Episode 2: Minstrels on Thin Ice
Description
Lace up your fringed boots, grab your favorite woodwind and your ticket for the Renaissance Faire: this week, Charlie, Henry, and Bill dive into the anti-cool heart of prog rock via a pair of mid-70s Jethro Tull masterworks: 1974's "War Child" and 1975's "Minstrel in the Gallery." Turning from the hyper-extended musical excursions of "Thick as a Brick" and "A Passion Play," the band's return to song is also an introduction of spikier melodies and tighter conceptions. Discussed: dressing in doublet and hose, loving (or hating) the movie Time Bandits, a word to the wise about choosing "Bungle in the Jungle" at Karaoke, and an alternate universe in which a certain glam rock icon replaced Ian Anderson on vocals. UPDATE 3/06/2023: NOW WITH AUDIO CLIPS!
Discussed in this episode
Jethro Tull's "War Child" full album on YouTube
Jethro Tull's "Minstrel In The Gallery" full album on YouTube