Additional information
Jethro Tull: Ian Anderson (vocals, acoustic guitar, bouzouki, flute, bamboo flute); Martin Barre (acoustic & electric guitars); Andrew Giddings (accordion, piano, Hammond organ, keyboards); Jonathan Noyce (bass); Doanne Perry (drums, percussion). Additional personnel: Najma Akhtar (vocals). Jethro Tull soldiers on into the Information Age with J TULL DOT COM, an album title that--not surprisingly--reflects the address of the band's website. From the opening blasts of Ian Anderson's trademark flute on "Spiral," a song that churns over Martin Barre's power chords and squealing harmonics, it's clear that Jethro Tull isn't about to change its battle-tested formula any time soon. J-TULL DOT COM is rife with the kind of social commentary that has always been a staple in the band's music. "Dot Com" is a trenchant commentary on the disillusioning effects of living in an Internet-saturated world. During the chorus, Anderson snidely declares "So punch my name / and in case you wonder / I'll be yours / yours - dot com." Other songs, such as "El Nino" and "awol" contain lyrics that address similar themes of disenchantment. But despite the gravity of much of its subject matter, J TULL DOT COM remains a relatively upbeat musical feast throughout. Indeed, the band seems as flawlessly tight as ever. "Hot Mango Flush" is a particularly toe-tapping affair. For fans of Jethro Tull, J-TULL DOT COM is a sure bet.
Reviews
Q (9/99, p.102) - 3 stars (out of 5) - "...[proves] that [Ian] Anderson is still very much in touch with the real world, there is plenty here to comfort fans of the heavy-rocking, eccentric prog-folk of THICK AS A BRICK and AQUALUNG..." Mojo (Publisher) (9/99, p.103) - "...will delight...those in search of something redolent of STAND UP, WARCHILD, MINSTREL IN THE GALLERY, even A PASSION PLAY - all of which are recalled here....Anderson's endlessly fascinating, unique musical personality is absolutely to the fore, as captivating as ever..."
