Tull Tuesday: Solstice and Holiday music from Jethro Tull | The Daily Doug (Episode 291)

Songs From the Wood is an inspired album, arguably their best. Chock full of wonderful gems.

I found myself in Nice France on a college trip,in the early 80’s I recorded this album on cassette to play in my Walkman but had not listened to the recording. That afternoon I got sunburn on the beach in Cannes. That evening as the group,went out for dinner I stayed behind being uncomfortable from the sunburn. I got bored so I grabbed my Walkman and my camera and went to the town square. From the moment I hit play not only did my mood improve but by the end my sunburn did not hurt anymore. The mysterious healing power of music

"Ring Out Solstice Bells" was the first Jethro Tull song I ever heard. It played on the radio when I was a teenager and I can see in my mind exactly where I was when I heard it for the first time. I was transfixed. I'm now 62 and still a big Tull fan.

Songs of the Wood is such a unique Tull album. It’s fantastic.

This whole LP is worth a good listen. Lots for you to analyse.

Ian Anderson's strong point has always been arranging. From Bourré to King Henry's Madrigal (aka Pastime in Good Company) to these yuletide classics, he finds a fresh angle to songs that can be centuries old. Absolute genius.

"Let me bring you Songs from the Wood.. To make you feel much bettah!" Jethro Tull Concerts were amazing to attend.

JT has a couple more older Christmas songs of note, both rather dark: "A Christmas Song" with the last line "And if I just messed up your thoughtless pleasures, remember, if you wish, this is just a Christmas song", and the slightly more upbeat "Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow" ("Why not spare a thought this day for those who have no flame to warm their bones at Christmas time?").

Great! The world need more Jethro Tull to be a better place 👍😀

I actually got Ian to sign this album for my dad when I worked at the World music theater. When he saw me he actually said that I was to young to know his music, I told him that my dad raised me right. He said he's a good man then. I said you're damn right and I love your music. He asked why this album. I said it was my favorite along with Thick as a brick. He said thank you and walked away. One of the best days of my life.

I listened to this entire album twice today (evening/night) while putting the youngest to sleep. What an album. The title track (Songs From the Wood) Hunting Girl and Velvet Green really stand out to me!

Many Tull fans consider Songs From The Wood his best. Really not a weak track on the album.

I think the idea is that this is as dark as it gets, and from here on out, the days start getting longer!

You made my evening Doug! Just got home, in a state of emergency Montreal, sitting with a glass of single malt and marvelling at the brilliant music of Ian Anderson and Tull. Merry Christmas!

Every year Ian Anderson performs charity concerts in various cathedrals around the UK and Europe. He is an atheist but so much admires the buildings that he wants to help maintain them. Seen him play in Salisbury, Hereford and Worcester Cathedrals. Wonderful time.

Jethro Tull always makes me smile. Great music.

I honestly believe that Jethro Tull's Christmas album is the most underrated and underheard Christmas album. I typically play it at the start of the Christmas season and sporadically through it. Great music!

A huge favorite. This is awesome. Thanks for doing this one Doug.

Chris Squire recorded a Christmas album back in 2007 that’s wonderful. It has a bunch of really obscure old traditional English caroles, as well as some better known. It’s performed with the English Baroque Choir. Steve Hackett guests on it.

I've always been a huge Tull fan, with "My God" being my favorite song.