Jethro Tull's 1971 album "Aqualung" is a progressive rock masterpiece, exploring societal complexities with a dynamic lineup shift. Released under Chrysalis in the UK, its iconic gatefold cover by Burton Silverman adds visual depth. The coveted Porky Prime Cut 12" LP Vinyl, mastered by George Peckham, enhances the auditory experience. Aqualung's enduring legacy lies in its conceptual depth, musical brilliance, and collector's allure.
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" stands as a landmark in the realm of progressive rock, a genre characterized by its intricate compositions, poetic lyrics, and a fusion of various musical styles. Released in 1971, this fourth studio album not only marked a significant shift in the band's lineup but also brought forth an iconic gatefold album under the Chrysalis label in the UK. In this web-page, we'll explore the history behind the creation of Jethro Tull's Aqualung and the fascinating details surrounding its distinctive Porky Prime Cut 12" LP vinyl edition.
The Genesis of Aqualung:
Prior to the release of Aqualung, Jethro Tull had already made a name for themselves with albums like "This Was," "Stand Up," and "Benefit." The band, led by the charismatic and flute-wielding Ian Anderson, was known for its eclectic sound, blending elements of folk, blues, and classical music. Aqualung, released on March 19, 1971, would become a defining moment for Jethro Tull.
The Album's Concept and Themes:
Aqualung is a concept album that delves into the complexities of modern urban life, exploring themes such as homelessness, alienation, and the impact of industrialization. The titular character, Aqualung, is a representation of the disenfranchised and overlooked individuals in society. The album weaves a narrative that combines sharp social commentary with intricate musical arrangements.
The Band's Lineup Changes:
Aqualung also marked a period of transition for Jethro Tull in terms of its lineup. John Evan joined the band as a full-time member, contributing significantly to the album's keyboard arrangements. Bassist Jeffrey Hammond was another new addition, replacing Glenn Cornick. Clive Bunker, the drummer on Aqualung, would make his final appearance with Jethro Tull on this album.
Gatefold Glory: Chrysalis UK England Edition:
The Chrysalis label in the UK released Aqualung with a gatefold sleeve, a design that became synonymous with the album. The gatefold cover featured distinctive artwork by Burton Silverman, depicting the iconic Aqualung character. The fold-out design added a visual dimension to the listening experience, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the album's conceptual world.
Porky Prime Cut 12" LP Vinyl Edition:
Within the realm of vinyl enthusiasts, the mention of a "Porky Prime Cut" edition brings forth a sense of intrigue. "Porky" refers to George Peckham, a mastering engineer known for his unique cutting style. The term "Prime Cut" indicates a high-quality pressing of the album. Collectors and audiophiles often seek out Porky Prime Cut editions for their superior sound quality and meticulous mastering.
The Legacy of Aqualung:
Aqualung remains one of Jethro Tull's most celebrated albums, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Its enduring legacy is not only attributed to the groundbreaking music and thought-provoking lyrics but also to the visual and tactile experience offered by the Chrysalis gatefold edition and the sought-after Porky Prime Cut 12" LP vinyl version.
Collector Notes: The matrix/stamper codes of this LP read "Porky Prime Cut" Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages . This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with lyrics of all the songs performed by "Jethro Tull" |
Music Genre: UK Prog Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "JETHRO TULL - Aqualung Gatefold UK England" was produced by: Ian Anderson and Terry Ellis.Sound/Recording Engineer(s): John Burns. This album was recorded at: Island Studios, London. Album cover design: Album cover photography: |
Record Label & Catalognr: Green Chrysalis CHR 1044 / ILPS 9145 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1971 Made in UK England |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: JETHRO TULL - Aqualung Gatefold UK England |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "JETHRO TULL - Aqualung Gatefold UK England" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "JETHRO TULL - Aqualung Gatefold UK England" is:
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Record Label Details: Green Colour with Orange Letering and Orange Butterfly Logo CHRYSALIS CHR 1044 , ILPS 9145 ℗ 1971 Sound Copyright
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 LPIn 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 LPReleased 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 LPThe 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 LPIn 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 LPJethro 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 LPReleased 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 SingleThe 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 LPIn 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