Yep, it certainly was proto power metal with a flute.

Crest of a Knave sounds like Jethro Tull trying to make a Dire Straits album.

Anyways, I'm quite fond of Thick as a Brick and so will look forward to this with interest. I'm not sure it's going to be flawless, but so what? It's the first time during my lifetime I can remember that Ian Anderson has done a musical project that I was personally interested in and I consider that a good thing.

^^don't get me started on Dire Straits

suffice to say I like them

I love Dire Straits, just not Jethro Tull's imitation of them.

I think the Dire Shits are just dire.

because they kicked you out of the band just as they were getting famous?

Can't say I've been a fan of Jethro Tull, but when someone reuses the name of something that has been popular for them in the past it makes me wonder if they are just trying to cash in on their past success.

doesn't every baby boom band do that?

what has the current Yes got to do with the classic Yes (they're using a guy from a tribute band as their vocalist now)?

or the current Who? (besides 2 original surviving members, and one whose larynx is shot to hell)

To me, it seems Ian was always quite proud of that album so it does not surprise me that he'd want to do a follow-up. I don't think it's a style of music that will be particularly sellable today so I doubt he's only doing it for financial reasons.

I'd say the same about others too.