Jethro Tull - Aqualung
|
List Price: Our Price: $5.50 You Save: $11.48 (68%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.80 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Aqualung
Free Music Review: Aqualung and Ian Anderson's take on organized religion
Hit: 5 Stars
"Aqualung" is certainly the rawest of Jethro Tull's albums, as far from the artistic pretensions of "Thick as a Brick" and "Passion Play" as you can get in terms of their albums. This might have something to do with the album's mission statement, which is printed in old fashioned type on the linear notes: "In the beginning Man created God; and in the image of Man created he him....But as all these things did come to pass, the Spirit that did cause man to create his God lived on with all men: even within Aqualung. And man saw it not. But for Christ's sake he'd better start looking." Ironically, this is one of the few Jethro Tull albums where the lyrics are not printed despite the fact this is arguably the album where the lyrics mattereth the most.The first "side" of the album, entitled "Aqualung" after the first and title track, offers nothing overt other than the idea of dismissing organized religion as "salvation à la mode and a cup of tea." However, the second side, "My God," makes its argument in earnest from the opening verse: "People - what have you done/locked Him in His golden cage/Made Him bend to your religion/Him resurrected from the grave." The Church of England is explicitly condemned for having supplanted the authenticity of the Christian religion with plastic crucifixes. "Hymn 43" continues this line of argument by suggesting that: "If Jesus saves - well, He'd better save Himself from the gory glory seekers who use His name in death." "Slipstream" offers a metaphorical look at sinners trying to save themselves at the last moment: "And you press on God's waiter your last dime/as he hands you the bill." That "Slipstream" comes right before "Locomotive Breath" makes sense when you look at the latter's lyrics in light of the former.
But Ian Anderson's diatribe against the organized religion of his country does not extend to God, as is amply proven by the concluding song, "Wind Up." To underscore the importance of what is being sung at this point, the music tends to get out of the way of the lyrics, especially the final lines: "I don't believe you/you had the whole damn thing all wrong/He's not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays." When the teachings of the church consist of nothing more than "half-assed smiles and the book of rules," this necessitates a more personal dialogue with God. In Anderson's world God replies with a firm answer. When Anderson declares "I'd rather look around me - compose a better song/`cos that's the honest measure of my worth," he is staking a claim to more piety and sanctity than the edifices he is indicting.
The second side of "Aqualung" aspires to being much more than mere rock `n' roll. The message is simplistic, but still compelling. "Aqualung" represents Ian Anderson speaking in relatively clear words; from here on the will cloak his lyrics in metaphors and his own brand of mysticism. But for me it is ultimately the clarity of the lyrics and the intended message that makes this the strongest of Jethro Tull's albums. There are certainly more pleasing melodies down the road, but that does nothing to diminish the raw power of this effort.
Free Music Review: Tull's Almighty Aqualung
Hit: 5 Stars
To call Jethro Tull's 1971 opus "Aqualung" a "classic," a "landmark," a "masterpiece," etc., etc., is an understatement. Tull's legendary fourth album remains an FM-radio staple to this very day, the band's most popular, enduring album by far (though other great Tull releases like "Thick As A Brick," "Stand Up," "Benefit" and "A Passion Play" all have their share of supporters for #1 Tull album ever). But without question, "Aqualung" is Jethro Tull's Big One, the album that launched them into the arena-rock stratosphere. However, it must be said that "Aqualung" is NOT the "concept album" that it is so often mistaken for. Tull leader Ian Anderson wrote some outstanding songs here dealing with themes of religion and childhood, but these songs don't tell any kind of *story*, per se, and although the character of Aqualung is mentioned in the first two songs---the title song and "Cross-Eyed Mary"---we don't hear about him again for the rest of the album. So, no, "Aqualung" is not a concept album, in my opinion. But what "Aqualung" most definitely IS is a bonafied Jethro Tull masterwork, and one of the greatest classic rock albums ever made. Who *hasn't* heard the signature title song, with that famous six-note guitar riff from Martin Barre that kicks it off (deer-neer-neer-neer-NEER-neer!), followed by Anderson singing about that old geezer "sitting on a park bench"? It's a classic, signature Tull rocker. And, of course, one classic, signature Tull rocker deserves another, so feast your ears also on the second track, "Cross-Eyed Mary." That totally rocks, too. This is followed by a trio of softer, acoustic songs, "Cheap Day Return," the concert fave "Mother Goose," and "Wond'ring Aloud," all outstanding. Then Ian & company move back into rocking mode with the passionate "Up To Me," "My God," and "Hymn 43" (with the classic tongue-in-cheek line, "If Jesus saves, then he'd better save himself"). After the light acoustic interlude of "Slipstream" comes another ferocious Tull rocker & concert staple, "Locomotive Breath." Finally, the band wind things down with Ian's tale of growing up, "Wind Up," ending this classic album perfectly. Anderson's songwriting is superb, his vocals quite passionate, his flute & guitar work, as always, supreme. Martin Barre wields his axe like the master he is, decorating the album with glorious guitar riffs & solos, new bassist Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond is excellent, John Evan's thumping piano & keyboard-playing is awesome, and drummer Clive Bunker takes his exit from Jethro Tull on a very high note with some of the very best drumming he ever laid down with the band.Is "Aqualung" truly the greatest album Jethro Tull have ever made? My personal favorite Tull album remains "A Passion Play," but to many, many fans, "Aqualung" is the champ, and that's fine with me. I love "Aqualung," too. It's without question one of the band's Top Five best albums ever, no doubt about that. AND it's the perfect album to start your Jethro Tull collection with. Hail, Aqualung!Free Music Review: Ian Anderson makes you think!
Hit: 5 Stars
Absolutely great album! I love Jethro Tull, they are probably my favorite band. I have 14 of their albums. Ian Anderson must have put a lot of time into this album which was released in 1971. Musically this is a wonderful alubm. Great flute playing by an amazing flute player who only picked it up a couple months before he started Jethro Tull. Half is acoustic and half is good, old fasioned Jethro Tull rock 'n roll. Best songs on the album are Aqualung, Cross Eyed Mary (my personal favorite), My God, and Locomotive Breath. Aqualung and Stairway were probably the two anthems of the year on the radio. Most critics say this is a double mini concept album, Ian says, "It is not, it is just a bunch of great songs on one album." I agree with the critics on this one. The first six songs are about the secular life of an Englishman, Aqualung. Then starting on track #7, the focus switches to the hyprocrisies of the Church, especially the huge established Churches (ex. The "bloody" Church of England). After listening to this 40 minute album, one can see the how much thought Ian put into this album. The first part is about human depravity and the quest for finding one's happiness. The second part is about how the "church" doesn't really do anything to help one find its happiness. Ian says basically that The Church basically takes the Godhead (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and puts them into a box so they can worship them the way they want to. They change God into something of which He is not in order to fit their own personal needs and happiness. And at the same time telling people they need to follow Christ, but all the while living like pagans and hypocrits. While I do disagree with most of what Ian Anderson says on this album, I still think he has a point. The Church should not worship God in a box as they see fit to meet their needs and change an unchanging God into what they want their god to be, but should worship God for who He is and not for what He is not. And in the process live like you are a Christian, not as a pagan. God is the God of love, has compassion for His people (weither you think He does or not), sent His Son to die on a cross on our behalf, and brought us to a relationship with Him. That is who God is. I love this album because it keeps my focus on who God is and not what I wish He is not. Jesus is my Lord and Savior, thank God. God is an amazing God who will give you the greatest most amazing relationship you could ever imagine. But first you need to ask Him to save you from yourself and your sinful condition. What sinful condition you might say? Read Romans in the New Testament. Thanks Ian Anderson who is an extremely brilliant mind and musician for making us "think" one more time. Weither Ian is a Christian or not is not up to me, but to God. To the reader of this review: God loves you, give Him a chance!Free Music Review: If I had to start my Tull collection over again, I'd start with "Aqualung"
Hit: 5 Stars
THE BAND: Ian Anderson (lead vocals, flute, acoustic guitar), Martin Barre (guitar, flute, recorder), Jeffrey Hammond (bass, recorder, vocals), John Evan (keyboards, piano), Clive Bunker (drums & percussion).
THE DISC: (1971) Originally 11 tracks clocking in at just under 43 minutes, this digitally remastered 25th anniversary edition (1996) contains 6 bonus tracks making the total listen approximately 75 minutes. Included with the disc is an 18-page booklet containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, all original album artwork, musicians, and 2-pages of music magazines praise of the album (including Rolling Stone). All songs written by Ian Anderson. This is the band's 4th studio album. Recorded at Island Studios, London. Label - Reprise/Chrysalis Records.
COMMENTS: Sandwiched nicely between early Jethro Tull standards "Benefit" (1970), and "Thick As A Brick" (1972) is the ever-classic "Aqualung". Side-A (the first 6 songs) dealt with the seedy main character Aqualung. Side-B (the last 5 songs under the title "My God") dealt with religion - pro-God, but anti-church. Having all the song lyrics for the first time is an eye-opener - and it really makes the listener think. Anderson's intellect and prose is seldom matched by today's standards. "Aqualung" produced several classic rock radio staples - the title track, "Locomotive Breath", "Crossed-Eyed Mary", "My God", and "Hymn 43". "Aqualung" peaked at #4 and #7 on the UK and US charts respectively. At this stage Jethro Tull was more art-rock, folk/ blues and progressive... and to see "Hymn 43" reaching #91 on Billboards 'pop' singles chart seemed a tad bit odd. "Aqualung" is also listed as album #337 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 most important albums of all time. The songs on "Aqualung" are noble, enduring and unfading and this remastered version here sounds brilliantly deep and crisp (amazing since we're going back to actually being recorded in 1970)... really bringing the guitars and flute to the forefront. Anderson's acoustic guitar really sounds big and pronounced on the connected songs "Cheap Day Return", "Mother Goose" and "Wond'ring Aloud". "My God" still features my favorite flute section from Anderson. And the beautiful piano intro leading into the lyrics from "Locomotive Breath" create an everlasting image of a desperate man on a fast train stealing the handle and speeding to his death (angered by "His woman and his best friend - in bed and having fun"). Bonus tracks highlights include: "Lick Your Fingers Clean" - a slick and fun rocker; an early rendition of "Songs For Jeffrey"; the neat instrumental "Bouree"; and an informative 14-minute interview with Anderson (though I feel this long discussion should have been the very last track on the disc). If I have to start my Tull collection all over again... it starts with "Aqualung" (5 stars).
Free Music Review: Mix Of Light And Heavy - A Serious Classic Indeed
Hit: 5 Stars
I remember the day well...I was on a group tour of the Northeastern U.S. during the summer of 1984 (13 years after the release of this album) with a bunch of other teenagers when my friend Ned started talking about this amazing group, Jethro Tull, whose lead instrumentalist and ringleader was a flautist. Hmmm...sounded interesting, but I was not prepared for the musical adventure I was about to embark on.The album he had me listen to was this Aqualung album. Two things struck me about this album initially. The first was that this album just flat out rocked out, if you get my drift. At the same time, the heavy numbers were extremely well tempered by incredibly beautiful, soft, acoustic gems that were peppered throughout the album. It was also kind of nice to find out who was behind that famous "Aqualung" riff - I think everyone had heard that coming from some radio or another as they grew up in the '70s or even the early '80s (especially if family members listened to classic rock stations), but to those who were musically uneducated at the time (such as myself) it was quite a revelation...But I digress...
Not only was this an awesome example of amazing musicality within a rock context, it was a very interesting message that the lyrics presented...and that centers on the idea that religion, as an idea and the ideas presented in religion (at least in the Christian context, in the case of this album) are good things, but they get corrupted by the institutions that propagate religion...The album struck a chord with being in tune with my personal philosophy...
Favorite songs include (among those that really rock) - "Aqualung", "Cross-eyed Mary", "My God", "Locomotive Breath" and "Wind-Up". Favorite songs (acoustic gems) include - "Cheap Day Return", "Slipstream" and the Renaissance fair styled song "Mother Goose".
To sum up: Ian Anderson writes amazing songs on this album - I don't think there's a bad one in the bunch. He plays a great flute (although he's actually gotten much better over time) and a terrific acoustic guitar. The other musicians in the band are in top form - Martin Barre (lead guitar) plays with fire; John Evan (piano) plays wonderfully throughout as does the drummer Clive Bunker and the bassist Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond. This album is one of the highlights in Jethro Tull's storied history, providing an ominous toned album with a serious religious theme, but making it absolutely delicious to listen to at the same time, and therefore highly accessible. I highly recommend this album...another in the category of ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO ANY SERIOUS ROCK MUSIC COLLECTOR!!!