What does it sound like?:
I’ve spent the last six weeks immersing myself in this long awaited five cd / three dvd 40th anniversary set, and such is the treasure trove of goodies on offer it’s hard to know where to even begin, other than to say it’s been a long wait but it’s proved worth it. The original album, surely the last great Tull record, has of course been sympathetically remixed by Steven Wilson, but the real diamonds are to be found in the extras that have been unearthed, of which there is an absolute profusion and which for the most part are previously unreleased. It’s hard to pick out individual pieces from this fertile part of the band’s history, but the highlight for me is on the third cd where we find a forty odd minute demo from December 1981 of what would have been a very different record to that which was to eventually emerge. Overall though, I found trawling through these outtakes and demos fascinating, and it gives a flavour of just how prolific Anderson was in this period, in particular hearing how now familiar songs developed over the lengthy recording process. A few of the unused songs have dribbled out over the intervening years on various compilations and as bonus tracks, but here at last they can be found collected together in their entirety. The set is rounded off with a fine live set compiled from four shows in Germany in April 1982, which showcases a very good selection of songs from the album – nine out of the ten actually, with some of the old war horses given a welcome rest. The three audio only dvds carry the usual surround sound and associated mixes for all the material on the cds, and needless to say are superb. Finally of course there’s also the usual excellent comprehensive book included, which provides 164 pages of fascinating and in depth reading. If you’re a fan of this era of the band then this is an absolutely essential purchase, and should it prove to be the last in this series then they have certainly gone out on a high.
What does it all *mean*?
Surely the crowning glory of this excellent series – more expensive than the others but undoubtedly worth every penny. I wonder if this is it now ….or is there still more yet to come?
Goes well with…
Shutting out the world and bingeing on Tull.
Release Date:
Sept 1st
Might suit people who like…
The glory days of one of the most inventive and innovative bands of their era.
Really looking forward to this one – I haven’t had the email with a delivery date yet, but it must be imminent! Great review Bargy!
Hoorah! Been on order for weeks and I can’t wait. Oh: and another fine review, Mr Bargepole!
I agree, Barge – the last of the great Jethro Tull albums and the end of their original era, in my view (1968-82, more or less an album a year and regular touring). Trouble is, this set is beyond me at present – too many recent heavy expenses. I’m not sure I can justify £70-odd.
Bargie you are a very bad man. I’m wrestling with my conscience at the moment.
You only live onc
And you are worse.
My copy arrives today.
“Oh, go on” said the Devil. “What harm can it do? You know you want to – don’t you deserve a treat now and then?” Etc, etc…
You’ll have a gap on your Tull shelf, you know…
Actually this is part of the issue. It doesn’t look like it’s a book case like the others. OCD alert.
It’s the same format as all the others – no excuses now!
Argh
If it’s any consolation, FedEx have lived up to their (appalling) reputation and apparently my copy is subject to ‘Operational delay’, which means the f*ckwits won’t be getting it to me today after all, despite my having paid for ‘Next Day’ delivery, and Burning Shed having released it into their tender care a full day ago. Incompetency drives a FedEx van. Bah humbug!
I’ve decided I’m going Christmas List. Pleasure delayed is pleasure heightened.
You’d think so, wouldn’t you?
But, sadly, no…
That’s not too say I haven’t just ought it! Price has dropped slightly.
If you don’t mind sharing:
from where did you order it; and
what did it cost?
Dodgers. 65 sovs.
Thanks for this review of what I consider to be one of Tull’s best albums (it’s a toss-up between this or Songs from the Wood).
I’ve been looking forward to getting hold of this ever since it was announced. The main tracks are great, but there are also so many good songs among the bonus material: Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow, Mayhem Maybe, Jack-a-Lynn, etc. Ian Anderson was definitely on a roll songwriting wise during this period.
I have Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow on the 20th Anniversary box set, a great track. I played the 2005 remaster of Broadsword on Spotify the other day and it sounded a bit thin. I’ll dig out my Broadsword vinyl for comparison but I won’t be buying this, much as I like the album.
The only album I know of theirs and own. Used to play it loads. Is it representative of their oeuvre?
Yes and no. They always sound like the Tull but with differences. Ian’s voice is obviously consistent, and the feel of the songs – changes of tempo, angular riffs, flute, Martin Barre’s lead guitar. But conceptually they tend to differ – the synths on Broadsword are new. Sounds from the Wood is folky. Warchild is a bit more concise after A Passion Play’s dense prog, etc. All well worth a lis. Try “Minstrel in the gallery” next, or Aqualung maybe?
So looking forward to this. Saw them 5 times on that tour, I think, from Inverness down to Nostell Priory. Happy days.
Arrived today. Playing the final disc now – it is entirely marvellous. It seems like a harmonious time for band relations too – they’re falling over themselves to say nice things about each other in the book.
Fab beermat too – though I think that’s a printed signature on the back?
Astonished at the price.
Twice as much as the previous boxed sets “ book “ editions.
Why astonished? Not many (any?) of the other sets had eight discs.