Tull’s discography and a masterpiece of progressive folk rock. Its celebration of rural life, British folklore, and natural beauty, combined with the technical skill and creativity of the band, make it a unique and timeless album. For fans of Jethro Tull, progressive rock, or folk music, Songs from the Wood is essential listening, representing a band at the height of their creativity and a celebration of tradition that remains relevant and inspiring decades later.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Songs From The Wood
Jack-In-The-Green
Cup Of Wonder
Hunting Girl
Ring Out, Solstice Bells
Velvet Green
The Whistler
Pibroch (Cap In Hand)
Fire At Midnight
