"Under Wraps" is the twelfth studio album by British rock band Jethro Tull, released in 1984. It was produced by Ian Anderson and was recorded at Maison Rouge Studios in Fulham, London. The album features a more experimental and electronic sound, with a heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines.
"Under Wraps" features tracks such as "Lap of Luxury," " European Legacy," and "Fly by Night," which showcase Jethro Tull's willingness to experiment with new musical styles and technologies. The album also features Anderson's signature flute playing and distinctive vocal style.
"Under Wraps" was well received by fans and critics and is considered one of Jethro Tull's most experimental albums. However, it was not as commercially successful as some of the band's earlier albums, and is considered a lesser-known release in their discography.
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. This was a stark, electronic turn, a band seemingly wrestling with their own legacy and the relentless march of technology.
The historical context is crucial here. We're talking mid-80s, when synths were the new guitar gods, and bands were scrambling to adapt or perish. Tull, never ones to shy away from experimentation, dove headfirst into the digital pool, but the results were... polarizing, to say the least.
Musically, "Under Wraps" is a strange beast. Gone are the acoustic guitars and pastoral flutes, replaced by a cold, metallic soundscape dominated by drum machines and synths. Ian Anderson's voice, normally a powerful instrument, is buried in the mix, sounding strained and processed. The songwriting, while still lyrically sharp and clever, lacks the emotional punch of their earlier work.
This stark departure from their signature sound, coupled with the prominent use of drum machines instead of a live drummer, was a major point of contention for fans and critics alike. Some saw it as a bold step forward, embracing the technology of the time, while others lamented the loss of the organic warmth and energy that characterized their earlier albums.
The album's production is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it's a testament to Tull's willingness to push boundaries and embrace new technologies. On the other hand, it's a bit of a sonic mess, with the sterile electronic sounds clashing with Anderson's folk sensibilities. The recording studio, Maison Rouge in Fulham, London, became a laboratory for sonic experimentation, but not all experiments are successful.
Despite the controversy, "Under Wraps" isn't without its merits. Certain tracks like the haunting "Lap of Luxury" and the quirky "Astronomy" showcase glimpses of brilliance amidst the electronic experimentation. The album's lyrical content, heavily influenced by Ian Anderson's love of espionage fiction, adds another layer of intrigue to the overall experience.
"Under Wraps" sparked controversy among Tull fans. Some embraced the electronic direction, while others decried it as a betrayal of the band's roots. The album's commercial performance was lackluster, further fueling the debate about its merits.
Now, let's not get it twisted, "Under Wraps" isn't a complete disaster. But overall, it's a disjointed and uneven album, a band struggling to find their footing in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
Jethro Tull, under the guidance of the ever-enigmatic Ian Anderson, has always been a band willing to take risks and explore new musical territories.
Music Genre: Prog Rock |
Album Production: Produced by Ian Anderson at Home |
Album Packaging: Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics . |
Record Label: Chrysalis 206 518 (296518) |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Record |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Germany |
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