What does it sound like?:
Tull’s 1984 effort is paired with the first Ian Anderson solo effort, (after A was rebranded as a band album), the previous year’s Walk Into Light. Both albums have been remixed twice, once featuring the original drum machine track and then with said track being replaced with ‘2026 drums’, which appear to be samples of acoustic drums. Both albums were quite a change from the traditional Tull sound of the era from Aqualung to Broadsword, and so met with a mixed reception at the time. The use of the aforementioned drum machines and synthesisers, both cutting edge technologies at the time, produced a rather cold, glacial sound, which in some ways rather suited Under Wraps themes of spy fiction and espionage behind the Iron Curtain in the era of the Cold War. The sound as a whole is definitely given a more accessible human feel with the new drums, although I would say Walk Into Light has a more traditional Tull feel to it. There are the usual bunch of ‘associated recordings’ on both albums, although not as plentiful or of the same quality as on the earlier releases in the series with four of the seven on Under Wraps appearing on the original cd of the album having been omitted from the vinyl version. The other three are previously unreleased though, as are all six of the Walk ones The fifth cd is part of a live show from the subsequent tour, recorded for a BBC broadcast at Hammersmith Odeon. The full show was at one time available on one of those grey market cds, and oddly there’s not much at all included on this version from these two albums. As usual, the bluray has the excellent surround mixes, plus a couple of promo videos, and there’s another superbly put together informative book, with its 100 pages providing essential reading on the context and recording of the two albums. If you have all the previous box sets, you really have to add this one to your collection because two albums I rarely played have been made much more accessible, and although they’re by no means fully redeemed, it’s still a huge improvement in the main
What does it all *mean*?
This is never going to compete for me with the classic albums of their seventies pomp, but comparing them is like comparing apples with oranges really as Anderson was experimenting with new technology and trying a new direction, and as with all experiments it doesn’t always work but it was nevertheless a step on the road to the next thing.
Goes well with…
Looking forward to the next reissue, JTull.com, coming next month, another of their less successful albums getting the deluxe treatment – it will be interesting to hear what they’ve done with it.
Release Date:
out now
Might suit people who like…
Yet again, this set represents great value for money, coming in at around £40 for 5cds, a bluray and a book that’s absolutely crammed with detail on this period of the band’s history.
A funny period. I saw the gig at Hammersmith, and it was mostly business as usual with a few “I hope you like our new direction” moments, with the 80s style synths and rhythms. In hindsight, I think the David Sanctious piano solo was one of the highlights of the gig.
David Sancious? I thought it was Peter-John Vetesse?
It was PJV. At around the same time, DS joined Peter Gabriel’s band as a puzzling replacement for Larry Fast, for what it’s worth.
Another great-value set from JT, and a very nice review that I largely echo. I doubt if Under Wraps is anybody’s favourite album, but it does contain some good tunes and interesting lyrics – I’m a sucker for anything related to the Cold War, spies, greatcoated men at Checkpoint Charlie, etc., so I really enjoy hearing songs like General Crossing and Radio Free Moscow. The new drums definitely make them all sound a bit punchier, although the relatively thin synths would have benefited from a bit of beefing up.
For some reason, I had never heard Walk Into Light until this set, but it’s another very good album. As mentioned above, the new electronic direction probably didn’t do it any favours with fans at the time, but overall it does sound pretty close to Tull, and Made in England is particularly good.
I am a big fan of the band, and have most of these sets, but I’ll be skipping JTull.com. I’ve had the original CD for years but it’s made little impression. In fact, the only thing that quickly comes to mind is how much I dislike the track Hot Mango Flush. It has a stop-start rhythm that drives me mad.
Still, can’t wait for the reissue of Crest of a Knave – the album that got me on board the Tull locomotive (breath).
I’m an outlier here, because I thought the original album was brilliant, and also Walk Into Light. People talk about the dated sounds, but miss how much artistry and technical prowess was required to get all those machines doing all of that stuff. The way Peter John Vetesse was treated by fans at the time was shameful – he was almost bullied out of the band by the fans who wanted it to be ‘heavier’. Well, each to his (or her) own. I like this – and the reissue is superb too.
I bought the set after discussions here but I confess I haven’t listened to it other than a few tracks which didn’t do much for me.
5/10 Must try harder!!
Well I played the whole album. I can’t stand the metronomic tempos. A bit like Ian singing with Aha. The Trevor Hornesque orchestral stabs are horrible – Ian singing with Frankie goes to Hollywood.
Interesting experiment but I can see why Dave Pegg didn’t enjoy making it. PJV could have pedalled out a bass note on the grid in no time. Martin Barre is loyal to the album and does his best but it’s not for me. “Lap of Luxury” is catchy though.
Anyone who fancies the box set at a reasonable price PM me.
Surprised you didn’t stream it before purchase – after all, it’s never been one of your fave raves…
It wasn’t on streaming then, only L of L. I had a WTF moment.
Unfortunate…