The Secret Language of Birds, by Patrick
Lydon
Mr. Ian Anderson is to us, the Tull fanatics (or
avid fans), a hero of the music world, and maybe even a role model for
some. His music has held a special place in our lives for many years, and
hopefully will for years to come. One thing that I am sure many Jethro
Tull fans have been disappointed in is the lack of solo efforts from Ian.
From the synth-heavy first attempt at this feat with "A Walk Into
Light", to the beautiful masterpiece of works for flute and orchestra
in "Twelve Dances With God", it seems that some of the Tull
crowd might seem left out. Those looking for an Anderson release that
exposed the "acoustic" side of Ian's musical thoughts were left
listening to the likes of "Cheap Day Return" over and over…
Now, with the release of "The Secret Language of Birds"
…passionately referred to as SLOB… the hungers of those fans can
finally be fulfilled.
Ian's new recording utilizes a good amount of mandolin
when compared to many of his previous works, as well as the always-welcome
flavors extracted from Ian's flute and guitar work. And they are
"tasty" flavors at that!
While I appreciate all of the songs on most every Tull
album, I noticed something that is present here, and not present in any
previous Tull album. You can listen to this CD once, and like most of the
tracks on it right away, even fall in love with a few! The first song on
the album is one that you may have heard already if you purchased Tull's
most recent record "J-Tull Dot Com". It is the title track
"The Secret Language of Birds". I might say it is a good tone
setter for the rest of the album, but that would only partially be true.
Yes, it is an acoustic piece, as are all of the tracks, but it seems to be
set apart from the rest of the album in more ways than one. "The
Little Flower Girl" is the second track and it has a very gripping
melody, one that I could listen to over and over without tiring of.
Strings slide in and out, giving a sensitive yet strong backing to the
acoustic instrumentals, and vocals from Ian. The light-staccato flute
passages from "Postcard Day" seem to float, and blend seamlessly
with the soft rhythmic ideas present here. A very diffrent sounding track
"The Water Carrier" seems to have a middle-eastern influence and
an interesting lyrical feel as you are taken through a very descriptive
and feeling journey with a water carrier. The short and touching
"Set-Aside" seems to be sadly describing a long forgotten, and
out of the way, yet beautiful place.
The next song, you should immediately fall in love with.
"Sanctuary" is a very touching song that switches between two
similar musical ideas with some very skillful violin counter-melodies and
supporting lines from the "illusive, indeed almost legendary,
Monsieur Roland Bord-du-Quaiand". These violin parts, according to
Ian, were added at the last minute. A good thing, because is seems to make
this song what it is. "The Secret Language Of Birds Part II",
weather a continuation of the first track or a different take on a
concept, seems to be very different indeed, both musically, and lyrically,
and offers a departure from it's predecessor. One of two instrumental
tracks, "Boris Dancing" is Ian's take on poor old Boris Yeltsin,
in quite a strange situation, pretty song though, with some seemingly
tricky time signature shifts as per usual! "Circular Breathing"
is a very beautiful song, with Ian's vocals coming through very nicely.
"The Stormont Shuffle" is the last track on the disc and second
of two instrumental songs. Its divided melodic ideas are representative of
the struggle between political forces, and if you listen to it
subjectively, these divisions will come out and hit you on the head,
leaving you maybe to wonder just what forces Ian is talking about. (Hint,
Check out j-tull.com for the answer!) If you don't, then you will still be
sitting happily, listening to a perfect end to a spectacular album.
The Secret Language of Birds is to be released on March
7th in North America on the Fuel 2000 label. Anyone who purchases this
album, Tull fan or not, should be quite happy (and even ecstatic) as it
seems to please the most common musical yearnings and more. I give my
Congratulations to Ian Anderson for a more than fine showing of his
musical thoughts and talents. My wishes that gives the world many more
years of musical entertainment!
Patrick Lydon,
February 9, 2000
Patrick's Jethro Tull Site
Please feel free to e-mail me at patrick@tullworld.com
for comments on this article, as well as questions or concerns about
reproduction of the article.
It is unlawful to copy and or use any information
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