Album Info
| Artist: | Jethro Tull |
| Album: | Stormwatch |
| Released: | Australia, 1979 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | North Sea Oil | 3:08 |
| A2 | Orion | 3:55 |
| Bass Guitar - John Glascock | ||
| A3 | Home | 2:44 |
| A4 | Dark Ages | 9:07 |
| A5 | Warm Sporran | 3:31 |
| B1 | Something's On The Move | 4:24 |
| B2 | Old Ghosts | 4:20 |
| B3 | Dun Ringill | 2:37 |
| B4 | Flying Dutchman | 7:42 |
| Bass Guitar - John Glascock | ||
| B5 | Elegy | 3:30 |
| Bass Guitar - John Glascock | ||
| Composed By - David Palmer |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
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- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
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- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Stormwatch," released by Jethro Tull in September 1979, marks an intriguing chapter in the band's storied career. This album not only concluded their folk-rock trilogy, which also includes "Songs from the Wood" (1977) and "Heavy Horses" (1978), but it also signaled the end of an era for the band, being the last album to feature the classic late-70s lineup. With its release, Jethro Tull delved deeper into the themes of environmentalism and the perils of technology, subjects that were both prescient and reflective of growing global concerns at the time.
Musically, "Stormwatch" blends the folk elements of its predecessors with more progressive rock influences, creating a sound that is both distinctive and evocative of the era's shifting musical landscape. The album features a range of instruments typical of Jethro Tull, from Ian Anderson's iconic flute to Martin Barre's electric guitar, along with synthesizers that add a new texture to their sound.
One of the standout tracks, "North Sea Oil," opens the album with a direct commentary on the oil boom and its environmental impacts. This track sets the tone for the album, combining a catchy melody with lyrics that critique corporate greed and short-sighted policies. Another highlight, "Dun Ringill," offers a softer, more atmospheric experience. Inspired by an ancient Scottish stone fort near Anderson's home, the song is an invitation to a mystical, eerie place, showcasing Anderson's skillful storytelling and the band's ability to create a haunting mood.
The production of "Stormwatch" was reportedly fraught with difficulties, including tensions within the band and challenges during recording sessions. Despite these issues, the album emerged as a cohesive work that encapsulates the band's complex dynamics and creativity. The cover art, featuring a stormy sea and a lighthouse, perfectly captures the album's themes of turmoil and guidance in the face of adversity.
"Stormwatch" did not achieve the commercial success of some of Jethro Tull's earlier albums, but it has gained a dedicated following over the years. Critics have often noted its darker tone and sophisticated themes, appreciating it more as time has passed. The album's exploration of environmental issues was particularly ahead of its time, predating the global environmental movements that would gain momentum in the following decades.
In terms of accolades, "Stormwatch" did not garner the same level of award nominations or wins as some of Jethro Tull's other works. However, its significance in the band's discography is underscored by its role in transitioning Jethro Tull from the 1970s into the 1980s, leading to further evolutions in their musical style.
For fans of Jethro Tull and newcomers alike, "Stormwatch" offers a rich listening experience. It combines the band's musical prowess with thoughtful lyrics that resonate with contemporary issues. While it may not have been as celebrated as some of their other albums at the time of its release, its relevance and the quality of its compositions have stood the test of time, making it a worthy addition to the collection of any prog-rock enthusiast.
