Aqualung by Jethro Tull, from 1971, here in the "2011 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix" version.
A masterpiece of progressive rock, of what they call Folk Prog, and of music in general, it's the album that better than any other brings back memories of the '70s. It brings to mind images and sensations of a time when I was just a kid and, precisely because of this, I absorbed those models, opinions, and ideas that later shaped me as a person. Despite having made life choices that were certainly not unconventional, that atmosphere of challenging the status quo, of engaging with reality, that critical sense of facts and things, have remained indelible.
An album famous for its fantastic title track but containing only exceptional pieces. A masterpiece overall, a unique album that has never been equaled.
The album, which is not a concept album, according to Anderson himself, deals with themes of life, a critique of society and religion, and does so with fantastic, compelling, emotional, moving, and imposing compositions...
A milestone for music in general, which perhaps doesn't need much discussion: if you know it, you know what I mean: this album must be listened to and absorbed every time, from the first note to the last, to be amazed each time, both by the compositions but also and above all by the atmosphere, by that magic flute and the voice that is a true narrative voice, irreverent and bold, beautifully interpreted.
If you don't know it, however, I have something to say: this album is absolutely worth listening to. Not doing so would be disrespectful to Apollo, the god of music, poetry, prophecy, medicine, and light, and in my opinion, it's best not to irritate him. You decide.
Tracklist
Side A - Aqualung
1. Aqualung (6:31)
2. Cross-Eyed Mary (4:09)
3. Cheap Day Return (1:23)
4. Mother Goose (3:52)
5. Wond'ring Aloud (1:56)
6. Up to Me (3:18)
Side B - My God
7. My God (7:10)
8. Hymn 43 (3:18)
9. Slipstream (1:13)
10. Locomotive Breath (4:25)
11. Wind-Up (5:42)
Running Time 42:57
Lineup
- Ian Anderson - vocals, flute, acoustic guitar, co-producer
- Martin Barre - electric guitar, soprano recorder
- John Evan - piano, organ, Mellotron
- Jeffrey Hammond - bass, alto recorder, backing vocals (4)
- Clive Bunker - drums, percussion
With:
- David Palmer - arranger and conductor
- Glenn Cornick - bass (uncredited and on unknown tracks)
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