JETHRO TULL- "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL

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.

 

JETHRO TULL - "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"A" Album Description:

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.

Music Genre:

British Prog Rock 

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

Record Label & Catalog-nr:

CHRYSALIS 202 838

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram 

Year & Country:

1980 Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: JETHRO TULL - A
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Ian Anderson - flute, vocals
  • Martin Barre - electric guitar
  • Mark Craney - drums
  • Dave Pegg - bass
  • Eddie Jobson - keyboards, electric violin
Complete Track-listing of the album "JETHRO TULL - A"

The detailed tracklist of this record "JETHRO TULL - A" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. "Crossfire" 3:55
  2. "Fylingdale Flyer" 4:35
  3. "Working John, Working Joe" 5:04
  4. "Black Sunday" 6:35
  5. "Protect and Survive" 3:36
  6. "Batteries Not Included" 3:52
  7. "Uniform" 3:34
  8. W.D. (Low Ratio)" 3:42
  9. "The Pine Marten's Jig" 3:28
  10. "And Further On" 4:21

 

Front Cover Photo Of JETHRO TULL - "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL

Description

JETHRO TULL - "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 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 ).

Photo Of The Back Cover JETHRO TULL - "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL

Description

JETHRO TULL - "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL back cover

Close up of Side One record's label JETHRO TULL - "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL

"A" Record Label Details: White to Blue Colour CHRYSALIS 202 838

"A" Record Label Details: White to Blue Colour CHRYSALIS 202 838

Side Two Close up of record's label JETHRO TULL - "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL

 

Side Two Close up of record's label JETHRO TULL - "A" 12" LP ALBUM VINYL
 

JETHRO TULL Vinyl Albums Discography and Album Cover Photo Gallery

JETHRO TULL - "A"
JETHRO TULL - "A" album front cover vinyl record

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
JETHRO TULL - Aqualung (Six European Releases)
 JETHRO TULL - Aqualung (Six European Releases) album front cover vinyl record

"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)
JETHRO TULL - Benefit (Three European Versions)
JETHRO TULL - Benefit (Three European Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"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 - Broadsword And The Beast (Three European Releases)
JETHRO TULL - Broadsword And The Beast (Three European Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

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)
JETHRO TULL - Crest Of A Knave
JETHRO TULL - Crest Of A Knave album front cover vinyl record

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
JETHRO TULL - Heavy Horses
JETHRO TULL - Heavy Horses album front cover vinyl record

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
JETHRO TULL - Live Bursting Out (German and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
JETHRO TULL - Live Bursting Out (German and USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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 )
JETHRO TULL - Living in the Past (Two German Versions)
JETHRO TULL - Living in the Past (Two German Versions) album front cover vinyl record

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)
JETHRO TULL - Minstrel in the Gallery
JETHRO TULL - Minstrel in the Gallery album front cover vinyl record

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
JETHRO TULL - Passion Play
JETHRO TULL - Passion Play album front cover vinyl record

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
JETHRO TULL - Rock Island
JETHRO TULL - Rock Island album front cover vinyl record

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 - Songs From the Wood
JETHRO TULL - Songs From the Wood  album front cover vinyl record

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
JETHRO TULL - Stand Up Pop-Up (Four European Releases)
JETHRO TULL - Stand Up Pop-Up (Four European Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

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 - Storm Watch (Three European Releases)
JETHRO TULL - Storm Watch (Three European Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

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)
JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick Newspaper (Multiple International Releases)
JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick Newspaper (Multiple International Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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)
JETHRO TULL - Thick as a Brick Part I & II
JETHRO TULL - Thick as a Brick Part I & II album front cover vinyl record

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
JETHRO TULL - This Was (British and German Releases)
JETHRO TULL - This Was (British and German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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)
JETHRO TULL - Too Old To Rock 'n' Roll... (German Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
JETHRO TULL - Too Old To Rock 'n' Roll... (German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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 ))
JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps
JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps album front cover vinyl record

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
JETHRO TULL - War Child 12" Vinyl LP
JETHRO TULL - War Child album front cover vinyl record

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