Ian Anderson - Homo Erraticus

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Stands up,  but not enough evolution!

Ian Anderson is best known as the front person of legendary Prog Rock and Folk band Jethro Tull. This is marking a departure of sorts in that he has recently stated that all new recordings including this one will be under his own, rather than the band name. I don’t think the hardcore fans need to worry too much though, it seems the name change is the real departure, musically it is still very much business as usual.

I admit to having limited knowledge of Jethro Tull music, they are one of those bands I have heard a lot about without ever really following up, not through a lack of interest but the paths just never crossed until now. As soon as I think Jethro Tull the image of the lead man, the very same Ian Anderson, on one leg playing the flute are instantly evoked. I may personally have missed them, but over sixty million album sales suggest I am in the minority here.

In another sense that gives me a semi blank canvas to review, which perhaps in such an iconic act is no bad thing. The flute is certainly very much in the forefront as would be expected all the way from opening track ‘Doggerland’ to the closing one ‘Cold dead Reckoning’. I was surprised by the mix of styles that were present throughout too, with a mix of Folk and Prog Rock, of course, but with more elements of rock guitar such as in ‘The Pax Brittannica’ in there too. Again I refer back to my limited knowledge, but infinite interest in finding out before everybody tells me they are all like that.

Very much in the Folk style most of the songs are stories, whether historic or updated for the modern era such as ‘The Turnpike Inn’ may sound like something from Daphne De Maurier but mentions the super-highway. While others take more traditional tales and give them his unique twist. So what I do think of it? Well musically it is great obviously very talented songwriters and accomplished musicians.

I think this is certainly one for those lovers of the previous offerings but for me disappointingly I am not sure it's as good as I wanted it to be, and I am not sure by the end if it won me over or not to be honest. It's really good but can’t see myself coming back to it much, maybe on a quiet day but by about two two thirds through I felt it was no longer holding my attention and the structures were just too similar for each song. I am sure some would see that as sacrilege to a long standing musical legend, but I am sure those that love him will not mind what I think... and are just pleased that an act can still be making music and being talked about for over fifty years and counting.

Check Out! the lyric Video for 'Enter the Uninvited ' Below...