What does it sound like?:
The latest addition to the long running and invariably excellent series of Tull reissues sees the original 1972 double compilation album, which contained a mixture of album tracks, singles and rarities, expanded to a 5 cd plus bluray set, augmented to include related recordings and alternate mixes, and now put together with a live show recorded at Carnegie Hall in November 1970. The first cd provides the original album plus half a dozen previously unreleased tracks, while cds two and three have Steven Wilson’s new remixes of the material. Although a good deal of this has already appeared on previous box sets for the individual albums, there are still eleven previously unreleased versions on offer over those two discs. The final two cds have a full 1970 live show which has appeared before as part of the 2010 Collectors Edition release, although this is a brand new 2025 mix by Wilson (odd though that they haven’t included in the set the video of the show that was part of that release). As is customary, the bluray has the various mixes, including surround versions of everything, together with a number of promo videos from the time, giving almost six hours of listening pleasure. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a super informative 100 page book that tells you everything you ever wanted to know about these recordings and more besides. As usual, a fantastic addition to this series, especially if you’re a fan of the band’s early, 1968 -1971, years – and it does include my favourite Tull song in Life’s A Long Song!
What does it all *mean*?
It seems Under Wraps, not an album I’m overly fond of, is the next in line for the deluxe treatment, hopefully arriving some time next year, and although there’s apparently no unreleased studio material, presumably it will be augmented by a live show from that tour.
Goes well with…
Living in the past!
Release Date:
11 July
Might suit people who like…
Fans of the band’s early years before their imperial period.
For info….
CD ONE
ORIGINAL MIXES, REMIXES, EDITS & DEMOS 1968-1971
1. A Song For Jeffrey (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
2. Love Story (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
3. A Christmas Song (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
4. Living In The Past (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
5. Driving Song (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
6. Sweet Dream (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
7. Singing All Day (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
8. Teacher (US Album Version) (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
9. Inside (Andy Johns Mix) (Mixed at Olympic Studios on 18th September 1969 by Andy Johns)
10. My God (Early Version) (Mixed at Morgan Studios on 12th April 1970)
11. Just Trying To Be (Mixed at Morgan Studios on 12th April 1970)
12. Wond’ring Aloud Again (Demo)** (Recorded on 2-track at Morgan Studios in June 1970)
13. Wond’ring Again (Mixed at Morgan Studios in June 1970)
14. Lick Your Fingers Clean (1970 Mix) (Mixed at Island Studios on 31st December 1970. Working Mix #4)
15. Locomotive Breath (DJ Single Edit) (Mixed at Island Studios in February 1971, edited for US Radio in March 1971)
16. Life Is A Long Song (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)
17. Up The ’Pool (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)
18. From Later (Alternative Master Mix) (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971. Unused master mix)
19. Life Is A Long Song (Alternative Master Mix) (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971. Unused master mix)
**Mono recording
CD TWO
LIVING IN THE PAST (Part One)
The Steven Wilson Stereo Remixes [Sides 1 & 2] except+
1. A Song For Jeffrey (2025 Remix)
2. One For John Gee (2025 AI remix from mono master)
3. Love Story (2025 Remix)
4. A Christmas Song (2018 Remix. Previously released on This Was 50th Anniversary Edition book set)
5. Living In The Past (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)
6. Driving Song (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)
7. Bourée (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)
8. Fat Man (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)
9. Singing All Day (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)
10. Sweet Dream (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)
11. 17 (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set. Edited in 2024)
12. Teacher (UK Single Version) (2025 Remix)
13. The Witch’s Promise+ (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)
14. Teacher (US Album Version) (2025 Remix)
15. Inside (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)
16. Alive And Well And Living In (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)
17. Just Trying To Be (2011 Remix. Previously released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)
+Remastered by Steven Wilson, 2025
CD THREE
LIVING IN THE PAST (Part Two)
The Steven Wilson Stereo Remixes [Sides 3 & 4] except+
1. By Kind Permission Of (Live) (2025 Remix)
2. Dharma For One (Live) (2025 Remix)
3. Wond’ring Aloud (Early Version) (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)
4. Wond’ring Again (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)
5. Lick Your Fingers Clean (2025 Remix)
6. Up To Me (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)
7. Hymn 43 (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)
8. Locomotive Breath (2025 Remix)
9. Life Is A Long Song (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)
10. Up The ’Pool (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)
11. Dr. Bogenbroom+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)
12. From Later+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)
13. Nursie+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)
BONUS TRACK
14. Locomotive Breath (Unplugged Mix) (2025 Remix)
+Remastered by Steven Wilson, 2025
CD FOUR
LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL, NOVEMBER 4, 1970
Part 1: 2025 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix
(Recorded on 16-track by Fedco Audio Labs at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
on November 4, 1970. Engineered by Kim King, assisted by Vin Leary and Dave Palmer)
1. Introduction to Nothing Is Easy
2. Nothing Is Easy
3. Introduction to My God
4. My God (including flute solo)
5. Introduction to With You There To Help Me
6. With You There To Help Me / By Kind Permission Of
7. Introduction to A Song For Jeffrey
8. A Song For Jeffrey
9. Introduction to To Cry You A Song
10. To Cry You A Song
CD FIVE
LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL, NOVEMBER 4, 1970
Part 2: 2025 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix
(Recorded on 16-track by Fedco Audio Labs at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
on November 4, 1970. Engineered by Kim King, assisted by Vin Leary and Dave Palmer)
1. Introduction to Sossity; You’re A Woman
2. Sossity; You’re A Woman / Reasons For Waiting
3. Introduction to Dharma For One
4. Dharma For One (including drum solo)
5. Introduction to We Used To Know
6. We Used To Know
7. Guitar instrumental
8. For A Thousand Mothers
CD1: Tracks 9, 10, 12, 14, 18 & 19, CD2: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12 & 14,
CD3: 1, 2, 5, 8 & 14, CD4 & CD5 Previously Unreleased
DISC 6: BLU-RAY AUDIO
Steven Wilson studio remixes in 24/96 PCM stereo
(and Steven Wilson studio remasters in 24/96 PCM stereo)
Steven Wilson studio remixes in DTS 5.1 surround
Steven Wilson remixes [sides 1 & 2]
Steven Wilson remixes [sides 3 & 4]
Flat stereo 24/96 transfer of original
Living in the Past studio album reels (UK & US versions combined)
Flat stereo 24/96 transfer of bonus unreleased original mixes
Live Carnegie Hall 1970, 2025 remix in 24/96 PCM stereo
Steven Wilson Live Carnegie Hall 1970, 2025 remix in DTS 5.1 surround
BLU-RAY AUDIO/VIDEO
The Witch’s Promise (March 1970 Promo Film)
Teacher (UK Single Version, March 1970 Promo Film)
Teacher (US Album Version, March 1970 Promo Film)
Life Is A Long Song (September 1971 Promo Film)
Thanks Bargey.
Not a huge Tull fan, but I seem to have accumulated quite a few albums over the years, including the original double LP version of this. I always preferred their early stuff (so shoot me), probably because I saw them at a pub in Leytonstone just as This Was was released – my mate bought that and I got Stand Up when it came out, which I still like a lot. Mrs. T had Aqualung and A Passion Play when I met her, but I never got on with them despite these being, presumably, in their ‘Imperial’ period. I may pick this up if the price is right but there is a lot of repetition there and I have most of the tracks anyway.
“Aqualung” was when I started doubting “The Tull”, though strangely I have a lasting affection for “Thick As A Brick”.
Shocked! ‘ver ‘lung is a masterpiece!!
That’s just weird, Mike!
Just didn’t like it as much as it’s predecessor albums.
I have this on preorder, as Nigel above I’m not a huge fan but I do enjoy the Songs From The Wood/Broadsword period so I ended up getting those S.E.s and I’m picking up the rest. I’m not a huge fan but
Oh before I forget thanks for a very informative review Mr Bargepole.
Pre-ordered here too – looking forward to this one, though it’ll be the last of the Tull book-shaped sets that I buy, excellent through they are.
Looking forward to this at the end of the week. The original heavy cardboard album was my first Tull (probably 1974 for me, being a mere stripling) and of course I never looked back until they started to run out of steam, to my ears, around 1980.
Not my first Tull album but not far off before, like @Ainsley I gave up on the band around 1980
Strange that there doesn’t seem to be a single CD consolidating the original album
Regardless of my gripes, these rereleases are still the benchmark against which other box sets are measured
There is a single CD version available, but it omits a couple of tracks from the double vinyl.
Cheers, @Vulpes-Vulpes
Shame they didn’t include the concert video but I’m looking forward to this.
And it will be interesting to see if they manage to buff up the unloved Under Wraps. I remember the tour – IA came on and pulled off a series of covered, under which were band members who began to play. They were – yes – under wraps. The final cover produced a nekkid woman, who sensibly ran off the stage. Will be interesting to see if that’s included on the video.
Also, glad to report that the new Horslips at the BBC box set uses a similar format.
I’d imagine the Under Wraps box might also include the Walk Into Light album, which is of the same era and musical core (Anderson and Vettesse). I’m in a minority for liking this era, certainly it was a very different beast than what came before, but there are some great songs here.
I might let this one pass. I’m waiting for the “Crest of the wave” box. Cheap Dire Straits cracks welcome of course.
I can’t let this one pass. It will take me right back to the church youth-club and its radiogram that looked of about the same vintage as the auto-changing monster in the Side 1,3,2,4 thread.
My dear pal Chris had the album and willingly submitted it to the mercies of the radiogram every Tuesday night while we played frantic games of table tennis and wished we knew how to chat up the girls who rolled their eyes at Jethro and wanted to play their cheesy singles.
I’ve got the vinyl and a very nice needle drop I did of it so I think I’m good.
Got a feeling you shared that one with me some time ago when I moaned that the album hadn’t had the book-sized-luxury-re-issue treatment at the time! I think it’s in the car CD case right now in fact.
I think I did. Friend in need!
Am I the only person who did not know this?
“Grossman also appears as a guest artist with Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull when they play their annual concerts in aid of English cathedrals.”
Lloyd Grossman plays guitar with Tull. Well I never…
I saw him with them yonks ago in St. Albans cathedral. He did a couple of numbers.
That (previously unreleased) solo demo of »Wond’ring Again« is fabulous.
And »One For John Gee« – remixed by AI into surprisingly acceptable stereo!
But what happened to Phil Smee? (Retired?)
This set was designed by the multi-tasking compiler, resulting in numerous typos (»Jefferey«) and lost bits of pictures and text from the original album – 100 pages, and still no mention which line-up played the Carnegie Hall!
Criminal the slapdash way Anderson, Wilson et al throw these flimsily packaged box sets together without a moment’s thought!
😉
One of the many highlights in the book is Mr. Anderson’s comment on one of his songs: »It’s crap.«
Just kidding, F
Fell out of love with JT a long time ago, but hats off to IA and SW, these box sets are lovingly complied and designed and incredibly good value for money