CD-Charts Position 1
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Thick As a Brick

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date June 08, 1998
I was born in the early 80s, so obviously would have had some trouble catching this the first time round. I first got this as a stocking filler aged 14 and immediately fell in love with it. What makes it so special is that it's unlike anything else I know. I own a lot of other prog rock, but nothing really is so hard to define as this. What is it? A rock opera? A concept album? One song or a hundred?

I really don't know, but what is evident is that it has stuck with me without diminishing in any respect in my view - it sounds fresh, creative, unbloated (which is unusual for prog rock) and always inspirational and I never tire of it. I will play it to my kids one day.

"We'll have Superman for president, let Robin save ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Songs from the Wood

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date April 14, 2003
Tull always had three main musical styles in the 1970s - hard electric rock (albeit rather quirky), long, complex progresive rock pieces, and more folk-influenced acoustic pieces. This album showcases the latter mainly, although there are a few moments of blistering electric guitar work from Martin Barre on the odd track. The album seems to have captured this Tull line-up (arguably the best of all time) at their musical zenith, and Ian's songwriting skills are displayed in fine form as well (his voice is great as well). The band on this record are just so tight in their performance, yet still quirky and original. From beginning to end, this is quintessential Jethro Tull - quirky, folksy, rocky at times, honest, unique. Each track has its moments ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Stand Up: Remastered

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date September 24, 2001
The replacement of Mick Abrahams with Martin Barre enabled Tull to play a much wider range of music, and they didn't waste any time in doing so. The only blues track is the opener 'A new day yesterday', a nice link with "This was". Lighter acoustic numbers 'Jeffrey goes to Leicester square' and 'Fat man' mix with the harder rock of 'Nothing is easy' and 'For a thousand mothers'. 'Reasons for waiting' is the first example of orchestral backing in the Tull catalogue, while the instrumental 'Bouree' is the only track not written by IA, though the jazzed up version here is not exactly what mr Bach had in mind, some nice flutework and excellent bass have made this a favourite number (both studio and live). 'Back to the family' is a softer rock number, while ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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Minstrel in the Gallery: Remastered

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date October 14, 2002
The most energetic and creative Tull album equally balanced between all the creative members of the band with a live tension between the respective personalities and contributors. Ian's controlling ego has not quite overruled the other ingredients and as a result here is the most rewarding and memorable album actually recorded by an authentic band. Or was it simply that I was turning 18?

CD-Charts Position 5
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Benefit: Remastered

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date October 01, 2001
Tull`s Third album and still my favourite blimey can you count just how many this band have knocked out over the years , it must be at least twenty five or so and even now I find that the eight albums I have this is their best to my ears.. if you are thinking but he hasnt got them all so how does he know? . I have heard them all but only buy the few I really like. Benefit is Tull`s guitar rock album and its a scorcher great writing, musicianship, tounge in cheek lyrics a great package nicely wrapped up.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Living in the Past

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date July 01, 1990
This was the first Tull album I heard; As i played flute someone thought that I may like it; Witches Promise was the chosen track and I was instantly hooked. That remains one of my all time favourite Tull tracks.

I was fortunate to see them live twice and they were even better than I expected; Ian Anderson was a mainc genius who could not only write great songs but was a fantastic musician and performer.

The 2 live tracks are amazing and amongst the most played out of the entire collection of Tull albums I have.

The other tracks are shorter and some are more folk like in sound. Up The 'Pool is great fun and some of the accoustic giutar playing is first class. The whole album comes together brillaintly and if you havent heard it or of Jethro ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
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Heavy Horses: Remastered

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date April 14, 2003
This is absolutely brilliant folk/prog rock. Every track here stands up on its own and each complements the others forming a flawless whole. There is not one thing that could be improved on. As usual, Ian Anderson's songs are not just good tunes but intelligently worked melodic structures incorporating trademark Tull changes of pace and rhythm, and the band do them justice. The playing and interplaying is breathtaking. I know these people are rock virtuosos but I cannot believe this was put together without a huge amount of development and rehearsal - that is to say, hard work. Listen closely and you will be amazed at the number of parts on some of the tracks; tricky drum and bass patterns dovetailing seamlessly with honking guitar and growling flute on a bed of acoustic rhythm; this ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
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The Broadsword and the Beast

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date April 18, 2005
Can't agree with anyone who carps about this Tull album. It's a gem in what is a pretty impressive back cataolgue. The live show that accompanied the album was one of the finest Tull have ever put together and listening again to the amazing playing and arrangements brings it all back. Buy it, listen and agree!

CD-Charts Position 9
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The Very Best of Jethro Tull

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date May 14, 2001
You rarely, if ever, find an album that pleases everybody, and perhaps because of this you may find reviews of this collection elsewhere saying "this is a weak song" "that's not up to standard" and so on. I prefer to take a slightly different view.
What you actually have here, (and I think Ian Anderson said as much in the sleeve notes), a kind of Jethro Tull "try before you buy" sales brochure introducing you to their back catalogue. The CD spans JT's illustrious career, starting with their single "Living in the Past" and progressing in a fairly non-chronological order through some classic Tull and some less obvious choices.
I think this gives Tull newcomers a chance to dip a toe tentatively into this unique band and get a feel for their various musical directions, prior to taking the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
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A Passion Play: Remastered

by: Jethro Tull

Release Date April 14, 2003
I saw Tull at Wembley on the APP tour and was stunned by what I saw. I had never seen them before, yet was totally mesmerized by the album and all the theatrics.

Yes, we all know about how Ian was disappointed to the point of quitting after the music industry seemingly slated 'A Passion Play', but it has stood the test of time as a remarkable piece of music. Everything blends so well, it is has some of the most incredible interplay (Anderson particularly on soprano saxophone is a brilliant alternative to the usual Jethro sound).

I have loved this album since first hearing it, and could never understand why, it seemed that, everyone else hated it. I'm just glad that time has caught up with me for once!! Okay, it's not an easy listen, but then all good music demands your time. Buy a ... Read More: