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Jethro Tull - Aqualung Audio CD

A fair review of the Jethro Tull "Aqualung" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Jethro Tull reviews here, or go back to the Jethro Tull tabs.

Jethro Tull Band: Jethro Tull
Title: Aqualung
Rating:
Release Date: 1999-02-09
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Aqualung 2: Cross-Eyed Mary 3: Cheap Day Return 4: Mother Goose 5: Wond'ring Aloud 6: Up to Me 7: My God 8: Hymn 43 9: Slipstream 10: Locomotive Breath 11: Wind Up 12: Lick Your Fingers Clean 13: Wind Up [Quad Version] 14: Excerpts from the Ian Anderson Interview - Ian Anderson, John Bungey, Jethro Tull 15: Songs for Jeffrey 16: Fat Man 17: Bouree

A Classic Rock Album

Must be listened to from a really good CD remaster (or get the original vinyl), because some remastered versions (including this one) have not been good. One of the great rock albums.
Also good with a copy of the original gatefold vinyl LP to read the lyrics and view the interesting artwork.
A pity the old great coat that was given to Ian Anderson by his dad when he left home (to keep him warm on those cold English nights as a poor struggling musician) was eventually stolen. It was an icon, as was the image of a down-and-out, ie. the wheezing Aqualung.
The music is of course, classic Tull, progressive rock, flute, rapid changes of cadence, acoustic guitar, rock guitar and vocals, at once loud and happy and mischievous, then soft with a threatening undercurrent. I bought this in 1972 on release, and never tire of listening to it.
Purchase the limited "25th Anniversary Special Edition Aqualung" featuring a 20-bit remastered sound, five additional tracks (including "Lick Your Fingers Clean," the famed quad version of "Wind Up," and excerpts from an Anderson interview).

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Vintage Jethro Tull
The extra tracks, didn't really impress me, but the rest of the record was pretty solid rock music, with some strong guitar. If you like Jethro Tull, Aqualung is their best record, even if you are not a big fan of their music, you still might like this record. Which is all that really matters.


THE WORST SOUND QUALITY IN THE WORLD
I mean, this is Aqualung. What is this? It has that terrible mismatch between the loud and quiet parts and just sounds overall lousy. The other early ones sound fine. Also, I noticed this does not have liner notes written by Ian. Why? Is that because he does not endorse this terrible issue. I waited for it go on sale, and now it's just a smaller ripp off than it would have been. . . unbelievable.


The Epitome of Classic Rock
Practically everyone should be familiar with the opening track, as it was an FM Rock station staple. Aqualung - (1971) 17 Tracks (6 bonus) (75:30) *****

This album is without a doubt a Classic. This album veered pretty far off course from the band's past, mostly acoustic Folk Rock sound, as it is full of huge electric guitar riffs. But, Mr. Anderson's flute is ever present, along with plenty of acoustic guitars in a few places. One of the reasons this is the most popular of Jethro Tull's albums is how much the thing Rocks from one end to the other. From the opening riffs of Aqualung to the rollickin' ending of Wind Up, which led to all the exposure some of the tracks got on many mainstream FM radio stations. Simply put, this is one of those albums everybody should own. Of course, its popularity can also be its downfall. Many people are just tired of hearing these songs and are simply burned out on it (critics of Dark Side of the Moon say the same thing). But, if you are not familiar with the album, I highly recommend it for your listening pleasure.

Bonus tracks: Lick Your Fingers Clean is a nice rockin' number that fits right in with the style of Aqualung. Also included is an alternative version of Wind Up and a 14 minute interview with Ian Anderson. The last three songs, Songs for Jeffrey, Fat Man, and Bouree were recorded live for a BBC program and feature a rare lead vocal performance by Jeffrey Hammond.
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JETHRO TULL's BEST!
For me, this is Jethro Tull's best music, and a must have for anyone who loves rock 'n roll.


You can see a complete list of all Jethro Tull discography, or go back to the Jethro Tull tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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