Jethro Tull - Under Wraps 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

"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.

JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps 12"Vinyl LP Album album front cover

Jethro Tull Under Wraps: A Rant, Revisited
Album Description:

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  
Complete Track Listing of: Jethro Tull - Under Wraps
    Side One:
  1. Lap of Luxury
  2. Under Wraps
  3. European Legacy
  4. Later, That Same Evening
  5. Saboteur
  6. Radio Free Moscow
    Side Two:
  1. Nobody's Car
  2. Heat
  3. Under Wraps
  4. Paparazzi
  5. Apogee

 

Front Cover Photo Of JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps 12"Vinyl LP Album

Description

JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps 12"Vinyl LP Album album front cover

Photo Of The Back Cover JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps 12"Vinyl LP Album

Description

JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps 12"Vinyl LP Album album back cover

Close up of record's label JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps 12"Vinyl LP Album Side One

Record Label Details: 206 518

JETHRO TULL - Under Wraps 12"Vinyl LP Album enlarged record label
 

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