STAND UP

A great album from a great band. This was the first Jethro Tull record I heard, after my dad had me listen to a 45 of Bourée. What a great listen, albeit maybe one of their more blues influenced records, it still has intense progressive hits. Bourée being a fine example of that. The flute playing is amazing and the drumming is wild and crazy. Nothing Is Easy features some pretty wicked drum fills. It's a shame Clive Bunker left so early. He practically vanished after Aqualung. Folkier points include Jeffrey Goes To Leicester Square and Fat Man. This record is the record you should get if you want to get into Jethro Tull. It's easier to swallow than some of their later stuff.

4 stars.