Jethro Tull - Original Masters (1985) [DCC GZS-1126]

Despite its age, this collection remains the best introduction to the wonderfully bizarre sounds of Jethro Tull — a unique combination of folk music, progressive rock, heavy metal, and of course, Ian Anderson’s ubiquitous flute. It was the band's third such effort, the first two being M.U. - The Best of Jethro Tull (1969-75, released 1976) and Repeat - The Best of Jethro Tull - Vol II (1969-75, released 1977). Although the compilation was released in 1985, it does not include material released after 1977. The first two compilations had already covered material released exclusively up to 1977 and Original Masters rehashes much of their material. However, Original Masters has different takes or mixes of some songs than those commonly heard.

Drawing exclusively from the band’s ’70s heyday, opener “Living in the Past” sets the retrospective tone, leading the way into the signature guitar riff of “Aqualung,” the band’s multifaceted pièce de résistance. Though lyrically indecipherable, “Locomotive Breath” is equally timeless, and the moment when John Evan’s fanciful piano intro gives way to Martin Barre’s guitar feedback remains thrilling. With his acoustic guitar in hand, Ian Anderson becomes a medieval bard, drawing the listener into worlds of legend both threatening (“Sweet Dream,” “Witches Promise”) and joyously carefree (“Thick as a Brick,” “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day”). The unbelievable kaleidoscope of sound which makes up “Songs from the Wood” is simply too original and intricate for words to describe. On the other hand, the string-heavy “Too Old to Rock’n'Roll, Too Young to Die” and the pointless “Bungle in the Jungle” have not aged well, and “Minstrel in the Gallery” sounds a bit too busy and overblown. Still, these small blunders are quickly forgotten with the parting shot of “Life’s a Long Song,” a beautifully orchestrated piece containing one of Anderson’s best (and most understandable) lyrics.

Tracklist:
01. Living in the Past (03:25)
02. Aqualung (06:42)
03. Too Old to Rock ‘n’ Roll, Too Young to Die (05:42)
04. Locomotive Breath (04:32)
05. Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day (04:13)
06. Bungle in the Jungle (03:42)
07. Sweet Dream (04:10)
08. Songs from the Wood (04:56)
09. Witches Promise (03:55)
10. Thick As a Brick (22:45)
11. Minstrel in the Gallery (08:20)
12. Life’s a Long Song (03:21)

Release date: 25. August 1998 (USA)
Recording location/date: Various.
Guest musicians: David Palmer (orchestration and conducting), Maddy Prior (backing vocals on track 3), members of the New York Symphony Orchestra (track 1).
Musicians:
Ian Anderson (flute, balalaika, mandolin, Hammond organ, acoustic guitar, vocals) plays on all tracks
Martin Barre (electric guitar) plays on all tracks
Clive Bunker (drums, glockenspiel, percussion) plays on tracks 1, 2, 4, 7 and 9
Glenn Cornick (bass, Hammond organ) plays on tracks 1, 7 and 9
John Evans (celeste, piano) plays on tracks 2, 4 - 6 and 8 - 12
John Glascock (bass, vocals) plays on tracks 3 and 8
Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond (bass, backing vocals) plays on tracks 2, 4 - 6 and 10 - 12
Barriemore Barlow (drums) plays on tracks 3, 5 - 6, 8 and 10 - 12
David Palmer (orchestral arrangement and conducting) plays on tracks 7 - 8






Thanks to the original ripper.

Download

http://www.nitroflare.com/view/FF6DCBE727C2AC8
http://xcn5k1v4.1fichier.com/en/