Jethro Tull
A

« Caught in the crossfire on Princes Gate Avenue
In go the windows and out go the lights
Call me a doctor. Fetch me a policeman
I'm down on the floor in one hell of a fight »

To herald the advent of the new decade, Jethro Tull decided to modernize their sound by incorporating a notable synth-pop component.
Such a daring choice required a lineup upheaval. However, to seamlessly blend past and present, musicians of high caliber and great experience were necessary.
Thus appear, alongside the singer flautist Ian Anderson and his trusty colleague Martin Barre on guitar, personalities like Dave Pegg, Mark Craney, and Eddie Jobson… Eddie Jobson (keyboards and electric violin) had already made a name for himself with Roxy Music and U.K., while the ex-Fairport Convention Dave Pegg (bass) would be a mainstay in the group until 1995.
The less known but excellent performer, Mark Craney (drums), would be part of Tull for only a couple of years… and this is truly a pity: his ability to blend power and finesse designates him as one of the best drummers to have appeared in the band.

Now let's get back to the album.
The album would be released in 1980 and would simply be titled «A»… aeasy, short, and essential title: characteristics that would be fully reflected in the lyrics and melodies contained within.

Inserting the CD, we are immediately confronted with the pop gem Crossfire. The track, despite its straightforward rhythm and traditional verse-chorus-verse structure, never becomes banal: on the contrary, thanks to the perfect harmony between the keyboard work (not very flashy, but absolutely indispensable) and that of the other musicians, the track gains an added value.
In the same style, we also find the subsequent Flyingdale Flyer, enriched by an atmospheric-spatial conclusion created by Jobson's synths: at the time, the 45 rpm Flyingdale Flyer/Working John, Working Joe also became a moderate success… and it's precisely with Working John, Working Joe that we continue our listening: in the song, the skillful alternation between acoustic and electric guitar and the powerful backing vocals in the chorus stand out.

Black Sunday is the standout track of the album: fast, lively, and equipped with two excellent flute solos… however, the track is much more effective live (just listen to the numerous bootlegs from 1980) and will do even better with the official remix present in the box set "25 Years Of Jethro Tull".
Another small curiosity… Black Sunday is, with the exception of a single unplugged performance of Protect And Survive, the only composition from the album to be (occasionally) included in post-«A» tours.

We continue with the creative flair of Protect And Survive: here too we are in the presence of a high-level pop song, where flute and keyboards travel in unison.
The subsequent Batteries Not Included and Uniform are decent… the former is penalized by an overly intrusive electronic presence, while the latter features Jobson on the electric violin. After this moment of wavering, Anderson and company immediately straighten the course with the overwhelming charm and carefree nature of 4.W.D. (Low Ratio). Essentially, the song talks about a certain Jim, made as happy as a child by his brand-new off-road vehicle.
Another gem is the immense electro-folk of The Pine Marten's Jig (the rightful heir to Warm Sporran and Elegy). It is in this track that the band members, always in great harmony with each other, show their full potential: absolutely impressive is Craney's power behind the drums.
The closing is entrusted to the equally pleasant And Further On… supported by a slow rhythm generated by keyboards and percussion, it proves ideal for a sad and melancholic farewell.

In conclusion, after all the words spent to describe it, I feel inclined to confirm the merit of this album… an album that, moreover, is unjustly criticized and underrated. Obviously, we are not in the presence of Jethro Tull's absolute masterpiece: it is, however, an enjoyable and catchy record, which can prove useful for spending a carefree hour with quality music.
Furthermore, obtaining a copy of «A», we directly get as a bonus the DVD " Slipstream" which includes some music videos (Dun Ringill, Flyingdale Flyer, and Too Old To Rock'n'Roll: Too Young To Die) and numerous performances from the 1980 tour (highlighted by Sweet Dream and an electrifying version of Locomotive Breath).

Undoubtedly an excellent purchase…

« And with the last line almost drawn
wish you goodbye till further on
Will you still be there further on? »