Kate Brown wrote this review which originally ran on GMR, our sister publication.
On This Was, Tull’s first album, their public image was already established in the music community of the times, first by the unusual album cover, and then by the strong presence in their music of such instruments as the flute and claghorn, an odd wind instrument created by Jeffery Hammond. Although the album itself is otherwise quite ordinary, musically, for it’s time, Ian Anderson shows prominently proving himself to be the logical front man. Atypical R&B, and jazzy rock ‘n ‘roll is relieved by the fledgling flute player who honors his friend Hammond in “A Song For Jeffery.” “Dharma For One” stands out for its memorable if mediocre drum solo. Jethro Tull’s first recording attempt is slightly Zeppelin-like in its background sound, but with an individuality that sets it apart from most bands of its time.
Aqualung is often said to be the quintessential Jethro Tull album. The opening flute solo which introduces Anderson’s angry tale of an old pervert is represented by the ancient man on the cover of this classic album. Musically, Tull has now gained a cohesion that is evident from the first track. Anderson has developed a bizarre talent with the flute showing it off in the almost classical opening solo. He has become the pied piper and his flute is enchanting. The music is intricate but dark and almost violent in spots. The anger is heard first in “Aqualung”, and then in “Cross-eyed Mary” eventually ebbing until once again this time aiming straight at the Church of England, the charismatic Ian Anderson turns from his rant against evil, to an equally hateful attack on the organized Christian church. However, the album is closed with the soft acoustic sounds of “Wind Up,” Anderson’s personal statement of faith. Aqualung is a masterpiece in its blending of sounds from many genres including Folk, Blues, Classical, and Rock. A collector’s treasure.
Although the title would suggest a collection of previously recorded work, only 8 of 23 tracks come from earlier albums. “A Song For Jeffery” opens this 2 record collection, a particular favorite of mine, taking second place only to Aqualung in my personal collection. “A Song For Jeffery” has been updated from its original recording in 1968, while a live concert Introduction called “By Kind Permission Of” precedes “Dharma For One” logically opening the second album. Anderson’s best efforts at Traditional English Folk to date also grace the second album in the form of “Life Is A Long Song” although these influences are heard prominently throughout. “A Christmas Song” begins with 2 lines from a traditional Christmas carol, “Once in Royal David’s City” which was written in 1848 by Cecil Frances Alexander. Focusing on the common tradition of Christmas, Anderson addresses the hypocrisy surrounding it. Living In The Past appears to complement its predecessor in its lightness. It is perhaps less serious in its content.
A strange and unexpected departure from the recording style of the times, Thick As A Brick has no individual songs but is two sides of solid music. The newsprint album cover is indicative of the lyrical contents. Starting out with a breezy musical accompaniment, it soon descends into an angry rock sound with heavy bass accents. The tempo rises and falls in extremes as Anderson’s vocals range from soft, almost romantic to snarly and sarcastic. The overall theme can be heard in the lines, “So you ride yourselves over the fields and you make all your animal deals and your wisemen don’t know how it feels to be thick as a brick.”, an obvious message to those who will not learn. Thick As A Brick is a fascinating collaboration by Anderson and his group of skilled musicians. All in all, is a brilliant piece of work and enjoyable to listen to.
Jethro Tull, This Was (Chrysalis, 1968)
Jethro Tull, Aqualung (Chrystalis, 1971)
Jethro Tull, Living In The Past (Chrysalis, 1972)
Jethro Tull, Thick As A Brick (Chrysalis, 1972)
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