Jethro Tull isn't nearly done after over thirty years of solid groundbreaking
albums; it seems as though Ian Anderson and his group have yet hit
another creative stride and continue to improvise upon their back
catalog with exciting and colorful adaptations of the songs that are
intrinsically linked to the group and their sound. With the infusion
of the younger band members Andy Giddings (keyboards) and Glen Cornick
(bass), the court jester Anderson and seasoned lead guitar man Martin
Barre have a good mixture of talent and experience that lends to the
group's new found energy.
There are 21 tracks of vintage Tull on this CD spanning their entire
career. A haunting version of "Roots To Branches" puts the spotlight
on Anderson's mystical and magical vocal style that no one could ever
duplicate. I can attest to the magnetic personality of Anderson on
stage, as I witnessed it myself. I found the version of "Living In The Past"
one of the most interesting tracks on the CD. It's a wonderful use
of the all-around talent in this group. The keyboards change the entire
mood of the number, and Anderson as always is up for the challenge,
and he does a fine job of shaping his vocals around the music of the
ever changing classic tune. "Fat Man" is a great tune as well; Anderson
plays his miniature guitar wistfully and sings as if he means every
word right from the heart, in his very own whimsical dry British humor
kind of way. These are but a few of the highlights on a disc that
is literally full of them. For long time fans a special treat is offered,
the 1968 original lineup reunite on the close of the CD with "Some
Day The Sun Won't Shine For You" and "Cherrio." It harkens back to
their roots when they were a blues based band.
There have been a lot of "Best Of" and repackaged Jethro Tull CDs
issued, this is one that stands on its own for originality. It offers
old and new fans alike a unique blend of different versions of their
songs over the course of Tull's amazing run of successful albums.
A DVD with the same name and cover is available for those that enjoy
the visual experience to accompany the music.
Songs:
1. Intro (Anderson) - 0:22
2. My Sunday Feeling (Anderson) - 4:00
3. Roots to Branches (Anderson) - 5:34
4. Jack in the Green (Anderson) - 2:40
5. The Habanero Reel (Anderson) - 4:03
6. Sweet Dream (Anderson) - 4:54
7. In the Grip of Stronger Stuff (Anderson) - 2:57
8. Aqualung (Anderson) - 8:20
9. Locomotive Breath (Anderson) - 5:26
10. Living in the Past (Anderson) - 3:27
11. Protect and Survive (Anderson) - 1:01
12. Nothing Is Easy (Anderson) - 5:16
13. Wond'ring Aloud (Anderson) - 1:54
14. Life Is a Long Song (Anderson) - 3:32
15. A Christmas Song (Anderson) - 3:05
16. Cheap Day Return (Anderson) - 1:12
17. Mother Goose (Anderson) - 1:57
18. Dot Com (Anderson) - 4:28
19. Fat Man (Anderson) - 5:06
20. Some Day the Sun Won't Shine for You (Anderson) - 4:13
21. Cheerio (Anderson) - 1:36
Credits:
Mick Abrahams - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Vocals
Dave Pegg - Mandolin, Guitar (Bass)
Martin Barre - Guitar (Acoustic), Flute, Guitar (Electric)
Clive Bunker - Drums
Glen Cornick - Guitar (Bass)
James Duncan - Drums, Engineer
Andy Giddings - Accordion, Keyboards
Doane Perry - Percussion, Drums
Brian Thomas - Violin
Martin Webb - Photography
Jonathan Noyce - Guitar (Bass)
