Like you, I'm a huge Tull fan. Saw two concerts at the Dane County Colosseum in Madison, Wisconsin--Passion Play & War Child. I was captivated by Ian's "mad" persona and his quick wit always had me laughing. When Ian introduced "Bungle in the Jungle", a couple dressed as a zebra came out, the zebra raised it's tail and "bungled" on stage. LOL.
Thanks Ian, another insightful review of War Child. In 74, Tull was a big musical and a sort of lifestyle influence on myself and my friends. Some of us we into the lyrics, some the musicianship, and would play these albums relentlessly. Now, one has the fortune to look back at JT, knowing their full catalogue and see a big picture. But at the time, as albums were released, JT was an anticipated event with many a dispute on what direction the band was headed. An exciting time to witness their development, and seeing them in concert was a real treat. Hearing them perform Thick a a Brick live soon after release was, at the time, a highlight in my musical experience.
This album was my entry point into JT. As an 11 year old boy I was captivated by this album. I was very fortunate to get to see them on this tour at the old Pittsburgh Civic Arena. It's hard for me to choose a favorite album of theirs as I think everything from Aqualung through Stormwatch is classic. Maybe one of the greatest runs in music. But given my history with the band I would say Warchild is near the top. Nice to see it getting some love. Great review!
I particularly like "Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day" as the melody has a number of time changes. The lyrics are thought-provoking. Cosmic Rock!
I just subscribed! I really appreciate your focus on all things, Tull! Warchild is so much fun and whimsical. I always loved the circus like atmosphere. It's a vibe, and Ian's singing is some of his best!
Thanks for the video. Warchild is definitely one of the box sets that want to purchase. In fact, I do not have the album at all. I do however have several tracks on various greatest hits albums. I really like the song "Glory Row" (it's one of my all time favorite tracks).
War Child has always been one of my top three favorite Tull albums. My favorite cut is Sealion. The lyrics are witty, somewhat enigmatic, cynical and colorfully metaphorical, and the music has challenging but definitely catchy atonality alongside complex and occasionally unbalanced rhythm (matching the theme of the song), not an easy feat by any means. What is also striking in this song, and other songs on this album, is the use of a string quartet. When the band toured this album they incorporated a string quartet for the first and last time.
You kind of exactly tell all this in the words I would use to deschribe this album, and indeed this particular release! Only difference is that the orchestral section of this one is something I really revisit often (but then again, unlike you I do like, in particular 20st century, classical music, so if you don't enjoy that I can fully understand this is not your favorite Tull-bit). Just like you I used to believe this was the very best of Steven Wilson's Tull-remixes, up to a few weeks ago, when Bursting Out appeared - strangely enough, especially knowing Wilson was not a fan of remixing live material, I now think that that is Steven's best work on the Tull-catalog. I'll be checking your other video's out later today and this week. I really enjoy the laid back way you talk about the music you love, while never for a moment hiding your enthousiasm about it!
I've never thought of the lyrics to "Skating Away" to be anything close to the subject of climate change, though by the end of the 70's it became more of an obvious concern to him. Metaphor laden, it seems to be more of a rumination on finding or choosing the right path for oneself amidst all the superficial expectations society places on the critical thinker trying to remain true to his or herself. And until that path becomes clear, each day can indeed feel like skating on the thin ice of uncertainty, while warily keeping an eye on the elusive goal of clarity and purpose as we doggedly grope. Hence, brilliant observational wisdom cloaked in metaphor. Written and recorded for "Passion Play", "Skating Away" does very little towards furthering PP's inherently nebulous narrative, but as a standalone song works perfectly on the similarly themed "War Child" and as a single.
It was originally on “A” from 1980, but the video appears on “Slipstream.” “Slipstream” was recently reissued on the “A (A La Mode Edition)” boxed set. Hope this helps.
Good album. My favourite track would be Skating Away. Solitaire is also pretty good, Ian Anderson having written a few short but good tracks over the years, Your Going Wrong and Nursie being particular favourites of mine. Just asking, have you reviewed Minstrel in the Gallery yet?
Skating Away definitely my favorite but I’ve gotten so used to the Chateau version I expect Sailor to start up afterward when I spin Warchild, haha. Have not tackled Minstrel in the Gallery yet! I wonder if it would be worth doing? My next venture will be Heavy Horses since it’s part of the ‘quartet’ of August 23rd reissues.
@@ShedSoundsMediawithIanBeabout Personally speaking I think Minstrel in the Gallery is one of Tulls better albums from the seventies, but they were all good. With such a popular and long lived band with a large back catalogue people are bound to have their own personal favourites, nice to see people like yourself giving your opinions.
@@KevinRudd-w8sit’s an interesting one for sure. Maybe closer to an Ian Anderson solo record than any other 70s recording. I generally try to stick to stuff that’s being reissued to catch folks searching, but I’ll definitely consider it in the coming weeks.
@@barnsy8935 yes, I know the guy who makes them. I will see him in a few weeks and I was planning on collecting some contact info for him since I get so many lovely comments about it (even on non Tull videos)
@@barnsy8935 actually I just peeped at his Facebook page and found where you can order them online. In the future I’ll be adding this link to my description on all videos. www.judsdesigns.com/throwblankets/
Please tell me where you are able to purchase these reissued box sets in the United States. The only place that seems to have them at this time is Burning Shed in the UK. Thanks.
I ordered the four piece set from Burning Shed. I missed out on these originally and never forgave myself. I wasn’t going to repeat that error. I received them on the 23 rd. The only set I do not have is “Too old…”. Hopefully that will reprint soon too.
@@Nuclearmagenta I’m glad you received them. They are really impressive sets. I wonder why anyone doing a box set wouldn’t capitalize on this format. I like ithis format better than the 12 inch box sets from Porcupine Tree and Pineapple Thief.
This is one of the Tull albums that is not one of my favorites. Passion Play is good, but I don't think it is as good as Thick As A Brick. This is like the rejects from Passion Play. There is some good stuff in Warchild like the experimenting with ending a song and then breaking back into it multiple times and fading away - it is brilliant Backdoor Angels.
I can't see the connection between Skating Away on the Thin Ice of A New Day and climate change- to me it feels like a personal song about insecurity and the 'life' theme he focuses on.
Yes, Ian has specifically said he wrote it with climate change in mind, though that was when they thought we were going into another ice age rather than global warming, hence the ice “This was my first song talking about the issue of ecology and, in this specific case, climate change. Back in those days, scientists believed that we were heading towards a period of global cooling, that we could be heading towards a new ice age”
Tea lady in the studio asking IA if he wants a cup of tea? I don't think so. Wasn't it a 'wife' saying to her husband 'do you want another cup of tea dear?' before war breaks out.
@@johndevlin1792presumably yes. I think of it like the studio secretary who did the infamous “be quiet big boys don’t cry” bit in 10cc’s I’m Not in Love … a bit of reality blurring with art.
I understood is this way, too, it didn't matter who it spoke. Btw my friend and I (in school days) loved Passion Play and do it still today, though we deeped dive into classical music since then.
Like you, I'm a huge Tull fan. Saw two concerts at the Dane County Colosseum in Madison, Wisconsin--Passion Play & War Child. I was captivated by Ian's "mad" persona and his quick wit always had me laughing. When Ian introduced "Bungle in the Jungle", a couple dressed as a zebra came out, the zebra raised it's tail and "bungled" on stage. LOL.
We think alike. A Passion Play happens to be my favorite album of all time.
WarChild is right up there too.
Thanks Ian, another insightful review of War Child. In 74, Tull was a big musical and a sort of lifestyle influence on myself and my friends. Some of us we into the lyrics, some the musicianship, and would play these albums relentlessly. Now, one has the fortune to look back at JT, knowing their full catalogue and see a big picture. But at the time, as albums were released, JT was an anticipated event with many a dispute on what direction the band was headed. An exciting time to witness their development, and seeing them in concert was a real treat. Hearing them perform Thick a a Brick live soon after release was, at the time, a highlight in my musical experience.
Thanks Ian. Loved the video. Warchild is excellent. A Passion Play is my all time favorite album too. Hands down
This album was my entry point into JT. As an 11 year old boy I was captivated by this album. I was very fortunate to get to see them on this tour at the old Pittsburgh Civic Arena. It's hard for me to choose a favorite album of theirs as I think everything from Aqualung through Stormwatch is classic. Maybe one of the greatest runs in music. But given my history with the band I would say Warchild is near the top. Nice to see it getting some love. Great review!
First Tull record I ever bought.. just listened to it the other day. Never gets old
I particularly like "Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day" as the melody has a number of time changes. The lyrics are thought-provoking. Cosmic Rock!
It totally rules, in my humble opinion
Two Fingers is one of my favorite deep tracks from any band.
One of my favorite albums!
I just subscribed! I really appreciate your focus on all things, Tull! Warchild is so much fun and whimsical. I always loved the circus like atmosphere. It's a vibe, and Ian's singing is some of his best!
The only Tull album I don't have is Passion Play, so, after watching this, you've talked me into finally ordering the bugger - well done!
Look out for the deluxe edition reissue this Friday !
Some day the world will wake up and realize Tull is the greatest band ever and IA the modern musical genius.
Thanks for the video. Warchild is definitely one of the box sets that want to purchase. In fact, I do not have the album at all. I do however have several tracks on various greatest hits albums. I really like the song "Glory Row" (it's one of my all time favorite tracks).
I was just saying that’s one of my favorite Tull outtakes, and the better of the MU tracks
WarChild is my favourite Tull album.
War Child has always been one of my top three favorite Tull albums. My favorite cut is Sealion. The lyrics are witty, somewhat enigmatic, cynical and colorfully metaphorical, and the music has challenging but definitely catchy atonality alongside complex and occasionally unbalanced rhythm (matching the theme of the song), not an easy feat by any means. What is also striking in this song, and other songs on this album, is the use of a string quartet. When the band toured this album they incorporated a string quartet for the first and last time.
Really digging your focus on Tull lately. I have been listening non stop to the new Bursting out. Warchild has always been hit and miss for me.
@@peterock4210 we just recorded an hour long discussion on that, look for it on my channel (in case you haven’t seen it already !)
You kind of exactly tell all this in the words I would use to deschribe this album, and indeed this particular release!
Only difference is that the orchestral section of this one is something I really revisit often (but then again, unlike you I do like, in particular 20st century, classical music, so if you don't enjoy that I can fully understand this is not your favorite Tull-bit).
Just like you I used to believe this was the very best of Steven Wilson's Tull-remixes, up to a few weeks ago, when Bursting Out appeared - strangely enough, especially knowing Wilson was not a fan of remixing live material, I now think that that is Steven's best work on the Tull-catalog.
I'll be checking your other video's out later today and this week. I really enjoy the laid back way you talk about the music you love, while never for a moment hiding your enthousiasm about it!
WarChild is totally under-rated, great album, specially with disc 2 available (again) !!
I've never thought of the lyrics to "Skating Away" to be anything close to the subject of climate change, though by the end of the 70's it became more of an obvious concern to him. Metaphor laden, it seems to be more of a rumination on finding or choosing the right path for oneself amidst all the superficial expectations society places on the critical thinker trying to remain true to his or herself. And until that path becomes clear, each day can indeed feel like skating on the thin ice of uncertainty, while warily keeping an eye on the elusive goal of clarity and purpose as we doggedly grope. Hence, brilliant observational wisdom cloaked in metaphor.
Written and recorded for "Passion Play", "Skating Away" does very little towards furthering PP's inherently nebulous narrative, but as a standalone song works perfectly on the similarly themed "War Child" and as a single.
Does anyone know the name of the movie tull made that included flyingdale flyer?
It was originally on “A” from 1980, but the video appears on “Slipstream.” “Slipstream” was recently reissued on the “A (A La Mode Edition)” boxed set. Hope this helps.
Good album. My favourite track would be Skating Away. Solitaire is also pretty good, Ian Anderson having written a few short but good tracks over the years, Your Going Wrong and Nursie being particular favourites of mine. Just asking, have you reviewed Minstrel in the Gallery yet?
Skating Away definitely my favorite but I’ve gotten so used to the Chateau version I expect Sailor to start up afterward when I spin Warchild, haha.
Have not tackled Minstrel in the Gallery yet! I wonder if it would be worth doing? My next venture will be Heavy Horses since it’s part of the ‘quartet’ of August 23rd reissues.
@@ShedSoundsMediawithIanBeabout Personally speaking I think Minstrel in the Gallery is one of Tulls better albums from the seventies, but they were all good. With such a popular and long lived band with a large back catalogue people are bound to have their own personal favourites, nice to see people like yourself giving your opinions.
@@KevinRudd-w8sit’s an interesting one for sure. Maybe closer to an Ian Anderson solo record than any other 70s recording. I generally try to stick to stuff that’s being reissued to catch folks searching, but I’ll definitely consider it in the coming weeks.
My favorite song on War Child is The Third Hurrah.
@@genegibson1690 great one
PS. The Stand Up tapestry ... are they still available to buy?
@@barnsy8935 yes, I know the guy who makes them. I will see him in a few weeks and I was planning on collecting some contact info for him since I get so many lovely comments about it (even on non Tull videos)
@@barnsy8935 actually I just peeped at his Facebook page and found where you can order them online. In the future I’ll be adding this link to my description on all videos.
www.judsdesigns.com/throwblankets/
Not a fan of palmers orchestrations, though I liked it when he was in the band on tour. The portative pipe organ made such cool sounds.
Please tell me where you are able to purchase these reissued box sets in the United States. The only place that seems to have them at this time is Burning Shed in the UK. Thanks.
@@Nuclearmagenta I asked a friend and client who runs a U.S. store and he says he thinks they are UK only, so sorry about that
I ordered the four piece set from Burning Shed. I missed out on these originally and never forgave myself. I wasn’t going to repeat that error. I received them on the 23 rd. The only set I do not have is “Too old…”. Hopefully that will reprint soon too.
@@AudioAl5195 I did the same. And I received my order on August 21, two days before the supposed release date.
@@Nuclearmagenta I’m glad you received them. They are really impressive sets. I wonder why anyone doing a box set wouldn’t capitalize on this format. I like ithis format better than the 12 inch box sets from Porcupine Tree and Pineapple Thief.
@@AudioAl5195 I fully agree! And I like DHL so much better than FedEx! I wish they were an option for domestic delivery.
This is one of the Tull albums that is not one of my favorites. Passion Play is good, but I don't think it is as good as Thick As A Brick.
This is like the rejects from Passion Play. There is some good stuff in Warchild like the experimenting with ending a song and then breaking back into it multiple times and fading away - it is brilliant Backdoor Angels.
I can't see the connection between Skating Away on the Thin Ice of A New Day and climate change- to me it feels like a personal song about insecurity and the 'life' theme he focuses on.
@@malcolmpinch5234 not conjecture on my part, Ian says he was thinking of climate change in the book included with this set
Yes, Ian has specifically said he wrote it with climate change in mind, though that was when they thought we were going into another ice age rather than global warming, hence the ice
“This was my first song talking about the issue of ecology and, in this specific case, climate change. Back in those days, scientists believed that we were heading towards a period of global cooling, that we could be heading towards a new ice age”
Tea lady in the studio asking IA if he wants a cup of tea? I don't think so. Wasn't it a 'wife' saying to her husband 'do you want another cup of tea dear?' before war breaks out.
@@johndevlin1792 the liner notes in the deluxe edition say it was the studio tea lady
@@ShedSoundsMediawithIanBeabout I stand corrected! Acting the part of a wife then? You learn something new every day. Thanks.
@@johndevlin1792presumably yes. I think of it like the studio secretary who did the infamous “be quiet big boys don’t cry” bit in 10cc’s I’m Not in Love … a bit of reality blurring with art.
I understood is this way, too, it didn't matter who it spoke. Btw my friend and I (in school days) loved Passion Play and do it still today, though we deeped dive into classical music since then.
Not my favourite Tull album , although it has some decent tracks. The title track is poor.
No it's not.