After veering sharply from the blues inluences of their debut, This Was, Jethro Tull's sound quickly coalesced around jazz-tinged English folk influences and the antics of frontman/flautist Ian Anderson. But it was guitarist Martin Barre's swaggering riff off the title track of the band's fourth album that would become Tull's indelibly clichéd trademark--and the band's entrée into a long reign as arena-rock perennials. But there's a lot more to Aqualung than the riffage of that cut and its cousins, "Cross-Eyed Mary" and "Locomotive Breath." In an era when pseudo-Christian spirituality was a de rigueur, if cheap, musical commodity (from the overblown operatics of Jesus Christ Superstar to one-hit pop wonders such as "Spirit in the Sky" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand"), Anderson and company openly challenged the value of organized religion with a thematic album savvy enough to layer its thought-provoking lyrics between heavy strata of FM-friendly guitar bedrock. A cliché, perhaps; a landmark, no doubt. And a record many maintain is still Tull's finest hour. --Jerry McCulley
Aqualung,Jethro Tull,Capitol,Album Rock,England,Flute,Hard Rock,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop
Aqualung
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
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ASIN: B00000GAIW Release Date: 1999-02-09 |
Tracks:
- Aqualung
- Cross-Eyed Mary
- Cheap Day Return
- Mother Goose
- Wond'ring Aloud
- Up To Me
- My God
- Hymn 43
- Slipstream
- Locomotive Breath
- Wind-Up
- Lick Your Fingers Clean
- Wind-Up (Quad Version)
- Excerpts From The Ian Anderson Interview
- Songs for Jeffrey
- Fat Man
- Bouree
Amazon.com
After veering sharply from the blues inluences of their debut, This Was, Jethro Tull's sound quickly coalesced around jazz-tinged English folk influences and the antics of frontman/flautist Ian Anderson. But it was guitarist Martin Barre's swaggering riff off the title track of the band's fourth album that would become Tull's indelibly clichéd trademark--and the band's entrée into a long reign as arena-rock perennials. But there's a lot more to Aqualung than the riffage of that cut and its cousins, "Cross-Eyed Mary" and "Locomotive Breath." In an era when pseudo-Christian spirituality was a de rigueur, if cheap, musical commodity (from the overblown operatics of Jesus Christ Superstar to one-hit pop wonders such as "Spirit in the Sky" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand"), Anderson and company openly challenged the value of organized religion with a thematic album savvy enough to layer its thought-provoking lyrics between heavy strata of FM-friendly guitar bedrock. A cliché, perhaps; a landmark, no doubt. And a record many maintain is still Tull's finest hour. --Jerry McCulleyCustomer Reviews:
Tull's great rock album; their best; remastering problems: 4 1/2 stars.......2007-07-26
In Amazon reviews, I have learned, for example, that Uli Jon Roth and Rory Gallagher are rock's greatest guitarists and that the usual suspects (e.g., SRV, Clapton, Hendrix, E. Van Halen, Jimmy Page) are all overrated due to mass ignorance of what truly constitutes greatness.
In this set of reviews, I have discovered that Aqualung maybe makes the top four Tull albums but is, nonetheless, a "masterpiece." If your part of those in the know, then you'd know this. If only you wrapped your ears around Songs from the Wood, then . . . . Implied in all of this nonsense is more nonsense that Tull has generated at least 5 masterpieces. Tossing around the label of "masterpiece" as if it was a cigarette butt is neither attractive nor constructive.
This is Tull's best album. I enjoy Benefit, Brick, Wood, etc. They are all fine works. However, this is a perfectly paced album with a solid, propulsive groove across 5-minute-average tracks that allow this the crossover necessary to make this a monument to Tull's artistic legacy to rock music. The album best represents Tull's blues-based, slightly classical-and-jazz inflected, hard driving, progressive rock sound and, therefore, the best showcase of the band's strengths.
Tull fanatics might have other favorites. However, this is the one for those who simply want one Tull album and want to listen to one of rock's great albums. A "Greatest Hits" album simply does not justice to a band as album oriented as Tull.
I deduct 1/2 star in this album due to the remastered sound, which may be due to a problem originating in the master tapes. While the sound is clean, it is remastered at an extraordinarily low volume and with a slightly diminished high end. While this is immediately noticeable and disappointing upon first listen, this may or may not have been the best way to optimize the album's fidelity.
Great album, quality of sound re-production weak.......2007-07-12
Bill
a classic, rythmical, mature piece of art.......2007-06-30
Well, for starting the music composition is so incredible, in every song is expressed how they can change with grace from a blues-like face into more progressive rock and more experimentation, 'cause I think of it as progressive rock but there are so many styles in every song that it is difficult to classify, from the soft but firm sounds in Wondering Aloud, Mother Goose and the excellent Wind Up, to the fast, incredibly composed and more enjoyable sounds of Aqualung, Cross Eyed Mary, Up To Me, Locomotive Breath and Hymn 43.
The instrumentation is certainly the best one that the band ever had; mainly because they don't exagerate putting songs in a one instrument structure, they just added the sound perfectly, Ian Anderson's flute goes with the rythm of every song, Bare's guitar collaborates equally with all the other instruments, Clive Bunker may be one of the best batterists Jethro ever had, and Hammond organ is a key instrument in most of the tracks, mainly Aqualung, Cross Eyed Mary and Up To Me. Another excellent aspect is that Anderson's voice is at its perfect stage, you'll recognize it if you've heard later and earlier works.
When it comes to the album structure, I don't know why they had so much speculations about being a concept album about religion; as I know Anderson denied it and that's why they released Thick As A Brick, for stopping the anxiety about the concept album.
In conclussion this is certainly Jethro Tull's best album, I hope they release some day another one like this, apart from Thick As A Brick but I doubt it. The only not-so-good aspect is about the remastered version; not because of the sound sustractions is mainly because they shouldn't ruin such a great album adding such common bonus tracks.
Classic Tull.......2007-06-10
Bristling With the Anger of Youth.......2007-06-09
It's a BIG album. And most of the songs on it are really quite great. My kudos to Mr. Anderson for his level of ambition. Glad it paid off.
I read complaints below about the fidelity on this issue, but it sounds just like the vinyl did back in the day - I suspect it's not possible to improve the sound, that's all there is. Anderson's liner notes refer to them having a heck of a time getting clarity and cleanliness at the studio they recorded this in.
"Wind Up" is a great, underheard song. "My God" is another great one. "Hymn 43" I sing in the shower all the time, it's a great blues screamer guaranteed to get a reaction from others. "Locomotive Breath" and "Cross-Eyed Mary" and the title track are fine stuff. Youthful anger and questioning here were focused here into something timeless.
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Memory Man
Aqualung Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000MV8CYI Release Date: 2007-03-13 |
Tracks:
- Cinderella
- Pressure Suit
- Something To Believe In
- Glimmer
- Vapour Trail
- Rolls So Deep
- The Lake
- Black Hole
- Outside
- Garden Of Love
- Broken Bones
Amazon.com
Matt Hales, a.k.a. Aqualung, isn't much of a straight shooter--as a songsmith he's a natural meanderer, and as a one-man instrumentalist he's been known to pick up everything from a siren to a glockenspiel--but he's an expert at creating mesmerizing, sophisticated pop. On 2005's Strange and Beautiful, he twisted an overall outlook marked by murkiness and lethargy into something deeply pretty, and on Memory Man, his second U.S. release, he shows off a similar mastery of mood. The new disc starts with two relatively upbeat tracks, the love-tangled first single "Pressure Suit" and the guitar-heavy, un-Aqua-like "Cinderella," but by track three Hales is back to his bag of engagingly doleful tricks: for the most part on this disc, he's "scratching around for something to believe in," as the song goes. Philosophical bent aside, Memory Man has its share of loose and un-cerebral moments, too. Last track "Broken Bones" dabbles in heavy-duty radio fuzz, and "Rolls So Deep" sidles up to a never-before-heard musical space that's equal parts Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne, and every affecting '70s ballad singer you've ever heard. --Tammy La GorceDescription
Memory Man, the eagerly-awaited sophomore release from British musical prodigy Aqualung arrives in stores on March 13th. Memory Man premieres 11 new Aqualung songs, each of them written or co-written by Matt Hales with his long-time collaborators Ben Hales and Kim Oliver. The first single, "Pressure Suit" is a gorgeous lo-fi, atmospheric masterpiece. Aqualung's 2005 US debut, Strange and Beautiful, reached #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart propelled by the wildly popular single "Brighter Than Sunshine."Customer Reviews:
Made a fan out of me, taking steps in the right direction.......2007-06-12
From the pop-sounds of "Something to Believe In" to the beautiful artistry of "The Lake", this is definitely something to check out. I was a casual listener with his first album, but "Memory Man" has turned me into a real fan.
Innovative.......2007-05-17
Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-05-10
The memory stays.......2007-04-21
It opens with the trippy beats laid over plinky piano and gently cycling, fuzzy guitars. And sounding like he's singing through an old radio, Hales murmurs blearily, "I remember the night/No wet eyes, no crossroads/No mention of fate/Just a poor decision... Be careful what you hope and you pray for/You know you only get what you pay for."
It's followed by the softer, more mournful "Pressure Suit," which sounds like the Flaming Lips got drunk and depressed: "I'll be your four leaf clover/I'll be your pressure suit/I'll be your angel wings/I'll be your parachute." The songs that follow are similarly mournful and wintry, but different styles, like soaring pianopop, mellow guitar folk.
The second half is when the album really takes off, with heartbreaking little ballads and tightly-woven indiepop, though they both have the doleful lyrics and voicals. And it finishes where it began -- "Broken Bones" returns to Hales singing through static and fuzz, "Oh please, just a little more time with you..."
You can't really label "Memory Man" as either being happy or sad. Just like the experience of being in love, it's full of beauty laced with sadness, and the hope that it will last just a little longer. Even when the music is peppy and catchy, Hales still sounds like someone who loves love, but knows that it won't last.
The music itself is a beautiful, frosty swirl, which borders on psychedelic but never quite crosses the line. It's full of ringing, cycling guitars, solid drums, a rattly tambourine, and some piano that plinks through some songs instead of the guitar. And the delicate synth-- it shimmers, buzzes, chimes, and forms an ambient sweep over the delicate Britpop tunes.
Hales' smooth voice always sounds like he's singing out his woes to himself, about relationships that are gone, or about to vanish. But he doesn't exaggerate the importance of what he's singing, just dwells on how it felt: "There's only so much that our heart can grow/Then everything else starts to overflow/And you're young and in love/Back then there was no way of knowing..."
Mournful love is at the heart of "Memory Man," wrapped up in Hales' solid trip-Britpop. The first half is a bit weaker than the second, but it's still a lovely little album.
good, but not what I thought I was getting.......2007-04-21
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Strange and Beautiful
Aqualung Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B0007OP0X6 Release Date: 2005-03-22 |
Tracks:
- Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put A Spell On You)
- Falling Out Of Love
- Good Times Gonna Come
- Brighter Than Sunshine
- Breaking My Heart
- Tongue-tied
- Left Behind
- You Turn Me Round
- If I Fall
- Easier To Lie
- Extra Ordinary Thing
- Another Little Hole
Amazon.com
Aqualung is Matt Hales, a Brit popster whose ethereal, plangently lovely stateside debut is all knotted up in the sounds of now. Cribbing from Keane, Coldplay, Radiohead, and the Beatles, Hales is a U.K. sensation who staves off staleness by way of his exceptional talent. (Volkswagen dropped the title track into one of its uber-hip European ads in 2002, sparking a who's-the-artist frenzy not seen since the company revived the catalog of Nick Drake.) "When the sun sets around me/my daydreams confound me/and the long night surrounds me," he whimpers compellingly on "You Turn Me Round," a brief ache of a song. Though we feel for him—here's an artist with a gift for getting empathy in a chokehold—we can't help hoping his long, melodic night meanders endlessly. Fans of "The O.C." and Garden State soundtracks should dip in. And don't worry: all Jethro Tull ties end at his handle, meant to evoke the strange and beautiful murkiness of the music. --Tammy La GorceCustomer Reviews:
Peaceful yet brooding.......2006-10-08
Comparisons to Coldplay? Perhaps it's the just piano and falsetto--I don't know if Aqualung does uptempo music. Aqualung and James Blunt are the newest additions to the sensitive angsty singer category. I liked this CD. Is it destined to be a classic. I think not. But, will I buy another Aqualung CD? If he comes across as sensitive and not whiny then more likely than not.
Shame the US version is so different from the Original UK Version.......2006-08-11
Seek out.. track down the original Album on B-Unique records and be rewarded
This kid has talent!.......2006-06-17
And it doesn't sound anything like Coldplay.
But this is one beautiful assemblage of music.
Makes me feel like kissing my wife...all night long. ;)
Keep it up Matt, you're on your way to stardom!
Not "Brighter Than Sunshine" - Coldplay on Thorazine.......2006-06-03
Audio Valium.......2006-04-14
I think it was my expectations and not the album's fault. I really like the song Brighter than Sunshine and figured I'd take a chance on the album based solely on it. I was expecting that the song was sort of like Boulevard of Broken Dreams on Green Day's American Idiot and would be the exception, rather than the rule.
Was I ever wrong. Brighter than Sunshine is one of the more rousing songs on the album. My 18 yo son was with me (I am a 46 yo female)and remarked that it was "sort of a Cold Play album". Which for many people is a recommendation. For us it is not.
I am sure there will come a perfect time for me to listen to this album again and appreciate it, maybe a Saturday afternoon after a hectic week and morning when I feel like mellowing out. Unfortunately, last night it was the wrong album at the wrong time.
It is not bad. I found no fault with the lyrics or the musicianship of technical aspects. It is simply not what I want to listen to for an entire album.
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Strange and Beautiful
Aqualung Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000CNETAC Release Date: 2006-01-17 |
Tracks:
- Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put A Spell On You)
- Falling Out Of Love
- Good Times Gonna Come
- Brighter Than Sunshine
- Breaking My Heart
- Tongue-tied
- Left Behind
- You Turn Me Round
- If I Fall
- Easier To Lie
- Extra Ordinary Thing
- Another Little Hole
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Aqualung Live
Jethro Tull Manufacturer: Fuel 2000 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000E97H94 Release Date: 2006-03-07 |
Tracks:
- Aqualung
- Crosseyed Mary
- Cheap Day Return
- Mother Goose
- Wond'ring Aloud
- Up To Me
- My God
- Hymn 43
- Slipstream
- Locomotive Breath
- Wind-Up
- Riffs-Another Monkey
- Recording The Original
- Choosing My Words With Care
- Hummmmmm 43
- A Different Kettle Of Very Different Fish
- But Is It Any Good?
Album Description
When Jethro Tull leader Ian Anderson was offered the chance to re-record the album by US radio station XM he and the band took to the task with relish. This recording, which includes the Tull signature tune "Locomotive Breath," also features exclusive insights into this and the original recording from Ian and Martin Barre, the guitarist who played on the original also. This is a must have for all Tull fans. The band will be donating all their royalties from this release to help a number of charities for the homeless.Customer Reviews:
REAL FOLKS;REAL ARTISTS.......2007-05-14
CONSISTENTLY SUPERB AS THE FOLKS IN JETHRO TULL....YEARS AGO PRIOR TO A "WARCHILD"CONCERT at the Baltimore Civic Center in maryland....JOEY B.,
"SOLITAIRE"-STEVE, and ME..got into IAN ANDERSON'S holiday inn hotel room
(via badddd english accents and the maid) and left him a copy of"DEMIAN"
a necklace(a rare and precious{emotionally} chain ! ) and my very first
original song "AN ANDERSON SHUFFLE" ! AFTER THE SHOW i sat next to him as he ordered a STEAK n'EGG SANDWICH and COFFEE to take up to his room while the others drank and partied in the lounge ! This was the true consumate
professional "MINSTREL IN THE GALLERY" I vowed to become someday !
As for MARTIN BARRE....he was uproariously funny while searching futiley
for ....(our wee secret).... NO MATTER WHO ELSE IS IN THE BAND THEY ARE
CONSISTENTLY THE FINEST CLASSICAL ROCK MUSICIANS IN THE WORLD...then and
now ! SEE THEM BEFORE YOU DIE ! EVEN THE MORTICIAN WON'T BE ABLE TO REMOVE YOUR SATED SMILE ! Instead of simply "SKATING AWAY" and leaving
us to drown starving for real music under the thin ice of a new day
they throw us a new-life line....AQUALUNG LIVE !.....GREATNESS AND
HUMILITY AND CHARITY AND JOY ! are portrayed in every word and note of this CD ! It doesn't get any better than this , folks ! heck! the interviews alone are worth the price of this CD ! SUPPORT THE HOMELESS
BUY THIS MASTERPIECE....it will renew your heart and teach you how
"ROCK" is done ! As for me, i'll keep driving through NASHVILLE-towne.....
TO CRY YOU A SONG !
NASHVILLE RECORDING ARTIST :
GARY SPARKS c.2007
[...]
I listen to it more often than the original!.......2007-04-02
Although the versions on this recording are largely true to the originals, some of the songs have been done up in wonderful new arrangements, notably Mother Goose and Hymn 43. Mother Goose is particulary lovely, and actually surpasses the original quite easily in my opinion. Overall, this little collection is definitely the most exciting live Tull release since Bursting Out, and collectors won't want to miss it.
Top tunes.......2006-11-03
Aqualung Dead.......2006-09-02
Although the music on the Album is crisp and lively, Ian seemed out of sync with the band except for Cheap Day Return, Wond'ring Aloud, and Slipstream.
For those of us that know the real Tull, I would hate for any newcomer to hear this album as it would taint them from ever listening to the classic original.
I give this CD 1 star only because they had no ratings of zero.
A Fitting Homage, With Some Nice Surprises.......2006-08-23
So, while the musicians were undoubtedly ALIVE, and the songs they played were the current concert versions, there is a certain lack of excitement one associates with a concert recording. This is especially true of the quintessential show stopping tune, LOCOMOTIVE BREATH, which usually draws deafening applause and shouts in a concert, yet here only garners the praise of a very small group of people. Don't get me wrong, I would have given my right arm to be among the two score of fans who were lucky enough to attend this performance. As you would expect, the track list is exactly that of the original album.
Many of the songs are nearly indistinguishable from versions available on other live albums. The title track is perhaps the weakest on the album; I much prefer the recent live version on IAN ANDERSON PLAYS THE ORCHESTRAL JETHRO TULL. (Check that one out if you can, it's worth the money!) The real departure on this album is a Celtic gigue version of HYMN 43 that moves along at a brisk pace and includes some very creative flute improvisation. Some bonus chatter is included at the end of the disc.
This is a nice, but not necessary addition to any Tull collection. If you're on the fence as to buying it or not, note that all the band's proceeds are being donated to various charities for the homeless - a fitting homage to a character forever associated with this band and this album.
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull Manufacturer: Toshiba EMI Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00005O5UJ Release Date: 2003-06-30 |
Tracks:
- Aqualung
- Cross-Eyed Mary
- Cheap Day Return
- Mother Goose
- Wond'ring Aloud
- Up to Me
- My God
- Hymn 43
- Slipstream
- Locomotive Breath
- Wind Up
Album Description
Japanese remastered reissue of 1971 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. Includes 5 bonus tracks, 'Lick Your Fingers Clean', 'Wind Up' (Quad Version), 'The Ian Anderson Interview' (Excerpts), 'A Song For Jeffrey', 'Fat Man' & 'Bouree'. Picture disc.Album Details
Digitally Remastered in 1997 with Bonus Tracks, Including a 13 Minute Interview with Ian Anderson, a Different Version of 'wind Up'and Three Various BBC Session Tracks.Customer Reviews:
What a Jip and a Waste of Plastic! .......2006-11-01
But what a great pity! The mini-lp cardboard replica sleeve is one of the better ones that I've seen; the cardboard is felt and of very good sturdy build and quality and the artwork is simply stunning. You also get all the lyrics in English and Japanese but is that alone worth the extremely high price? The answer is it would be if the sound quality of this allegedly remastered disc was anywhere near decent.
I have heard many, many cds in the many, many years that I've been a fan of all kinds of music but I have to struggle to recall a disc that is so poorly mastered. The sound quality is even worse than the non-remastered version that I got years ago! This is a great sin given the excellent material that Aqualung represents and as a musician, I'd be ashamed to admit that this is my cd as it currently sounds on this version of the album. The volume levels are ridiculously low and when you raise the volume all you hear is extremely muddy sound which makes you wonder what the heck they actually "remastered"! I can only conclude that this album hasn't been remastered from the best possible available master tape from the vaults. The laughable irony of it all is that the only time the sound becomes relatively better is on the last couple of filler tracks which of themselves are totally unnecessary and even detract from the overall album which to its defense is probably why it's called "filler" to begin with.
Ian Anderson, I hope you are reading this and if you are, please, please please take control of your material and prevent the incompetents from killing your brilliant work. Take charge and commission another TRULY remastering project using the best possible masters and ensure that you yourself would be proud of the output.
In the meantime, give this very expensive and terrible-sounding version a very wide berth. The phrase, "you can't judge a book by its cover" certainly holds very true here.
1997 Toshiba EMI Remasters.......2006-09-10
Unless you want a collectors item....don't waste your time if your looking for a better sounding cd.
A Rock Great.......2006-06-04
The album opens with the title track. The opening guitar riffs are immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with classic rock. As the song progresses, Ian Anderson uses reverberation on his vocals. The combination of guitars and drums with Ian's vocals placed this song solidly into some of the hardest rock being created at the time. The lyrics are about an old, homeless man with lecherous thoughts. The lyrics are very descriptive and poetic, intelligently written and executed. While the topic could have delved into a moral tale, the lyrics are descriptive rather than lamenting or accusatory or a social policy.
"Cross-Eyed Mary" follows, a story about a lady of the night (or day, apparently). As in "Aqualung," to which this song refers, the guitar riffs drive to a rock beat, along with Ian Anderson's enthusiastic vocals. Again, the lyrics are descriptive rather than judgmental. In an era when many songs exhorted compassion and care, these lyrics observed and described.
After the first two harder sounding songs comes "Cheap Day Return," a return to the acoustic English folk sound typical of Tull's earlier albums. This short song is almost an interlude between the previous song and "Mother Goose." "Mother Goose" is surrealistic and poetic, mixing references to fictional characters and plays on names. The song is largely acoustic and heavily folk influenced, Ian's flute lending a medieval sound to the music. At one point the vocals also harmonize in a folk-like fashion. Near the end of the song an electric guitar provides occasional accompaniment to provide a slightly harder edge to this folk-sounding piece.
Continuing the mellower music is "Wond'ring Aloud," with strings and acoustic instruments. The music is folk; the lyrics are mellow and an enjoyment of life. Before we think the album is going to stay in the folk vein for the rest of the album, "Up to Me" returns to the guitar-laden music of the opening songs. The guitar riffs are recognizable as being from the late 60s/early 70s, but the Ian Anderson lyrics continue to be obscure and poetic.
The next five songs together make up "My God," a concept within itself that questions religion and the hypocrisy of people that style themselves believers in God. Included are questions regarding buying salvation and the role of religion in war and life, and whether people in the church are as pure and holy as religion would have you believe. Given current events, these lyrics are as relevant today as they were in 1971.
"My God" begins with guitar riffs that may remind you of Black Sabbath. The song is complex, however, and later the vocals are chants that may be intended to invoke an image of monastic chants to the listener. While the lyrics of "Aqualung" were observatory and descriptive, these lyrics are accusatory, demanding to know why religion isn't living up to its own ideals. The remaining songs of the original album, "Hymn 43," "Slipstream," "Locomotive Breath" and "Wind-Up," all have a common theme based on religion, questioning the role and morality of organized religion.
There are several versions of this album available. This import from Japan is a remaster with six bonus tracks. The cost of these various versions varies. The bonus tracks exist on some of the other versions, and their principal value is adding more bulk to the original vinyl album, which was a bit more than 43 minutes long. Be sure you see which version suits your needs the best before buying.
This album has two faces, "Aqualung" and "My God." "Aqualung" is relatively objective observation. "My God" questions religion. Much of the music is rock, often with a harder edge. The lyrics are inspired, occasionally obscure, often poetic, and always intelligent. If there was a category in rock called intellectual rock, this album would be in it. While this album is unlikely to appeal to many mainstream rock fans, the music and lyrics at the time were avant-garde, keeping in the tradition of Jethro Tull, and thus having substantial progressive rock elements. A must have for fans of cutting edge classic rock music.
Aqualung Baby! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !.......2006-01-30
4.5 stars - Their most successful album.......2004-05-19
The sixties found Jethro Tull trying to find their sound. Their first album, This Was, featured them doing blues rock, while their second album, Stand Up, incorporated elements of progressive rock. Their first release of the seventies, Benefit, is where the band truly came of age, combining a plethora of styles and creating one of the finest sounds in rock and roll. But, come 1971, and the band would release what would ultimately go on to become their most popular album of all - Aqualung. Does the band's fourth album live up to the hype that so many people built around it, or is it just an overrated and overhyped album? Read on for my review.
To put it simply, there is a reason that this is Tull's most popular album - it's one of the best. Though not my personal favorite (that honor would have to go to the previous year's release, Benefit), it's an excellent record nonetheless. The album is broken into two parts - Side A: Aqualung, and Side B: My God. Kicking off Side A is the title track. This has gone down as one of the band's most popular tracks, and why not? The hard rocking intro and outro is one of the finest in classic rock, and it helps to make this song priceless. Track two, Cross-Eyed Mary, is another hard rocker that would become very popular (although oddly enough, the band rarely puts it on their hits compilations!) This is an excellent song that has stood the test of time, no questions asked. Next up come two softer and more melodic songs, Mother Goose and Wond'ring Aloud. If you've got an open mind, these two tunes won't fail to please. Side A closes with the excellent Up To Me. The guitar stylings are a typical seventies rock breed, but Anderson's lyrics are distinctly poetic, as only he could do. And then, Side B begins. The title track of Side B, My God, kicks it off. This was an excellent way to kick off this side of the album. While the songs on Side A were descriptive and to the point, those of Side B accuse religion of not living up to its own standards - and do a damn good job of it. Among the tracks are are the legendary Locomotive Breath, which became every bit as popular as the two hits from the A Side. Although I personally prefer the A Side of the album, the B Side is solid nonetheless. In the end we are left with an album that stands the test of time as a true rock classic. Ian Anderson is a musical genius, as are his bandmates, and it really shows on this album.
Like the other Tull remasters, here you get remastering, expanded liner notes, and bonus tracks. But, like many others, I feel that the record company "overdid" it a bit on the remastering process, and ended up doing more harm than good in the process. The bonus tracks include an interview, outtakes from the Aqualung sessions, and some BBC session versions of Song For Jeffrey, Fat Man, and Bouree (the "final" versions of these songs were featured on the band's first two albums.) However, like many of the bonus tracks included on the Tull reissues, many of these (especially the BBC sessions) don't belong on THIS album. Why didn't the record company just include the early versions of the songs on the respective albums that included the final versions? That would have made more sense.
Aqualung has long been revered as a rock and roll classic, and I have no choice but to agree with that. The album explores a plethora of styles, and does a better job of it than any other band ever could. If you're new to Jethro Tull, this album makes the perfect place to start your collection (don't bother with hits compilations!) It's an excellent album, plain and simple.
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull Manufacturer: Chrysalis ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000PFFXOS |
Product Description
The classic album oriented rock album.
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain
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ASIN: B000003JA9 Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Aqualung
- Cross-Eyed Mary
- Cheap Day Return
- Mother Goose
- Wond'ring Aloud
- Up to Me
- My God
- Hymn 43
- Slipstream
- Locomotive Breath
- Wind Up
Amazon.com
When Aqualung was released in the United States, audiences were drawn at once to the diverse styles and the unique, sinister overtones that the five-piece from the north of England successfully combined. Oft regarded as the best Tull album ever, it integrates traditional instruments more commonly heard in folk tunes as well as electric guitars and rock drums excellently. Also expect to hear a flute played with a virtuosity that only Ian Anderson--the band's principal songwriter--could ever muster. As far as lyrical content, how does "Snot running down his nose" grab you? --Paul ClarkCustomer Reviews:
A Classic.......2005-04-26
The album opens with the title track. The opening guitar riffs are immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with classic rock. As the song progresses, Ian Anderson uses reverberation on his vocals. The combination of guitars and drums with Ian's vocals placed this song solidly into some of the hardest rock being created at the time. The lyrics are about an old, homeless man with lecherous thoughts. The lyrics are very descriptive and poetic, intelligently written and executed. While the topic could have delved into a moral tale, the lyrics are descriptive rather than lamenting or accusatory or a social policy.
"Cross-Eyed Mary" follows, a story about a lady of the night (or day, apparently). As in "Aqualung", to which this song refers, the guitar riffs drive to a rock beat, along with Ian Anderson's enthusiastic vocals. Again, the lyrics are descriptive rather than judgmental. In an era when many songs exhorted compassion and care, these lyrics observed and described.
After the first two harder sounding songs comes "Cheap Day Return", a return to the acoustic English folk sound typical of Tull's earlier albums. This short song is almost an interlude between the previous song and "Mother Goose". "Mother Goose" is surrealistic and poetic, mixing references to fictional characters and plays on names. The song is largely acoustic and heavily folk influenced, Ian's flute lending a medieval sound to the music. At one point the vocals also harmonize in a folk-like fashion. Near the end of the song an electric guitar provides occasional accompaniment to provide a slightly harder edge to this folk-sounding piece.
Continuing the mellower music is "Wond'ring Aloud", with strings and acoustic instruments. The music is folk; the lyrics are mellow and an enjoyment of life. Before we think the album is going to stay in the folk vein for the rest of the album, "Up to Me" returns to the guitar-laden music of the opening songs. The guitar riffs are recognizable as being from the late 60s/early 70s, but the Ian Anderson lyrics continue to be obscure and poetic.
The next five songs together make up "My God", a concept within itself that questions religion and the hypocrisy of people that style themselves believers in God. Included are questions regarding buying salvation and the role of religion in war and life, and whether people in the church are as pure and holy as religion would have you believe. Given current events, these lyrics are as relevant today as they were in 1971.
"My God" begins with guitar riffs that may remind you of Black Sabbath. The song is complex, however, and later the vocals are chants that may be intended to invoke an image of monastic chants to the listener. While the lyrics of "Aqualung" were observatory and descriptive, these lyrics are accusatory, demanding to know why religion isn't living up to its own ideals. The remaining songs, "Hymn 43", "Slipstream", "Locomotive Breath" and "Wind-Up", all have a common theme based on religion, questioning the role and morality of organized religion.
A word of caution. There are several versions of this album available. All but this version have bonus tracks. Similarly, the cost of these various versions varies. The bonus tracks may be found elsewhere, and their principal value is adding more bulk to the original vinyl album, which was a bit more than 43 minutes long. Be sure you see which version suits your needs the best before buying.
This album has two faces, "Aqualung" and "My God". "Aqualung" is relatively objective observation. "My God" questions religion. Much of the music is rock, often with a harder edge. The lyrics are inspired, occasionally obscure, often poetic, and always intelligently done. If there was a category in rock called intellectual rock, this album would be in it. While this album is unlikely to appeal to many mainstream rock fans, the music and lyrics at the time were avant-garde, keeping in the tradition of Jethro Tull, and thus having substantial progressive rock elements. A must have for fans of cutting edge classic rock music.
Good album. I'd give it a 5 if "Mother Goose" was shorter........2002-11-05
on, either you've already heard most of the good songs to
death or you're not a rock music fan. "Aqualung" is one
of those FM radio darling albums of the '70s, along with
Supertramp's "Breakfast in America", Eagles' "Hotel
California", any release by Led Zeppelin, etc, etc. Some
albums deserve to be overplayed, though. Eagles can
rot in the deepest pits of Hell for all I care but
the Tull rocks.
The title track, "Locomotive Breath", and "Cross-Eyed
Mary" are the best known cuts because they are the best.
"Aqualung" has just the right amount of complexity for
for what it is (if that makes sense.) It's not quite
prog nor is it quite your average hard rock number;
angry riff-driven parts and pretty accoustic
parts with a fantastic guitar solo. Lyrically it
is a hoot. How many songs are there about old
perverts who eye little girls "with bad intent?" I
love it!
"Cross-Eyed Mary" is apparently about a lower
class little girl who is sexually exploited by
older men. The allusions in the song to Aqua Lung
are clever. Gotta love the descending flute intro.
"Locomotive Breath" is played _so_much_ on radio.
Does it even need description? For the ten poor
souls who have never this song, it opens with a
brief piano bit and then tells the story of the
"all time loser" and his fateful day spent on
a train, accompanied by train-imitating guitar
riffs and flute playing. Maybe the best song
on the album yet I prefer "Aqualung" and "Wind-Up"
a wee bit more.
"Hymn 43" and "Wind-Up" are both obvious attacks
on organized religion. "Hymn" combines a radio-
friendly hook with "blasphemous" lyrics. If you
are a fundamentalist Christian then listen to Amy
Grant instead. "Wind-Up" is beautiful, musically and
lyrically. How can anyone not like this song? Lyrics
like "So I asked this God a question and by way of firm reply,
He said I'm not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays."
are straight from the heart, whether you agree with them
or not. Recommended for those who are not very religious
and/or easily offended.
The other tracks, besides "My God", don't do so much
for me. "Mother Goose" is just way too silly and way too
long. All things said, it is not progressive rock
quite yet, but you can't deny the melodies, riffs,
lyrical brilliance, and _talent_ on here. If you
insist on only listening to progressive rock and
hate anything that's popular (wait, wasn't TAAB a
best selling album?) then avoid... Your loss.
Ian Anderson's diatribe against not God but the Church.......2002-10-30
The first "side" of the album, entitled "Aqualung" after the first/title track, offers nothing overt other than the idea of dismissing organized religion as "salvation à la mode and a cup of tea." However, the second side, "My God," makes its argument in earnest from the opening verse: "People - what have you done/locked Him in His golden cage/Made Him bend to your religion/Him resurrected from the grave." The Church of England is explicitly condemned for having supplanted the authenticity of the Christian religion with plastic crucifixes. "Hymn 43" continues this line of argument by suggesting that: "If Jesus saves - well, He'd better save Himself from the gory glory seekers who use His name in death." "Slipstream" offers a metaphorical look at sinners trying to save themselves at the last moment: "And you press on God's waiter your last dime/as he hands you the bill." That "Slipstream" comes right before "Locomotive Breath" makes sense when you look at the latter's lyrics in light of the former.
But Ian Anderson's diatribe against the organized religion of his country does not extend to God, as is amply proven by the concluding song, "Wind Up." To underscore the importance of what is being sung at this point, the music tends to get out of the way of the lyrics, especially the final lines: "I don't believe you/you had the whole damn thing all wrong/He's not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays." When the teachings of the church consist of nothing more than "half-assed smiles and the book of rules," this necessitates a more personal dialogue with God. In Anderson's world God replies with a firm answer. When Anderson declares "I'd rather look around me - compose a better song/`cos that's the honest measure of my worth," he is staking a claim to more piety and sanctity than the edifices he is indicting.
The second side of "Aqualung" aspires to being much more than mere rock `n' roll. The message is simplistic, but still compelling. "Aqualung" represents Ian Anderson speaking in relatively clear words; from here on the will cloak his lyrics in metaphors and his own brand of mysticism. But for me it is ultimately the clarity of the lyrics and the intended message that makes this the strongest of Jethro Tull's albums. There are certainly more pleasing melodies down the road, but that does nothing to diminish the raw power of this effort.
Even "Poor Old Sods" will love "Aqualung"!.......2002-09-11
One of the All-Time Classics.......2002-07-17
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Aqualung Live
Jethro Tull Manufacturer: Random Music UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000AD1XUI Release Date: 2005-10-11 |
Tracks:
- Aqualung
- Crosseyed Mary
- Cheap Day Return
- Mother Goose
- Wond'ring Aloud
- Up to Me
- My God
- Hymn 43
- Slipstream
- Locomotive Breath
- Wind-Up
- Riffs -- Another Monkey
- Recording the Original
- Choosing My Words with Care
- Hummmmmm 43
- Different Kettle of Very Different Fish
- But Is It Any Good?
Album Description
When Tull leader Ian Anderson was offered the chance to re-record the album by US radio station XM he and the band took to the task with relish. This recording, which includes the Tull signature tune 'Locomotive Breath' also features exclusive insights into this and the original recording from Ian and Martin Barre, the guitarist who played on the original also. This is a must have for all Tull fans and the first 5,000 copies will be numbered, enhancing their collectability.The band will be donating all their royalties from this release to help a number of charities for the homeless. Random. 2005.Album Details
A Classic Album Re-recorded Live at Us Radio Station Xm in Washington November 2004. The First 5,000 Copies Will Be Numbered.Customer Reviews:
JETHRO TULL is my favorite but:.......2007-01-03
This is not your fathers Aqualung.......2006-06-01
The sound is much more like Thick As A Brick than the original disc. Martin Barre still plays excellent electric guitar, but several of the songs are much more acoustic driven. This is most notable on Hymn 43 which was always a personal favorite. This adds depth to songs like the title track. Locommotive Breath is excellent and Wind Up finishes it beautifully.
The additional stories and discussion have been moved to the end of the disc and cast some light on the discussions we had about Tull and religion 35 years ago as well as the making of the record itself.
Highly recommend this disc, if you think you can accept it for what it is
Aqualung Live.......2006-03-28
This is the first review I've written, I hate being ripped off.
Then and Again...Again...and Again...and Again!.......2006-02-14
Some folks are overly conservative when it comes to their favorite tunes having to conform to the original sound...if you fall into that category you may have a little difficulty with a few of the songs...like our friend whose review you see a few posts back. Quite honestly...I thought the little folksy twist added to the beginning of Hymn 43 was very delightful and quite Tullish. I will not do a review of each song because I don't wish to taint your own first impressions...but I will say this is certainly worth having.
And for those of you who seem to have a great knack for being critical of IA's singing...you can only hope that you, too, would be able to continue to rock and roll when everyone else thinks you are too old! GO IAN!
LC
Something to listen to while sitting on a very different park bench.......2006-02-01
1. AQUALUNG - 8/10 Above average, but just that. I prefer the studio version to this one.
2. CROSS-EYED MARY - 9/10 I especially enjoyed the flautistry in this track, though the vocals aren't the best, yet it's not bad enough to make you wish to stick a pike in your ear.
3. CHEAP DAY RETURN - 9/10 On par with the original. Here the vocals are actually not a major detriment to the material.
4. MOTHER GOOSE - 8.5/10 Above average, but not up to par with the studio version.
5. WOND'RING ALOUD - 10/10 This is an excellent version, especially if you enjoy the track, as I do.
6. UP TO ME - 8/10 Nowhere near up ti par with the original; the vocals kind of foul this one up.
7. MY GOD - 7.5/10 The first few times, I kind of lost interest in this one; it was never one of my favorites. However, I prefer the Nothing is Easy or studio version of this song to this one. I guess you have to listen to it many times before you start to really appreciate it.
8. HYMN 43 - 6/10 Here, the album starts to slump. Ian mentions that it was amended; indeed, it was, but not for the better here. I preferred the studio version to this, by far.
9. SLIPSTREAM - 9/10 This an excellent version of one of the most excellent songs that are shorter than two minutes on the original album. "Sounds almost the same as the original, doesn't it?" asks Ian; indeed, I have to agree, it does sound mostly the same.
10. LOCOMOTIVE BREATH - 10/10 Locomotive Breath has always been an excellent song, and this is a most excellent live version; I prefer the Bursting Out live version a little more, but this is still the high point of the actual music.
11. WIND UP - 8/10 A very good live version, but it's a bit different than the original version (if I remember the original correctly, I haven't listened to it in a while)
OVERALL: 8.5/10 Above average, but definitely far from perfect.
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Deep Blue
Aqualung Manufacturer: Sony/Defstar ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B0009J8GB2 Release Date: 2005-07-18 |
Tracks:
- Strange & Beautiful (Hardkandy Mix)
- Good Times Gonna Come (Marius De Vries Mix)
- Everything Changed (Original Demo)
- Tongued-Tied (Jim Cooperthwaite Mix)
- If I Fall (Rock God Remix)
- God Only Knows
- Easier To Lie (Takagi Masakatsu Piano Mix)
- Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put A Spell On You) Dvd
- Good Times Gonna Come (Dvd)
- If I Fall (Dvd)
- Brighter Than Sunshine (Dvd)
- Easier To Lie (Dvd)
Album Description
Japanese exclusive CD/DVD release to coincide with their 2005 performance at the Fuji Rock Festival in 2005. The CD features seven rare tracks including a cover of the Beach Boy's 'God Only Knows' along with remixes and demos of album tracks. The DVD (NTSC/Region 0) features five music videos and a mini-documentary entitled, 'Cross the Atlantic'. B-Unique Records. 2005.Album Details
DVD is NTSC format, region code 2Rap Music:
- Before These Crowded Streets
- Believe [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]
- Billy Joel - Greatest Hits Vol. 1-2 [Enhanced] [Original recording remastered]
- Black Crowes - Greatest Hits 1990-1999: Tribute Work in Progress
- Bloom
- Both Sides Now
- Christmas Eve and Other Stories
- De-Loused in the Comatorium
- Deadwing [Enhanced]
- Don't Tread On Me
Recommended Music:
Brahms: Sonata in Ef No2, Op120/2; Gal: Sonata for clarinet Op84 [Import]
Brahms / Pfitzner: Cello Sonatas
Al Estilo de Mi Tierra [Explicit Lyrics]
Are You In? [CD-single] [Import]