Crest of a Knave
Jethro Tull · 1987
48 min · 9 tracks · electronic music
A fusion of progressive rock and electronic music layered with intricate arrangements and Ian Anderson's distinctive flute melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Steel Monkey Start here — Steel Monkey stands out with its infectious energy and catchy chorus, encapsulating the band's ability to blend rock and electronic elements seamlessly. It became a defining track of the album and helped introduce Jethro Tull to a new generation.
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Farm on the Freeway — This track features introspective lyrics that reflect on modern life's complexities, accompanied by lush instrumentation that highlights the band's folk roots while embracing contemporary sounds.
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Budapest — With its ten-minute runtime, Budapest showcases the band's progressive rock influences, featuring dynamic shifts in tempo and mood that illustrate Jethro Tull's signature storytelling through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends progressive rock with electronic music, featuring intricate arrangements and consistent melodic themes.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered synthesizers and flute melodies, creating a rich, textured sound throughout.
- Each track maintains a moderate tempo, with rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged without drastic shifts in pace.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- wave-like pacing throughout
- engaging storytelling through melodies
- synth-driven explorations of sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike lengthy exploratory pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — It won a Grammy, marking a significant recognition for the band in a new musical direction.
- Themes
- modern life's complexities· Budapest's narrative journey· industrial landscapes
- Career context
- Crest of a Knave was Jethro Tull's fourteenth studio album, released in 1987 during a period of experimentation with new sounds following the band's commercial peak in the 1970s. This album marked their transition into the late '80s music scene, showcasing a more streamlined approach and embracing elements of electronic rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- King Crimson· Yes· Genesis
Tracklist
- 1 Steel Monkey Start here 3:39
- 2 Farm on the Freeway 6:31
- 3 Jump Start 4:55
- 4 Said She Was a Dancer 3:43
- 5 Dogs in the Midwinter 4:37
- 6 Budapest 10:05
- 7 Mountain Men 6:20
- 8 The Waking Edge 4:49
- 9 Raising Steam 4:06
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Hounds of Love
Kate Bush
Shares a blend of art rock and electronic textures with intricate arrangements and narrative depth.
So
Peter Gabriel
Similar exploration of modern themes through polished production and a mix of rock and electronic elements.
Spirit of Eden
Talk Talk
Both feature atmospheric soundscapes with an emphasis on emotional depth and innovative arrangements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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