When they toured to support this album, they OPENED the show with "Thick As a Brick" in its entirety. When they finished, the audience thought the concert was over. Then Ian Anderson, as only he can do, stepped to the microphone and said, "Now, for our SECOND number..."
I make a point of listening to it at least once every year. I'll sit down in my favourite armchair with a neat drink at the ready, the best speakers or headphones I can cough up, and an hour of exclusive me time. One of my favourite, personal traditions.
Tull and Anderson in those early days had that prog. Bluesy and hard rock sound sometimes all in 2 minutes of one song! You need to check out the songs Teacher, MyGod, and Dharma For One!Can you believe that Tull is not in The Rock Hall of Shane ( Fane)!Very astute reaction Lee!
L33: Two thoughts. One, the vast, vast majority of acoustic guitar playing you might be thinking is Martin is actually Ian. In concert he actually nails all of his idiosyncratic pickings while singing. It's really something to behold. And I'm thrilled that you caught so many intricate instrumental details on a first listen. Great job. Just know that as you continue to play this album, you will discover so many shimmering motifs-within-moments coming and going as fast as they arrive that you will feel like God suddenly switched on the parts of our brain that don't work in this life. To this day, over 50 years later, every single time I hear thus album I'm transported to dimension Tull again with myriad shining emeraldesque colors not of this world and I'm once more ensconced in minutiae and thrilled. So yeah. Lots to look forward to. If Thick As A Brick is Jethro Tull baroque, then it's followup A Passion Play is a tone poem. If Thick is Tull doing Yes, then A Passion Play is Tull on King Crimson. Great reaction as Freaking always. If You Tube was an actual physical TV, I'd select your channel and break off the channel selector.
Greg, you are too kind! I appreciate that so much. Yeah I forgot sadly that Ian was on the acoustic. Yall told me that though I just let it slip, my apologies :) I can't wait to finish this up next week there is just so much life in their music. And it always means something. I love it.
There was that one motif that just got me every time they started it. It must be the flute. Ian is so damn talented I didn't even understand how he was playing thr flute and singing at the same time LOL
No need to compare Yes and King Crimson as it is Jethro Tull doing Jethro Tull.....they are way beyond and far superior to prog bands. I've seen them all many times and I have a solid experienced opinion that a live Tull concert was the MASTER OF THE ERA! The secret ingredients were talent and commitment instead of eccentric egos. A band on tour for SEVEN DECADES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The acoustic guitar is being played by Ian, actually; Martin just plays electric guitar. Also, "Thick as a Brick" is one song that takes up the whole album; that's why it's "Thick as a Brick (Parts 1 & 2)".
Ian was pissed that critics kept saying that Aqualung was a concept album when it wasn't. So he decided to do a concept album next, ie. Thick As A Brick. All the band members joined in on writing the fake newspaper that the album was housed in. They even took their own photos. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it dear critics.
Barlow is known as a very technical and creative drummer. He was called "the greatest rock drummer England ever produced" by John Bonham from Led Zeppelin
Their masterpiece! Top 10 on my all time list. All aspects of their collective and individual talents on full display. Writing was impeccable without being forced or pretentious. Thanks l33! Soak it in.
Most of the music and lyrics for TAAB were written on the morning ride to the recording studio and recorded later the same day. Very spontaneous........................
Tull usually recorded songs faster than someone could design the cover art. They were masters in the studio of “getting her done”! Brilliance! I introduced my sister to Ian once, all she could do was giggle. That’s what she does when she is nervous. He could not stop laughing himself. Sweetheart of a guy.
Seen Jethro Tull in concert 1977 at Los Angeles Coleseum in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. Amazing concert!!! Amazing performance. Incredible musicians. Baroque/Medieval Rock! ❤Either people like the group or hate the group!!! I LOVE them!!!❤❤❤❤
This song was even more incredible when I saw them perform it live in 1972. The studio version is almost 44 minutes long and the live version was almost an hour with several Monte Python style skits interspersed throughout the song. This song was supposed to be a parody of the progressive rock concept albums but it was done so damn well that most of us didn't get the joke for many decades and had to have Ian explain it to us.
Ian objected to Aqualung being called a concept album. So he set out to write "the mother of concept albums". It was written in pieces, with Ian showing up every morning with something new. Then the band worked on stitching it all together. It's pretentious prog meets Monty Python. And it's a masterpiece. Don't wait til next Monday 😢 Turn the album over!
Hahaha pretentious prog meets Monty python.... that's an amazing description . Thank you for that. The life of Brian and the holy grail are some of my most treasured memories growing up.
I saw Jetro Tull, as a young teen ager. Ian Anderson live? Like an energetic stork surrounded by swirling tartan, he often stood balanced on one leg while playing the flute. He also played acoustic guitar, so some of that you hear is Anderson. A consummate showman, absolutely.
So happy to see you react to the entire album. It was meant as a satire of a concept album, but I think it stands very well as the mother of all concept albums. Peace.
I'm glad I am too.. people are short changing themselves if they just listen to that live medley and not the full album. This was awesome. Can't wait for pt2.
The Entire Album is One Song split on the record over two sides entitled "Thick As A Brick". They sometimes play both parts live. It's over 40 minutes long. There are a lot of outsiders in this world. I'm 58 years old and I'm an outsider. We are not alone. Find contentment in your heart and you'll find truth.
Trust me, you'll be able to listen to this regularly over the next 50 years and never get bored. Masterpiece. It's also fun to read through the album's 'news' content.
Ok, so coming from, oh so long ago . . . The first time I heard JT on the radio was Bungle in the Jungle, sometime in the early 70s. (One of two songs that I wanted to find out who the band was) That was such a long time ago and you know, I have never looked back . In the early 90s I was asked by Ian at a show (During the show, oh boy!! ) to come back stage after a show because of a small gift I brought. He and Martin were so sweet, so generous with their time. There's nothing that compares. I'm all old now and it's still such a sweet memory. The best thing for me is the individually of Ian's voice, its so very rare now for an artist to be recognizable.
Saw this tour in ‘72. It still is new every time I listen to it. An aside - the warm up act was this country thing everyone ignored which was the Eagles - their first single had just been released.
This is a literary masterpiece. I remember hearing that college courses actually studied and dissected TAAB. The lyrics shift among the "first, second and third person accusatory". Ian is at his lyrical best when condescending to others. FYI: This is considered ONE song, and the longest song ever recorded.
I saw them in the 90’s at Olympia in Paris... That was amazing ! Of course, their music is fantastic, but they also did the show, acting small theatre parts, so fun ! Really unique and humorous !
Ian plays all the acoustic guitars, (not Martin), also saxophone and fiddle, which he learnt especially for this album. He takes this to another level on A Passion Play. Side two is also great. We're here for you Lee.
There's one song, Thick As A Brick, in two parts. I saw them when I was a senior in college late 1975 in a 5000 seat music hall that doesn't have a bad seat. One of the best concerts I saw back then.
Back in the early 90s I was living in Montreal and used to visit this dingy used record store called Mars Records a lot. One day I found an original copy of this album, complete with the whole newspaper fold out. I only knew Jethro Tull by the song 'Aqualung' but I was just too damn intrigued by this amazing album artwork concept to not buy it. I took it home, put on the record - and me and my neighbours didn't listen to anything else for about a week, it just blew me away. It's been a steady favourite ever since, and I still have that vinyl copy in my collection to this day. Great choice, and awesome reaction as always - much love from Canada!
Those early 70s Tull albums are so f#$king great you forget just how good they are when you haven’t listened to them over the years yo my brother you got to listen to passion play after you listen to the second side of thick as a brick just as good 🟤
I had an uncle who bought this album on 8track the week it came out and I have listened to it thousands of time and will continue to do so. It really came to life on digital sound. I did not and still do not like vinyl. Ian is a genius. Martin is highly underrated as a guitar player. Barlow was a fantastic drummer. I am a Tully for over 50 years now.👍
Hi Lee..........imagine listening to that when it first came out through state of the art speakers (at the time). I was gobsmacked and still play it regularly 50 years later! If you love the flute then you need to listen to Focus- Thijs Van Leer is another flute maestro. Enjoy your knowledgeable reactions..........
When I saw Jethro Tull at THE PALACE THEATER in Albany NY on Nov.4 there was one thing missing, an acoustic guitar. Nowhere to be seen or heard.... maybe one more thing was missing , a riff on the harmonica. Now to stretch it even further no sign or sound of Thick as a Brick or Benefit. Soooooooooooo this was not normal as Ian is one of the greatest pickers out there . I've seen the band over 300 times and that still mattered to me.... it meant flute and electric songs only. AND THAT FLUTE WAS MAGIC!
In 1971 after JT released Aqualung, people called it a concept album. Ian Anderson didn't think of it as such and said, "You want a concept album? I'll give you a concept album!" then whipped this on the public in 1972.
The Who had the first concept album with "Tommy" in 1969, then Thick as a Brick, Willie Nelson's "Redheaded Stranger in 1975, and Styx's "Kilroy was Here" in '83. That's the first 4 that come to mind anyway.
There’s a song on the Christmas album you might find interesting as a drummer since it’s in 5/4 time. It took me awhile to figure it out as it’s fairly complex rhythmically. I first thought it was a mixture of time signatures. It’s called Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow.
I first listened to this album in 1976, and I loved it then! I recently down loaded the entire album and it does give you names to the different tracks. 👍
I've probably listened to this album more than any other in my entire life, except maybe REVOLVER by the Beatles and PET SOUNDS and SUNFLOWER by The Beach Boys. It never gets old. Amazing creation! Enjoy your reacting and musical insights.
They were an Amazing Band to see Live! Oh yeah. Ridiculous to see them pull it All off, in front of your eyes. In 1973, 75, 76 for me. Then Aqualung 40 year anniversary.
You cannot fully appreciate Jethro Tull without seeing them live. Check out Thick as a Brick live at Madison Square Garden. Ian was a musician, but he was also an entertainer. You can see that he is doing what he was born to do. He's in his element.
that's Ian on acoustic guitar. his playing absolutely inspired how I approach acoustic guitar to this day. so many interesting textures, rhythms, going back and forth between flat picking and strumming
he has amazing charisma on stage, truley unique, he still tour the USA but his health is failing so would reccommend seeing him live if you get the chance
Like all the most legendary prog rock, the best songs are the ones where every member of the band is playing his heart out - often at the same time. That's certainly the case here. (incidentally, this is the reason why solo albums almost never measure up in comparison). Still hoping you do some selections from the Jethro Tull Christmas album for the holidays!
As a huge YES fan- I rank Thick as a Brick #2 behind Close To The Edge as prog's greatest masterpieces. I have played this song 400 times at least -never gets old..I know every word. Have to play it right through every time
Excited for you to get TAAB exposure, Lee! Looking forward to side 2, and especially getting you into A Passion Play at some point. Ian adds sax to his repertoire. Fun!
Fans have mixed feelings on APP ... it's either at the top of their Tull collection or on the bottom. Personally, I think it's short on the riffs and melodies that make Tull my favorite band. Never listen to it ... but can't get enough of TAAB.
@@corawheeler9355I'm the opposite, a passion play is very close to the top of the list for me, maybe just behind Minstrel in the gallery. It's the one I go back to most often. The chateau disaster tapes are amazing as well. Law of the bungle is hidden gem
My theory is that in the 1960's, Britain drifted into some sort of inter-galactic cloud that seeded a whole generation of musicians into cosmic creativity. The 1970's flowered that seed and gave us all these gifts of music that to me are immortal. Your daughter will know you always love her. Try reading "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran to help your search.
They really are awesome! Wish I could have seen them in their prime. Thank you for your donation bro, you fuckin rock. I really need it right now sadly fricking Christmas has ravaged me.
I relate so completely with this song, epic, that it makes me weep if I let myself go... & I'm not like that! IMHO this is JT at the complete height of their powers.
This is as good as it gets. Try live at MSG. I WAS 12th row in front of Martin. I think you would like Bursting Out There is some tie ins with RUSH. 1 Geddy has said when he saw Tull, he knew theatre could be in music. 2 Tulls 90s,2000 drummer was Doanne Perry. He was one of the few close friends of Niel Peart.
In the live performances of this, there is so much movement and expression that is at times downright silly. John Evan on the keyboards is one of my favorites to watch - he is pretty crazy, but it is always hard to take your eyes off Ian Anderson.
I’m glad Lee reacted to the studio version first. We all love watching the live version, but something is lost in the live video. Not talking about being at a Tull concert, seen them a dozen times or more, but for this song, definitely studio version first. ☮️❤️😎🎼
Yes , besides just being a flatout great keyboardist,he looked just as "crazed" as Ian on stage. Even though they looked more drugged out than any other band I've ever seen, they didn't do drugs. It was their personna. Playing precise intricate music while appearing to be court jesters. Geddy Lee said that he learned from them that you could be serious about one's music but not take yourselves so seriously.
Barlow’s drumming on Songs From The Wood is worth listening to especially Hunting Girl,Velvet Green, Pibroch, so await your response to this masterpiece. You have enough Tull ( which hopefully includes the Stand Up an album because a lot of the live set is from this album. By knowing these songs you will enjoy the the whole set that they played at the Isle of Wight festival in 1970. Ian’s performance was amazing and it shows his incredible stage presence and a flute solo that is mind blowing, which was the flute solo in My God -played live before it was released on Aqualung some 8 months later! So listen to Stand Up before you check out the Isle of Wight concert! Love your reactions and welcome to the Tull Universe! Peace 👌
Thick As A Brick and Passion Play both came about because of Aqualung. Critics called Aqualung a concept album while Ian Anderson said it was not, so to quiet the critics Ian said, " you want a concept album, I'll show you a concept album!" Thus, was born Thick as a brick and Passion Play.
Yo Dude, good job on the reaction. Tull has always been an island unto their own, that’s why you’ll never find a Tull cover band. Prog rock in general is just amazing music to listen to, however it’s been covered by every “Reactor” out there. If you dare to deviate and set yourself apart from the pack, step into the Fusion genre. If so, may I suggest starting with Return to Forever’s Romantic Warrior album. Full concept album that opened up the heavens of music for so many artistic musicians. It is nothing shorty of phenomenal with four of the most skilled players on their instruments. It’s totally mind blowing!!!!
Thanks Karl I appreciate it brother... Tull is quickly climbing my ladder as favorite new find... just so creative and unexpected. I love every second of it. I wish I could have seen them live in their prime so bad. I will add your song to the list thank you.
Very cool, I had the pleasure of seeing them live twice in the early 80’s. Incredible show. Thanks for placing my suggestion on your list, I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you do choose a track from the album, the fist tune , Medieval Overture is a great starting point. Have an awesome day and keep up the good work bro, you do a great job.
We told ya,Lee...lol Knew you'd love this album. And guess what...it never gets old,bro. I've been diggin' it since it came out in 1972. Saw the tour as well,and the opening band was an unknown prog act called Gentle Giant! I think you're more than ready for some more Spock's Beard/ Neal Morse Band/ Transatlantic,guy. Bring it... ;-) T
...such an amazing album, and you're just going along with it so well, Lee... I could imagine you and the boys having a night out, and I'd be happy to join! 😎 I think there are actually no song divisions, like titles for the different segments - its all one big mash, and there's only a part 1 and 2, because it was too long in those days to press it on one side of the good old vinyls... I love the background story of how it came about: Ian just wanted to have a crack on the uprising fashion of concept albums at the time... this was meant to be a parody on the trend, just making fun of it... instead it became one of the most loved and important concept albums... oops!!! 😆🤣 PS. when in the end you talked about your mortality, and your daughter, I was very touched... much love to both of you 💖
Hahaha what an oops that it is!! I love it haha. I can't wait for part 2. And you are definitely invited to the night out... we'll have a good ol night on the town like they did back in this era. Thank you for the kind words my friend. These videos are a video gift for my daughter for whenever she wants to see her dad enjoying stuff he likes to Do
Only Ian is credited is credited with acoustic guitar on the record, and likely it is him on all parts. However, Martin is credited with electric, lute, and flute! Probably a small flute part. John Evan binds it all together with his keyboards, and Jeffrey's bass and Barlow's drums are practically lead, melody, and harmony instruments themselves. Ian began his musical career on guitar, but after hearing Jimmy Page decided to trade his acoustic guitar in for a flute.
@@L33Reacts It was a complete 12 page newspaper. If you can ever find a scan of it look through it. The girl sitting in the background of the cover photo gets knocked up by the kid who the story is about. There's lots of strange stuff in it. Notice that she's holding the front of her skirt up to see up her skirt for the photo.
To get the real feel and emotion of this song, it's always nice to look back at the live performances (albeit abbreviated) from the 1970's...which I have seen countless times. Enjoy. ua-cam.com/video/hFYOcOBPkzg/v-deo.html
If I'm not mistaken, that eerie almost sub-audible bit that caught your attention after the last big hit was actually recorded after the runout on the record's locked groove, so it played continuously in a loop until you lifted the arm. Aside from the audio quality, little tricks like this are simply not possible with the modern forms of music (CD or digital file).
June 8, 1972, Edmonton... Tull played Thick as a Brick and all of Aqualung album. Eagles were the lead off band. I was in row 1 center stage. Could have grabbed Ian Anderson's mic stand. Nuff said.
Try to get your hands on the full original album cover! Also that is only a big joke. And they spend more time on the cover than on making the music (written while recording)! So British!
their is music down through history that one can call epic and one of a kind , and this is one of them .
When they toured to support this album, they OPENED the show with "Thick As a Brick" in its entirety. When they finished, the audience thought the concert was over. Then Ian Anderson, as only he can do, stepped to the microphone and said, "Now, for our SECOND number..."
😅
One of the best albums of the rock music's history
One of THOSE albums that you carry with you through life. Never dull to come back to year on year on year.
I make a point of listening to it at least once every year. I'll sit down in my favourite armchair with a neat drink at the ready, the best speakers or headphones I can cough up, and an hour of exclusive me time. One of my favourite, personal traditions.
Tull and Anderson in those early days had that prog. Bluesy and hard rock sound sometimes all in 2 minutes of one song! You need to check out the songs Teacher, MyGod, and Dharma For One!Can you believe that Tull is not in The Rock Hall of Shane ( Fane)!Very astute reaction Lee!
L33: Two thoughts. One, the vast, vast majority of acoustic guitar playing you might be thinking is Martin is actually Ian. In concert he actually nails all of his idiosyncratic pickings while singing. It's really something to behold. And I'm thrilled that you caught so many intricate instrumental details on a first listen. Great job. Just know that as you continue to play this album, you will discover so many shimmering motifs-within-moments coming and going as fast as they arrive that you will feel like God suddenly switched on the parts of our brain that don't work in this life. To this day, over 50 years later, every single time I hear thus album I'm transported to dimension Tull again with myriad shining emeraldesque colors not of this world and I'm once more ensconced in minutiae and thrilled. So yeah. Lots to look forward to. If Thick As A Brick is Jethro Tull baroque, then it's followup A Passion Play is a tone poem. If Thick is Tull doing Yes, then A Passion Play is Tull on King Crimson. Great reaction as Freaking always. If You Tube was an actual physical TV, I'd select your channel and break off the channel selector.
Greg, you are too kind! I appreciate that so much. Yeah I forgot sadly that Ian was on the acoustic. Yall told me that though I just let it slip, my apologies :) I can't wait to finish this up next week there is just so much life in their music. And it always means something. I love it.
There was that one motif that just got me every time they started it. It must be the flute. Ian is so damn talented I didn't even understand how he was playing thr flute and singing at the same time LOL
Very well said! I could not agree with you more!
Beautifully written, my friend! I was about to comment, but you've already nailed it!
No need to compare Yes and King Crimson as it is Jethro Tull doing Jethro Tull.....they are way beyond and far superior to prog bands. I've seen them all many times and I have a solid experienced opinion that a live Tull concert was the MASTER OF THE ERA! The secret ingredients were talent and commitment instead of eccentric egos. A band on tour for SEVEN DECADES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of Jethro Tull's Best songs and one of "Classic Progs" Greatest Epics !!! 👍🎶🎸🎤🎹🥁🎼✌
The acoustic guitar is being played by Ian, actually; Martin just plays electric guitar. Also, "Thick as a Brick" is one song that takes up the whole album; that's why it's "Thick as a Brick (Parts 1 & 2)".
Ian was pissed that critics kept saying that Aqualung was a concept album when it wasn't. So he decided to do a concept album next, ie. Thick As A Brick. All the band members joined in on writing the fake newspaper that the album was housed in. They even took their own photos. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it dear critics.
Barlow is known as a very technical and creative drummer. He was called "the greatest rock drummer England ever produced" by John Bonham from Led Zeppelin
That's right.
Muy cierto tu comentario, John Bonham se quitó el sombrero ante mr. BARLOW!
One of the best albums ever recorded!!!!❤❤❤
Can't wait for side 2!! This was an awesome part one. They 🪝ed me for sure.
Their masterpiece!
Top 10 on my all time list.
All aspects of their collective and individual talents on full display.
Writing was impeccable without being forced or pretentious.
Thanks l33!
Soak it in.
Most of the music and lyrics for TAAB were written on the morning ride to the recording studio and recorded later the same day. Very spontaneous........................
No One rocks the flute like Ian Anderson. The best frontman of any band in the 70's.
Yes, absolutely!
AND self taught. He wanted to add something different, so he self taught himself how to play the flute
Tull usually recorded songs faster than someone could design the cover art. They were masters in the studio of “getting her done”! Brilliance! I introduced my sister to Ian once, all she could do was giggle. That’s what she does when she is nervous. He could not stop laughing himself. Sweetheart of a guy.
They knew once they were in the studios.... time is money.... get in, get out. Lol. And they killed it every time 😊😊😊
I bet your sister didn't know what to do with herself!! 🤷♂️ I wouldn't either probably 🤣
Its been a long time since i’ve heard this and i can still sing along with all the words. Freaking great album.
Seen Jethro Tull in concert 1977 at Los Angeles Coleseum in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. Amazing concert!!! Amazing performance. Incredible musicians. Baroque/Medieval Rock! ❤Either people like the group or hate the group!!! I LOVE them!!!❤❤❤❤
This song was even more incredible when I saw them perform it live in 1972. The studio version is almost 44 minutes long and the live version was almost an hour with several Monte Python style skits interspersed throughout the song. This song was supposed to be a parody of the progressive rock concept albums but it was done so damn well that most of us didn't get the joke for many decades and had to have Ian explain it to us.
Ian objected to Aqualung being called a concept album. So he set out to write "the mother of concept albums". It was written in pieces, with Ian showing up every morning with something new. Then the band worked on stitching it all together. It's pretentious prog meets Monty Python. And it's a masterpiece. Don't wait til next Monday 😢 Turn the album over!
Hahaha pretentious prog meets Monty python.... that's an amazing description . Thank you for that. The life of Brian and the holy grail are some of my most treasured memories growing up.
I actually am going to record it in advance and have it post on Monday. I will be leaving on a trip soon.
@@L33Reacts Ian helped finance the making of Holy Grail.
@@L33Reacts You're going to love the drum solo that comes out of nowhere (Pythonesk).
If anyone could do a Silly Walk, besides John Cleese, it's Ian Anderson....😂
I saw Jetro Tull, as a young teen ager. Ian Anderson live? Like an energetic stork surrounded by swirling tartan, he often stood balanced on one leg while playing the flute. He also played acoustic guitar, so some of that you hear is Anderson.
A consummate showman, absolutely.
My favorite of all time. When I bought it while in college, I played nothing else for 3 months.
So happy to see you react to the entire album. It was meant as a satire of a concept album, but I think it stands very well as the mother of all concept albums. Peace.
I'm glad I am too.. people are short changing themselves if they just listen to that live medley and not the full album. This was awesome. Can't wait for pt2.
The Entire Album is One Song split on the record over two sides entitled "Thick As A Brick".
They sometimes play both parts live.
It's over 40 minutes long.
There are a lot of outsiders in this world.
I'm 58 years old and I'm an outsider.
We are not alone.
Find contentment in your heart and you'll find truth.
I saw this tour. After over 40 minutes of playing the whole album, I can still hear Ian Anderson saying "And now for our second number."
Trust me, you'll be able to listen to this regularly over the next 50 years and never get bored. Masterpiece. It's also fun to read through the album's 'news' content.
Yes i😊 Saw this live in Sydney...front row..never forget the intense concentration of Barre playing all the changes sweat rolling off his forehead
Barrie Barlow's carefully sculpted drum parts are a thing of beauty,,,,love it
Ok, so coming from, oh so long ago . . . The first time I heard JT on the radio was Bungle in the Jungle, sometime in the early 70s. (One of two songs that I wanted to find out who the band was) That was such a long time ago and you know, I have never looked back . In the early 90s I was asked by Ian at a show (During the show, oh boy!! ) to come back stage after a show because of a small gift I brought. He and Martin were so sweet, so generous with their time. There's nothing that compares. I'm all old now and it's still such a sweet memory.
The best thing for me is the individually of Ian's voice, its so very rare now for an artist to be recognizable.
Saw this tour in ‘72. It still is new every time I listen to it. An aside - the warm up act was this country thing everyone ignored which was the Eagles - their first single had just been released.
This is a literary masterpiece. I remember hearing that college courses actually studied and dissected TAAB. The lyrics shift among the "first, second and third person accusatory". Ian is at his lyrical best when condescending to others. FYI: This is considered ONE song, and the longest song ever recorded.
Yeah, that's what good music does to us: makes us cry...
Well, anything beautiful does it to us... Opens our hearts...
I saw them in the 90’s at Olympia in Paris... That was amazing ! Of course, their music is fantastic, but they also did the show, acting small theatre parts, so fun ! Really unique and humorous !
Ian plays all the acoustic guitars, (not Martin), also saxophone and fiddle, which he learnt especially for this album. He takes this to another level on A Passion Play. Side two is also great. We're here for you Lee.
My Fav. Tull album. I heard it first time in 1973
Ian is not only a phantastic Flute Player, he also plays the Acoustic Guitar very well, not to say even excellent. ☺ Kind Regards Heinz.
The Acoustic Guitar on this Album was played by Ian Anderson, in particular at the start. ☺Kind Regards Heinz (from Munich). 🌳🥀🌱✨
One of my top 10 records!
There's one song, Thick As A Brick, in two parts. I saw them when I was a senior in college late 1975 in a 5000 seat music hall that doesn't have a bad seat. One of the best concerts I saw back then.
Dude that sounds awesome.i would love to see them live back in their prime.
@@L33Reacts Yeah, I saw them 20+ times, but I'm getting too old for concerts anymore ;-)
Back in the early 90s I was living in Montreal and used to visit this dingy used record store called Mars Records a lot. One day I found an original copy of this album, complete with the whole newspaper fold out. I only knew Jethro Tull by the song 'Aqualung' but I was just too damn intrigued by this amazing album artwork concept to not buy it. I took it home, put on the record - and me and my neighbours didn't listen to anything else for about a week, it just blew me away. It's been a steady favourite ever since, and I still have that vinyl copy in my collection to this day. Great choice, and awesome reaction as always - much love from Canada!
Those early 70s Tull albums are so f#$king great you forget just how good they are when you haven’t listened to them over the years yo my brother you got to listen to passion play after you listen to the second side of thick as a brick just as good 🟤
I had an uncle who bought this album on 8track the week it came out and I have listened to it thousands of time and will continue to do so. It really came to life on digital sound. I did not and still do not like vinyl. Ian is a genius. Martin is highly underrated as a guitar player. Barlow was a fantastic drummer. I am a Tully for over 50 years now.👍
Masterpiece
Absolutely... can't wait to hear side 2 so I can finally give a full opinion on it lol
Hi Lee..........imagine listening to that when it first came out through state of the art speakers (at the time). I was gobsmacked and still play it regularly 50 years later! If you love the flute then you need to listen to Focus- Thijs Van Leer is another flute maestro.
Enjoy your knowledgeable reactions..........
I saw Thick as a Brick live on the TasaB tour back in the olden days. One of my top 10 concerts.
Saw them live do this in Phila. One of the best bands of the era! I was mesmerized!
I believe, there's Only 1 song on this album, Thick as a Brick. The newspaper articles on the the Album are Very Amusing.
When I saw Jethro Tull at THE PALACE THEATER in Albany NY on Nov.4 there was one thing missing, an acoustic guitar. Nowhere to be seen or heard.... maybe one more thing was missing , a riff on the harmonica. Now to stretch it even further no sign or sound of Thick as a Brick or Benefit. Soooooooooooo this was not normal as Ian is one of the greatest pickers out there . I've seen the band over 300 times and that still mattered to me.... it meant flute and electric songs only. AND THAT FLUTE WAS MAGIC!
My favorite Tull album. Great reaction! Thanks!
Thank you so much Larry! I appreciate it so much. I love it so far.
In 1971 after JT released Aqualung, people called it a concept album. Ian Anderson didn't think of it as such and said, "You want a concept album? I'll give you a concept album!" then whipped this on the public in 1972.
The Who had the first concept album with "Tommy" in 1969, then Thick as a Brick, Willie Nelson's "Redheaded Stranger in 1975, and Styx's "Kilroy was Here" in '83. That's the first 4 that come to mind anyway.
Saw these guys in concert in 77. Awesome!!!!!❤❤❤
Best album ever ❤❤❤❤
There’s a song on the Christmas album you might find interesting as a drummer since it’s in 5/4 time. It took me awhile to figure it out as it’s fairly complex rhythmically. I first thought it was a mixture of time signatures. It’s called Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow.
Definitely worth a listen!
I first listened to this album in 1976, and I loved it then! I recently down loaded the entire album and it does give you names to the different tracks. 👍
I've probably listened to this album more than any other in my entire life, except maybe REVOLVER by the Beatles and PET SOUNDS and SUNFLOWER by The Beach Boys. It never gets old. Amazing creation! Enjoy your reacting and musical insights.
They were an Amazing Band to see Live! Oh yeah. Ridiculous to see them pull it All off, in front of your eyes. In 1973, 75, 76 for me. Then Aqualung 40 year anniversary.
I have the original release on vinyl. It has a folded up newspaper with the lyrics,news, ads, etc.
Dude that is so cool. They did for CDs kinda... but nowhere near as cool as vinyl. Its all good though... it's made a huge comeback lol
You cannot fully appreciate Jethro Tull without seeing them live. Check out Thick as a Brick live at Madison Square Garden. Ian was a musician, but he was also an entertainer. You can see that he is doing what he was born to do. He's in his element.
Watching them do it live was a treat. Jethro Tull was better live than on record. Most 70's bands were.
that's Ian on acoustic guitar. his playing absolutely inspired how I approach acoustic guitar to this day. so many interesting textures, rhythms, going back and forth between flat picking and strumming
Glad you like it, one of their best. Buddy called me up said come over you got to hear this, was how I was introduced to it.
he has amazing charisma on stage, truley unique, he still tour the USA but his health is failing so would reccommend seeing him live if you get the chance
I have an original lp album copy and it totally is like a newspaper with quirky headlines and stories ..
A superb Concept Album from beginning to end. An integral part of my vinyl collection.
Like all the most legendary prog rock, the best songs are the ones where every member of the band is playing his heart out - often at the same time. That's certainly the case here. (incidentally, this is the reason why solo albums almost never measure up in comparison). Still hoping you do some selections from the Jethro Tull Christmas album for the holidays!
It's probably the only Christmas album I listen to every year...
Yeah, very Proggie! Live at Madison is a must see! Good to see you buddy!
This and A Passion Play. Bliss.
I'll be getting to passion play in the new year! Probably early January 😊😊
As a huge YES fan- I rank Thick as a Brick #2 behind Close To The Edge as prog's greatest masterpieces. I have played this song 400 times at least -never gets old..I know every word. Have to play it right through every time
Excited for you to get TAAB exposure, Lee! Looking forward to side 2, and especially getting you into A Passion Play at some point. Ian adds sax to his repertoire. Fun!
Fans have mixed feelings on APP ... it's either at the top of their Tull collection or on the bottom. Personally, I think it's short on the riffs and melodies that make Tull my favorite band. Never listen to it ... but can't get enough of TAAB.
I enjoyed this immensely Bob! These guys really do bring the house down no matter what lol I have it on my list!
@@corawheeler9355I'm the opposite, a passion play is very close to the top of the list for me, maybe just behind Minstrel in the gallery. It's the one I go back to most often. The chateau disaster tapes are amazing as well. Law of the bungle is hidden gem
@@coast73 👍Chateau D'isaster. ... Nightcap also
Brother, this is an epic piece. Thank you for the reaction.
seeing JT live this april in aberdeen scotland, seen them many times, would recommend mate
You r a awesome dad and I love that you gave her a shout out!! She will love it❤❤❤
One of those cd's, I always take along for long road trips.
Anyone who knows the live versions of this will retrospectively add Ian’s grunts and yeahs to the album flute parts. Stone cold masterpiece.
You should have seen them live ! Insane !
My theory is that in the 1960's, Britain drifted into some sort of inter-galactic cloud that seeded a whole generation of musicians into cosmic creativity. The 1970's flowered that seed and gave us all these gifts of music that to me are immortal. Your daughter will know you always love her. Try reading "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran to help your search.
amazing band seen them amny times always outstanding
They really are awesome! Wish I could have seen them in their prime. Thank you for your donation bro, you fuckin rock. I really need it right now sadly fricking Christmas has ravaged me.
@@L33Reacts no worries at all mate, wish it could be more... you deserve it, and keep up the great work
I relate so completely with this song, epic, that it makes me weep if I let myself go... & I'm not like that! IMHO this is JT at the complete height of their powers.
This is as good as it gets. Try live at MSG. I WAS 12th row in front of Martin.
I think you would like Bursting Out
There is some tie ins with RUSH.
1 Geddy has said when he saw Tull, he knew theatre could be in music.
2 Tulls 90s,2000 drummer was Doanne Perry. He was one of the few close friends of Niel Peart.
Hey Gary! Sweet I'll add that to my list. And I didn't know about the RUSH connections that's awesome
@@L33Reacts Geddy Lee's favorite album I believe
In the live performances of this, there is so much movement and expression that is at times downright silly. John Evan on the keyboards is one of my favorites to watch - he is pretty crazy, but it is always hard to take your eyes off Ian Anderson.
I’m glad Lee reacted to the studio version first. We all love watching the live version, but something is lost in the live video. Not talking about being at a Tull concert, seen them a dozen times or more, but for this song, definitely studio version first. ☮️❤️😎🎼
Yes , besides just being a flatout great keyboardist,he looked just as "crazed" as Ian on stage. Even though they looked more drugged out than any other band I've ever seen, they didn't do drugs. It was their personna. Playing precise intricate music while appearing to be court jesters. Geddy Lee said that he learned from them that you could be serious about one's music but not take yourselves so seriously.
Barlow’s drumming on Songs From The Wood is worth listening to especially Hunting Girl,Velvet Green, Pibroch, so await your response to this masterpiece. You have enough Tull ( which hopefully includes the Stand Up an album because a lot of the live set is from this album. By knowing these songs you will enjoy the the whole set that they played at the Isle of Wight festival in 1970. Ian’s performance was amazing and it shows his incredible stage presence and a flute solo that is mind blowing, which was the flute solo in My God -played live before it was released on Aqualung some 8 months later! So listen to Stand Up before you check out the Isle of Wight concert! Love your reactions and welcome to the Tull Universe! Peace 👌
Thick As A Brick and Passion Play both came about because of Aqualung. Critics called Aqualung a concept album while Ian Anderson said it was not, so to quiet the critics Ian said, " you want a concept album, I'll show you a concept album!" Thus, was born Thick as a brick and Passion Play.
Never get bored by this great album
Barrie shines here!!!
Thick as a Brick is one song in multiple parts covering both sides of one album. Same as TAAB 2, released many years later.
I'm gonna have to check out TAAB2 after I finish this one.
@@L33ReactsIt's very good (not quite as exquisite as the first one) and well worth a listen.
What ifs, maybes, and might have beens! TAAB2 is what ever happened to Gerald Bostock? The fictional author of the poem!
Besides Martin B I always have liked Ian's guitar playing, and great songs to try to copy, nearly always capo at 3rd.
Yo Dude, good job on the reaction. Tull has always been an island unto their own, that’s why you’ll never find a Tull cover band. Prog rock in general is just amazing music to listen to, however it’s been covered by every “Reactor” out there. If you dare to deviate and set yourself apart from the pack, step into the Fusion genre. If so, may I suggest starting with Return to Forever’s Romantic Warrior album. Full concept album that opened up the heavens of music for so many artistic musicians. It is nothing shorty of phenomenal with four of the most skilled players on their instruments. It’s totally mind blowing!!!!
Thanks Karl I appreciate it brother... Tull is quickly climbing my ladder as favorite new find... just so creative and unexpected. I love every second of it. I wish I could have seen them live in their prime so bad. I will add your song to the list thank you.
Very cool, I had the pleasure of seeing them live twice in the early 80’s. Incredible show. Thanks for placing my suggestion on your list, I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you do choose a track from the album, the fist tune , Medieval Overture is a great starting point. Have an awesome day and keep up the good work bro, you do a great job.
Yeah! This is one helluva ride.
Happy to journey thru this with you.
Tull ❤
Ah yes! "Brick," the perfect entrée to A Passion Play...
(minus "the Hare...")
A classic among the classics! Peace. 7.06
We told ya,Lee...lol Knew you'd love this album. And guess what...it never gets old,bro. I've been diggin' it since it came out in 1972. Saw the tour as well,and the opening band was an unknown prog act called Gentle Giant! I think you're more than ready for some more Spock's Beard/ Neal Morse Band/ Transatlantic,guy. Bring it... ;-) T
...such an amazing album, and you're just going along with it so well, Lee... I could imagine you and the boys having a night out, and I'd be happy to join! 😎 I think there are actually no song divisions, like titles for the different segments - its all one big mash, and there's only a part 1 and 2, because it was too long in those days to press it on one side of the good old vinyls...
I love the background story of how it came about: Ian just wanted to have a crack on the uprising fashion of concept albums at the time... this was meant to be a parody on the trend, just making fun of it... instead it became one of the most loved and important concept albums... oops!!! 😆🤣
PS. when in the end you talked about your mortality, and your daughter, I was very touched... much love to both of you 💖
Hahaha what an oops that it is!! I love it haha. I can't wait for part 2. And you are definitely invited to the night out... we'll have a good ol night on the town like they did back in this era.
Thank you for the kind words my friend. These videos are a video gift for my daughter for whenever she wants to see her dad enjoying stuff he likes to Do
Ian's parody of a concept album turned out to be one helluva concept album 8-P
Barriemore Barlow must be one the greatest drummers of all time. He was considered as a replacement for John Bonham in Led Zeppelin
Only Ian is credited is credited with acoustic guitar on the record, and likely it is him on all parts. However, Martin is credited with electric, lute, and flute! Probably a small flute part. John Evan binds it all together with his keyboards, and Jeffrey's bass and Barlow's drums are practically lead, melody, and harmony instruments themselves. Ian began his musical career on guitar, but after hearing Jimmy Page decided to trade his acoustic guitar in for a flute.
Fabulous music!
Back when album covers were literally EPIC.
It's 1 song. Part 1=Side 1 and part 2 = side 2.
Dude you are so right this cover is 🔥 and so are all of Roger deans album artwork
@@L33Reacts It was a complete 12 page newspaper. If you can ever find a scan of it look through it. The girl sitting in the background of the cover photo gets knocked up by the kid who the story is about. There's lots of strange stuff in it. Notice that she's holding the front of her skirt up to see up her skirt for the photo.
To get the real feel and emotion of this song, it's always nice to look back at the live performances (albeit abbreviated) from the 1970's...which I have seen countless times. Enjoy.
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If I'm not mistaken, that eerie almost sub-audible bit that caught your attention after the last big hit was actually recorded after the runout on the record's locked groove, so it played continuously in a loop until you lifted the arm. Aside from the audio quality, little tricks like this are simply not possible with the modern forms of music (CD or digital file).
The early keyboardist had the chops and the moves. Loved him.
Greatest band in the universe.
June 8, 1972, Edmonton... Tull played Thick as a Brick and all of Aqualung album. Eagles were the lead off band. I was in row 1 center stage. Could have grabbed Ian Anderson's mic stand. Nuff said.
Try to get your hands on the full original album cover! Also that is only a big joke. And they spend more time on the cover than on making the music (written while recording)! So British!