"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.
"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. |
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 |
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Complete Track Listing of: Jethro Tull Thick as a Brick original newspaper cover |
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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 )
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War Child 12" Vinyl LP