This album "A" is the 13th studio album by Jethro Tull. It was released on 29 August 1980 in the U.K. and 1 September of the same year in the United States. The album was recorded in the summer of 1980 using Maison Rouge Mobile and Maison Rouge Studios in Fulham, London. Eddie Jobson guested on the album, playing keyboards and electric violin.
In 1980, Jethro Tull, one of progressive rock's most iconic bands, released their 13th studio album, titled simply "A". This album marked a radical departure in their sound, incorporating heavy use of synthesizers and electronic elements. The move proved highly controversial, alienating a portion of their fanbase accustomed to the band's signature blend of folk, blues, and hard rock.
Historical Context
The release of "A" coincided with a seismic shift in the music scene. The punk and new wave movements were challenging the dominance of established rock acts. Jethro Tull, under the visionary leadership of frontman Ian Anderson, sought to adapt and remain relevant in this changing landscape. The choice to experiment with electronic music was a conscious attempt to embrace a more modern sound and potentially attract a new audience.
Musical Exploration
"A" represents a fascinating sonic journey. Songs like "Crossfire" and "Fylingdale Flyer" showcase angular synthesizer lines, driving rhythms, and a pronounced electronic sheen. The band retained elements of their progressive roots, as evidenced by the complex arrangements and time signature changes. Even with the electronic influences, Ian Anderson's distinctive flute playing remains a prominent feature on several tracks.
Controversy and Legacy
While a bold artistic move, the electronic direction of "A" polarized listeners. Die-hard fans found the album jarring and too far removed from Jethro Tull's established sound. Critics were similarly divided, some praising the band's willingness to evolve, others dismissing the album as a failed experiment. Despite the controversy, "A" served as a prelude to the broader acceptance of synth-driven sounds in the rock landscape during the 1980s.
Behind the Scenes
In a move that further alienated some traditionalists, founding member Martin Barre, the band's longtime guitarist, was unavailable for the creation of "A". Instead, the album featured contributions from keyboardist and violinist Eddie Jobson (formerly of Roxy Music and Frank Zappa's band). The engineering and production work by Robin Black also shaped the album's sonic direction.
Ian Anderson: The Driving Force
Ian Anderson, as always, remained the driving creative force behind Jethro Tull. The decision to push boundaries on "A" was characteristic of his restless artistic spirit and a determination to avoid complacency. While this era of the band may not be their most universally loved, it reflects Anderson's steadfast refusal to rest on past laurels.
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Music Genre: British Prog Rock |
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Album Production Information: The album: "JETHRO TULL - A" was produced by: Ian Anderson and Robin Black Robin Black (Producer, Sound Engineer) active since the mid-1970s as sound engineer and producer for British music bands. He has worked on early albums for the British bands : "Blodwyn Pig" "Black Sabbath" and "Jethro Tull" . Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Robin Black, Leigh Mantie This album was recorded at: Maison Rouge Studios, London and at HOME with The Maison Rouge Mobile |
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Record Label & Catalog-nr: CHRYSALIS 202 838 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1980 Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: JETHRO TULL - A |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "JETHRO TULL - A" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "JETHRO TULL - A" is:
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Description
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
Description
"A" Record Label Details: White to Blue Colour CHRYSALIS 202 838
The release of "A" coincided with a seismic shift in the music scene. The punk and new wave movements were challenging the dominance of established rock acts. Jethro Tull, under the visionary leadership of frontman Ian Anderson, sought to adapt and remain relevant in this changing landscape.
"A" 12" Vinyl LP
"Aqualung" is often considered a concept album, exploring themes of religion, society, and the human condition. Its central character, the disheveled Aqualung, became a recurring figure in popular culture. However, Ian Anderson, the band's frontman, has often disputed the concept album
- Aqualung UK 1st Issue ( 1971 England ) - Aqualung (1971 UK England) - Aqualung (1973, France ) - Aqualung (Chrysalis Records, Germany) - Aqualung (1971, Germany) - Aqualung (1981, Italy)
"Benefit" saw Jethro Tull further embracing the progressive rock movement. Complex song structures, unconventional time signatures, and the integration of classical influences became more pronounced than ever before. Tracks like "To Cry You a Song" and "Son" showcased the band's increasing ambition
- Benefit UK (1970, England) - Benefit ( Green Chrysalis, Germany ) - Benefit (Pink Island, Germany)
Jethro Tull's 1982 album "Broadsword and the Beast" arrived at a pivotal time in the band's history. The German and Netherlands vinyl releases showcase the album's unique blend of folk-rock traditions and the burgeoning electronic sounds of the era.
- Broadsword And The Beast (1982, Germany & Netherlands) - Broadsword and the Beast (1982, Germany) -The Broadsword and the Beast (1982, Holland)
The album opens with the hard-driving "Steel Monkey," which features a memorable riff by Ian Anderson on flute and guitar. This track sets the tone for the rest of the album, which features a number of hard-rocking tracks that showcase the band's new sound.
Crest Of A Knave 12" Vinyl LP
In the realm of progressive rock, where musical landscapes shift and evolve, Jethro Tull's "Heavy Horses" stands as a testament to the band's restless spirit and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. Jethro Tull, led by the enigmatic Ian Anderson, defied the prevailing trends and crafted a work
Heavy Horses 12" Vinyl LP
Released in 1978, "Bursting Out Live" captures the raw and electrifying essence of Jethro Tull's live performances, showcasing their remarkable musicianship and Ian Anderson's distinctive vocals. The album was an invitation for listeners to experience the energy, excitement, and virtuosity that characterized the band
- Live Bursting Out (1978, Germany) - Live Bursting Out (1978, USA )
In the heart of the early 70s, amidst the swirling chaos of prog rock's experimental explosion, Jethro Tull, those flute-wielding, folk-infused, musical madmen, unleashed a vinyl behemoth upon the world: "Living in the Past." This wasn't just an album; it was a sprawling sonic landscape
- Living in the Past (Island Records) - Living in the Past (Chrysalis Records)
In the heart of the mid-70s, amidst the swirling chaos of glam rock's glitter and prog's pompous indulgence, Jethro Tull, the enigmatic musical minstrels led by the enigmatic Ian Anderson, unleashed "Minstrel in the Gallery." A bold leap from their folk-infused origins, this album stands as a testament
Minstrel in the Gallery 12" Vinyl LP
The Jethro Tull "Passion Play" is a 12" LP vinyl album that was released in 1973. It is a studio album by British progressive rock band Jethro Tull, and it was produced by Ian Anderson, the band's lead vocalist, flautist, and guitarist. The album's concept revolves around the story of a man's journey through life
Passion Play 12" Vinyl LP
In the heart of 1978, as punk rock's snarling rebellion echoed through the streets, Jethro Tull, those flute-wielding prog rock stalwarts, were holed up in Maison Rouge Studios in Fulham, London. They were crafting an album that would challenge their own musical boundaries while still delivering that signature
Rock Island 12" Vinyl LP
Jethro Tull's "Songs from the Wood" is an iconic album that marked a significant shift in the band's musical direction. Released in 1976, it is often regarded as the first installment of a folk rock trilogy, which also includes "Heavy Horses" and "Stormwatch".
Songs From the Wood 12" Vinyl LP
Released in 1969 amidst a vibrant rock scene, Jethro Tull's "Stand Up" marked a bold departure from their blues-infused debut. This 12" vinyl LP, with its iconic pop-up gatefold cover, became a symbol of the band's musical exploration and their frontman Ian Anderson's burgeoning songwriting prowess.
- Stand Up Pop-Up (1969, England) - Stand Up (Europe) -Stand Up Pop-Up (1969, Germany) - Stand Up (1969, UK)
Jethro Tull's 1979 release, "Stormwatch", stands as a powerful and poignant entry within the legendary band's progressive rock legacy. The album marked the end of an era, being the final installment in their trilogy of folk-influenced albums that began with "Songs from the Wood" (1977)
- StormWatch (1979, Germany) - Storm Watch (1979, Netherlands) - Storm Watch (1979, UK)
In the world of rock and roll, there are albums that simply exist, and then there are albums that EXPLODE onto the scene, leaving a crater of artistic innovation in their wake. Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick," released in 1972, is a prime example of the latter. This wasn't just a record;
- Thick as Brick Fold Out Newspaper (1972, France) - Thick as Brick (Newspaper, Germany) - Thick as a Brick (Germany)
In the heady days of 1972, when prog-rock was king and concept albums were the crown jewels, Jethro Tull unleashed a musical behemoth upon the world: "Thick as a Brick." This wasn't just an album; it was a sprawling, multi-layered symphony disguised as a newspaper.
hick as a Brick Part I & II 7" Vinyl Single
The album's title, "This Was", was a nod to the band's past, a recognition of their blues roots. But it was also a wink to the future, a hint of the musical metamorphosis that was already underway. The album's cover art, a sepia-toned portrait of the band, captured this duality perfectly.
- This Was (1968, UK ) - This Was (1968, Germany)
Released in 1976, Jethro Tull's "Too Old To Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die" marked a turning point for the British progressive rock band. Fronted by the iconic Ian Anderson, the album explored themes of aging rock stardom through a fictional character named Ray Lomas.
- Too Old Too Rock 'n' Roll (Green Record Label) - Too Old Too Rock 'n' Roll (White & Blue Record Label ))
Amidst the synthesizer-drenched landscape of 1984, Jethro Tull, the ever-evolving progressive folk-rock behemoth, dropped an oddity on us: "Under Wraps". This wasn't your granny's Tull, all flutes and frolicking about pastoral fields.
Under Wraps 12" Vinyl LP
In the heart of 1974, while the world was still reeling from the aftershocks of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, Jethro Tull unleashed "War Child", an album that was as much a battle cry for the human spirit as it was a musical exploration.
War Child 12" Vinyl LP