Jethro Tull questions...

Late again,
And that's my favorite band. I've been to pretty much every show in Phila. area since the early 90s, his solo with an orchestra included.
The last year's 40th Anniversary Tour show was the best by far.
As to their recordings- I can't name a bad album, maybe with the exclusion of "A" and "Under Wraps".
They are all different musically, and even the "weakest ones" are so much superior to other bands best output.
I consider Anderson one of the greatest contemporary musicians. Can't even put him squarely into the rock category. He's so much more, than that.
Sound wise- I feel "Christmas Album" is one of the best.
One strange thing- every time I see good vinyl copy of "Living in the Past", I can hardly stop myself from buying it, just like Bruce Willis in "Conspiracy Theory".

It's funny how many Tull fans say that "A" and "Under Wraps" are not among their favourites.

If you're familiar with "jazz" Tull and "blues" Tull and "rock" Tull and "folk" Tull, then "electronic" Tull is a bit unexpected and wasn't welcome by many fans. It reminds me of Neil Young when he came out with "Tron". However, in my view, the ability to pull off many different styles of music is an indication of creativity that goes beyond those who simply keep putting out "more of the same" with each album. And since I mentioned him, Neil Young is like Jethro Tull in having put out music in many different styles.

And on the topic of "Under Wraps", I saw an interview with Martin Barre where he said that "Under Wraps" is his favourite Tull album. Go figure. If anybody would have been able to preduct that, I'd like to borrow that person's insight to help me pick some winning lottery numbers!

Mr. Barre also says in an interview on his website that Tull don't play anything from "Passion Play" because it's one of the least favourite albums amongst Tull fans.

Markphd,
I agree with you on Anderson's creativity and his versatility. I don't think "A" and "Under Wraps" are inferior musically, it's just not my taste now.
Back when they just came out, I did like them both. Now, that 80s sound is a thing of the past for me.
I love his solo stuff, especially "Rupi's Dance".

"A" may not be the best but that tour on DVD is awesome! Not sound quality wise...but the band as a whole was great. Not the Mr. Anderson ever had anything BUT great players with him. The newer DVD is VERY well recorded...it's just too bad Ian's voice is about gone.

This band has been through so many phases that it is hard to pick. But i must agree that i have an affinity for the earliest 5 albums. I own every Tull album available. I have found something to really enjoy on every one and then some.
Regarding Martin Barre's comment about Passion Play...that guy has a strange sense of humor as well and i would never take anything at face value with these guys. I've seen recent DVD interviews with Barre where he seemed so reserved and polite and then just recently (two years ago) saw them here in Reading, PA just before they recorded the Live Aqualung album. Let me tell ya that guy was possesed and a different chap altogether then you see in those DVD interviews. I was at the front of the stage an he was awesome. What a great concert that was at this rather small place and hearing them play songs from Aqualung that they have NEVER ever played live since it was recorded. I was in heaven. BUY em all! ; ) I did get the new remastered CD's since my turntable days are behind me. Some are better then others but the early stuff is pretty good. I always loved Minstrel in the Gallery for instance and War Child as some of the post Benefit offerings that were good to these ears. And then even much further down the road is Dot Com and Roots to Branches. Also i really have enjoyed Nightcap!
Anyway you have much Tull to get caught up on if you like the sound of this band : ) ENJOY .... i have for 33 years now.