Stormwatch (album)

Stormwatch
Studio album by Jethro Tull
Released	14 September 1979 (UK) / (United States)
Recorded	Spring/summer 1979, Maison Rouge Mobile and Maison Rouge Studio, Fulham, London
Genre	Folk rock Progressive rock Hard rock
Length	45:42 (original release) / 59:38 (2004 remastered edition with bonus tracks)
Label	Island (UK) Chrysalis Records (US)
Producer	Ian Anderson Robin Black
Jethro Tull chronology
Bursting Out (1978) Stormwatch (1979) A (1980)

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	(original release)
Allmusic	(re-release)
George Starostin	(overall rating: 11/15)

Stormwatch (1979) is the twelfth studio album by the rock group Jethro Tull. It is considered the last in the trilogy of folk-rock albums by Jethro Tull (although folk music influenced virtually every Tull album). Among other subject-matter, the album touches heavily on the problems relating to the environment, oil and money.

In 2004, a remastered version of Stormwatch was released with four bonus tracks.

This is the last Tull album to feature the classic line-up of 1970s. Bassist John Glascock, suffering at this point from the effects of a cardiac infection that eventually led to his death, is only featured on three tracks ("Flying Dutchman", "Orion", and "Elegy"). Ian Anderson played bass elsewhere on the album while Dave Pegg played on the subsequent tour.

The instrumental piece "Elegy" was written by David Palmer.

Content

Dun Ringill is the historic site of an Iron Age fort on the Isle of Skye, which served as the original seat of the Clan MacKinnon. Anderson once owned and lived in nearby Kilmarie House, until he sold the estate in 1994. A sporran is a type of pouch traditionally worn with a kilt.

Other tracks allude to the constellation of Orion and the legend of the Flying Dutchman.

It is sometimes rumored that "Elegy" was a homage to John Glascock — who was very ill at the time due to a congenital heart defect, and would die shortly after the album's release. Actually, it is an elegy to David Palmer's father and is one of the few tracks on which Glascock plays.

Track listing

All songs composed by Ian Anderson except where noted.

Side one

1. "North Sea Oil" – 3:12
2. "Orion" – 3:58
3. "Home" – 2:46
4. "Dark Ages" – 9:13
5. "Warm Sporran" (Instrumental) – 3:33

Side two

1. "Something's on the Move" – 4:27
2. "Old Ghosts" – 4:23
3. "Dun Ringill" – 2:41
4. "Flying Dutchman" – 7:46
5. "Elegy" (Instrumental, David Palmer) – 3:38

Bonus tracks

The remastered CD added bonus tracks that were on the 20 Years of Jethro Tull boxed set and extensive liner notes:

11. "A Stitch in Time" – 3:40
12. "Crossword" – 3:38
13. "Kelpie" – 3:37
14. "King Henry's Madrigal"  (King Henry VIII)– 3:01

Personnel

• Ian Anderson – Vocals, Flute, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar (except tracks 2, 9, 10).
• Martin Barre – Electric Guitar, Mandolin, and Classical Guitar
• Barriemore Barlow – Drums, Percussion
• John Evan – Piano, Organ
• David Palmer – Synthesizers, Portable Organ and Orchestral Arrangements
• John Glascock – Bass Guitar on tracks 2, 9, 10.

Also featuring:

• Francis Wilson – Spoken Voice on track 8.
• Dave Pegg – Bass Guitar on bonus tracks 13 and 14.