Search - Jethro Tull :: Original Masters

Decent Tull collection, but there are far better nowadays

Johnny Boy | Hockessin, DE | 06/17/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jethro Tull has tons of hits collections, but this one, 1985's 'Original Masters,' kind of serves it's purpose. Yes, Jethro Tull were very original, probably one of the most original progressive rock bands of all-time.



Led by vocalist/flutist/guitarist Ian Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre, Tull made some of the finest music of the seventies and early eighties. This collection documents 12 of Tull's finest.



Here is the album by album, track by track review.



Unfortunately, Chrysalis did not include anything from their first record 'This Was,' from 1969. That's disappointing. They did, however, include a b-side from the 'Stand Up' period, 'Living In The Past,' which is one of their biggest hits.





Tracks from Stand Up (1970)

'Sweet Dream'

Review: Jethro Tull's second record is a great one. And it's rather disappointing that just one song gets represented here. But the one they chose is a great one. I just wish they included something like, say, 'We Used To Know.' Oh well.



Tracks from Benefit (1970)

'Witches Promise'

Review: THAT'S IT? WHERE THE HECK IS 'Son' and 'With You There To Help Me'? Very disappointing. Chrysalis got this selection wrong for sure.



Tracks from Aqualung (1971)

'Aqualung,' 'Locomotive Breath'

Review: Chrysalis misses THE WHOLE POINT OF THE RECORD! Sure, they scooped up the hits, but why stop there? Where are the popular album tracks like 'Cross Eyed Mary,' 'Wind Up' and 'Mother Goose'? Chrysalis got these selections wrong.



Tracks from Thick As A Brick (1972)

'Thick As A Brick (Edit No. 1)'

Review: I have no real comments, considering both parts of 'Thick As A Brick' come out to equal 40+ minutes. Obviously, you have to edit the track some. But it's unfortunate that the edit used here is only three minutes long. But that's a minor complaint. Chrysalis got this right for the most part.



Tracks from Living In The Past (1972)

'Living In The Past,' 'Life Is A Long Song'

Review: Although both were recorded in 1970, they still are great. But why stop there? Jethro Tull's original rarities record contains only two songs? ARGH! I'm really disappointed that the live version of 'Dharma for One,' from 1970, was omitted. Certainly 'Living In The Past' needs to be here, and it's nice to see 'Long Song' here, but why stop there? Very frustrating indeed.



Tracks from A Passion Play (1973)

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Review: NONE!?! ARE YOU KIDDING? This is considered by many to be one of Tull's finest records, and yet, NOTHING!?! They couldn't take at least one excerpt, perhaps 'Best Friends' or 'Memory Bank'? That's REALLY frustrating. Chrysalis got this entry wrong.



Tracks from Warchild (1974)

'Bungle In The Jungle,' 'Skating Away'

Review: Chrysalis FINALLY got something right. They took the two elite tracks from the record. Sure, I wouldn't mind seeing the title track here, but that's a minor complaint. Chrysalis got this one right for sure.



Tracks from Minstrel In The Gallery (1975)

'Minstrel In The Gallery'

Review: A great song indeed. And a great record too. Chrysalis got this entry right. Still, I am slighty disappointed to see 'Cold Wind To Valhala' omitted. But that's a minor complaint.



Tracks from Too Old To Rock n' Roll: Too Young To Die! (1976)

'Too Old To Rock n' Roll'

Review: John Glascock's first record with the band is covered nicely here. If I were compiling this, I would probably add 'Quizz Kid' here, but that's yet another minor complaint. Chrysalis picked the best song from the album indeed on this compilation.



Tracks from Songs From The Wood (1977)

'Songs From The Wood'

Review: Chrysalis messed this entry up. This definitely belongs here, but 'The Whistler' should be here too. That was a Tull fan favorite, and it's irritating to see that it's not here. Chrysalis got this entry wrong.



Tracks from Heavy Horses (1978)

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Review: Nothing after 'Songs from the Wood.' That means the title track, 'Acres Wild' and 'Moths' are missing in action. Very disappointing.



Overall, this is a decent starting place, but it just doesn't bring justice to Jethro Tull. It was great, for 1985 on vinyl and all, but now, it's just outdated. My advice would be to pick up the single disc '20 Years of Jethro Tull Highlights' disc, or if you're a serious Tull fan, buy the box set. But unless you are a very casual fan or a new Tull fan, I would just avoid this.



Recommended for the casual Tull fan."