JETHRO TULL - AQUALUNG - PALM-TREE ISLAND 12" Vinyl LP Album

Aqualung is the fourth studio album by the progressive rock band Jethro Tull, released in 1971. It was their first album with John Evan as a full-time member, their first with new bassist Jeffrey Hammond and last album featuring Clive Bunker on drums.

Aqualung has sold over 15 million units worldwide according to Ian Anderson, and is thus Jethro Tull's best selling album. In 2003, the album was ranked number 337 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In the Q & Mojo Classic Special Edition Pink Floyd & The Story of Prog Rock, the album came #7 in its list of "40 Cosmic Rock Albums".

Front Cover Photo Of Jethro Tull - Aqualung

Album Description & Collectors information:

 Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" is a legendary album that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of progressive rock music. Released in 1971, this groundbreaking record showcased the band's exceptional musicianship and innovative songwriting, cementing their status as one of the most influential rock acts of the era. The album, originally released as a 12" vinyl LP, remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate listeners to this day.

The opening track, "Aqualung", sets the tone for the entire album with its powerful and gritty guitar riffs, juxtaposed against the haunting flute melodies that would become a signature element of Jethro Tull's sound. The song's evocative lyrics explore the theme of societal outcasts, examining the stark realities of urban life and the plight of the disenfranchised. It's a powerful and thought-provoking statement that immediately grabs the listener's attention.

Continuing the album's exploration of dark and introspective themes, "Cross-Eyed Mary" delves into the world of a troubled young girl navigating a corrupt society. Ian Anderson's distinctive vocal delivery and Martin Barre's electrifying guitar work drive the song forward, creating a sense of urgency and intensity that adds to its impact. The juxtaposition of heavy rock instrumentation with intricate flute passages creates a unique sonic tapestry that characterizes the album as a whole.

"Mother Goose" and "Wond'ring Aloud" offer a more introspective and intimate side of the album, showcasing Jethro Tull's ability to create beautiful and delicate compositions. These songs serve as a contrast to the heavier tracks on the album, demonstrating the band's versatility and their ability to evoke a wide range of emotions.

The album also features tracks such as "My God" and "Hymn 43", which tackle religious and philosophical themes with a blend of wit and criticism. Ian Anderson's lyrics provoke thought and challenge conventional beliefs, while the band's tight musicianship and intricate arrangements provide a perfect backdrop for the weighty subject matter.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Locomotive Breath", a hard-hitting rock anthem that showcases the band's instrumental prowess. The driving rhythm section, led by bassist Jeffrey Hammond and drummer Clive Bunker, provides a solid foundation for Martin Barre's searing guitar solos and Ian Anderson's captivating flute passages. This song has become one of Jethro Tull's most iconic and enduring hits.

Closing the album is "Wind Up", a contemplative and thought-provoking track that brings the listener full circle. Ian Anderson's biting lyrics and impassioned vocal delivery make it a fitting conclusion to an album that explores themes of alienation, religion, and the human condition.

As a 12" vinyl LP, "Aqualung" was not just an auditory experience but a tactile one as well. The artwork on the album cover, featuring a distinctive illustration of the "Aqualung" character, adds to the overall mystique and allure of the record. The physical act of placing the needle on the vinyl and immersing oneself in the music created a connection between the listener and the artist that is often lost in the digital age.

Rare first pressing with the ISLAND Palm Tree Label

Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Music Genre:  Progressive Rock Music
 

Packaging:

 Gatefold (FOC) cover design 

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 Information:

 Island / Chrysalis 85 383 IT

Media Format:

 12" Vinyl LP Record 290 grams  

Year & Country:

  1971 Made in Germany  
Band Members and Musicians on: Jethro Tull Aqualung
    Band: Jethro Tull
  • Ian Anderson - Flute, vocals
  • Clive Bunker
  • Martin Barre
  • John Evan
  • Jeffrey Hammond
Track Listing of: Jethro Tull Aqualung
    Songs:
  1. Aqualung
  2. Cross-Eyed Mary
  3. Cheap Day Return
  4. Mother Goose
  5. Wond'ring Aloud
  6. Up To Me
  7. My God
  8. Hymn 43
  9. Slipstream
  10. Locomotive Breath
  11. Wind Up

Jethro Tull - Aqualung High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of Jethro Tull - Aqualung
Front Cover Photo Of Jethro Tull - Aqualung

 

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. 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 - Aqualung
Photo of album back cover Jethro Tull - Aqualung

 

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold Jethro Tull - Aqualung
Photo of the left page inside cover Jethro Tull - Aqualung

 

Photo Two Of The Inside Pages Jethro Tull - Aqualung
Photo of the right page inside cover Jethro Tull - Aqualung

 

Close up of Side One Jethro Tull - Aqualung record's label
Close up of Side One Jethro Tull - Aqualung

Record Label Details: Island records labels with illustration of a small island with a palm tree on it

JETHRO TULL Vinyl Albums Discography and Album Cover Photo Gallery

Biographies of JETHRO TULL core line-up/band-members

  Ian Anderson (Full-name: Ian Scott Anderson)

  Ian Anderson is a musician , songwriter and leader of the British rock band Jethro Tull. He was born on 10 August 1947, in Dunfermline, Scotland. Anderson began playing the guitar and writing songs while in his teens. In 1967, he formed Jethro Tull, which quickly gained a following for its unique blend of rock, folk, and classical music, and Anderson's distinctive use of the flute in rock music.

  Throughout the 1970s, Jethro Tull released a series of highly successful albums, including "Stand Up" (1969), "Aqualung" (1971), "Thick as a Brick" (1972), and "War Child" (1974). In the 1980s and 1990s, the band's popularity waned, but Anderson continued to release music as a solo artist and with Jethro Tull.

  In addition to his music career, Anderson is also known for his environmental activism and his support of animal rights. He has also released a number of books and other projects. He continues to tour and perform with Jethro Tull, and is considered one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his generation.

  Martin Barre electric guitar, lute Martin Barre is a British musician and guitarist and a member of the rock band Jethro Tull. He was born in Birmingham, England, on November 17, 1946. Barre first joined Jethro Tull in 1969, and appeared on all of the band's studio albums throughout the 1970s, including "Stand Up" (1969), "Aqualung" (1971), "Thick as a Brick" (1972), and "War Child" (1974). He was also a part of the band live performances throughout that period.

 Barre is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential guitarists of his generation, known for his unique playing style and his ability to seamlessly blend rock, folk, and classical music. He is known for his work on Jethro Tull's iconic songs such as "Aqualung" and "Locomotive Breath". He has also released a number of solo albums throughout his career and continues to perform and tour as a solo artist and with Jethro Tull. In 2012, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Classic Rock Society, and in 2017 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement by Prog Magazine.

  John Evan is a British musician and keyboardist a member of the rock band Jethro Tull. He was born in London, England, on December 4, 1948. Evan joined Jethro Tull in 1970 and played on several of the band's most popular albums, including "Aqualung" (1971), "Thick as a Brick" (1972), "War Child" (1974), and "Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!" (1976). He also performed with the band on their tours during this period.

 Evan is known for his keyboard playing style, which often features the use of classical piano and organ. He is also a notable songwriter, co-writing some of Jethro Tull's most famous songs. He left the band in 1979 but rejoined in 2008, and he is still a part of the band's line-up to this day. Evan has also released solo albums and collaborated with other musicians throughout his career.

  Jeffrey Hammond Jeffrey Hammond is a British musician, bassist and a member of the rock band Jethro Tull. He was born in London, England, on February 15, 1946. Hammond joined Jethro Tull in 1970 and played on several of the band's most popular albums, including "Aqualung" (1971), "Thick as a Brick" (1972), "War Child" (1974), and "Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!" (1976). He was also a part of the band live performances throughout that period.

  Hammond's bass playing is known for its melodic and groovy style, and his ability to adapt to different genres and styles. He also played guitar and added his artistic touch to the band's album covers and stage performances. He left the band in 1977, after recording the album "Songs from the Wood" but returned as a guest on stage with the band occasionally. He is now retired from music and focuses on his art career.

  Barriemore Barlow Barriemore Barlow musician and drummer of the rock band Jethro Tull. He was born in Birmingham, England, on June 8, 1949. Barlow joined Jethro Tull in 1971 and played on several of the band's albums throughout the 1970s, including "Aqualung" (1971), "Thick as a Brick" (1972), "War Child" (1974), and "Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!" (1976). He also performed with the band on their tours during this period.

  Barlow is known for his powerful and dynamic drumming style, and his ability to adapt to different genres and styles. He is considered one of the most talented and innovative drummers of his generation. He left the band in 1980, after recording the album "A" and pursued a career as a session musician and producer. He has also released a solo album and collaborated with other musicians throughout his career. He continues to perform and tour as a solo artist and occasionally with Jethro Tull.

  David Palmer David Palmer is a British musician and arranger, andmember of the rock band Jethro Tull. He joined the band in 1970 as a keyboardist and arranger, and played on several of the band's most popular albums, including "Aqualung" (1971), "Thick as a Brick" (1972), "War Child" (1974) and "Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!" (1976). He also performed with the band on their tours during this period.

 David Palmer is a classically trained musician who added his orchestral and choral arrangements to Jethro Tull's music. He also played various instruments such as piano, organ and mellotron. He left the band in 1977, after recording the album "Songs from the Wood" and pursued a career as a composer, arranger, and producer, working with various artists and bands, as well as composing soundtracks for film and television. He also recorded several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians throughout his career.