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. And to whet our appetites, they dropped a 7-inch single, a tantalizing glimpse into the madness that awaited.
A Glimmer of Prog-Rock Brilliance
Squeezing a 43-minute epic into a 7-inch single is like trying to cram a symphony orchestra into a phone booth – it's a challenge, to say the least. But Jethro Tull managed to capture the essence of "Thick as a Brick" in two bite-sized chunks, "Thick as a Brick, Part I" and "Thick as a Brick, Part II."
The single opens with a burst of energy, Ian Anderson's flute swirling like a dervish over a driving rhythm section. The music is a whirlwind of complex time signatures, intricate melodies, and Anderson's signature vocal theatrics. It's a taste of the prog-rock feast that awaits on the full album.
The B-side, "Thick as a Brick, Part II," delves deeper into the musical labyrinth. The tempo slows, the mood darkens, and Anderson's flute takes on a haunting quality. The lyrics, penned by the fictional child poet Gerald Bostock, offer a glimpse into the album's satirical and philosophical themes.
A Teaser for the Main Event
The "Thick as a Brick" single served as a teaser, a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Gerald Bostock and his epic poem. It left listeners hungry for more, eager to unravel the full story hidden within the newspaper-album.
The single also showcased the band's musical prowess. It was a reminder that Jethro Tull was not just a folk-rock band with a flute player; they were a prog-rock powerhouse, capable of crafting complex and challenging music that pushed the boundaries of the genre.
The Birth of a Prog-Rock Legend
"Thick as a Brick" was recorded at Morgan Studios in London, with Ian Anderson at the helm as producer. The band spent weeks meticulously crafting the music, experimenting with different sounds and arrangements. The result was a sonic masterpiece, an album that would become a cornerstone of prog-rock history.
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