Thursday, 8 September 2016

Locomotive Breath (Jethro Tull, 1971)

I wonder why this song wasn't in my blog long before this post, but, well, now it is here. "Locomotive Breath" is a Jethro classic and a live favourite of them, including many musical elements linked to their blues side, but also a rich, unpredictable, diversified srtructure that sounds definitely prog. Ian Anderson's flute is of course the most impressive feature of the track, so impressive that one could forget all its other stunning virtues.

"Locomotive Breath" was also the B-side of "Hymn 43" single.
 
I won't, and I'm glad to remember the rythm section building up a devilish background, inspired by a locomotive's noise, Ian's strong vocal performance, the rough guitar riffs, and - last but not least - the piano, softly introducing the song, then providing its own cadence to the final section. And I won't forget the lyrics, comparing the unstoppable locomotive to human lives. Lives that can't be fully enjoyed, because the train won't stop going, no way to slow down...

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