Jethro Tull – Crest of a Knave
hello all! today’s review is Jethro Tull’s Crest of a Knave, released in 1987.
Crest of a Knave is an interesting album. it had been three years since Under Wraps, and as a result of some throat surgery during that time, Ian Anderson’s vocal style has changed here. i did notice some changes to how he gets framed in the songs, but i dont think its as noticable as it might have been.
this album also won the first hard rock/metal Grammy over Metallica’s …And Justice For All. im less familiar with that record offhand, but wow after listening to this one i can both see why it caused a stir and also why it shouldnt have at all. like, Tull definitely falls back on more traditionally rock instrumentation here (though the folkier influences are not absent), but its way more prog rock than metal. and i dont dislike it, but i also think this record fails into meaningfully new ground for the band. lyrically there’s some neat moments or themes explored (in particular, the kind of demasculinzation on Farm on a Freeway and Mountain Men), but nothing groundbreaking. i think the opener and lead single, Steel Monkey, is probs my top track here, but honestly, i dont know that there’s a ton else to add.
faves – Steel Monkey, Mountain Men
dislikes –
Crest of a Knave – 5/10
next week, our record is Rock Island.
first: This Was | previous: Under Wraps | next: Rock Island
all my reviews for Jethro Tull
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