Pibroch

10 reasons why "Minstrel in the Gallery" is a masterpiece: I. Ian Anderson built a treasure chest with everything that troubled him at the time, creating an impressive mosaic of anger and sweetness at the same time. II. This context remains a unique icon, as the concert repertoire does not touch the minstrel. III. No one plays the acoustic like he does; listen to "requiem" and "one white duck/0^10 = nothing at all." IV. This is the last album recorded with that phenomenon of a bassist named Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond, who would soon return to painting. V. Uncle Martino, a great craftsman of the guitar, plays hard. VI. Besides, Barlow and Evan are also musicians with real skills. VII. The delightful interventions of the strings are moving. VIII. "Grace" is pure genius; it is the hope of the morning, the desire to live in the light of the Sun. IX. Baker Street Muse: the sensual perfection of "Pig-me and the whore", the crystalline beauty of "Nice Little Tune", the sailing sarcasm through the holes of the flute. X. "Windy bus-stop. Click. Shop-window. Heel. Shady gentleman. Fly-button. Feel." Impressionism in music.

They all fit in, the four of them. You appreciate it more as you grow up, though. ;-)

"Songs from the wood"? Exceptional, but aren't you forgetting two gems like "A passion play" and "Minstrel in the gallery"?

Allow me a little flattery: the most beautiful album in history.

Ys, if I'm not mistaken, is the name of the mythical island where the last man lives and makes his three encounters...

That's life... You're always kind, though. Have a great day, Joe. :D

I prefer them? What the hell am I writing?? "Them," I correct myself before getting mocked. Regards.

In my opinion, personally speaking, it has wonderfully withstood the test of time: I love this album; a masterpiece, nothing less. The review is outrageously biased, but the "jedi" in the nickname puts me in a good mood... ;-)

I appreciated you more in other reviews, but this one is ultimately personal and well written. I listened to Tormato and, wonder of wonders!, I find it disarming, confusing, laughable. It’s really great, in fact: 3.5 that becomes 4 just because; and anyway Squire can only teach, and I find Wakeman's solo in "Don't kill the whale" spot-on and incisive. I recommend the fantastic video (Youtube...) to anyone who doesn’t know it. Other nice tracks include "Release, release" and, why not, the initial and underrated "Future times" and "Arriving U.F.O." Well, I may be biased, but the Yes of the '70s are delightful. :D

Nice review. O'Riordan is always enjoyable to listen to, even outside of Christmas concerts... beautiful woman and an amazing voice. I think I'll listen to it, sooner or later.