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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
(mostly) does what it says on the tin, 14 Nov 2002
This review is from: Little Light Music, a (Audio CD)
This is a compilation of live performances from all over the world. For the most part though, it hangs together well - although I was personally disappointed that they included a few heavier songs to the otherwise very polite and (like it says on the front) 'light' collection. This is all that loses the album that 5th star though - and that's hardly fair, is it? The material was recorded while Ian Anderson was having real voice problems, resulting in lots of extended musical interludes and more of the instrumental versions of classic songs than had ever appeared on tour before. Something which of course makes this CD all the more worth having. A typical problem with the songs on live albums from bands with wrinkles is that most fans have the studio recording, at least one or two older live recordings, probably a remastered version and maybe even a DVD version too. On a little light music, you'll buy really very different versions of Living in the Past, Pussy Willow and the like. In summary then, a must-have for Tull fans and a good introduction to others who might find this an easy way in to Tull's music.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jethro Tull - A Little Light Music, 22 Sep 2011
Jethro Tull's 1992 live album A Little Light Music finds the band later into their career than their more famous live album Bursting Out. It may not be the most famous of Tull releases but is worth checking out for existing fans who want something they haven't heard a hundred times before as the band are largely playing quieter tracks with the selection of songs taken from various locations around the world as opposed to from a single complete concert.
This album does feature a few exceptions to the lighter/quieter formula however, such as 'Rocks On The Road,' and 'Locomotive Breath,' (albeit with reduced speed and distortion) but overall the release is not about big riffs, unbridled energy and rock fury but rather laid back entertainment, hence the album title.
The tracks can have a very different feel than their original studio versions, with many more instrumental sections and solos, in some cases extending their overall length by minutes such as the completely instrumental but utterly enjoyable rendition of 'Living In The Past,' which is basically a five minute flute solo or the very different version of 'A New Day Yesterday,' which takes the fan-favourite song in a few unexpected directions.
In addition to most of the songs having a different feel, the track listing includes a lot of tracks that wouldn't just be on every Tull live album or hits-compilation, adding some extra level of interest to fans. Tracks like 'From A Deadbeat To An Old Greaser,' 'One White Duck,' 'This Is Not Love,' 'Nursie,' and 'Under Wraps,' aren't going to be on many other releases and that gives the record a little uniqueness at least.
Overall, This is not really the first Jethro Tull album you should buy, not even the first Jethro Tull Live Album that you should buy (the aforementioned arguably Bursting Out holds that honour) but there is certainly a lot of worth on the record and it is something that Tull fans will find enjoyable, even the fact that the tracks aren't from one single concert doesn't detract from the album's quality, balanced and smoothly flowing as it is.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Little Lighted Stage and A Load of Great Songs, 20 Dec 2006
By Eugenius Dobson - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: A Little Light Music =rem (Audio CD)
A Little Light Music is a cool Jethro Tull concert experience that mostly redefines the songs rather than attempts to replicate them verbatim. I don't view the songs as truly 'unplugged ' versions, but rather slightly more toned down performances that come off sounding a little more intimate than your usual big hall concert presentations. Then again some do rock out, like This is Not Love and A New Day Yesterday for example, but then it's always good to have some variation of mood and tempo or it could all come off sounding like one long Kraftwerk song. In fact the rocking middle section that explodes from out of the otherwise quiet performance of From a Dead Beat to An Old Greaser is one of the many highlights for me on this record. Some songs are taken through an instrumental variation, either completely or partially, like the new acoustic instrumental introduction to Too Old to Rock and Roll, but the band always manage to carry off these changes with their usual professional charm, finesse, and playfulness. Even though the songs have been slightly altered they still feel just as warm and comfortable as a sweater pulled fresh from the dryer. The one new track, a Jethro Tulled version of John Barleycorn, is of course excellent. What a surprise, eh?
I have to admit that I prefer this live recording to the Bursting Out record, due to the playful variations presented here, and also for the inspired song selections. One White Duck has always been a favorite, and although that song doesn't sound too different from the studio version, as presented here the mood of the song is slightly more eloquent (at least it is to my delicately old and worn down ears.)
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's Lightish, Live and Tull. The Best Live Album Ever., 10 Oct 2005
By Mark Lee - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Little Light Music, a (Audio CD)
I've been listening to Tull since the early '70s, in concert since the mid '80s, own about 30 Tull albums and CDs, and this is the coolest CD around. It's about as close to "Tull Unplugged" as you'll get. Not all of the pieces are acoustic, but many of them are.
Some groups are studio groups, and Ian Anderson & Co. do okay there, but these guys are performers first and foremost, and excellent anywhere. I love the bits in between songs where Anderson talks to the audience. "Rocks in the Road"s flute solo at the end is rock anthem quality. Most of us expect that from Ian. And Martin Barre offers his usual solid guitar presence, both electric and acoustic. David Pegg on bass is groovy throughout and seems to have the audiences by the heart. And this CD has the best version of "Bouree" out there.
I notice that XM Radio "Eclectic Rock" runs these cuts (along with Anderson's "Divinities" solo work) quite a bit. Sure, the songs individually are great but this album really shines when you have time to enjoy the whole experience.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tull Unplugged, 14 Nov 2002
By keeweety - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Little Light Music, a (Audio CD)
Jethro Tull showcase their folksy side on this live CD, in which the majority of the tracks are played acoustic or semi-acoustic. For those of you who get tired of mid-70s Tull's long and cheesy keyboard solos this CD is a must-buy: the numbers are short, musicianship superb and pared-down sound truly kind on the ears. Dave Pegg plays outstanding bass and mandolin while the drummer cum glockenspeil player (whose name I forget) also makes the most of a very basic kit (a bass drum, a snare and a cymbol by the sound of it). To my ears, this CD is one of the few that truly doesn't have a bad song on it. Highlights include instrumentals Under Wraps & Bouree, and Ian in fine voice on Rocks on the Road & John Barleycorn. Still I shouldn't overplay the 'easy listening' side of the album - Martin Barre rocks out on several numbers (Locomotive Breath, Pussy Willow), and Ian's flute takes off like a rocket throughout. This disc is a must buy for all Tull fans, and a great introduction for those who want to insert themselves at the shallow end.
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