JETHRO TULL - THICK AS A BRICK ORIGINAL real NEWSPAPER COVER Germany 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Thick as a Brick" (1972) is a concept album by the British rock band Jethro Tull. Its lyrics are built around a poem written by a fictitious boy, "Gerald Bostock" a.k.a. "Little Milton". The album on LP vinyl runs as one seamless track on both sides of the record. The song is notable for its numerous time signature and tempo changes, as well as a large number of themes throughout the piece, resembling a typical classical symphony in this regard, rather than a typical rock song. 

 

large album front cover photo of: JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release )

Thick as a Brick: Jethro Tull’s Ingenious Newspaper Album Cover
How a Mock Newspaper Added Depth, Satire, and Success to a Progressive Rock Classic

"Thick as a Brick," Jethro Tull's fifth studio album, is not only renowned for its progressive rock music but also for its unique packaging. Released on 10 March 1972, the album was presented in a mock newspaper format, which set it apart from other albums of the era. This creative approach to cover design was the brainchild of band leader Ian Anderson and artist Roy Eldridge.

The "St. Cleve Chronicle & Linwell Advertiser," the fictitious newspaper in which the album was wrapped, played a crucial role in the album's concept. It was meant to parody the British press and the concept of a "concept album" itself, which Anderson found pretentious. The front page of the newspaper featured a tongue-in-cheek story about an eight-year-old prodigy named Gerald Bostock, whose epic poem, "Thick as a Brick," was supposedly disqualified from a literary competition due to its controversial content. This fictional poem was humorously credited as the source material for the album's lyrics.

The newspaper was rich with parody articles, satirical advertisements, and humorous features, spanning twelve pages. It included weather reports, TV schedules, and even a crossword puzzle, all crafted with a keen eye for detail and a sharp sense of humour. This elaborate packaging extended the album's concept beyond the music, creating an immersive experience that engaged fans on multiple levels.

Jethro Tull's fans received "Thick as a Brick" with enthusiasm and amusement. The innovative design and the intricate, witty content of the newspaper were appreciated for their creativity and originality. Fans enjoyed deciphering the jokes and references embedded within the articles, which added a layer of intellectual engagement to the album. The packaging complemented the musical complexity and lyrical depth of the album, enhancing the overall experience.

Commercially, "Thick as a Brick" was a success, reaching number one on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in the United States. Its unique presentation was a significant factor in its appeal, distinguishing it from other releases and contributing to its lasting legacy in the realm of progressive rock.

In summary, the newspaper cover design of "Thick as a Brick" was a clever and innovative choice that parodied the media, added depth to the album's concept, and was warmly received by fans. It remains a memorable example of how packaging can elevate the artistic impact of an album.

Music Genre:

Progressive Rock Music 

Collector's info:

Thin newspaper cover design

This original LP cover was a spoof of a twelve by sixteen inch (305 by 406 mm) multipage local newspaper with stories, competitions, adverts, etc., lampooning the parochial and amateurish local journalism that still exists in many places today. The "newspaper" also includes the entire lyrics to the song.

Because of the thin paper used to make this cover, albums with the original thin newspaper sleeve completey intact are very hard to find and thus very valuable.  

Album Packaging / Information:

Produced by Ian Anderson

Record Label & Catalognr:

Chrysalis 6307 502 ( 6307502 ) 

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record total weigh 330 gram 

Year & Country:

1972 Made in Germany 
Band Members and Musicians on: Jethro Tull Thick as a Brick original newspaper cover
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Ian Anderson vocals, acoustic guitar, flute, violin
  • Martin Barre electric guitar, lute
  • John Evan piano, organ, harpsichord
  • Jeffrey Hammond (as Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond ): Bass guitar, vocals
  • Barriemore Barlow drums, percussion, timpani
  • David Palmer - brass and string arrangements
Complete Track Listing of: Jethro Tull Thick as a Brick original newspaper cover
    Side One:
  • Thick as a Brick 22:45 (Ian Anderson/Gerald Bostock)
    Side Two:
  • Thick as a Brick 21:05 (Ian Anderson/Gerald Bostock)

JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release ) High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release )
Front Cover Photo Of JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release )

 

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 - Thick as Brick ( German release )
Photo of album back cover JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release )

 

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release )
Photo of the left page inside cover JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release )

 

Close up of Side One JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release ) record's label
Close up of Side One JETHRO TULL - Thick as Brick ( German release )

 

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