AQUALUNG

Aqualung, Jethro Tull's 1971 release, features two of classic rock radio's most enduring songs: the anthemic title track and "Locomotive Breath". Despite what Anchorman would have you believe, the song "Aqualung" does not feature any flute. But it features Martin Barre's most recognizable guitar riff, as well as his most impressive solo. (Legend has it that the solo is so great because Jimmy Page swung by during the song's recording, and Martin wanted to show off. Ian Anderson jokes that if you turn the volume way up, you can hear Martin waving at Jimmy during an especially long bend in the solo.)

If you ask me, though (and presumably you would, since you're reading this on my site), "Aqualung" is one of the weaker songs on the album. Though to be a weak song on an album this amazing is to say it'd be an amazing song on a more middling release. "Cross-Eyed Mary" crunches along with a heavy, buzzing riff, complemented by John Evan's distorted organ and Ian Anderson's madcap vocals. "Mother Goose", on the other hand, is a truly creative integration of English folk and rock music, full of recorders and simple percussion.

"Up to Me" and "Hymn 43", in contrast to "Mother Goose", weave those folk flavors with heavier rock influences. "Up to Me" features rather little distortion, but the odd minor-key riff and dark piano give it a looming, anxious feeling. "Hymn 43", meanwhile, is driven along with a powerful, bombastic riff and dramatic vocals.

"My God" is Ian Anderson's most obvious efforts to show off his abilities on the flute. Of this song's seven minutes, Anderson's flute solo (backed with only some vocal chanting) comprises almost two full minutes. Beyond this solo (which would regularly be extended in live settings), "My God" features one of the band's best hard rock riffs.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2019/07/25/deep-dive-jethro-tull/