Spoiler alert from
https://www.progressiveears.org/for...niversary-Force-10-Edition-October-11th/page5
Dark Ages (Early version) - I truly think this is one of the all time great Tull pieces. This demo-ish version has a much longer, atmospheric intro before the piano part we are all familiar with begins. Otherwise, most of the arrangement is the same as the final version, and all lyrics identical. No flute or backing vocals, but it's a fiery version, and Ian practically
snarls some of the vocals. It gains a lot from its lack of polish. It's a fantastic version of the song, and like Dun Ringill I might even prefer this one! Time will tell.
A Single Man - Beautiful piano intro from John Evan (a throwback of sorts to Locomotive Breath in that sense, but while that one was bluesy in feel, this one is more classically-inspired) gives way to upbeat instrumental piece with all members playing off each other. A fun little track with memorable melodies that would have been a welcome addition to the album. I like it a lot.
Orion (Full version) - The track that a lot of Tullheads have been waiting for since this set was announced. Probably the highlight or centrepiece of the whole box. Somewhat doomy minute-long intro intially chopped has been restored, before the main song kicks in (seems to be an extra verse at the beginning too), then suddenly veering into a lengthy, complex and energetic instrumental section before closing out the same way the edited version does (since that's what we're going to call it now after 40 years
). Quite amazing to hear this track in its original nine minute form.
Urban Apocalypse - Some fans will be familiar with this song from last year's Dee Palmer album where she re-imagined it to fit with the style of her solo album
Through Darkened Glass. On that latter-day version, we have solemn choirs, the sounds of galloping horses, and Palmer earnestly singing greatly expanded lyrics over a much different arrangement. Here, it is wildly different, a much more traditional-sounding 1970s Tull piece with Anderson nearing the top of his range, underpinned by the band banging out a heavy, complex rock track. Why it never saw the light of day until 40 years after its recording is anyone's guess.
The Lyricon Blues - The second of four instrumental pieces unearthed for this set, this one does have a faint bluesy feel at its core, but it's quirky, late 70s Tull, so anyone expecting Buddy Guy will be disappointed. Well, nobody will be expecting Buddy Guy, so it's a moot point. But it's a nice track that very slowly builds in intensity, and as it does the blues flavour fades and we are into that more complicated prog-rock territory again.
Man Of God - Yet another lost track in an astonishing line of "Never Heards" that were recorded and then never released. Strong enough for the album, but perhaps not fitting with its general themes... file alongside tracks like Commercial Traveler, Tomorrow Was Today, etc.
Rock Instrumental (Unfinished master) - Does what it says on the tin. A very typical piece of Tull music from the period. Barlow absolutely shines, as always. Maybe similar in style to that live instrumental by the band minus Anderson from the '77 era on YouTube, but this one has his flute.
Prelude To A Storm - I'm waiting on a copy of the booklet so I can read more about these pieces, but I assume this would have been the leadoff album track? I'm not sure yet. Here, it has been mixed to fade into the closing track on the disc, a live version of Sweet Dream.