Some albums from the 70s that changed the way I viewed music were Mahavishnu Orchestra's "Inner Mounting Flame" (also "Birds of Fire"). John Mclaughlin's guitar playing speaks for itself, as does Billy Cobham's drumming - he was the first drummer I remember to replace the 2/4 hi hat pattern for straight eighths. Also any of Weather Report's albums including their self-titled debut album and "I sing the Body Electric". Don't know if they were popular enough for this series, but they sure changed my approach to listening and playing music. Thanks Warren!
If we can include Jethro Tull and Aqualung in this canon then I full believe Gong have a place. So I'm going to plump for Camembert Electrique. Daevid Allen's contribution to music and the world as a whole is immense. He was a wonderful human being. You would be quite surprised by who cite Gong as a major influence.
In The Court Of The Crimson King I do realise that a video on that would be problematic, sonce King Crimson are notorious youtube blockers. But you can't argue with the album's impact :)
perhaps the most underrated/overlooked bands EVER. I remember when my older brother brought home Aqualung (the record), I WAS HOOKED. That’s when my ‘record collection’ began. I was lucky enough to see them twice...awesome!!! No one I knew listened to them, they liked The Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles..more ‘popular’ stuff. JT and Neil Young made me who I am today. INCREDIBLE mini-documentary, THANKS
I saw Tull sometime in the mid to late 90's at Pier Six Concert Pavillion in Baltimore, a huge thunderstorm broke out in the middle of their set and I was dancing my ass off in the rain. Soaked through to the bone afterwards, but it was hands down the best concert I've ever been to.
@@chrismorgan7494agreed. If it was overlooked or underrated it was by the dude who wrote that comment. He overlooked and underrated it. Nobody I hung out with thought that way
A wonderful commentary on the most iconic band of all time. Ian Anderson's poetry, intelligence and amazing flute playing and compositions together with the other members of Jethro Tull have added a lot of pleasure to my life!!
@@geoffsimpkins7650, Jimmy Page actually came into the studio while he was cutting this solo. He had to ignore him, or he feared he would ruin his concentration.
Thanks for posting , I am ferocious fan of Jethro Tull, this is the only band I can heard without boring , I also have many progressive rock albums from bands like Yes , Genesis, Pink Floyd, ELP , King Crimson, Rush , Camel , but to me Jethro Tull is completely different, this Celtic style is unique, To me is the most intelligent sophisticated and complex band ever existed.
As much as I love this record I think "Benefit", which came before it was better as an album. But I love all the early Tull stuff. Edit: also, Ian is a GREAT acoustic guitarist. One of a kind!
This album and THAT song, are examples of art that never leave you. It check's so many boxes.....heavy riffs, uniquely creative, engaging lyrics, charismatic vocal delivery, musicianship. I need to revisit the whole album now......50yrs!! :-o !!
Jethro Tull absolutely rocks. Love the combination of instruments and the change ups throughout their songs. This album/aqualung, is still one of the best to date.
I was fortunate to see many of Jethro Tulls concerts in the 1970's, best date nights ever. By chance sat in the acoustical sweet spot in an old colosseum for Thick as a Brick. They were the perfect band for English majors with their lyrics making sly social commentary. I'm very pleased they still have significant staying power among (smart) young people I've met.
This album was in my parent's record collection when I was a kid. I would lay on the floor with headphones on and play this record over and over again. So many things about this album influenced how I play music. "Wind Up" is in my top 10 greatest songs ever written.
Some of the most complicated and intriguing rock music ever produced...... How they memorized so much for live performances is amazing! And it's interesting to me that the title track of this album contains no flute.....
Ian is so humble, when he is a clear leader and innovator. I think part of the attraction is that he was self-taught; he wasn’t confined by ‘standard’ methods.
NEIN IAN ANDERSON IST NICHT SO BESCHEIDEN WIE ES SEIN LANGER GITARRIST MARTIN BARRE,DENN ER IST ES!!IAN ANDERSON IST EIN KNALLHARTER GESCHÄFTSMANN IM LEBEN UND EIN GENIE IN DER MUSIK.ZWEI MUSIKER UND TYPEN DIE UNTERSCHIEDLICHER NICHT SEIN KÖNNEN.ABER DAS PROJEKT JETHRO TULL HAT MIT BEIDEN SO EINE LANGE ZEIT FUNKTIONIERT. LONG LIVE IAN AND MARTIN.❤😊
Thank you for the video. I was afraid Martin Barre would not be mentioned at all. It is to be noted that Mr. Barre is outstandingly humble and down to earth guy when met in person. Our encounter two years ago was the final push for me to start learning guitar at the age of 36...
I was only 15 when I saw Jethro Tull live in Orlando Florida, I absolutely loved it even though I really didn't understand or have the ability to contemplate the lyrics. Aqualung is still one of my favorite albums to this day, a night I will never forget.
And the farce that is the Rock n' Hall of Shame rolls on. There are inductees which are not certifiably rock, and dubious at best. I was 17 when Aqualung was released, and it made quite a splash. One cannot imagine the 70s without the impact of Jethro Tull.
It seems deliberate and has struck me as political as progressive rock groups like ELP, Yes and Jethro Tull have been snubbed. I'm a big fan of Kraftwerk, but I don't think of the group as particularly "rock and roll". Ian has been vocal about not expecting to be inducted, but as long as groups like Tull and ELP are shunned, the Hall of Fame has absolutely no credibility.
It's a JOKE. If they had called it the "Popular Music HOF" then more of their selections would at least make a bit more sense, though it still doesn't explain the many glaringly obvious omissions. I won't even visit the museum.
Had the good fortune to see Tull play Aqualung in ,71 at the Dome , Brighton . My first ever gig [ l was 16 ]. One of my all time favourite gigs and albums . A great band .
One of the most important albums of my life. How happy am i to say that i have the first UK press signed just for me? Wow that will be my treasure forever!!!
I first saw them when they opened for Led Zeppelin on their first North American tour. I was immediately hooked and saw them a number of times after that. Probably my favorite of theirs, though, is the Songs from the Wood album.
When I saw Jethro Tull in 73 in Montreal wow. In the middle of the concert the phone starts ringing and the band stops dead. It rings and stops. The rest of the concert goes on. The end after the encour. The phone rings , lights on we all stop and look Ian Anderson comes out and answers. "It's for you"
"Aqualung" has to be up there as a contender for the "best" song of all time. Musically amazing - that riff, that solo, that ridiculous bass under the Bo Diddley groove - and lyrically just mind-blowing. Compassion without any crap sentimentality - a flawed, destroyed human being, pissing on his feet to stop his toes falling off. Jennie Anderson's masterpiece.
I got my introduction to Juthro Tull through " Stand Up" album back in 1970. I also saw them in Vancouver, Canada once! Blew my mind! Very unique sound, very good musicians, luv their music & Ian Anderson looked like a Sorcerer coming on stage with his wild hair & flute in hand. All the time he was performing, there was a red telephone sitting on a table, on stage. I asked my date, what's the telephone for? At the end of his performance, the phone rang, he picked up the receiver, held it out to the audience and said, "It's for you." Blew me away! Always been a fave. band of mine, to this day! I'm 75 now ✌🌹☮
I’ve just turned 70. My first of many dozens of Tull shows began at the age of 14. Im still awe struck of the experience today. You did good. Thank you.
i get that it's all subjective, but i don't understand why everyone thinks barre was "brilliant"....he was a FANTASTIC ensemble player, but his leads are terrible....you can tell he has no idea what he's doing, just moving his fingers fast and hoping for the best (he's even quoted saying something along these lines).
@@cbr9914 Are you tone deaf??!! Martin's leads are outstanding!!!! So carefully and melodically structured. Fingers moving fast and hoping for the best and saying he's quoted stating that?? I don't know what you're going on about, but you don't have a clue and know nothing about anything.
Thank you so much for this! Jethro Tull is my 2nd favorite band after The Beatles. So many people (especially the young music reactors) don't understand Tull at all. I also love folk music and love the folk influence in Tull. Steeleyed Span is where I learned a lot of British folk tunes (along with the tunes that made it to the US and influenced folk/country/western/bluegrass here). Along with the musicianship and the use of the flute, the shear poetry of the lyrics of their songs is amazing. I saw them on their Heavy Horses tour in Denver. Even in the nose bleed seats I was blown away.
Being from USA I thought as I kid that this band had the poetry, smartness and the dynamic quality, depth plus the edge of rock in a European sound. I loved this band , truly great
Jehtro Tull's greatness is like an open secret. They deserve much more respect than I feel they receive. Thanks from a huge fan of both the band and now your channel.
I was 14 and and had four 8-track tapes that I wore out that year...Aqualung, Santana's first album, Grand Funk Railroad's red album and The Beatles Abbey Road. It was a great summer! I must also give an honorable mention to The Beatles Let It Be!
Many thanks for putting this thing on Tull together; they were truly excellent but, imo, they didn't tour enough - over here at least. Anderson's back story on these great tunes, along with your commentary much appreciated. Did I say thanks? I did? I'll say it again: thank you!
I love your demonstration of the major third in the riff. I could hear this on the record but could never get the right sound and any second band guitarist would always just play the same main riff. In 1973 @ age 14 I stumbled across this record oddly enough, in a neighborhood butcher shop. they had bought a small empty adjoining store, knocked down the wall & added a bodega that sold all sorts of items. there was a carousel with records on it & I spotted the strange drawing of a bearded hobo with the title Jethro Tull 'Aqualung'. It sounded so very different than anything else at the time or since. We all winded up going to every Tull concert from 73'-82'. As a young budding guitarist, I was always captivated at Martin Barre's style & tone, which besides Andersons unique persona, writing & multi-instrumentation skills, It was Barre who gave Tull the early hard-rock sound that made them so iconic.
Thick as a Brick is their best LP as well as A Passion Play. However Aqualung was the album that exploded in the US and it’s a genius record, music and lyrics.
Jethro Tull is one of those bands that I have heard about for many years but never got round to actually sitting down and listening to their music. I will remedy that today.
I first saw Tull play in 1984 when i was 10 year old! Saw them again 3 or 4 more times after, most memorable was their 25th anniversary gig at Wembley Arena. Met the band a couple of times & hung out backstage with them once. Great days!
That was great! I saw them play this music in St. Louis in 1972 or 73. Anderson was AMAZING on stage, a whirling dervish with a iconic voice and flute. What is lost explanations today is the powerful feeling of generational revolt. Rock music like this animated young people. At the concert people were passing around joints back when marijuana possession was a felony, the whole 20 000 seat auditorium smelling of pot smoke, while being patrolled by the police. Who couldn't do anything because there were too many of us. Great music, which had much more impact on people at the time than just a catchy tune. But also worthy of your detailed musical analysis. I knew there was something unusually good going on there.
Absolutely. The rock music that emerged that year was so amazing that years later, it still resonates. Much of it is now enshrined in the vaults of classic rock. Even the pop rock songs were keepers. 1971 was indeed a stellar year for rock.
Tull is not underrated. They have had a loyal following since the early 70. The problem is their audience is dying. Literally. Too old to rock n Roll and old enough to die.
Aqualung is the soundtrack to my high school years. Even went on to play Cross Eyed Mary in a late 70s Canadian Band (with a recording to boot!) Thank you Warren for focusing on this incredible album. BTW Thick As A Brick is pretty phenomenal too ;)
As a nonmusician, I find both yourself and your American counterpart Rick Beato to be utterly charming, well read, insightful, and engaging as presenters and disseminators of popular music. This segment only further affirms that belief since this music was the soundtrack of my youth. Kudos to you mate!
@@jen_alanfromchicago53 Yes, I follow him as well. Though he is adept and engaging in his manner of presentation, he tends to foster a sense of sychophantery among his followers on his channel that I find particularly distasteful. FWIW , I also find Jamel_AKA_Jamal to be another genuine and honest music aficionado who explores all genres of music from a layperson's perspective and provides great personal insight into those tracks he provides reactions to.
Thanks so much for putting this together and so concisely (an achievement in itself!) As per my profile picture I am a fan, and made a clay animated version of The Hare who lost his spectacles! In 1989 ( can be found on CZcams). My favourite Tull albums are Stand up and Benefit. But an amazing output for young men barely in their early 20’s. My son is 12 and has been learning trumpet for a few years, in the last week he has started teaching himself the flute - a-hah! The moment I have been waiting for for the last 33 years - I introduced him to Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull clips on YT! Tonight he was producing the characteristic Ian Anderson Flute Trill, warms an old mans heart:). Glad you retolthe Jimmy Page story. Thanks again Warren, love your work, kind regards Colin.
Great stuff. They are the most glaring oversight in the Rock n Roll HOF and it saddens me everytime I see the list of new inductees. It's legitimacy is tarnished without them (and ELP a close second). Thank you for doing this video.
They're not in the Rock and Roll hall of fame? You've got to be kidding me. I just checked. They're not. That's totally absurd. My favorite group, and one of the best groups ever. I wonder who decides who's in. Yes, and ELP trilogy was a great album too.
@@shb7772000if The weak answer from the hall is that Jethro tull is Progressive Rock and therefore not the genre of music they are recognizing - that is of course a bunch of garbage. While prog rock is under represented they included The Moody Blues in 2018. They have also inducted Rsh, Yes, and Genesis. There is no way that Jethro Tull should not be in the R&R HOF. Abba? Joan Baez? Janet Jackson, The Bee Gees, The Cure are all Rock and Roll but Jethro Tull is not? Joan Baez is straight up folk or country. Others are Pop. The Cure is more prog or alternative rock than straight rock. The reason behind the scenes I have heard - cannot confirm - is that the powers that be never liked Ian Anderson as he insulted them somehow along with the anger some felt when Jethro Tull won the Grammy for Metal for Crest of a Knave over Metallica. In fairness not sure I would call Crest of A Knave Metal but it is a good piece of music. The argument was that Jethro Tull was not Hard Rock or Metal - so the Hall is out to uphold that ridiculous and arrogant notion. So unless there is a major change in the leadership at the Hall, they will never consider Jethro tull, ever.
Now see i read that Page was intentionally messing with him,or as they say-'Taking the piss' out of him. Either way, Barre NAILED it, and thats what matters most.
Interpretations may vary, especially after retelling over fifty years. Even Page might not remember now. If he follows the channel maybe he will drop by and put us right.
It was on the 14th of July 2003 that I watched them live in Athens and my jaw hasn't recovered yet!!! The most underrated progressive rock blues folk jazz band! Thank you Warren for another great video. P.S.: The encore was Locomotive Breath!!! Imagine what happened.....
I remember hearing Locomotive Breath while driving my vw bug to uni. I had to stop by the side of the road when I heard that flute solo for the first time.
It's not just a rumor - Tony Iommi was actually briefly the guitarist in Jethro Tull before returning to Sabbath. You can see him playing a white Stratocaster (and somewhat hidden beneath a large hat, if I recall) during Tull's appearance in the Rolling Stones "Rock and Roll Circus" film.
Martin Barré, inventor of Barré chords 🤪 And I had auditioned for a band called 'Cross Eyed Mary' ten years ago - who then turned out to be all teenage girls! 😄 And 'Locomotive Breath' was in the repertoire of the first proper band I'd joined as a drummer in '86; Our singer later became the head of Tull's German fan club 🙂
Imagine not waving back at Jimmy page who's taking a break from recording led zeppelin IV because you're in the middle of recording a guitar solo for aqualung
Great video, thanks Warren! Locomotive Breath was a hit in South Africa in 71/72 and it was one of the first songs I learnt to play, we covered it in my first band when I was like 13. I later got heavily into Thick as a Brick and Passion Play, Ian Anderson is an incredibly creative and fascinating musician and those albums still sound great. And he made the flute cool!
@@Producelikeapro Well then, I accept your gratitude with even more gratefulness. To commemorate the occasion I’ll listen to both Aqualung AND Thick As A Brick sometime over this weekend at a volume that’s louder than my neighbors are willing to tolerate. I have both albums in 96kHz/24 bit FLAC format (Mixed and Mastered by Steven Wilson). Not to dwell on the Prog Rock neediness too long, but have you ever considered doing a video about Yes’ rendition of Simon&Garfunkel’s America? It’s probably a cover that’s too obscure to have made a huge impact on anyone. Maybe you could add a series of videos to your channel featuring the best covers of all time, obscure and not so obscure?
This Was was a really good album. The freedom and looseness and the power of the music was really impressive. Stand Up was great, as was Benefit. BUT, Aqualung was the album that got me interested in music. I backtracked from there getting Benefit, Stand Up and This Was and found out that I liked all those styles of music and the twist that JT gave them. But of course ... then there was Jethro Tull in the 70's and most of the 80's ... a new album every year.
Did the exact same thing! Heard something from STAND UP, DJ didn't tell the name of song, or I missed it. Proceded to find it by buying all albums previous up to Aqualung. Funny thing happened. Got hooked on TULL which was a good thing. Stayed on to this day, seen them live many times when possible from THICK AS... and many more. Oh, the elusive song from STAND UP was LOOK INTO THE SUN, although every song on this album were all gems too. Same with BENEFIT.
The music reached another level in large part due to the arrival of John Evan as a full fledged member. And Clive Bunker was at the pinnacle (and end) of his Tull career. The most surprising thing about the album is the ability of new bassist Jeffrey Hammond, who was briskly brought in amid the rapid flow of events surrounding the band. A longtime Tull associate but not a lifelong committed musician, the multi-talented Hammond proved to be highly capable and played above his level of dedication. Aqualung was no fluke or flash in the pan - Hammond's subsequent playing on Thick As A Brick is remarkable.
I remember hearing the Aqualung album in 1972 (I was 12 and an older friend and musician turned me on to it) and it blew my mind. I was a huge fan of the British Invasion and to me this band (Jethro Tull) had a uniquely British sound that I always likened to modern minstrel music. I had the pleasure of seeing them open for the WHO in New Jersey around that same time and they were incredible. A truly talented and unique band that had a huge impact on my life as a musician. Thank you for covering this often overlooked and underrated phenomenon of a band known as Jethro Tull .
Started playing flute in '75. Few years later i heard Ian play, and it changed how i looked at the instrument. Saw him live a few times. Being old means i got to see many great bands. 😊
I have loved this since I was a kid and I still have it on my iPod. I only just recently discovered "Thick as a Brick", which was everywhere when I was a kid but the cover put me off! I can't believe I went all those years not hearing it. Jethro Tull deserves more recognition.
@@my2cents370 I’ll bet you’ve never had the experience of walking into an HMV at the height of the 70’s or 80’s and strolling down the aisles of racks, perusing the thousands of albums that were available, many of which we are watching CZcamsrs react to today. There was a huge amount of choice and in those days, album cover art was a legitimate art form. Here’s another example from my youth: I was a Bowie fan from the early 70’s, bought most of his albums and wouldn’t touch “Hunky Dory” with a 10 foot pole. I couldn’t stand the cover and I was familiar with Mott the Hoople’s cover of “All the Young Dudes” and I just didn’t like that song. Still don’t. And to this day, I haven’t bought or listened to that album even though some critics consider it one of Bowie’s best. There is not a single recording artist whose work I feel compelled to own all of, because there’s not a single recording artist whose entire catalogue appeals to me. I was spending my hard-earned babysitting money and vinyl albums take up space. I made considered choices, few of which I regret, and if it had taken decades for me to discover some of what was available then, well, perhaps we’re led to things when we’re ready for them. And as for judging by covers, in those days Hipgnosis did the state of the art dust jacket art and beside those albums, “Thick as a Brick” was dowdy and pedestrian. I have no regrets, so don’t be so quick to judge.
And his fingertips were gone by that stage. He temporarily left Earth/Black Sabbath for the gig but didn’t fancy the direction of the music or the “band” dynamic once he played with them.
Iommi said he didn’t quite click with Tull but did learn a lot during his short time with the band, especially the work ethic and Ian’s demand that the other members turned up on time and worked hard. Tony took that drive with him to Sabbath.
I'm pretty sure the rock n roll circus performance was mimed to the original backing track. You're not really hearing Iommi play. I know that he was indeed in Tull for a few weeks, but I'm not aware of any existing Tull recordings with Tony Iommi playing. Of course that doesn't mean they don't exist. I'm just a diehard fan...not an expert. ✌
Tony Iommi was actually guitarist for Jethro Tull for about a month or so, right after the departure of original guitarist Mick Abrahams. He performed with the band on the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll TV Circus.
Feel blessed that I got to see Tull about a half dozen times in the 70's and 80s. They always came up with great riffs and lyrics for songs. Ian is a great front man and entertaining to watch, awesome flautist, and Martin Barre's guitar tone is killer. The rest of the band aren't slackers either. Live their PA engineer made it enjoyable. So many sound guys suck live.
Never thought I’d ever see someone talk about Jethro Tull in the same way as a normal pop group. I love learning about the weirder parts of music history and bands like Jethro Tull. So thank you for the wealth of information.
Aqualung was my first Tull purchase in '71, and I still have it. In an Ian Anderson interview he stated that the band had to settle for the smallest studio, because all others were scheduled, or in use. The engineering was awful. It had the lowest volume of any of my LP's, and sounded flat regardless of how I increased it. I even bought an equalizer hoping it would help. Fast forward a few years to CD's. There were engineers who tried to remaster this masterpiece, and failed miserably until 2011. Thanks to a young engineer (Steve Wilson) we now have Aqualung sounding as it should have.
My best friend brought the album over my house and I kept for a little while listening and studying the lyrics. I was about 14 and I was supposed to get confirmed in my church. I ended up missing my confirmation.
I was an invited guest at a Tull soundcheck at Carnegie Hall around 2006, the band played bits of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and, I kid you not..the theme from the movie ''The Godfather!"" Ian's son James was nice enough to host me and indroduced me to his father! Wonderful!
Also, would like to say after listening to your insights on a particular piece of music, I always go back and listen again with a new appreciation for that music. Thank you
Hello to all that love music. I’m now 69 & remembering back to when the Beatles came into the USA & started a movement, as far as with my age group. Man the 60s, 70s & 80s was so incredibly fun to have experienced & Jethro Tull band was one of my favorites but it’s crazy because we as listeners had so many amazing bands to enjoy. I wish I could go back and do it again. And the main reason I had a comment, it’s criminal that J T band isn’t in the R & R H of F 🤬
I had a friend my freshman year of college who would only listen to Jethro Tull in his dorm room here in the US - no other music. So, I was inundated with Tull in 1978-79 whenever I went into his room. It grew on me. Aqualung has long been my favorite album of theirs. And talk about a band that was great in concert.... Martin Barre was a fantastic guitarist, as well. One thing I like in music is dynamic changes. Tull had that in spades.
Man, this became one of my most awaited series on the channels I follow. This is one of my favourite albums, discovered it digging through my dad's LPs.
I got the MU Best Of album in 1976 for my 13th birthday and that changed the trajectory of my musical interests. I then noted which album each song was from and bought them. Under my high school yearbook pic, "Aqualung" is included among the other important things to me at that time. Thank you for making it a part of your excellent video series, cheers!
For those that haven't heard the Steven Wilson re-mix, I would highly recommend doing so. Remixes can be a dodgy exercise, and sometimes, while providing extra clarity and depth, the music loses it's mystery or 'mojo', and I have been pretty ambivalent about some of SW's remixes (Close To The Edge, for one), but his work on Aqualung is bang on. Makes the whole thing, more punchy, more defined, beautiful top-end. I can't listen to the original mix anymore...
Wilson’s remix of Close To The Edge caused me to Curse out loud! Listen to how the soft moment of Close To The Edge’s lead Vocals and harmony vocals clash with each other. He should have really listened……sinful, lol I do like his remix of GG’s Peel The Paint…Don’t get me started about his Stairway To Heaven…lol
I love SW's remix on this and Too Old to RnR. It seems as if he found tings that weren't even there and improved he original. Somehow he screwed up Heavy Horses though. Not sure why I feel that way.
The first time I saw Jethro Tull was in 1970 in Austin with Clouds opening-fantastic! The following year I saw them in Sacramento with Yes opening. And that was only the beginning.Thanks for your great review o' Aqualung.
Fantastic video, Warren! And what an album - I first heard it when I was learning to play guitar, and I still rate it as one of the best albums of all time. As for Martin Barré's solo, it's what every solo should be - you can walk away whistling it after you hear it a few times. I really can't wait to see Martin Barré's band paying tribute to it in August this year near Canterbury at the New Day festival - it's gonna be (dare I say it...) 'Marvellous'!
It's a great question! Seemingly infinite brilliant albums that have affected me but ones that changed music from a personal perspective ...hmmm?~~~Aqualung definitely; as a 15yo it was a revelation, Wondring Aloud is the most beautiful, under 2 minutes long songs, ever! I loved Rod Stewart's ''Every Picture Tells a Story'' album in a similar vein, wonderful lyrics and the mix of tender acoustic with some kickass, ''Im losing you'' still slays me. Slade?
Hi Warren, now this information about Aqualung is incredibly interesting for me. I remember very lively when this album appeared in 1971 and I became a big fan of Jethro Tull. Yet I didn’t know most of the things you told us here. Really great. I appreciate this very much. It‘s a great album, yes, but the greatest for me is „Thick as a brick“. Also „Stormwatch“, „A“, „The Broadsword and the Beast„ and many, many more are great albums for me. I love Jethro Tull‘s music and own many of there albums. Ian Anderson is an incredible musician and workaholic which he also shows in his solo album „Homo erraticus“. Thank you so much for giving so much new information about Aqualung and Jethro Tull, information I didn‘t know so far. Very, very interesting! 👍🏻👏🏻💪🏻👏🏻👍🏻
I first heard Jethro Tull in Jumanji (the og with Robin Williams) where Locomotive Breath plays for a bit in a scene. Was maybe 7. For years I loved that sound and had no idea who played it. The first time I heard the song in full, I was blown away and thought to myself "This is rock?! This is awesome!"
The whole time i watched this im thinking, i wonder how old this guy was when they did that record? Cos i was 10 and he looks 35 here maybe? I remember watching Jumanji w my daughters on dvd. I really feel for young people now...they just dont know. Truly GREAT music was always hard to find, always took effort, (Locomotive Breath didnt CHART for 5 years) But now it is almost esoteric. Im so glad you found it...you paid attention...good on you-
What other albums do you think changed music? Comment below!
The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden:)
Some albums from the 70s that changed the way I viewed music were Mahavishnu Orchestra's "Inner Mounting Flame" (also "Birds of Fire"). John Mclaughlin's guitar playing speaks for itself, as does Billy Cobham's drumming - he was the first drummer I remember to replace the 2/4 hi hat pattern for straight eighths. Also any of Weather Report's albums including their self-titled debut album and "I sing the Body Electric". Don't know if they were popular enough for this series, but they sure changed my approach to listening and playing music. Thanks Warren!
Love - Forever Changes and Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
If we can include Jethro Tull and Aqualung in this canon then I full believe Gong have a place. So I'm going to plump for Camembert Electrique. Daevid Allen's contribution to music and the world as a whole is immense. He was a wonderful human being. You would be quite surprised by who cite Gong as a major influence.
In The Court Of The Crimson King
I do realise that a video on that would be problematic, sonce King Crimson are notorious youtube blockers. But you can't argue with the album's impact :)
An album that changed my point of view as a teen - musically and linguistically.
Thanks for sharing Russell!
perhaps the most underrated/overlooked bands EVER. I remember when my older brother brought home Aqualung (the record), I WAS HOOKED. That’s when my ‘record collection’ began. I was lucky enough to see them twice...awesome!!! No one I knew listened to them, they liked The Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles..more ‘popular’ stuff. JT and Neil Young made me who I am today. INCREDIBLE mini-documentary, THANKS
I saw Tull sometime in the mid to late 90's at Pier Six Concert Pavillion in Baltimore, a huge thunderstorm broke out in the middle of their set and I was dancing my ass off in the rain.
Soaked through to the bone afterwards, but it was hands down the best concert I've ever been to.
They weren't overlooked or underrated. They were one of the top bands in the 70s. Gentle Giant, however, is underrated and overlooked.
@@chrismorgan7494agreed. If it was overlooked or underrated it was by the dude who wrote that comment. He overlooked and underrated it. Nobody I hung out with thought that way
I was lucky enough to see them for the Aqualung tour at Red Rocks ...Colorado
A wonderful commentary on the most iconic band of all time. Ian Anderson's poetry, intelligence and amazing flute playing and compositions together with the other members of Jethro Tull have added a lot of pleasure to my life!!
Thanks for giving Tull their due. A truly unique and brilliant band.
Agreed! Amazing band!!
Martin Barre is such a great guitarist. His solo on "Aqualung" is masterful.
Agreed!! Amazing solo
In my mind, the solo is as close to perfect for its song as has been recorded.
@@geoffsimpkins7650, Jimmy Page actually came into the studio while he was cutting this solo. He had to ignore him, or he feared he would ruin his concentration.
@@dougtull4594 it might have inspired this great solo
Thanks for posting , I am ferocious fan of Jethro Tull, this is the only band I can heard without boring , I also have many progressive rock albums from bands like Yes , Genesis, Pink Floyd, ELP , King Crimson, Rush , Camel , but to me Jethro Tull is completely different, this Celtic style is unique, To me is the most intelligent sophisticated and complex band ever existed.
As much as I love this record I think "Benefit", which came before it was better as an album. But I love all the early Tull stuff.
Edit: also, Ian is a GREAT acoustic guitarist. One of a kind!
This album and THAT song, are examples of art that never leave you. It check's so many boxes.....heavy riffs, uniquely creative, engaging lyrics, charismatic vocal delivery, musicianship. I need to revisit the whole album now......50yrs!! :-o !!
That's wonderful to hear!
Jethro Tull absolutely rocks. Love the combination of instruments and the change ups throughout their songs. This album/aqualung, is still one of the best to date.
Thanks ever so much for sharing
I've seen Jethro Tull in concert 44 times. It Became a family tradition. I'm hoping they come back to Florida again, now that the covid is over.
@@williamhinshaw6838 But Alas several of us have briken over 100 Tull concerts, in my case since only 1980. Cheers!
I was fortunate to see many of Jethro Tulls concerts in the 1970's, best date nights ever. By chance sat in the acoustical sweet spot in an old colosseum for Thick as a Brick. They were the perfect band for English majors with their lyrics making sly social commentary. I'm very pleased they still have significant staying power among (smart) young people I've met.
This album was in my parent's record collection when I was a kid. I would lay on the floor with headphones on and play this record over and over again. So many things about this album influenced how I play music. "Wind Up" is in my top 10 greatest songs ever written.
Some of the most complicated and intriguing rock music ever produced......
How they memorized so much for live performances is amazing!
And it's interesting to me that the title track of this album contains no flute.....
Yes, agreed on all points!
This album......omg
In my opinion, The RR HOF is meaningless. Who cares what a limited group of people think?
Ian is so humble, when he is a clear leader and innovator. I think part of the attraction is that he was self-taught; he wasn’t confined by ‘standard’ methods.
He's not that humble. He is a genius and my musical hero but he is not a person you'd like to meet
NEIN IAN ANDERSON IST NICHT SO BESCHEIDEN WIE ES SEIN LANGER GITARRIST MARTIN BARRE,DENN ER IST ES!!IAN ANDERSON IST EIN KNALLHARTER GESCHÄFTSMANN IM LEBEN UND EIN GENIE IN DER MUSIK.ZWEI MUSIKER UND TYPEN DIE UNTERSCHIEDLICHER NICHT SEIN KÖNNEN.ABER DAS PROJEKT JETHRO TULL HAT MIT BEIDEN SO EINE LANGE ZEIT FUNKTIONIERT. LONG LIVE IAN AND MARTIN.❤😊
Thank you for the video. I was afraid Martin Barre would not be mentioned at all. It is to be noted that Mr. Barre is outstandingly humble and down to earth guy when met in person. Our encounter two years ago was the final push for me to start learning guitar at the age of 36...
I was only 15 when I saw Jethro Tull live in Orlando Florida, I absolutely loved it even though I really didn't understand or have the ability to contemplate the lyrics. Aqualung is still one of my favorite albums to this day, a night I will never forget.
For me, Jethro Tull was Ian and Martin.
Anything before Martin arrived, I regard as Jethro Toe.
Well that was only one album
Hard to believe Great Bands like Tull and Stepenwolf are not in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, but Madonna is.
And the farce that is the Rock n' Hall of Shame rolls on. There are inductees which are not certifiably rock, and dubious at best. I was 17 when Aqualung was released, and it made quite a splash. One cannot imagine the 70s without the impact of Jethro Tull.
It seems deliberate and has struck me as political as progressive rock groups like ELP, Yes and Jethro Tull have been snubbed. I'm a big fan of Kraftwerk, but I don't think of the group as particularly "rock and roll". Ian has been vocal about not expecting to be inducted, but as long as groups like Tull and ELP are shunned, the Hall of Fame has absolutely no credibility.
@@dwightballard3868 Totally Agree
It's a JOKE. If they had called it the "Popular Music HOF" then more of their selections would at least make a bit more sense, though it still doesn't explain the many glaringly obvious omissions. I won't even visit the museum.
@@robny1461 Agreed
Had the good fortune to see Tull play Aqualung in ,71 at the Dome , Brighton . My first ever gig [ l was 16 ]. One of my all time favourite gigs and albums . A great band .
Wow! That's amazing!!
THE truly unique band of the day. A shame classic rock stations rarely play their songs anymore.
One of the most important albums of my life.
How happy am i to say that i have the first UK press signed just for me? Wow that will be my treasure forever!!!
Wow! That’s amazing!
Congratulations
@@Producelikeapro Thank you so much , i wish you all the best in your life!
One of them best lives acts ever. Superb musicianship coupled with intense and captivating stage presence.
Agreed! Thanks ever so much!
Blew me completely away when I saw them in 77. Completely commanding.
I first saw them when they opened for Led Zeppelin on their first North American tour. I was immediately hooked and saw them a number of times after that. Probably my favorite of theirs, though, is the Songs from the Wood album.
I love This Was
When I saw Jethro Tull in 73 in Montreal wow. In the middle of the concert the phone starts ringing and the band stops dead. It rings and stops. The rest of the concert goes on. The end after the encour. The phone rings , lights on we all stop and look Ian Anderson comes out and answers. "It's for you"
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
The most original and exciting live band ever that flute playing nobody has done anything like it!
"Aqualung" has to be up there as a contender for the "best" song of all time. Musically amazing - that riff, that solo, that ridiculous bass under the Bo Diddley groove - and lyrically just mind-blowing. Compassion without any crap sentimentality - a flawed, destroyed human being, pissing on his feet to stop his toes falling off. Jennie Anderson's masterpiece.
Aqualung is the best vinyl in my collection.l always enjoy listening to it ,50 years on.
Thanks for sharing
What an iconic Album a true timeless Masterpiece
I got my introduction to Juthro Tull through " Stand Up" album back in 1970. I also saw them in Vancouver, Canada once! Blew my mind! Very unique sound, very good musicians, luv their music & Ian Anderson looked like a Sorcerer coming on stage with his wild hair & flute in hand. All the time he was performing, there was a red telephone sitting on a table, on stage. I asked my date, what's the telephone for? At the end of his performance, the phone rang, he picked up the receiver, held it out to the audience and said, "It's for you." Blew me away! Always been a fave. band of mine, to this day! I'm 75 now ✌🌹☮
I’ve just turned 70. My first of many dozens of Tull shows began at the age of 14. Im still awe struck of the experience today.
You did good. Thank you.
I thought Martin Barre's electric guitar was outstanding. He really got a Hard Rock sound, almost making it bark at you.
Agreed! Wonderful guitar playing!
i get that it's all subjective, but i don't understand why everyone thinks barre was "brilliant"....he was a FANTASTIC ensemble player, but his leads are terrible....you can tell he has no idea what he's doing, just moving his fingers fast and hoping for the best (he's even quoted saying something along these lines).
@@cbr9914 That’s Martin being a humble human being as well as a bit of self-deprecation. He was a monster in my book.
@@fiveeyes2802 I agree!
@@cbr9914 Are you tone deaf??!! Martin's leads are outstanding!!!! So carefully and melodically structured. Fingers moving fast and hoping for the best and saying he's quoted stating that?? I don't know what you're going on about, but you don't have a clue and know nothing about anything.
Thank you so much for this! Jethro Tull is my 2nd favorite band after The Beatles. So many people (especially the young music reactors) don't understand Tull at all. I also love folk music and love the folk influence in Tull. Steeleyed Span is where I learned a lot of British folk tunes (along with the tunes that made it to the US and influenced folk/country/western/bluegrass here). Along with the musicianship and the use of the flute, the shear poetry of the lyrics of their songs is amazing. I saw them on their Heavy Horses tour in Denver. Even in the nose bleed seats I was blown away.
Hands down, the best Tull album of all time, and one of the best albums of the 70's.
Thanks ever so much!
One of the highlights of my life was the concert. He came out with his flute, guitar over his back, and a stool to sit on.
Fantastic!!
Being from USA I thought as I kid that this band had the poetry, smartness and the dynamic quality, depth plus the edge of rock in a European sound. I loved this band , truly great
Very well said Tom!
Yes, a terrific album. Bought the Aqualung album when it first came out and it is meant to be played in its entirety.
Yes, masterpiece
Jehtro Tull's greatness is like an open secret. They deserve much more respect than I feel they receive. Thanks from a huge fan of both the band and now your channel.
I was 14 and and had four 8-track tapes that I wore out that year...Aqualung, Santana's first album, Grand Funk Railroad's red album and The Beatles Abbey Road. It was a great summer! I must also give an honorable mention to The Beatles Let It Be!
Cool man the golden age of rock music!
That does sound like a great Summer to me Chuck!
@@DrJoshGuitar great times!
Many thanks for putting this thing on Tull together; they were truly excellent but, imo, they didn't tour enough - over here at least. Anderson's back story on these great tunes, along with your commentary much appreciated. Did I say thanks? I did? I'll say it again: thank you!
Thanks ever so much! I appreciate it
one of THE BEST LIVE Concerts I have ever seen. University of Georgia!! Thick as a Brick tour! Awesome Musician !!
Wow! That’s amazing
I love your demonstration of the major third in the riff. I could hear this on the record but could never get the right sound and any second band guitarist would always just play the same main riff. In 1973 @ age 14 I stumbled across this record oddly enough, in a neighborhood butcher shop. they had bought a small empty adjoining store, knocked down the wall & added a bodega that sold all sorts of items. there was a carousel with records on it & I spotted the strange drawing of a bearded hobo with the title Jethro Tull 'Aqualung'. It sounded so very different than anything else at the time or since. We all winded up going to every Tull concert from 73'-82'. As a young budding guitarist, I was always captivated at Martin Barre's style & tone, which besides Andersons unique persona, writing & multi-instrumentation skills, It was Barre who gave Tull the early hard-rock sound that made them so iconic.
Thanks ever so much! Agreed! I love that guitar part! Martin is a wonderful guitarist!!
Thick as a Brick is their best LP as well as A Passion Play. However Aqualung was the album that exploded in the US and it’s a genius record, music and lyrics.
Wanted bricks must be as thick as was one of the best ads in the album jacket
Jethro Tull is one of those bands that I have heard about for many years but never got round to actually sitting down and listening to their music. I will remedy that today.
That is fantastic to hear!
I first saw Tull play in 1984 when i was 10 year old! Saw them again 3 or 4 more times after, most memorable was their 25th anniversary gig at Wembley Arena. Met the band a couple of times & hung out backstage with them once. Great days!
That was great! I saw them play this music in St. Louis in 1972 or 73. Anderson was AMAZING on stage, a whirling dervish with a iconic voice and flute. What is lost explanations today is the powerful feeling of generational revolt. Rock music like this animated young people. At the concert people were passing around joints back when marijuana possession was a felony, the whole 20 000 seat auditorium smelling of pot smoke, while being patrolled by the police. Who couldn't do anything because there were too many of us. Great music, which had much more impact on people at the time than just a catchy tune. But also worthy of your detailed musical analysis. I knew there was something unusually good going on there.
Wow! I'm quite envious, that must have been such an amazing show!!
1971 was a big year for classic rock. Aqualung, Zeppelin 4, Who's Next, Sticky Fingers...
Agreed! Amazing time!
Absolutely. The rock music that emerged that year was so amazing that years later, it still resonates. Much of it is now enshrined in the vaults of classic rock. Even the pop rock songs were keepers. 1971 was indeed a stellar year for rock.
@@luissantiago8446 agreed 100%!
Paranoid, Master of Reality
Tull is still underrated as can be, absolute legends. You have no idea how happy I was to see this notification, so glad!
In my world they are GIANTS! From the moment I heard Stand Up I was sold!
Tull is not underrated. They have had a loyal following since the early 70. The problem is their audience is dying. Literally. Too old to rock n Roll and old enough to die.
@@Producelikeapro Prog Like A Pro
I couldn't agree more
@@nickdryad Dude; I'm 50. Bugger off :)
this was my absolutely favorite album back in high school in the 1970's. Damn I am old
Thanks ever so much for sharing
You and me, brother. 😎
Almost all their albums are legendary. One of the most talented and versatile bands of all time.
Agreed 100%!
Aqualung is the soundtrack to my high school years. Even went on to play Cross Eyed Mary in a late 70s Canadian Band (with a recording to boot!) Thank you Warren for focusing on this incredible album. BTW Thick As A Brick is pretty phenomenal too ;)
“…or maybe her attention is drawn by Aqualung…” And that’s in “Cross Eyed Mary.” Those two great songs also have connection.
Yes, indeed!
Jethro Tull - Aqualung is a classic! I remember it well and still have it on vinyl...
Agreed! Masterpiece!
One of my first musical purchases, 10 yrs old. I still have that cassette.
Do you still remember
December's foggy freeze?
As a nonmusician, I find both yourself and your American counterpart Rick Beato to be utterly charming, well read, insightful, and engaging as presenters and disseminators of popular music. This segment only further affirms that belief since this music was the soundtrack of my youth. Kudos to you mate!
Same here, did you give "Professor of Rock " a try, does really good interviews
@@jen_alanfromchicago53 Yes, I follow him as well. Though he is adept and engaging in his manner of presentation, he tends to foster a sense of sychophantery among his followers on his channel that I find particularly distasteful. FWIW , I also find Jamel_AKA_Jamal to be another genuine and honest music aficionado who explores all genres of music from a layperson's perspective and provides great personal insight into those tracks he provides reactions to.
Concept album or not, it's genius.
Agreed 100%!
Thanks so much for putting this together and so concisely (an achievement in itself!) As per my profile picture I am a fan, and made a clay animated version of The Hare who lost his spectacles! In 1989 ( can be found on CZcams). My favourite Tull albums are Stand up and Benefit. But an amazing output for young men barely in their early 20’s. My son is 12 and has been learning trumpet for a few years, in the last week he has started teaching himself the flute - a-hah! The moment I have been waiting for for the last 33 years - I introduced him to Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull clips on YT! Tonight he was producing the characteristic Ian Anderson Flute Trill, warms an old mans heart:). Glad you retolthe Jimmy Page story. Thanks again Warren, love your work, kind regards Colin.
Great stuff. They are the most glaring oversight in the Rock n Roll HOF and it saddens me everytime I see the list of new inductees. It's legitimacy is tarnished without them (and ELP a close second). Thank you for doing this video.
They're not in the Rock and Roll hall of fame? You've got to be kidding me. I just checked. They're not. That's totally absurd. My favorite group, and one of the best groups ever. I wonder who decides who's in. Yes, and ELP trilogy was a great album too.
Precisely why the RNRHOF sucks.
RNRHOF is a commercial enterprise and makes its (often bizarre) decisions for commercial not artistic reasons. Screw those guys.
@@shb7772000if The weak answer from the hall is that Jethro tull is Progressive Rock and therefore not the genre of music they are recognizing - that is of course a bunch of garbage. While prog rock is under represented they included The Moody Blues in 2018. They have also inducted Rsh, Yes, and Genesis. There is no way that Jethro Tull should not be in the R&R HOF. Abba? Joan Baez? Janet Jackson, The Bee Gees, The Cure are all Rock and Roll but Jethro Tull is not? Joan Baez is straight up folk or country. Others are Pop. The Cure is more prog or alternative rock than straight rock.
The reason behind the scenes I have heard - cannot confirm - is that the powers that be never liked Ian Anderson as he insulted them somehow along with the anger some felt when Jethro Tull won the Grammy for Metal for Crest of a Knave over Metallica. In fairness not sure I would call Crest of A Knave Metal but it is a good piece of music. The argument was that Jethro Tull was not Hard Rock or Metal - so the Hall is out to uphold that ridiculous and arrogant notion. So unless there is a major change in the leadership at the Hall, they will never consider Jethro tull, ever.
Well that's a disgrace, on both counts. Bet Crimson arent there either
I've also read that Page was also cheering Barre along, willing him to nail the solo. It's nice to think that there was such a generosity of spirit.
Agreed! Amazing to hear!
Now see i read that Page was intentionally messing with him,or as they say-'Taking the piss' out of him.
Either way, Barre NAILED it, and thats what matters most.
@@edwhite7475 I wasn't;t there, none of us were so who knows?
@@Producelikeapro i didnt SAY i was there...i read it in a book or magazine.
You werent even BORN yet probably.
Interpretations may vary, especially after retelling over fifty years. Even Page might not remember now. If he follows the channel maybe he will drop by and put us right.
It was on the 14th of July 2003 that I watched them live in Athens and my jaw hasn't recovered yet!!! The most underrated progressive rock blues folk jazz band! Thank you Warren for another great video.
P.S.: The encore was Locomotive Breath!!! Imagine what happened.....
I remember hearing Locomotive Breath while driving my vw bug to uni. I had to stop by the side of the road when I heard that flute solo for the first time.
It's not just a rumor - Tony Iommi was actually briefly the guitarist in Jethro Tull before returning to Sabbath. You can see him playing a white Stratocaster (and somewhat hidden beneath a large hat, if I recall) during Tull's appearance in the Rolling Stones "Rock and Roll Circus" film.
Yes! He was miming the guitar part in the movie. FYI Tony is one of my major influences! Huge fan
He actually played with Tull for a "Song For Jeffery" in the Rolling Stones' "Rock N' Roll Circus" film shot in 1968.
Martin Barré, inventor of Barré chords 🤪 And I had auditioned for a band called 'Cross Eyed Mary' ten years ago - who then turned out to be all teenage girls! 😄 And 'Locomotive Breath' was in the repertoire of the first proper band I'd joined as a drummer in '86; Our singer later became the head of Tull's German fan club 🙂
Imagine not waving back at Jimmy page who's taking a break from recording led zeppelin IV because you're in the middle of recording a guitar solo for aqualung
Haha I hear you! What an incredibly unique and powerful experience!!
He did the right thing. 🙂
can't think of a better studio album, ever. Minstrel is also quite mind blowing.
Hi Rachel, I love Mnistrel In The Gallery! Also, LOVE Standup!
They were kick ass live, too.
I remember buying Minstrel in Gallery through Columbia house record club! 😎✌❤
Stand up..one of the greatest lps ever recorded!! Beautiful lp
I love that Album!! It was my introduction to Jethro Tull! It’s a masterpiece
Yep Stand Up is brilliant.
Great video, thanks Warren! Locomotive Breath was a hit in South Africa in 71/72 and it was one of the first songs I learnt to play, we covered it in my first band when I was like 13. I later got heavily into Thick as a Brick and Passion Play, Ian Anderson is an incredibly creative and fascinating musician and those albums still sound great. And he made the flute cool!
Warren, if you don’t mind me saying so, these videos you make are simply fantastic. Please keep them coming.
Thanks ever so much James!!
@@Producelikeapro Thank you!
@@jameslewis8227 no thank YOU! Means a lot to have the support!
@@Producelikeapro Well then, I accept your gratitude with even more gratefulness. To commemorate the occasion I’ll listen to both Aqualung AND Thick As A Brick sometime over this weekend at a volume that’s louder than my neighbors are willing to tolerate. I have both albums in 96kHz/24 bit FLAC format (Mixed and Mastered by Steven Wilson). Not to dwell on the Prog Rock neediness too long, but have you ever considered doing a video about Yes’ rendition of Simon&Garfunkel’s America? It’s probably a cover that’s too obscure to have made a huge impact on anyone. Maybe you could add a series of videos to your channel featuring the best covers of all time, obscure and not so obscure?
@@jameslewis8227 I'm excited to listen to those as well! Stand Up is a personal favourite!
This Was was a really good album. The freedom and looseness and the power of the music was really impressive. Stand Up was great, as was Benefit.
BUT, Aqualung was the album that got me interested in music. I backtracked from there getting Benefit, Stand Up and This Was and found out that I liked all those styles of music and the twist that JT gave them. But of course ... then there was Jethro Tull in the 70's and most of the 80's ... a new album every year.
Did the exact same thing! Heard something from STAND UP, DJ didn't tell the name of song, or I missed it. Proceded to find it by buying all albums previous up to Aqualung. Funny thing happened. Got hooked on TULL which was a good thing. Stayed on to this day, seen them live many times when possible from THICK AS... and many more.
Oh, the elusive song from STAND UP was LOOK INTO THE SUN, although every song on this album were all gems too. Same with BENEFIT.
The music reached another level in large part due to the arrival of John Evan as a full fledged member. And Clive Bunker was at the pinnacle (and end) of his Tull career.
The most surprising thing about the album is the ability of new bassist Jeffrey Hammond, who was briskly brought in amid the rapid flow of events surrounding the band. A longtime Tull associate but not a lifelong committed musician, the multi-talented Hammond proved to be highly capable and played above his level of dedication. Aqualung was no fluke or flash in the pan - Hammond's subsequent playing on Thick As A Brick is remarkable.
I remember hearing the Aqualung album in 1972 (I was 12 and an older friend and musician turned me on to it) and it blew my mind.
I was a huge fan of the British Invasion and to me this band (Jethro Tull) had a uniquely British sound that I always likened to modern minstrel music.
I had the pleasure of seeing them open for the WHO in New Jersey around that same time and they were incredible.
A truly talented and unique band that had a huge impact on my life as a musician.
Thank you for covering this often overlooked and underrated phenomenon of a band known as Jethro Tull .
Started playing flute in '75. Few years later i heard Ian play, and it changed how i looked at the instrument. Saw him live a few times. Being old means i got to see many great bands. 😊
That’s fantastic to hear!!
Ian sure had his own way with it.
I have loved this since I was a kid and I still have it on my iPod. I only just recently discovered "Thick as a Brick", which was everywhere when I was a kid but the cover put me off! I can't believe I went all those years not hearing it. Jethro Tull deserves more recognition.
Why the hell wouldn't you LISTEN to the damn record!? Have you not heard of ... YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY LOOKING AT ITS COVER??? Silly, silly man! 🤣
@@my2cents370 I’ll bet you’ve never had the experience of walking into an HMV at the height of the 70’s or 80’s and strolling down the aisles of racks, perusing the thousands of albums that were available, many of which we are watching CZcamsrs react to today. There was a huge amount of choice and in those days, album cover art was a legitimate art form. Here’s another example from my youth: I was a Bowie fan from the early 70’s, bought most of his albums and wouldn’t touch “Hunky Dory” with a 10 foot pole. I couldn’t stand the cover and I was familiar with Mott the Hoople’s cover of “All the Young Dudes” and I just didn’t like that song. Still don’t. And to this day, I haven’t bought or listened to that album even though some critics consider it one of Bowie’s best. There is not a single recording artist whose work I feel compelled to own all of, because there’s not a single recording artist whose entire catalogue appeals to me. I was spending my hard-earned babysitting money and vinyl albums take up space. I made considered choices, few of which I regret, and if it had taken decades for me to discover some of what was available then, well, perhaps we’re led to things when we’re ready for them. And as for judging by covers, in those days Hipgnosis did the state of the art dust jacket art and beside those albums, “Thick as a Brick” was dowdy and pedestrian. I have no regrets, so don’t be so quick to judge.
Watch Tull's performance on The Stones' Rock and Roll Circus. Iommi playing a Strat.
And his fingertips were gone by that stage. He temporarily left Earth/Black Sabbath for the gig but didn’t fancy the direction of the music or the “band” dynamic once he played with them.
Iommi said he didn’t quite click with Tull but did learn a lot during his short time with the band, especially the work ethic and Ian’s demand that the other members turned up on time and worked hard. Tony took that drive with him to Sabbath.
Iommi on a Strat? I'm having a difficult time even picturing it. That'd be like seeing David Gilmour play a Les Paul. It just doesn't look right.
yup, he said he was in Tull for 6 days
I'm pretty sure the rock n roll circus performance was mimed to the original backing track. You're not really hearing Iommi play. I know that he was indeed in Tull for a few weeks, but I'm not aware of any existing Tull recordings with Tony Iommi playing. Of course that doesn't mean they don't exist. I'm just a diehard fan...not an expert. ✌
Tony Iommi was actually guitarist for Jethro Tull for about a month or so, right after the departure of original guitarist Mick Abrahams. He performed with the band on the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll TV Circus.
Yes, indeed, he mimed the guitar parts on Rock and Roll Circus. Tony is one of the reasons I play guitar! Huge fan!
Feel blessed that I got to see Tull about a half dozen times in the 70's and 80s. They always came up with great riffs and lyrics for songs. Ian is a great front man and entertaining to watch, awesome flautist, and Martin Barre's guitar tone is killer. The rest of the band aren't slackers either. Live their PA engineer made it enjoyable. So many sound guys suck live.
Very envious!! Thanks for sharing!
And the piano player,Mr. John Evan,what a great an charming piano player!!
I was playing the guitar and singing Aqualung out in the yard last night. This song is in the ether.
That's amazing to hear!
I still have my AQUALUNG LP (Vinyl) from Reprise Records RRC 2025 from 1971 and play it regulary - what a gift to the youth of that time !
Never thought I’d ever see someone talk about Jethro Tull in the same way as a normal pop group. I love learning about the weirder parts of music history and bands like Jethro Tull. So thank you for the wealth of information.
They are one of the greatest bands of all time, without a doubt!
They are one of the greatest bands of all time, without a doubt!
@@Producelikeapro Is there an echo in here......
Apparently there is, there is, there is….
@@Producelikeapro Probably a Roland Space Echo ;-)
Locomotive Breath tends to show up in my head while jogging. Funny how its never intentional, the beat just pushes on and it happens.
Aqualung was my first Tull purchase in '71, and I still have it. In an Ian Anderson interview he stated that the band had to settle for the smallest studio, because all others were scheduled, or in use. The engineering was awful. It had the lowest volume of any of my LP's, and sounded flat regardless of how I increased it. I even bought an equalizer hoping it would help. Fast forward a few years to CD's. There were engineers who tried to remaster this masterpiece, and failed miserably until 2011. Thanks to a young engineer (Steve Wilson) we now have Aqualung sounding as it should have.
"Benefit" before this is another great album with a terrible lopsided stereo mix.
Hi Ken, I am very excited to hear all of the Stephen Wilson mixes!!
@@zitherzon2121 I will go back and listen!
My best friend brought the album over my house and I kept for a little while listening and studying the lyrics. I was about 14 and I was supposed to get confirmed in my church. I ended up missing my confirmation.
LOVED THIS ALBUM. I was in a Tull Cover band for a while. Good times! Great Job @Warren Huart
I was an invited guest at a Tull soundcheck at Carnegie Hall around 2006, the band played bits of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and, I kid you not..the theme from the movie ''The Godfather!"" Ian's son James was nice enough to host me and indroduced me to his father! Wonderful!
Also, would like to say after listening to your insights on a particular piece of music, I always go back and listen again with a new appreciation for that music. Thank you
Wow, thank you!
True that
This is the best documentary on Tull I’ve ever seen. Thanks.
Wow! Thanks ever so much
One of the albums that broadened my horizons beyond a teenage addiction to 70s metal. Great stuff, still love hearing it.
Doesn't get much better than that...indeed...thanks Warren...excellent video.
Great review! One if the most thoughtful that I've seen. My favorite 1970s-1980s Rick band!
Thanks ever so much! Yes, huge fan of Jethro Tull
Hello to all that love music. I’m now 69 & remembering back to when the Beatles came into the USA & started a movement, as far as with my age group. Man the 60s, 70s & 80s was so incredibly fun to have experienced & Jethro Tull band was one of my favorites but it’s crazy because we as listeners had so many amazing bands to enjoy. I wish I could go back and do it again. And the main reason I had a comment, it’s criminal that J T band isn’t in the R & R H of F 🤬
That's incredible work, thank you! I love it
Thanks ever so much!
I had a friend my freshman year of college who would only listen to Jethro Tull in his dorm room here in the US - no other music. So, I was inundated with Tull in 1978-79 whenever I went into his room. It grew on me. Aqualung has long been my favorite album of theirs. And talk about a band that was great in concert.... Martin Barre was a fantastic guitarist, as well. One thing I like in music is dynamic changes. Tull had that in spades.
Agreed, wonderful band!!
Man, this became one of my most awaited series on the channels I follow. This is one of my favourite albums, discovered it digging through my dad's LPs.
Wow! Thanks ever so much!
I got the MU Best Of album in 1976 for my 13th birthday and that changed the trajectory of my musical interests. I then noted which album each song was from and bought them. Under my high school yearbook pic, "Aqualung" is included among the other important things to me at that time. Thank you for making it a part of your excellent video series, cheers!
For those that haven't heard the Steven Wilson re-mix, I would highly recommend doing so. Remixes can be a dodgy exercise, and sometimes, while providing extra clarity and depth, the music loses it's mystery or 'mojo', and I have been pretty ambivalent about some of SW's remixes (Close To The Edge, for one), but his work on Aqualung is bang on. Makes the whole thing, more punchy, more defined, beautiful top-end. I can't listen to the original mix anymore...
All of the Steven Wilson Tull remixes have been amazing - particularly his remix/restoration of the much-maligned "A Passion Play".
@@DarwinStearns Agreed.
Wilson’s remix of Close To The Edge caused me to Curse out loud! Listen to how the soft moment of Close To The Edge’s lead Vocals and harmony vocals clash with each other. He should have really listened……sinful, lol I do like his remix of GG’s Peel The Paint…Don’t get me started about his Stairway To Heaven…lol
Youve made me curious now, and a likely convert- thankyou
I love SW's remix on this and Too Old to RnR. It seems as if he found tings that weren't even there and improved he original. Somehow he screwed up Heavy Horses though. Not sure why I feel that way.
From Blues to masterpieces, Great Band
I have always thought that Iron Maiden’s version of Cross Eyed Mary was brilliant. It introduced me to Tull.
The first time I saw Jethro Tull was in 1970 in Austin with Clouds opening-fantastic! The following year I saw them in Sacramento with Yes opening. And that was only the beginning.Thanks for your great review o' Aqualung.
That's amazing! Wonderful memories!
Fantastic video, Warren! And what an album - I first heard it when I was learning to play guitar, and I still rate it as one of the best albums of all time. As for Martin Barré's solo, it's what every solo should be - you can walk away whistling it after you hear it a few times. I really can't wait to see Martin Barré's band paying tribute to it in August this year near Canterbury at the New Day festival - it's gonna be (dare I say it...) 'Marvellous'!
It's a great question! Seemingly infinite brilliant albums that have affected me but ones that changed music from a personal perspective ...hmmm?~~~Aqualung definitely; as a 15yo it was a revelation, Wondring Aloud is the most beautiful, under 2 minutes long songs, ever! I loved Rod Stewart's ''Every Picture Tells a Story'' album in a similar vein, wonderful lyrics and the mix of tender acoustic with some kickass, ''Im losing you'' still slays me. Slade?
Absolutely agree!
I was listening to this album last night whilst driving to my girlfriend's house and then boom! You have a video on it! Love your work!
Fantastic! Thanks ever so much!
Hi Warren, now this information about Aqualung is incredibly interesting for me. I remember very lively when this album appeared in 1971 and I became a big fan of Jethro Tull. Yet I didn’t know most of the things you told us here. Really great. I appreciate this very much. It‘s a great album, yes, but the greatest for me is „Thick as a brick“. Also „Stormwatch“, „A“, „The Broadsword and the Beast„ and many, many more are great albums for me. I love Jethro Tull‘s music and own many of there albums. Ian Anderson is an incredible musician and workaholic which he also shows in his solo album „Homo erraticus“. Thank you so much for giving so much new information about Aqualung and Jethro Tull, information I didn‘t know so far. Very, very interesting! 👍🏻👏🏻💪🏻👏🏻👍🏻
I first heard Jethro Tull in Jumanji (the og with Robin Williams) where Locomotive Breath plays for a bit in a scene. Was maybe 7. For years I loved that sound and had no idea who played it. The first time I heard the song in full, I was blown away and thought to myself "This is rock?! This is awesome!"
The whole time i watched this im thinking, i wonder how old this guy was when they did that record?
Cos i was 10 and he looks 35 here maybe?
I remember watching Jumanji w my daughters on dvd.
I really feel for young people now...they just dont know.
Truly GREAT music was always hard to find, always took effort, (Locomotive Breath didnt CHART for 5 years)
But now it is almost esoteric.
Im so glad you found it...you paid attention...good on you-
@@edwhite7475 thanks, man 🙂