ePub BDSM in American Science Fiction and Fantasy by L. Call in Arts-Photography

Review

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. A great readBy spudI thoroughly enjoyed this book. Smolko provides a "scholarly" analysis of TAAB and APP - he is; after all; in academia - that is a worthy treatment of these great pieces of rock music. If; like me; youve listened to each of these albums hundreds of times; and know each measure note for note; you will find Smolkos musical knowledge - and how he applies it to the great music of Ian and the band - very enjoyable. There is less lyrical analysis than I expected; but Smolko mentions up front that it isnt his intent to try to decipher every wordplay Ian makes. I think APP is far and away the greatest rock album ever created; however; Smolko is convincing in his arguments about how TAABs flow and re-creation of familiar themes make for a more enjoyable listening experience. If nothing else; reading this book will make you want to bring out the old LPs and listen to them soup-to-nuts.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Thesis for The Obsessed - Else you might want to sit this one outBy D C GooddyI started listening to Jethro Tull back in about 1984 and listened to TAAB on tape so able to hear it on an ostensibly endless loop whilst I could sit near motionless playing computer games. During this time I pondered the lyrics and spent hours (without the benefit of the fanfold newpaers lyrics or even the internet) deciphering the words and carefully noting them down; So I guess you could say I was quite obsessed with the whole project - and therefore was delighted with the reprise that was TAAB2 along with the accompanying TAAB12 tour - but I think you would have to be to buy this book.It is very well written and researched and is extensively referenced throughout - although I would in places query the validity of some of these citations. I think Mr Anderson himself (under the guise of Adrian Stone-Mason - so nearly a great anagram but not quite) was rather puzzled by the whole concept and might acknowledge that during the writting process of TAAB he wasnt thinking if I put this piece here I need to follow with this here and then repeat in lydian mode at points 5; 7; 9 etc... or then maybe he was...or maybe it just sounded right.But if you have a modicum of musical savy; really like the songs TAAB and PP then this is probably a worthy tomb to nimbly pick you way through during the cold and dark winter months...Dr Daren GooddyOxfordshire16/12/20139 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Way Over My Head; But Interesting Analysis/ComparisonBy Paul WetorJethro Tulls "Thick As A Brick" in 1972 was my first rock concert. I knew little about the group; but I enjoyed the show. A few days later; at a high school graduation party; somebody played TAAB. Kind of catchy; I thought; hearing it the second time. (Rock concerts had awful sound in those days). Thus; I became a Jethro Tull fanatic for 40+ years.Its great that somebody took the time to look deeply into TAAB and "A Passion Play". The history behind the music and the recording is fascinating. The analysis of the music itself is over my head; but I appreciate the effort. The author is honest about both albums. APP is enjoyable in small doses; but gets dreary after a while. This book explains why. TAAB has always been Tulls masterpiece; and this book gives it the credit it deserves.He even writes about the original tours of the albums. Yes; I remember the band posing as roadies in white jumpsuits. And the phone ringing. And John Evan looking like a deranged ice cream man at the keyboards. And the APP intro film; when Ian Anderson jumped through a cut in the screen to take the stage.The music of Jethro Tull has always been more interesting than most rock/pop music. Now I finally understand why.