Aqualung MFSL – A Classic from Jethro Tull
The British rock group, Jethro Tull first formed in 1968. The band was the result of two blues-based groups merging together. The name of the band was taken from a famous 18th century agriculturist. The name was given to the band by their booking agent who was a history buff. Jethro Tull’s originator, lead vocalist Ian Anderson, says if he could go back and change anything it would be the ‘Jethro’ in Jethro Tull; Norman, Julien, Damon – anything but that bloody J-word. Anderson is accredited with being the first, and best at incorporating the flute into rock music. Since the band first preformed at London’s renowned Marquee Club they have sold millions of albums worldwide; and they’re still going strong. On the MFSL CD format the Aqualung cd shines as the clarity from the master recording is crystal clear.
US $99.99
Not until the release of their album “Aqualung” in 1971, did the band gain wide recognition in the United States. Aqualung came bursting onto the charts and reached number seven on Billboard’s top selling albums; and hit number four in the UK. Inspiration for the title’s main tract came from photos that Anderson’s wife, at the time, had taken of a homeless man on the streets of London. She also helped co-write the lyrics for some of the album’s songs. This eyebrow raising album included songs that dealt with social and religious injustices. Because one of the messages conveyed through song, is that organized religion actually inhibits the relationship between God and man, the album was viewed as blasphemous by some. Anderson resented critics who insisted that Aqualung was a concept album centering on one theme. He says that the LP was never intended to be a concept album and that “it’s just a bunch of songs.” One of the songs on the album, “Cheap Day Return,” Anderson wrote to express his feelings while on a trip to visit his ailing father. Jethro Tull originally included 11 tracks on the album. In 1996, six bonus tracks were added. “Aqualung,” “Cross-Eyed Mary” and “Up To Me” are about the hardships that the unfortunate face every day. “Wind Up” and “Mother Goose” address the emotional turmoil of teens and the problems with formal education. Steadfast Jethro Tull fans still proclaim Aqualung as their favorite album. To date this album has sold more than seven million copies.
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