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Track Listings
| 1. From A Pebble Thrown |
| 2. Pebbles Instrumental |
| 3. Might-have-beens |
| 4. Upper Sixth Loan Shark |
| 5. Banker Bets, Banker Wins |
| 6. Swing It Far |
| 7. Adrift And Dumfounded |
| 8. Old School Song |
| 9. Wootton Bassett Town |
| 10. Power And Spirit |
| 11. Give Till It Hurts |
| 12. Cosy Corner |
| 13. Shunt And Shuffle |
| 14. A Change Of Horses |
| 15. Confessional |
| 16. Kismet In Suburbia |
| 17. What-ifs, Maybes And Might-have-beens |
Editorial Reviews
In 1972, Ian Anderson wrote and recorded the Jethro Tull Progressive Rock classic album Thick As A Brick . The lyrics were credited at the time to the fictitious child character, Gerald Bostock, whose parents supposedly lied about his age. The record instantly became a number one Billboard Chart album and enjoyed considerable success in many countries of the world.
So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock aged fifty in 2012 be doing today? What might have befallen him? The anniversary part two album will examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life through alter-ego characters with song-section identities illustrating the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignificant they might seem at the time.
So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock aged fifty in 2012 be doing today? What might have befallen him? The anniversary part two album will examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life through alter-ego characters with song-section identities illustrating the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignificant they might seem at the time.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
235 of 247 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a hard album to judge in any objective way. If you are a newcommer it may be hard to understand and yet most people who are likely to buy the album are also likely to think it should have never been made in the first place, for several different reasons.
First of all, Jethro Tull's 1972 album Thick As A Brick is a beloved classic of the genre, that doesn't really need a sequel both because it worked on its own and because it was a deliberate send up of concept albums themselves. Besides that, the story of this sequel is about the life of the fictional writer of the previous album Gerald Bostock and not the lyrics of the actual album itself. Therefore in essence, this is more of a sequel to the album's artwork or meta-narrative than its narrative, which is a weird thought.
Secondly, this album is not released under the same Jethro Tull band-name that the previous Thick As A Brick was. This situation is almost like Roger Waters releasing The Wall 2 as a solo album, which is another weird thought, and sure to cause confusion when filing. You could find yourself thinking too much about whether you file it as an Ian Anderson album, a Jethro Tull album or under a new category called `Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson.'
Another point is "why now?" It has been so long since the first one. Ian's voice has changed so much, his playing style has changed so much and the music scene has changed so much. Surely Ian would know how defensive of the original everyone would be after this much time. No album will look good when it has to be compared to something that people have loved for decades.
Finally, Martin Barre, who has been on every single Jethro Tull album ever, except their debut, is absent. The album is called Thick As A Brick 2, but doesn't have Martin Barre on board. This is arguably the weirdest thought of all, but then Ian wrote so much himself that you can understand his decision, even if you don't agree with it.
With all those things stacked against it, some people will dismiss the album altogether and say that it should never have been made. However seeing as it actually HAS been made, the main question that people should be asking is how good is it?
In my opinion it is actually pretty good, but only if you allow yourself to get really objective about it. It in no way lives up to its predecessor, but then no one realistically expected it to. It doesn't much sound like the original at all, more like a mixture between Heavy Horses, Chateau D'isaster and Dot Com.
Tracks like `Shunt And Shuffle' are energetic and heavy, there is a mixture between tasteful moments (`A Change Of Horses'), humour and whimsical silliness (`Cosy Corner' and `Give Till It Hurts') and a lot of flute work, which is what I always like about most of Ian and Tull's work. Interestingly, the lyrics bring up A Passion Play and Locomotive Breath, make of that what you will.
Structurally, the album does not follow the same formula as the original album, specifically it isn't just one giant song from start to finish, although as it is still a concept album it does flow together a bit more than just a standard album would. `Old School Song' actually sounds like the original album too and there are a few musical ques from the original; for example the album begins like the gap between sides one and two and the record ends with a completely unexpected reprise of the original albums `So You Ride Yourselves Over The Fields' bit, with the word `two' added on.
There are these few connections with the original, in addition to the lyrics and artwork but in all actuality most of the material, for example `Wooten Basset Town' and `Upper Sixth Loan Shark' are much more like the last two proper Jethro Tull Studio albums, Roots To Branches and the aforementioned Dot Com. If you stripped away all the Thick As A Brick elements, it'd still be one of the strongest albums with Ian on it in years. Basically, If you like Ian's newer talking-vocals and the big power chords and mid paced songs that pick up for the solos, then this is going to be right up your street.
If however you don't like Ian's solo albums or the sort of albums that Tull have been making since 1989's Rock Island, then there is a very strong possibility that this is not going to be something that you enjoy.
Overall; if just being related to Thick As A Brick isn't enough for you, then maybe give Thick As A Brick 2 a miss. However if you do like albums like Dot Com and The Secret Language Of Birds, and if you don't feel too upset about the lack of Barre and the whole name situation, then by all means give it a shot. It is actually a pretty solid album with enough enjoyable songs to keep you interested, if you are willing to forgive its flaws.
*** If you should buy the special edition, this version is housed in a double-digipak and comes with a booklet featuring linear notes, the CD and a DVD which contains alternative mixes of the TAAB2 album (but not TAAB1 in case you were wondering.) You can pick the audio of the album in a choice of formats: DTS 5.1, Dolby AC3 5.1 or 24/48 Stereo LPCM.
Furthermore, this disc contains PDF files of the fake St Cleve site that this album uses as analogous to the original album's fake newspaper, as well as PDFs of the lyrics in various languages, a 15 minute making of video, a 15 minute interview video and a 20 minute lyric reading video in front of green screen backgrounds. Altogether, this is a neat DVD and is worth checking out if you can get the version for a reasonable price. ***
First of all, Jethro Tull's 1972 album Thick As A Brick is a beloved classic of the genre, that doesn't really need a sequel both because it worked on its own and because it was a deliberate send up of concept albums themselves. Besides that, the story of this sequel is about the life of the fictional writer of the previous album Gerald Bostock and not the lyrics of the actual album itself. Therefore in essence, this is more of a sequel to the album's artwork or meta-narrative than its narrative, which is a weird thought.
Secondly, this album is not released under the same Jethro Tull band-name that the previous Thick As A Brick was. This situation is almost like Roger Waters releasing The Wall 2 as a solo album, which is another weird thought, and sure to cause confusion when filing. You could find yourself thinking too much about whether you file it as an Ian Anderson album, a Jethro Tull album or under a new category called `Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson.'
Another point is "why now?" It has been so long since the first one. Ian's voice has changed so much, his playing style has changed so much and the music scene has changed so much. Surely Ian would know how defensive of the original everyone would be after this much time. No album will look good when it has to be compared to something that people have loved for decades.
Finally, Martin Barre, who has been on every single Jethro Tull album ever, except their debut, is absent. The album is called Thick As A Brick 2, but doesn't have Martin Barre on board. This is arguably the weirdest thought of all, but then Ian wrote so much himself that you can understand his decision, even if you don't agree with it.
With all those things stacked against it, some people will dismiss the album altogether and say that it should never have been made. However seeing as it actually HAS been made, the main question that people should be asking is how good is it?
In my opinion it is actually pretty good, but only if you allow yourself to get really objective about it. It in no way lives up to its predecessor, but then no one realistically expected it to. It doesn't much sound like the original at all, more like a mixture between Heavy Horses, Chateau D'isaster and Dot Com.
Tracks like `Shunt And Shuffle' are energetic and heavy, there is a mixture between tasteful moments (`A Change Of Horses'), humour and whimsical silliness (`Cosy Corner' and `Give Till It Hurts') and a lot of flute work, which is what I always like about most of Ian and Tull's work. Interestingly, the lyrics bring up A Passion Play and Locomotive Breath, make of that what you will.
Structurally, the album does not follow the same formula as the original album, specifically it isn't just one giant song from start to finish, although as it is still a concept album it does flow together a bit more than just a standard album would. `Old School Song' actually sounds like the original album too and there are a few musical ques from the original; for example the album begins like the gap between sides one and two and the record ends with a completely unexpected reprise of the original albums `So You Ride Yourselves Over The Fields' bit, with the word `two' added on.
There are these few connections with the original, in addition to the lyrics and artwork but in all actuality most of the material, for example `Wooten Basset Town' and `Upper Sixth Loan Shark' are much more like the last two proper Jethro Tull Studio albums, Roots To Branches and the aforementioned Dot Com. If you stripped away all the Thick As A Brick elements, it'd still be one of the strongest albums with Ian on it in years. Basically, If you like Ian's newer talking-vocals and the big power chords and mid paced songs that pick up for the solos, then this is going to be right up your street.
If however you don't like Ian's solo albums or the sort of albums that Tull have been making since 1989's Rock Island, then there is a very strong possibility that this is not going to be something that you enjoy.
Overall; if just being related to Thick As A Brick isn't enough for you, then maybe give Thick As A Brick 2 a miss. However if you do like albums like Dot Com and The Secret Language Of Birds, and if you don't feel too upset about the lack of Barre and the whole name situation, then by all means give it a shot. It is actually a pretty solid album with enough enjoyable songs to keep you interested, if you are willing to forgive its flaws.
*** If you should buy the special edition, this version is housed in a double-digipak and comes with a booklet featuring linear notes, the CD and a DVD which contains alternative mixes of the TAAB2 album (but not TAAB1 in case you were wondering.) You can pick the audio of the album in a choice of formats: DTS 5.1, Dolby AC3 5.1 or 24/48 Stereo LPCM.
Furthermore, this disc contains PDF files of the fake St Cleve site that this album uses as analogous to the original album's fake newspaper, as well as PDFs of the lyrics in various languages, a 15 minute making of video, a 15 minute interview video and a 20 minute lyric reading video in front of green screen backgrounds. Altogether, this is a neat DVD and is worth checking out if you can get the version for a reasonable price. ***
55 of 58 people found the following review helpful
By eburne
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This album is a mediation on finding oneself suddenly past middle age in a world dominated by suburbia, Starbucks, and Ebay (not to mention Amazon.com). Thematically it explores the various possible lives of Ian Anderson's fictional alter-ego, the boy-poet Gerald Bostock, in the years since 1972. From getting groped by a schoolmaster to becoming a cutthroat banker, Bostock's various life-paths suggest that this album is as much Anderson's take on contemporary popular culture as it is a look back at the 40 years since Bostock's (and Jethro Tull's) precocious early efforts in "Thick as a Brick."
As opposed to its 1972 precursor, TAAB2 is less a single musical sequence than a mosaic of interwoven motifs and fragments; in construction it thus resembles as much Brian Wilson's "Smile" as any long-play progressive-rock opus. This is neither good nor bad; it's simply the way this album is built. The 17 tracks include brief spoken-word sections, a duet (a first for Anderson, I think), and even a brief donation-pitch from a Southern televangelist: Ian Anderson putting on his best American accent. Some of the album's strongest tunes are very brief, almost maddeningly so; this has long been a tradition with Anderson's songwriting. "Upper Sixth Loan Shark," "Power and Spirit" and "Give Till It Hurts" are as brief as any of the short songs from the "Aqualung" album, and the latter two are easily as critical of the Anglican Church. Throughout, the album's numerous vocal effects add a welcome dynamism to Anderson's aging voice. Far from considering this voice a liability -- as is the case for so many die-hard fans who first saw Jethro Tull in concert in the 70s-- the songs on this album warrant the grizzled, often heavily distorted tone of an older man's voice. And on the quieter songs, the breathlessness of his higher registers rings out with painful sweetness.
The album's most important and most melodically accomplished songs are two of the songs that Jethro Tull and Anderson had been playing in concert over the past several years: "A Change of Horses" and "Adrift and Dumbfounded." A third, the magnificent "Kismet in Suburbia," is a welcome surprise, and is my current favorite on the entire album-- in my opinion one of Anderson's strongest compositions.
With regard to some of the angry criticism from certain longstanding Tull fans: indeed, this is not a Jethro Tull album. TAAB2 is, in spite of its multiple, karmic incarnations of Gerald Bostock, a defiantly solo effort. Indeed, it is so much a solo record that it seeks to reclaim the 1972 "Thick as a Brick" as something of a solo effort as well. Here I part ways with some of the publicity for the album, which downplays the contribution of Anderson's band-mates in the past, particularly Jethro Tull's longtime guitarist Martin Barre. Yes, Anderson writes all of the songs for Jethro Tull; but the songs themselves have always been group efforts in the end, always bearing the contributions of the band members. To this end, TAAB2 likewise bears the signature of Ian's current solo band; there's less counterpoint than in the original "Thick as a Brick" album, and fewer extended instrumental passages. But the solo band is a good one, breaking in some interesting new sounds and tones that may or may not find their way back into Jethro Tull music in the future (two of the musicians, the pianist John O'Hara and the bassist David Goodier, are in both bands).
In short, I find this is a fascinating, listenable, and at times deeply moving album. It's an album with a history-- this is, after all, its very premise-- and yet it also rings true as a piece of contemporary music attentive to the poignancy of how quickly we can cease to be contemporary, becoming out of step with the contemporary life that surrounds us.
As opposed to its 1972 precursor, TAAB2 is less a single musical sequence than a mosaic of interwoven motifs and fragments; in construction it thus resembles as much Brian Wilson's "Smile" as any long-play progressive-rock opus. This is neither good nor bad; it's simply the way this album is built. The 17 tracks include brief spoken-word sections, a duet (a first for Anderson, I think), and even a brief donation-pitch from a Southern televangelist: Ian Anderson putting on his best American accent. Some of the album's strongest tunes are very brief, almost maddeningly so; this has long been a tradition with Anderson's songwriting. "Upper Sixth Loan Shark," "Power and Spirit" and "Give Till It Hurts" are as brief as any of the short songs from the "Aqualung" album, and the latter two are easily as critical of the Anglican Church. Throughout, the album's numerous vocal effects add a welcome dynamism to Anderson's aging voice. Far from considering this voice a liability -- as is the case for so many die-hard fans who first saw Jethro Tull in concert in the 70s-- the songs on this album warrant the grizzled, often heavily distorted tone of an older man's voice. And on the quieter songs, the breathlessness of his higher registers rings out with painful sweetness.
The album's most important and most melodically accomplished songs are two of the songs that Jethro Tull and Anderson had been playing in concert over the past several years: "A Change of Horses" and "Adrift and Dumbfounded." A third, the magnificent "Kismet in Suburbia," is a welcome surprise, and is my current favorite on the entire album-- in my opinion one of Anderson's strongest compositions.
With regard to some of the angry criticism from certain longstanding Tull fans: indeed, this is not a Jethro Tull album. TAAB2 is, in spite of its multiple, karmic incarnations of Gerald Bostock, a defiantly solo effort. Indeed, it is so much a solo record that it seeks to reclaim the 1972 "Thick as a Brick" as something of a solo effort as well. Here I part ways with some of the publicity for the album, which downplays the contribution of Anderson's band-mates in the past, particularly Jethro Tull's longtime guitarist Martin Barre. Yes, Anderson writes all of the songs for Jethro Tull; but the songs themselves have always been group efforts in the end, always bearing the contributions of the band members. To this end, TAAB2 likewise bears the signature of Ian's current solo band; there's less counterpoint than in the original "Thick as a Brick" album, and fewer extended instrumental passages. But the solo band is a good one, breaking in some interesting new sounds and tones that may or may not find their way back into Jethro Tull music in the future (two of the musicians, the pianist John O'Hara and the bassist David Goodier, are in both bands).
In short, I find this is a fascinating, listenable, and at times deeply moving album. It's an album with a history-- this is, after all, its very premise-- and yet it also rings true as a piece of contemporary music attentive to the poignancy of how quickly we can cease to be contemporary, becoming out of step with the contemporary life that surrounds us.
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
TAAB2 first impression. I think this will become something I listen to a lot more in the future. The concept Ian approaches with this is very interesting to me and poignant to my personal place in life. If you are expecting Thick As A Brick I you may be disappointed.
If you are willing to take Ian's journey into Gerald's possible futures (pasts?) at this point there are many twists and turns and expansive ideas wound into this yarn. I like the notion of the different possibilities of Gerald Bostock winding up on different streets roads and parkways of the same streetname in the 'Kismet In Suburbia' track. Ian's poetry is always top notch and it is something that is often overshadowed by his virtuosity. Lean on flute and heavy on the acoustic guitar that is an equally overlooked aspect of his pallet. Maybe he intended to flip this script intentionally to address the attention of his storytelling on this one.
TAAB2 is not time returned out of mind but Brick in time as it flows today. The lyrical allusions to Passion Play were not lost on me on 'Cozy Corner.' I wonder what former Gentle Giant frontman and record exec Derek Shulman thought of Ian's response to his press to continue Gerald's story?
This album is an interesting departure from the modern journey of the venerable Tull but does pay attention to Ian's current direction as he is not one to rewrite what has been written though he will perfom the fire out of what has been done. I think it's a fresh twist for Ian and thoroughly enjoyed it but I may be more open minded than most. 'Swing It Far,' and make sure you listen to 'A Change of Horses' dig the glockenspiel.
If you're expecting a bombastic rehashing of the original it isn't. If you are a true Tull fan and still interested in some adventurous new music from Ian Anderson it is a must have.
If you are willing to take Ian's journey into Gerald's possible futures (pasts?) at this point there are many twists and turns and expansive ideas wound into this yarn. I like the notion of the different possibilities of Gerald Bostock winding up on different streets roads and parkways of the same streetname in the 'Kismet In Suburbia' track. Ian's poetry is always top notch and it is something that is often overshadowed by his virtuosity. Lean on flute and heavy on the acoustic guitar that is an equally overlooked aspect of his pallet. Maybe he intended to flip this script intentionally to address the attention of his storytelling on this one.
TAAB2 is not time returned out of mind but Brick in time as it flows today. The lyrical allusions to Passion Play were not lost on me on 'Cozy Corner.' I wonder what former Gentle Giant frontman and record exec Derek Shulman thought of Ian's response to his press to continue Gerald's story?
This album is an interesting departure from the modern journey of the venerable Tull but does pay attention to Ian's current direction as he is not one to rewrite what has been written though he will perfom the fire out of what has been done. I think it's a fresh twist for Ian and thoroughly enjoyed it but I may be more open minded than most. 'Swing It Far,' and make sure you listen to 'A Change of Horses' dig the glockenspiel.
If you're expecting a bombastic rehashing of the original it isn't. If you are a true Tull fan and still interested in some adventurous new music from Ian Anderson it is a must have.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good memory with a New twist
ian Anderson is still a greath artist. rocker AND ministrel in the same music. Lyric is fresh and poetic. Good music
Published 8 days ago by nelson théberge
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!
Excellent album, surprisingly good in fact! This record really sounds like a bona fide follow-up to the original Thick as a Brick, and has quite a few great songs that would fit in... Read more
Published 12 days ago by Jorge Pawsoda
4.0 out of 5 stars
love his music
I really enjoy Ian Anderson's flute playing. Where seeing him in October, Thick As A Brick concert tour. Can't wait.
Published 12 days ago by MICHAEL STERNBACH
4.0 out of 5 stars
TAAB2
I've been a Tull fan from the beginning. There are some really good moments on this CD. Ian's voice sounds pretty good compared to what I've heard live. Read more
Published 21 days ago by TomWagner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
Great gift! I bought this for my dad for Christmas and he loved it as much as I hoped he would.
Published 28 days ago by Raine Ruiz
4.0 out of 5 stars
Something's Missing.....
Listened to TAAB2 quite a few times and while I think its brilliant, there is something missing. Couldn't help thinking 'What if, and what might have been' if Barrie Barlow was on... Read more
Published 1 month ago by D. M. Rodrigues
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tull does it again!
Ian still rocks! This is better when you read the story line behind it, another great one from Ian!!! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kevin Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super!
Let's face it; you either love Ian Anderson, or you don't. I happen to like him very much. This album is great. It's quite the Jethro Tull reunion. Read more
Published 2 months ago by John O. McCauley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jetro Tull
its not exactly waht i expected but it does finish the story where the first one left off... and in my opinion, Jethro Tull can do no wrong!!!!
Published 2 months ago by Nora B Prince
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yay! Go Amazon.com! Send that TAAB2!
I bought TAAB2 from Amazon.com a short time ago. It is a wonderful compact disc.... which, did I fail to mention, I bought from Amazon.com? I did. Read more
Published 2 months ago by ____
